U.S. patent application number 15/720941 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-25 for welding system with power line communication.
The applicant listed for this patent is ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.. Invention is credited to Andrew David Nelson, Brian Lee Ott, Jeremy Daniel Overesch, James Francis Rappl, Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Quinn William Schartner, Kenneth Austin Stanzel.
Application Number | 20180021873 15/720941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43779143 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180021873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rappl; James Francis ; et
al. |
January 25, 2018 |
WELDING SYSTEM WITH POWER LINE COMMUNICATION
Abstract
Various welding systems that provide communication over
auxiliary or weld power lines are provided. The disclosed
embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supply that
is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduit
that facilitates the exchange of data and power between components
of the welding system. In some embodiments, the pendant may also
include auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary
devices at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments further
include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry
that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding.
Embodiments are provided that also allow for bidirectional data
communication over a power line in networked welding systems.
Inventors: |
Rappl; James Francis;
(Neenah, WI) ; Ott; Brian Lee; (Sherwood, WI)
; Nelson; Andrew David; (Grand Chute, WI) ;
Overesch; Jeremy Daniel; (Neenah, WI) ; Salsich;
Anthony Van Bergen; (Appleton, WI) ; Schartner; Quinn
William; (Kaukauna, WI) ; Stanzel; Kenneth
Austin; (Appleton, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. |
Glenview |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43779143 |
Appl. No.: |
15/720941 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14624104 |
Feb 17, 2015 |
9796038 |
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15720941 |
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12843321 |
Jul 26, 2010 |
8957344 |
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14624104 |
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61247396 |
Sep 30, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
219/132 ;
219/130.1; 219/73.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23K 9/1006 20130101;
B23K 9/1087 20130101; B23K 9/1068 20130101; B23K 9/095 20130101;
B23K 9/124 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B23K 9/10 20060101
B23K009/10; B23K 9/095 20060101 B23K009/095; B23K 9/12 20060101
B23K009/12 |
Claims
1. A welding system comprising: a power supply unit that in
operation outputs welding power at welding terminals and outputs a
combined signal comprising an auxiliary power signal combined with
a data signal to an auxiliary power conductor; and a pendant
configured to be located remotely with respect to the power supply
unit, wherein the pendant receives the combined signal via the
auxiliary power conductor, and wherein the pendant is configured to
communicate data with the power supply unit via the auxiliary power
conductor.
2. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the pendant includes one
or more power receptacles configured to output the auxiliary power
signal to one or more auxiliary devices.
3. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the pendant comprises a
wire feeder enabled when a metal inert gas (MIG) process or a
MIG/flux core process is selected.
4. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the communication of data
is bidirectional between the power supply unit and the pendant.
5. The welding system of claim 1, wherein the pendant is configured
to allow a user to select a welding process and to communicate the
selection to the power supply unit via the auxiliary power
conductor.
6. The welding system of claim 1, comprising a first set of
controls located on the power supply unit and a second set of
controls located on the pendant, and wherein at least one of the
first set of controls is disabled automatically when the pendant is
coupled to the power supply unit via the auxiliary power
conductor.
7. The welding system of claim 1, comprising one or more gas
sources and one or more gas conduits connected to the one or more
gas sources.
8. The welding system of claim 7, wherein the one or more gas
conduits supply one or more gases to a welding torch.
9. A welding system comprising: a power supply unit that outputs
welding power for a welding application and outputs a combined
signal comprising an auxiliary power signal and a data signal; and
a remote pendant configured to be coupled to the power supply unit
via an auxiliary power conductor and to receive the auxiliary power
signal from the power supply unit via the auxiliary power
conductor, to provide the auxiliary power signal to one or more
auxiliary devices plugged into the remote pendant, and to exchange
data with the power supply unit via the auxiliary power
conductor.
10. The welding system of claim 9, wherein the remote pendant is
configured to permit user selection of at least one welding
parameter and to communicate the user selection to the power supply
unit via the auxiliary power conductor.
11. The welding system of claim 9, wherein the remote pendant
comprises at least one auxiliary electrical receptacle into which a
power cord for at least one of the auxiliary devices may be
plugged, and the at least one auxiliary electrical receptacle is
configured to output at least a portion of the auxiliary power
signal to the at least one of the auxiliary devices.
12. The welding system of claim 9, comprising a first set of
controls located on the power supply unit and a second set of
controls located on the remote pendant, and wherein at least one of
the first set of controls are disabled automatically when the
remote pendant is communicatively coupled to the power supply unit
via the auxiliary power conductor.
13. The welding system of claim 9, wherein the remote pendant
comprises a wire feeder enabled when a metal inert gas (MIG)
process or a MIG/flux core process is selected.
14. The welding system of claim 9, comprising one or more gas
sources and one or more gas conduits connected to the one or more
gas sources.
15. The welding system of claim 14, wherein the one or more gas
conduits supply one or more gases to a welding torch via gas
valving located in the power supply unit.
16. A welding system comprising: a power supply unit that outputs
welding power for a welding application and outputs a combined
signal comprising a data signal and an auxiliary power signal for
powering one or more auxiliary devices; and an auxiliary power
distribution unit located external to the power supply unit and
configured to receive the auxiliary power signal from the power
supply unit via an auxiliary power conductor, to output the
auxiliary power signal to a plurality of remote pendants via the
auxiliary power conductor, and to exchange data between the power
supply unit and the plurality of remote pendants via the auxiliary
power conductor.
