Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Albert J DeCoster

Stephen Paul Ferkel

Michael Allen Sammons

Mark Steven Kadlec

Jon O Reynolds

Brian Schwartz

A cooling system is disclosed that is designed to inhibit coolant flow to a welding-type component if connection of the welding-type component to a coolant outlet is not deemed present.

Torch connection detection system and method

A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. It includes a source of power and a controller. An output feedback circuit provides feedback to the controller. The controller includes a comparator that compares the fedback signal to a threshold and/or detects a short on the output. A standby/welding control is responsive to the comparator. Also, an arc end control may be provided that terminates the arc in response to detecting an increase in arc length.

Controlled output for welding

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of controlling the welding output of a welding power source by incorporating an open condition detect circuit. An output feedback circuit provides feedback to a controller such that the controller may regulate the output of the welding source of power. As such, the controller prevents a welding output until an open condition followed by a short condition at the welding area is detected.

Welding output prevention control having open condition detection

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of controlling the output of a welding power source with a fused electrode detection circuit. The present invention incorporates a fused electrode detection circuit to regulate the output of the welding system power source. By providing feedback as to when the electrode begins to stick in the weld, the output of the power source may be regulated to allow easy diffusing of the electrode. That is, by reducing the output of the power source upon detection of a fused electrode condition, a user or technician can remove or unstick the electrode from the weld without having to shut down the power source or without forcefully removing it while power is on and creating large, damaging arcs. By limiting the output of the power source until the electrode is &ldquo;unstuck&rdquo;, the present invention reduces the likelihood of damaged electrodes, electrode holders, and welds. The invention provides easy diffusing of the electrode and allows quick return to welding.

Controlled welding output with fused electrode detection

A power circuit for a welding power supply includes a rectifier circuit and a control circuit. The rectifier circuit includes a plurality of switches (e.g., silicon-controlled rectifiers). The control circuit is configured to provide a first control signal to a first switch at a predetermined firing angle to provide welding power through the first switch. The control circuit is configured to provide a second control signal to a second switch to allow freewheeling current to flow through the second switch.

Freewheeling current conduction in welding power supply

A welding device is disclosed having a remote control device configured to control an operating parameter of the welding device (e.g., welding current) and a control circuit to receive a remote device signal from the remote control device and to determine the type of remote control device based on the remote device signal. Remote devices may be 'trigger only', 'hand control', 'fingertip control' or 'foot control' devices. The welding device further includes an operating parameter selector (e.g., welding amperage) and a welding process selector (e.g., TIG, STICK) mounted on a control panel. The control circuit receives an operating parameter selector signal from the operating parameter selector and a welding process selector signal from the welding process selector, and controls an operating parameter with one of the remote device signal and the operating parameter selector signal based on the welding process selector signal. The control circuit also selectively disables adjustment of the operating parameter selector when controlling the operating parameter with the remote device signal.

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Kaukauna, WI, United States of America

Albert J DeCoster