Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Randy Alan DeCoster

Peter Donald Mehn

Andrew David Nelson

James Donald Borowski

A method for handling a data packet includes a network device receiving the data packet. The method also includes the network device separating first network layer data of the data packet from message data of the data packet. The message data of the data packet includes a source address represented by less than four bytes, a destination address represented by less than four bytes, and a format identifier. The method includes determining whether the destination address of the message data matches an address of the network device or whether the message data indicates a broadcast message. The method also includes the network device processing the format identifier if the destination address of the message data matches the address of the network device or if the message data indicates the broadcast message. The method includes the network device providing the message data to the network device and/or other network devices.

Digital networking in a welding system

A welding system user interface module includes a front panel comprising a first input device and a first display screen. The welding system user interface module also includes circuitry comprising a memory storing machine-readable instructions, a processor for executing the machine-readable instructions, and communication circuitry configured to receive UI data from the first input device or a second input device of a remote welding system user interface module, and to broadcast synchronized data to the first display screen and a second display screen of the remote welding system user interface module.

Welding system with multiple user interface modules

A method for handling a data packet includes a network device receiving the data packet. The method also includes the network device separating first network layer data of the data packet from message data of the data packet. The message data of the data packet includes a source address represented by less than four bytes, a destination address represented by less than four bytes, and a format identifier. The method includes determining whether the destination address of the message data matches an address of the network device or whether the message data indicates a broadcast message. The method also includes the network device processing the format identifier if the destination address of the message data matches the address of the network device or if the message data indicates the broadcast message. The method includes the network device providing the message data to a second network device and/or other network devices.

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Appleton, WI, United States of America

Randy Alan DeCoster