17. The welding system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of remote
pendants each include one or more power receptacles configured to
output power to the one or more auxiliary devices.
18. The welding system of claim 17, wherein the one or more
auxiliary devices comprise lights, grinders, or hand tools.
19. The welding system of claim 16, wherein the exchange of data
between the power supply unit and the plurality of remote pendants
is bidirectional.
20. The welding system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of remote
pendants are each configured to select a welding process and to
communicate the selection to the power supply unit via the
auxiliary power conductor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation Patent Application for
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/624,104, entitled "Welding
System with Power Line Communication", filed Feb. 17, 2015, which
is a Continuation Patent Application for U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/843,321, entitled "Welding System with Power Line
Communication", filed Jul. 26, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,957,344 on Feb. 17, 2015, and which is a Non-Provisional Patent
Application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/247,396,
entitled "Welding System with Power Line Communication", filed Sep.
30, 2009, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention relates generally to welding systems, and more
particularly to welding systems with power line communication.
[0003] Traditional single process welding systems support a variety
of processes, such as metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert
gas (TIG) welding, stick welding, and so forth, which may operate
in different modes, such as constant current or constant voltage.
Such welding systems typically include a single output connection
and, therefore, are configured to support a single process at a
time. In contrast to these single process welding systems,
multi-process welding systems may connect to and support multiple
processes at the same time.
[0004] Certain multi-process welding applications, such as
coal-fired boiler repair, shipyard work, and so forth, may position
a welding location or workpiece large distances from a
multi-process welding power source. The power source provides
conditioned power for the welding application, and the welder must
pull and monitor a long welding power cable extending from the
power source to the welding location. In such applications,
changing welding processes and settings traditionally requires a
manual adjustment to a knob or switch on or proximate to the
welding power source, and even connection of entirely different
welding cables to the source, particularly when the welder uses
stick or MIG processes for some of the work, and a TIG process for
other work, typically finer or more intricate tasks. Furthermore,
the welder often uses auxiliary devices, such as lights and
electric grinders, at the location of the weld. However, the
auxiliary outlets that support such devices are located on the
power supply. Accordingly, the location of power terminals (e.g.,
plugs) and controls on or proximate to the welding power source may
require the user to stop welding and return to the power source to
plug in auxiliary devices, make changes to the welding process, and
so forth. In many applications, this may entail walking back
considerable distances, through sometimes complex and intricate
work environments.
[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for systems and methods for
providing more convenient power and control functionalities in
multi-process welding systems, particularly in environments where
the welding operation is carried out at a considerable distance
from the welding power source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] The present invention provides solutions for such welding
applications. In accordance with certain embodiments, welding
systems are provided that offer communication over auxiliary or
weld power lines. The disclosed embodiments may include a
multi-process welding power supply that is communicatively coupled
to a remotely located pendant via an auxiliary conduit that
facilitates the exchange of data and power between components of
the welding system. In some embodiments, data may be
bidirectionally transferred over an auxiliary power line between
the power supply and the pendant. The pendant may also include
auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices
at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments may further include
a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is
configured to feed wire during MIG welding.
[0007] Furthermore, embodiments are provided that allow for
bidirectional data communication over a power line in networked
welding systems. Control circuitry is also provided that may
include memory and processing circuitry and may be located in the
power supply, the pendant, or both.
DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary welding system having a
multi-process power supply and a pendant that bidirectionally
communicate data over a power line in accordance with aspects of
the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the exemplary welding system of FIG.
1 that includes multiple gas sources in accordance with aspects of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the exemplary welding system of FIG.
1 that includes weld receptacles on the pendant in accordance with
aspects of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the exemplary welding system of FIG.
2 wherein the pendant includes a wire feeder in accordance with
aspects of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary networked welding system
including data communication over a power line in accordance with
aspects of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating internal components of an
exemplary pendant in accordance with aspects of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary operator
interface that may be located on a pendant in accordance with
aspects of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary pendant illustrating
placement of power receptacles in accordance with aspects of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a diagram of an exemplary welding system including
an auxiliary power distribution in accordance with aspects of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the welding system of FIG. 9 wherein
the auxiliary power distribution unit is located within a
distribution box in accordance with aspects of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary welding system that
includes communication over both an auxiliary power line and a
primary power line in accordance with aspects of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a diagram of an exemplary welding system that
includes communication over an auxiliary power line via one or more
free standing communication power interface modules in accordance
with aspects of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary weld system
that includes one or more junction boxes associated with one or
more weld power supplies in accordance with aspects of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary pendant in
accordance with aspects of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary operator
interface that may be located on the pendant of FIG. 14 in
accordance with aspects of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary operator interface that may
be located on one or more power supplies associated with the
pendant of FIG. 14 in accordance with aspects of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] As discussed in detail below, various embodiments of welding
systems that provide communication over auxiliary or weld power
lines are provided. Some embodiments include a multi-process
welding power supply that is communicatively coupled to a pendant
via an auxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and
power between components of the welding system. In some
embodiments, as used herein, the term "pendant` refers to an
auxiliary power and control device that is designed to be coupled
to a welding power supply to provide power to one or more auxiliary
devices. That is, in embodiments disclosed herein, data may be
bidirectionally transferred over an auxiliary power line between
the power supply and the pendant. The pendant may include auxiliary
outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the
weld location as well as an operator interface that allows the
operator to program a welding process, welding parameters, and so
forth from the location of the weld. The disclosed embodiments
further include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive
circuitry that is configured to feed wire during MIG welding.
