Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Other

Jon O Reynolds

Bruce Patrick Albrecht

Todd Earl Holverson

Michael W Hogan

Lin Zhang

Eric Young

Joseph C Schneider

Steven Edward Barhorst

Michael David Madsen

Stephen H Li

Anthony Franklin Nikodym

David Austin Stanzel

Albert M Nowak

Richard Martin Hutchison

Bernard J Vogel

Brian Schwartz

Warren Edward Herwig

Allen Raymond Sykes

Albert Matthew Nowak

Albert J DeCoster

Don J Corrigall

Robert L Risberg

Timothy Matus

Michael J Brace

Todd G Batzler

The present invention is directed to a remotely controlled welding machine. A remote control uses the welding circuit to transfer information to a welding power source. The information to be communicated to the power source includes welding power source output command information (amperage/voltage control), welding circuit on/off information (power source output contactor control), and power source mode control (constant voltage/constant current). A transmitter transmits the desired welding operational parameters to a receiver disposed in the power source. The transmitter is constructed to use only a small amount of power which, preferably, is supplied by one or two low voltage replaceable and/or rechargeable batteries. Additionally, an open circuit voltage is not created between the power source and an electrode holder when an arc is not present.

Remotely controlled welding machine

A method and apparatus for charging batteries includes using an input rectifier to receive an ac input and provide a dc signal. A converter receives the dc signal and provides a converter output. An output circuit receives the converter output and provides a battery charging signal. A controller preferably controls the converter to power factor correct. The system can include multiple output circuits, used either singly or at the same time, and designed for one or more voltages. They can be user removable. Preferably, the converter output has a magnitude independent of a range of frequencies and a range of magnitudes of the ac input, and the range can be, for example, at least a factor of two or at least two utility voltages. The controller includes a charging schedule module that receives feedback, such as voltage and/or current feedback and/or temperature feedback. The output circuit, such as a dc-dc converter, is controlled in response to the feedback in other embodiments. The battery type may be sensed or input by a user, and the charging done in response to the battery type. A defective battery sensor is preferably included, with a user-noticeable indicator.

Method and apparatus for charging batteries with multiple output circuits

Method and apparatus for charging batteries using a converter

A method and apparatus for MIG welding is disclosed. When in an ac mode the output is unbalanced, or the balance may be controlled. The balance may be controlled to provide a desired deposition rate and /or to obtain a desired dilution. The frequency may be any frequency, for example 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, or more. The weld path may have groove with angle of less than 50 degrees. A consumable, cored, wire may be used, and provide at rates of 30 or 35 pounds per hour using a single arc. In various embodiments the balance may have a negative portion of at least 1.5 times the positive portion. The process may be started using an extended negative portion, for example 0.5 or 0.75 seconds.

Method and apparatus for welding

According to a first aspect of the invention a battery charger and method of charging a battery includes an input circuit that receive an ac input having a period of T seconds and provides a dc signal. A converter receives the first dc signal and provides a converter output across a dc bus having a peak voltage of V volts. An output circuit receives the dc signal and provides a battery charging signal having a power of P watts. A controller, controls the converter to provide power factor correction. A bus capacitor is connected across the dc bus and has a capacitance of at least (3PT)/(V) farads, or a capacitance to store sufficient energy to maintain the available output power signal through the duration of mechanical transient. The capacitance may be at least (4PT)/(V), (5PT)/(V), or (5.5PT)/(V). Multiple output circuits may be provided, connected either one at a time, or a number at a time.

Method and apparatus for charging batteries

The present invention is directed to a portable welding-type power source including a removable energy storage device configured to provide a first voltage output and a boost circuit connected to the energy storage device and configured to boost the first voltage output to a second voltage output to supply power to the welding-type power source according to a selected welding-type process.

Portable welding-type apparatus with interchangeable energy storage device

A method and apparatus for MIG welding is disclosed. When in an ac mode the output is unbalanced, or the balance may be controlled. The balance may be controlled to provide a desired deposition rate and/or to obtain a desired dilution. The frequency may be any frequency, for example 30 Hz, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, or more. The weld path may have groove with angle of less than 50 degrees. A consumable, cored, wire may be used, and provide at rates of 30 or 35 pounds per hour using a single arc. In various embodiments the balance may have a negative portion of at least 1.5 times the positive portion. The process may be started using an extended negative portion, for example 0.5 or 0.75 seconds.

A method and apparatus for providing welding power is disclosed. It includes a transformer with a primary winding and an output secondary winding. The ac side of a rectifier circuit is connected to the output secondary. A battery or other energy storage device, such as a capacitor, is connected in series with the dc side of the rectifier. The series combination is disposed to be connected to the load. Preferably, an input circuit receives a 115 volt ac input. The transformer has a primary to secondary turns ratio of at least about 9:1.

A method and system for welding with a plurality of welding power supplies connected in parallel. The system includes a first power supply and a second power supply. A reference signal indicative of a welding output of the first power supply is provided to a balancing circuit. The balancing circuit converts the reference signal into a command signal usable by the second power supply. A welding output of the second power supply is responsive to the command signal.

Method and system for welding with paralleled power supplies

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

An engine driven welding power supply including a welding output winding, and a dig output winding is disclosed. The welding output winding has a welding output with a welding V-A curve of a first slope, in a welding range and below the welding range. The dig output winding has a dig output with a dig V-A curve of a second slope below the welding range. The second slope is less steep than the first slope. An output circuit is connected to receive and combine the welding and dig outputs to provide a power supply output.

Growing community of inventors

Appleton, WI, United States of America

Jon O Reynolds