Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Andrew James Thielke

Craig Steven Knoener

Milad Pashapour Nikou

Chris John Roehl

Methods and apparatus to communicate via a welding arc are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a power converter, a weld monitor, and an arc modulator. The power converter outputs welding power to sustain a welding-type arc at a welding-type torch. The weld monitor monitors one or more aspects of a weld performed using the welding-type arc and the welding-type torch, and selects an audio message based on the one or more aspects. The arc modulator configured to modify the welding-type arc to output the selected audio message as a plasma speaker.

Methods and apparatus to communicate via a welding arc

Systems and methods are provided for selecting welding schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type torch configured for use during welding-type operations, with the welding-type torch comprising an input device configured for setting a welding-type parameter, such as welding schedules, associated with a welding-type device that is used in conjunction with the welding-type torch during the welding-type operations. The welding-type device may be a welding-type power source. The welding-type torch is connected to the welding-type device via a welding-type connector, with the setting of the welding-type parameter occurring via the welding-type connector and without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector. The welding-type parameter is set to one of a plurality of available values, with the input device causes setting the welding-type parameter to a specific value from the plurality of available values only in response to receiving a corresponding specific input associated with that value.

Methods and systems for selecting welding schedules in a welding-type torch

Systems and methods are provided for indicating schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type system may comprise a welding-type power source, a welding-type torch, driven by the welding-type power source, and a welding-type connector configured for connecting the welding-type power source to the welding-type torch. The welding-type torch may comprise one or more indication components configured for providing, to a user of the welding-type system, indications relating to at least one of operations of the welding-type torch, status of welding-type operations, or welding-type parameters. The one or more indications comprise an indication of a present value of a particular welding-type parameter that pertains to configuration of the welding-type power source; and the one or more indication components are configured to provide the indication of present value of the particular welding-type parameter without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector.

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Kaukauna, WI, United States of America

Andrew James Thielke