Furthermore, embodiments are provided that allow for bidirectional
data communication over a power line in networked welding systems.
In such embodiments, a central welding power source may be shared
by multiple welding power supplies, which communicate with one or
more remote control and monitoring stations over an auxiliary power
line.
[0026] Control circuitry is provided that may be located in the
power supply, the pendant, or both, as also discussed below. The
control circuitry may include processing circuitry and memory. The
memory may include volatile or non-volatile memory, such as read
only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic storage
memory, optical storage memory, or a combination thereof.
Furthermore, a variety of control parameters may be stored in the
memory along with code configured to provide a specific output
(e.g., initiate wire feed, enable gas flow, etc.) to the pendant
during operation. An operator interface located on the power
supply, the pendant, or both, may allow a user to set the process
(e.g., set constant current, constant voltage, or regulated metal
deposition), set the polarity (e.g., set direct current electrode
negative (DCEN) or direct current electrode positive (DCEP)),
enable or disable a wire feed, and enable or disable gas flow.
[0027] Moreover, as noted above, the present techniques may
implement power line communication in at least one, and potentially
several ways. For example, in some embodiments, the data is
transmitted over an "auxiliary" power line between the pendant and
the power supply, with the pendant also allowing for powering of
devices such as lights, powered hand tools, and so forth. Secondly,
in some applications, data may be transmitted between power
supplies, using a power line as a "data backbone" for the exchange
of data that may be used for control and/or monitoring functions by
the different power supplies. Such power line communication may be
used with or without "auxiliary" power data communication, and vice
versa. Moreover, some data may also be transmitted over a welding
cable along with weld power (i.e., power signals adapted for
creating and sustaining a welding arc between an electrode and a
workpiece). Such data communication is described, for example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,180,029 B2, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/276,288,
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/609,871, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/625,357, which are hereby incorporated into
the present disclosure by reference.
[0028] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagram of an
exemplary welding system 10 including a multi-process welding power
supply 12 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The
multi-process power supply 12 is configured to supply power to a
plurality of welding devices (e.g., MIG torch, TIG torch, stick
electrode, etc.) associated with a variety of welding processes
(e.g., MIG, TIG, stick, etc.). In certain embodiments, the power
supply 12 receives primary power 14 from an alternating current
power source (e.g., the AC power grid, an engine/generator set, a
battery, or a combination thereof), conditions the input power, and
provides an output power to one or more welding devices in
accordance with demands of the system 10. The primary power 14 may
be supplied from an offsite location (i.e., the primary power 14
may originate from a wall outlet). Accordingly, in some
embodiments, the power source 12 may include power conversion
circuitry 16 that includes circuit elements such as transformers,
rectifiers, switches, and so forth, capable of converting the AC
input power to a DCEP or DCEN output as dictated by the demands of
the system 10. Such circuits are generally known in the art.
[0029] In some embodiments, the power conversion circuitry 16 may
be configured to convert the primary power 14 to both weld and
auxiliary power outputs. However, in other embodiments, the power
conversion circuitry 16 may be adapted to convert primary power
only to a weld power output, and a separate auxiliary converter may
be provided to convert primary power to auxiliary power. Still
further, in some embodiments, the power supply 12 may be adapted to
receive a converted auxiliary power output directly from a wall
outlet. Indeed, any suitable power conversion system or mechanism
may be employed by the power supply 12 to generate and supply both
weld and auxiliary power.
[0030] The power supply 12 also includes control circuitry 18 that
is configured to receive and process a plurality of inputs
regarding the performance and demands of the system 10. The control
circuitry 18 includes processing circuitry 20, memory 22, and a
communication power interface module 24. The memory 22 may include
volatile or non-volatile memory, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic storage
memory, optical storage memory, or a combination thereof.
Furthermore, a variety of control parameters may be stored in the
memory 22 along with code configured to provide a specific output
(e.g., initiate wire feed, enable gas flow, etc.) during operation.
The processing circuitry 20 may also receive an input from a user
interface 26 located on the power supply 12, through which the user
may choose a process, and input desired parameters (e.g., voltages,
currents, particular pulsed or non-pulsed welding regimes, and so
forth).
[0031] The power supply 12 may also include a gas cylinder 28. The
gas cylinder 28 may supply shielding gases, such as argon, helium,
carbon dioxide, and so forth, via hose 30. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, the gas enters gas valving 32 located in the
power supply 12. During use, the gas valving 32 modulates the
amount of gas supplied to a welding operation via gas conduit 34.
