Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Gary A Thyssen

Craig Steven Knoener

Brian Schwartz

Joseph Edward Feldhausen

Michael W Hogan

Christopher D McInnis

Jeffrey W Rappold

Jeffrey P Lenz

Kodi K Welch

Jeffery Ray Ihde

Thomas Don Lahti

Mark Richard Christopher

Michael Todd Klegin

Timothy Jay Reitmeyer

A method and device for controlling current flow through a welding clamp are provided. One welding clamp includes a first contact piece configured to contact a workpiece and to provide a first current path that limits current flow. The welding clamp also includes a second contact piece configured to contact the workpiece and to provide a second current path. When the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece, the first contact piece is configured to contact the workpiece prior to the second contact piece. In addition, the welding clamp is configured so that current flows through the first current path prior to flowing through the second current path when the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece.

Method and device for controlling current flow through a welding clamp

A multi-operational welding-type system including a user interface supported by a support structure and including a first user interface device moveable between a welding position, a gouging position, and an off position, and a second user interface device configured to alter operation parameters of the multi-operational welding-type system. A controller is supported by the support structure and monitors the position of the first user interface device and utilizes the operational parameters supplied via the second user interface device. The multi-operational welding-type system may perform only one of a gouging-type process and a welding-type process at a given time depending on the position of the first user interface device.

System and method for controlling and coordinating welding-type processes and gouging-type processes

A system and method for an integrated structural welding system includes a user interface and controller configured to coordinate both welding and gouging operations.

System and method for coordinating welding and gouging operations

A system and method for an integrated structural welding system includes a welding-type power source configured to deliver welding-type power for a variety of welding-type processes. The system also includes a gouging torch connected to the welding-type power source to receive welding-type power during a gouging-type process and a wire feeder connected to the welding-type power source to receive welding-type power during a welding-process. Furthermore, the system includes a controller configured to coordinate operation of the wire feeder, the gouging torch, and the power supply to perform only one of the gouging-type process and the welding-type process at a given time.

A system and method for an integrated structural welding system is designed to protect improve work flow efficiency. Specifically, a welding-type power source is provided that is free of user interface devices designed to select power parameters. Instead, a wire feeder is provided that includes a user interface configured to receive operational and power parameters and a controller configured to control operation of the welding-type power source based on the feedback received through the user interface.

Welding-type system having a wire feeder system having integrated power source controls and a welding-type power source that is free power parameter selection interfaces

A system and method for an integrated structural welding system is designed to protect the components of the system against accidental damage and undue stresses. Specifically, portable structure and a strain protection system are provided. The strain protection system is supported by a portable structure and engages one or both of a welding-type cable and a power cable to transfer forces applied to the welding-type cable or power cable when adjusting a position of the portable structure to the support structure.

System and method for protecting a welding-type system from strain

A system and method for an integrated structural welding system is designed to improve work flow efficiency. Accordingly, a multi-cable umbilical cord system is provided that combines and couples a number of power, control, and gas deliver cables.

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Appleton, WI, United States of America

Gary A Thyssen