The gas conduit 34 and a power conduit 36 supply a welding device
38 (e.g., TIG torch) with gas and power, respectively. The power
conduit 36 transfers the power output by the power conversion
circuitry 16 to the welding device 38 to power the welding process
during operation.
[0032] A plurality of conduits 40 couple the power supply 12 to the
welding device 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of
conduits 40 is shown as a group of individual connections to the
welding device 38. However, it should be noted that in alternate
embodiments, the plurality of conduits 40 may be bundled into a
single supply cable that connects the power supply 12 to the
welding device 38. A lead cable 42 terminating in a clamp 44
couples the power conversion circuitry 16 to a workpiece 46.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply 12 is
coupled to a pendant 48. As used herein, the pendant 48 is a
welding control device designed to allow an operator to choose
welding processes and settings from a remote location with respect
to the power supply 12. The pendant 48 is further designed to
provide power to one or more auxiliary devices (e.g., lights, hand
grinders, etc.) at the location of the weld. That is, the pendant
48 provides a user with both remote control of the welding settings
as well as a remote source of auxiliary power. Accordingly, the
pendant 48 is coupled to the power source 12 via an auxiliary
conduit 50. The auxiliary conduit 50 provides auxiliary power to
the pendant 48 and facilitates bidirectional data exchange between
the pendant 48 and the power supply 12. That is, embodiments of the
present invention allow for data communication over an auxiliary
power cable.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, an auxiliary power line 52
exits the power conversion circuitry 16 and meets a data stream, as
represented by reference numeral 54 that exits the control
circuitry 18 at node 56 within the power supply 12. Data,
therefore, may be transferred from the pendant 48 via auxiliary
conduit 50 to the communication power interface module 24 in the
power supply 12. Data may also be transferred from the
communication power interface module 24 to the pendant 48 via the
same path. Concurrently, auxiliary power may be transferred from
the power conversion circuitry 16 in the power supply 12 to the
pendant 48 via power line 52 and auxiliary conduit 50. In other
words, presently contemplated embodiments allow for communication
over an existing power line.
[0035] The power line communication circuitry and protocols used
for this communication may follow any of several available
standards, such as ISO/IEC14908.1, available from ECHELON under the
commercial designation LONWORKS 2.0. In general, certain such
systems will include circuitry at the power supply configured to
modulate data signals and superimpose the data or otherwise combine
the signals with power signals (e.g., AC waveforms) transmitted to
the remote location of the pendant 48 via the power line 52. The
pendant will include complimentary circuitry that demodulates the
data signals and provides them to processing circuitry configured
to display, act on, or otherwise use the data signals. Conversely,
the pendant circuitry may originate data signals, such as for
changing settings of the power supply, and send these data signals
over the same pendant auxiliary power line to be received and acted
upon by the control circuitry of the power supply. In a typical
application, the auxiliary power line may transmit 115 V AC power
at 60 Hz, although other voltages and frequencies may be
employed.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the pendant 48 may be located in
close proximity to the welding operation but distant from the power
supply 12. For instance, coal-fired boiler welding applications,
shipyard applications, construction sites, and so forth, often
requires a welding operator to be located distant from the power
supply 12. Since the pendant 48 may be located close to the weld,
the current system 10 may have the effect of reducing the amount of
time and effort that the welding operator traditionally spends
returning from the site of the weld to the power supply to plug in
cords associated with auxiliary devices (e.g., lights, grinders,
powered hand tools, etc.).
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the pendant 48 includes a
user interface, through which a user may choose a process (e.g.,
MIG, TIG, stick, etc.), control the voltage, control the current,
power auxiliary devices, and so forth, while remotely located with
respect to the power supply unit 12. For example, in the embodiment
shown, the user may plug in auxiliary devices, such as a light 58
or a hand grinder 60, into the pendant 48. Accordingly, the
auxiliary power supplied to the pendant via auxiliary conduit 50
may be used to power such devices in a location proximate to the
welding operation. The foregoing feature may have the effect of
reducing the length of extension cables 62 and 64 as compared to
traditional systems, since the light 58 and the grinder 60 derive
auxiliary power from the pendant 48, which is close to the location
of the weld, and not from the power supply 12, which may be distant
from the weld. In addition to the user interface, in some
embodiments, the pendant 48 may also include processing circuitry
that receives inputs from the power supply 12 and the user
interface, processes the inputs, and generates output data that may
be communicated back to the power supply 12 over the auxiliary
conduit 50.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the single gas
source 28 and the single gas conduit 34 provide the means for the
gas to be transferred from the power supply 12 to the welding
device 38 if gas is suitable for the given welding process. In the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, however, a second gas
supply 66 supplies a second gas to the gas valving 32 via a second
gas conduit 68. In these embodiments, gas conduit 34 is routed from
the power supply 12 to a remote box 72, which supplies the gas
suitable for the welding operation being performed to the welding
device. The gas valving 32 located in the power supply 12 modulates
the release of the proper gas for a given operation. That is, the
gas valving 32 may include directional control valving that selects
gas source 28 or gas source 66 depending upon the active or
selected process. Additionally, the gas line 34 may be purged when
the system switches between the first gas supply 28 and the second
gas supply 66. It should be noted that in other embodiments, an
additional gas line may be routed from the gas valving 32 to the
remote box 72 such that each gas source 28 or 66 is transported to
the box 72 via a separate gas line.
[0039] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the weld power
cable 36 and the gas cable 34 are routed to the remote box 72.
Multiple welding devices, such as the first welding device 38
(e.g., a TIG torch) and a second welding device (e.g., a stick
stinger) 75 may be plugged into the remote box 72 to access power
and gas as necessary for the welding operation. In some
embodiments, multiple welding devices may be plugged into the
remote box 72 simultaneously. However, the only active device is
the one necessary for the welding operation selected by the
operator on the interface located on the pendant 48. For example,
in the illustrated embodiment, both TIG torch 38 and stick stinger
75 may be plugged into the remote box 72 at the same time. However,
only TIG torch 38 is active for use with the workpiece 46 if a user
selects the TIG process from the interface on the pendant 48. It
should be noted that in the illustrated embodiments, gas conduit 34
and power conduit 36 are shown as separate connections to the
remote box 72. In further embodiments, the plurality of conduits 34
and 36, may be bundled together in a single supply cable, as
indicated by reference numeral 76. In alternate embodiments, the
gas conduit 34 may include a plurality of gas conduits (e.g., one
gas conduit dedicated to each type of gas supplied) bundled
together in a single supply cable, and the weld power conduit 36
may be separate. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the
system 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, both the
auxiliary conduit 50 and the weld power conduit 36 are routed into
pendant 48. Accordingly, the welding device 38 (e.g., TIG torch)
may be connected to cable 70 and plugged into the pendant 48.
Certain embodiments may support multiple welding devices (e.g., MIG
torches, stick stingers, etc.) that operate at different polarities
(e.g., DCEN or DCEP). For example, in one embodiment, multiple
welding devices may be plugged into the pendant 48, but only one
device may be active at a given time. That is, only the device
designed for use with the process selected by the operator may be
in use. In the illustrated embodiment, data may be communicated
over power line 50, power conduit 36, or both. That is, the
illustrated embodiment provides for communication over an auxiliary
power line, a weld power line, or both.
[0040] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a wire
feeder (not shown) for use with MIG welding operations may be a
stand-alone unit located in close proximity to the pendant 48. In
alternate embodiments, the wire feeder may be located in or on the
pendant 48, or, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the pendant itself may be
incorporated within a wire feeder 78. In such an embodiment, a wire
spool 80 feeds wire 82 into a wire feeder driver 84, which contains
circuitry that initiates a wire feed to the MIG torch 74 during MIG
welding operations. In this embodiment, the auxiliary devices 58
and 60 as well as the welding devices 38 and 74 may be plugged into
the wire feeder 78. As before, the auxiliary conduit 50 provides
auxiliary power for the auxiliary devices 58 and 60 and facilitates
bidirectional communication over the power line between the power
supply 12 and the wire feeder 78 while power conduit 36 provides
weld power for welding devices 38 and 74. It should be noted that
the weld power supplied over the power conduit 36 may be DCEP or
DCEN as dictated by the demands of the system.
[0041] The embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 illustrate bidirectional data
communication between a single power supply and a single pendant
over an auxiliary power line. FIG. 5 illustrates a further
embodiment of the present invention that includes such
communication over a power line but in a networked welding system
86. For illustrative purposes, the shown embodiment includes a
first welding power supply 88 and a second welding power supply 90.
However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, any number
of power supplies suitable for the welding application may be used
with the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, only
one power supply may be included. In such an embodiment, the power
supply 88 and the remote control and/or monitoring station 98 may
bidirectionally exchange data over the backbone 96. A common power
source, e.g., the AC power grid, an engine/generator set, a
battery, or a combination thereof, supplies primary power 92 to
each of the power supplies (e.g., 88 and 90) in the network via
power conduit 94 that supplies power to backbone 96 (e.g., a power
line mains interface). The primary power source may be located in
close proximity to or remote from one or more of the welding power
supplies. The primary power 92 may be supplied from an offsite
location (i.e., the primary power 92 may originate from a wall
outlet in the plant).
[0042] One or more remote control and monitoring stations 98
transmits and receives data signals to and from the backbone 96 to
facilitate communication both to and from the power supplies 88,
90. That is, the backbone 96 provides a means for both
communication and power transmission to the networked welding
system 86. In other words, a centralized backbone allows for
communication over a power line to the power supplies. In some
embodiments, the remote control and monitoring stations 98 may be
configured to connect to an external network such that information
may be bidirectionally communicated between the stations 98 and one
or more external devices. Accordingly, the remote control and
monitoring stations 98 may include hubs, switches, routers,
repeaters, gateways, or a combination thereof.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the welding power supplies
88, 90 include a communication power interface module 100, which is
configured to send, receive and process instructions transmitted
via the backbone 96 from the remote control and monitoring station
98. Each power supply 88, 90 also includes conversion circuitry
102, through which the incoming power is routed. The conversion
circuitry 102 may include circuit elements, such as transformers,
rectifiers, switches, and so forth, capable of converting the input
power to suitable output power. For example, the power conversion
circuitry 102 may convert incoming power to a DCEP or DCEN output
as dictated by the demands of the system. Such conversion circuitry
102 may supply a weld power output 104 and an auxiliary power
output 106. The weld power output 104 may be supplied to a welding
device (e.g., a MIG torch, a TIG torch, a stick stinger) for use in
a welding operation. Similarly, the auxiliary power output 106 may
be supplied to auxiliary devices, such as lights and hand grinders,
for use during the welding operation. A common ground output 108
may also extend from each power supply 88, 90 to close the welding
circuit.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates internal components that may be included
in the pendant 48 of FIGS. 1-4. It should be noted that FIG. 6
illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the pendant 48, and that in
further embodiments, more or fewer components may be included. In
the illustrated embodiment, the pendant 48 includes power
receptacles 110, processing circuitry 112, memory 114, a
communication power interface module 116, and an operator interface
118. The power receptacles 110 provide a means for the operator to
plug in auxiliary devices, such as lights and hand grinders, to
receive auxiliary power during operation. Three power receptacles
110 are illustrated in FIG. 6. However, in other embodiments, any
number of power receptacles 110 may be provided. The communication
power interface module 116 receives both the incoming power from
the power line and the incoming data transmitted over the power
line. The communication power interface module 116 further routes
the power to the power receptacles 110 and the data to the
processing circuitry 112. The processing circuitry 112 receives and
processes the incoming data transmitted via the auxiliary conduit
50 extracted by the communication power interface module. The
operator interface 118 also generates data that corresponds to
instructions received via operator interaction with the interface
118. This data is also received and processed by the processing
circuitry 112. Accordingly, the processing circuitry 112
bidirectionally communicates with memory 114 to store and retrieve
information as dictated by the demands of the system. Power
conversion circuitry 119 may also be provided in the remote device
48 for the conversion of power to a level appropriate for use by
the components of the remote device 48. That is, in one embodiment,
the power conversion circuitry 119 may derive power from the
incoming line 50 and convert it to an output appropriate for
powering the processing circuitry 112, memory 114, and operator
interface 118 components.
[0045] In certain embodiments, when the auxiliary conduit 50 is
connected between the power supply 12 and the pendant 48, the
control circuitry 18 may disable controls located on the user
interface 26 located on the power supply that are redundant with
controls on the operator interface 118 that is located on the
pendant 48. In this way, activation of the pendant 48 and its
associated operator interface 118 leads to deactivation of similar
controls located on the power supply unit 12 such that all process
control selection is relegated to the pendant 48 during
operation.
[0046] One embodiment of the pendant 48 including an exemplary
operator interface 118 and the power receptacles 110 is shown in
FIG. 7. The pendant 48 receives power from the welding power supply
12 and transmits data over the auxiliary conduit 50. The operator
interface 118 includes a plurality of buttons 120 that may be
programmed to allow the user to change a variety of application
specific parameters. For instance, the plurality of buttons 120 may
include an output on/off button, a process button, a wire button, a
gas button, and so forth. The operator interface 118 also includes
a setup button 122 that the operator may use to set parameters
associated with the chosen weld process. For example, in one
embodiment, the user may press the setup button 122, and
subsequently use adjustment knobs 124 and 126 to set parameters
such as wire feed speed, type of gas, voltage, current, and so
forth. Buttons 120 and 122 cooperate with display panels 128 and
130 to communicate options and choices with the user. For example,
adjustment knob 124 may be used in conjunction with panel 128, and
adjustment knob 126 may be used in conjunction with panel 130. For
further example, the display panel 128 may be used to display the
chosen weld polarity and process. In such an embodiment, the panel
128 may read +EP STICK, indicating that the user has chosen a DCEP
polarity for a stick welding process. For further example, the
display panel 130 may be used to display the type of information
associated with a given process. In such an embodiment, the panel
130 may read VOLTS, AMPS, ARC LNGTH, ARC CONTRL, WIRE, GAS, and so
forth. For further example, the display panels 128 and 130 may be
used to display numerical values of weld parameters (e.g., a number
that show the actual arc length).
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a side panel 132 of the pendant 48 that
includes the power receptacles 110. The power receptacles 110 are
configured to supply auxiliary power, such as 60 Hz single phase
power, which may be used to power auxiliary devices associated with
the welding operation. The side panel may also include a reset
button 134, which may be used to ensure electrical protection of
the pendant 48 and/or the auxiliary devices. For example, if a
ground fault is detected by circuitry in the pendant 48, the reset
button 134 may pop out, rendering the outlets inactive and alerting
the operator. The operator may subsequently press the reset button
134 to reset the receptacles 110 and resume operation.
[0048] The embodiments of the pendant 48 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and
8 illustrate a "smart" pendant that includes many of the presently
contemplated functionalities. However, it should be noted that in
other embodiments the pendant 48 may include fewer functionalities.
For instance, in one embodiment, the pendant 48 may not include
interface 118. In such an embodiment, accessories such as a foot
pedal may replace the illustrated interface as the operator
interface. For instance, a potentiometer located in the foot pedal
may allow the operator to control the amount of amps supplied to
the welding process being performed. In fact, in some embodiments,
such accessories (e.g., the foot pedal) may be the pendant 48. That
is, 115V auxiliary power may enter the pendant 48 but may not be
supplied to auxiliary devices at the location of the weld. However,
data regarding operator input may still be exchanged with the power
supply via the auxiliary power line. That is, in certain
embodiments, the pendant 48 may not deliver auxiliary power but
information may still be transmitted down the auxiliary power
line.
[0049] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate further embodiments of the power
line communication disclosed herein. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate
welding systems that include a plurality of welding power supplies,
e.g., a first weld power supply 138 and a second weld power supply
140. It should be noted that although only two weld power supplies
are illustrated, in other embodiments, any number of weld power
supplies may be included. A common power source, e.g., the AC power
grid, an engine/generator set, a battery, or a combination thereof,
supplies primary power 142 to each of the power supplies 138 and
140 in the network via power lines 144 and 146, respectively. The
power source may be located in close proximity to or remote from
one or more of the welding power supplies. As before, the primary
power 142 may be supplied from an offsite location and may be
supplied onsite via a wall outlet. In the illustrated embodiment,
the welding power supplies 138 and 140 include conversion circuitry
148, through which the incoming primary power is routed. The
conversion circuitry 148 may include circuit elements, such as
transformers, rectifiers, switches, and so forth, capable of
converting the input power to suitable output weld power. For
example, the power conversion circuitry 148 may convert incoming
power to a DCEP or DCEN output as dictated by the demands of the
system. Such conversion circuitry 148 may supply a weld power
output 104. The weld power output 104 may be supplied to a welding
device (e.g., a MIG torch, a TIG torch, a stick stinger) for use in
a welding operation. A common ground output 108 may also extend
from each power supply 138 and 140 to close the welding
circuit.
[0050] The primary power 142 is also supplied to an auxiliary power
conversion unit 150 located in a receiving and transmitting (RT)
unit 152 via power line 154. In some embodiments, the RT unit 152
may be located in close proximity to a rack of weld power supplies,
e.g., 138 and 140. The auxiliary power conversion unit 150 is
configured to receive primary power at a high voltage and output
auxiliary power at a lower voltage. Accordingly, the auxiliary
power conversion unit 150 may include circuitry, such as
transformers, configured to step down the voltage of the incoming
power. The RT unit 152 also includes a plurality of communication
power interface modules 100, which are configured to transmit,
receive, and process data transmitted to and from an auxiliary
power distribution unit 156 via auxiliary power line 158. That is,
presently contemplated embodiments provide for data communication
over power line 158.
[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, as before, one or
more remotely located pendants 48, 48' are designed to allow an
operator to choose welding processes and settings from a remote
location with respect to the power supplies 138, 140. However, in
this embodiment, a plurality of pendants, as represented by two
pendants 48 and 48' but not meant to limit the invention, may be
plugged into the central auxiliary power conversion unit 156. The
pendants 48, 48' are still designed to provide power to one or more
auxiliary devices 58, 58', 60, 60' at the location of one or more
welds. That is, the pendants 48, 48' provide a user with both
remote control of the welding settings as well as a remote source
of auxiliary power for one or more welds. For example, pendant 48
may be located in close proximity to a first weld, and pendant 48'
may be located in close proximity to a second weld remote from the
first weld.
[0052] During operation, a first operator may input desired weld
settings to pendant 48. These weld settings are transmitted via
conduit 160 through the auxiliary power distribution unit 156,
across power line 158, through communication power interface module
100, along data conduit 162, and to control circuitry 164 located
in power supply 138. In this way, data may be bidirectionally
communicated over power line 160 and power line 158. Similarly, a
second operator may input desired weld settings to pendant 48'.
These weld settings are transmitted via power line 166 through the
auxiliary power distribution unit 156, across power line 158,
through communication power interface module 100, along data
conduit 168, and to control circuitry 164 located in power supply
140. In this way, data may be bidirectionally communicated over
power line 166 and power line 158.
[0053] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 operates similarly to
that of FIG. 9. However, in this embodiment, the auxiliary power
distribution unit 156 is located in a remote distribution box 172.
The remote distribution box 172 also houses the pendants 48 and
48'. That is, in this embodiment, the operator interfaces for
multiple welding processes may be located on one central remote box
172. Also, the auxiliary devices 58, 58', 60, 60' for multiple
welding processes may also be plugged into the central distribution
box 172. As before, data is communicated over power line 158 and
transmitted back to the power supplies 138 and 140 for processing.
Also, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, two power
supplies 138 and 140 are shown. However, it should be noted that in
alternate embodiments, more or fewer power supplies may be included
in the system. For example, in one embodiment, only one power
supply may be included.
[0054] FIG. 11 is a diagram of another exemplary welding system
including communication over both a primary weld power line and an
auxiliary power line. As before, the primary power 142 may be
supplied from an offsite location and may be supplied onsite via a
wall outlet. Primary power 142 is delivered to the welding power
supplies 138 and 140 via primary power line 154. Accordingly, the
power supplies 138 and 140 include conversion circuitry 148,
through which the incoming primary power is routed. Such conversion
circuitry 148 may supply a weld power output 104. The weld power
output 104 may be supplied to a welding device (e.g., a MIG torch,
a TIG torch, a stick stinger) for use in a welding operation. A
common ground output 108 may also extend from each power supply 138
and 140 to close the welding circuit. In the illustrated
embodiment, two power supplies 138 and 140 are shown. However, it
should be noted that in alternate embodiments, more or fewer power
supplies may be included in the system. For example, in one
embodiment, only one power supply may be included.
[0055] The primary power 142 is also supplied to the auxiliary
power conversion unit 150 located in the RT unit 152 via primary
power line 154. That is, primary power 142 is supplied to both the
auxiliary power conversion unit 150 and the power supplies 138 and
140 via power line 154. As before, the auxiliary power conversion
unit 150 is configured to receive primary power at a high voltage
and output auxiliary power at a lower voltage. The RT unit 152 also
includes a first plurality of communication power interface modules
100 and 100', which are configured to transmit, receive, and
process data transmitted to and from the auxiliary power
distribution unit 156 via auxiliary power line 158. That is,
presently contemplated embodiments provide for data communication
over auxiliary power line 158. Additionally, the RT unit 152
includes a second plurality of communication power interface
modules 174 and 174' configured to receive the data from the first
plurality of communication power interface modules 100 and 100' and
convert the data to a form suitable for communication over primary
power line 154 for transmission to power supplies 138 and 140.
Accordingly, power supply 138 includes a communication power
interface module 176 configured to transmit, receive, and process
data to and from power line 154 Likewise, power supply 140 includes
a communication power interface module 178 that transmits,
receives, and processes data to and from the primary power line
154.
[0056] During operation, a first operator may input desired weld
settings to pendant 48. These weld settings are transmitted via
conduit 160 through the auxiliary power distribution unit 156,
across power line 158, through communication power interface module
100, through communication power interface module 174, along
primary power line 154, and to the communication power interface
module 176 located in power supply 138. In this way, data may be
communicated both over auxiliary power lines 158 and 160 as well as
over primary power line 154. Similarly, a second operator may input
desired weld settings to pendant 48'. These weld settings are
transmitted via power line 166 through the auxiliary power
distribution unit 156, across power line 158, through communication
power interface module 100', through communication power interface
module 174', along primary power line 154, and to the communication
power interface module 178 located in power supply 140. That is,
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 facilitates the bidirectional
exchange of data over both an auxiliary power line as well as a
primary weld power line. The foregoing features may have the effect
of enabling the extraction of data regarding weld parameters at a
location proximate to the weld power supplies 138 and 140. That is,
presently contemplated embodiments allow a remotely located user to
monitor the welding process without additional wires, cables,
circuitry, and the like located proximate to the welding
operation.
[0057] FIG. 12 illustrates a welding system 180 that includes a
plurality of welding power supplies, e.g., the first weld power
supply 138 and the second weld power supply 140. In other
embodiments, any suitable number of weld power supplies may be
included. A common power source, such as the AC power grid, an
engine/generator set, or a battery, supplies primary power 142 to
each of the power supplies 138 and 140 in the network via power
lines 144 and 146, respectively. As before, the primary power 142
may be supplied from an offsite location and may be supplied onsite
via a wall outlet, and the welding power supplies 138 and 140
include conversion circuitry 148, through which the incoming
primary power is routed. Such conversion circuitry 148 may supply
the weld power output 104. The weld power output 104 may be
supplied to a welding device (e.g., a MIG torch, a TIG torch, a
stick stinger) for use in a welding operation. A common ground
output 108 may also extend from each power supply 138 and 140 to
close the welding circuit.
[0058] The primary power 142 is also supplied to the auxiliary
power conversion unit 150 located in the receiving and transmitting
(RT) unit 152 via power line 154. In some embodiments, the RT unit
152 may be located in close proximity to a rack of weld power
supplies, e.g., 138 and 140, and may include additional components
not shown in FIG. 12. As before, the auxiliary power conversion
unit 150 is adapted to receive primary power at a high voltage and
output auxiliary power at a lower voltage. In this embodiment,
however, the RT unit 152 is coupled to communication power
interface modules 100 and 100', which are configured to transmit,
receive, and process data transmitted to and from the power
supplies 138 and 140 as well as to and from the remotely located
pendants 48, 48'. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the
communication power interface modules 100 and 100' are free
standing and, accordingly, are not located in the RT unit 152.
[0059] In this embodiment, the plurality of pendants, as
represented by pendants 48 and 48' but not meant to limit the
invention, may be directly plugged into the communication power
interface modules 100 and 100'. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, the communication power interface modules 100 and 100'
are coupled to the pendants 48 and 48' via auxiliary power lines
182 and 184, respectively. However, in this embodiment, the
communication power interface modules 100 and 100' are also coupled
to the output of the auxiliary power conversion unit 150 via power
lines 186 and 188, respectively. As such, the communication power
interface modules 100 and 100' are adapted to bidirectionally
communicate data over auxiliary power lines 182 and 184 to the
pendants 48 and 48'. The pendants 48, 48' are still designed to
provide power to one or more auxiliary devices 58, 58', 60, 60' at
the location of one or more welds. That is, the pendants 48, 48'
provide a user with both remote control of the welding settings as
well as a remote source of auxiliary power for one or more
welds.
[0060] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary weld
system 190 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The
weld system 190 includes a plurality of power supplies 138, 140,
192, 194, 196, and 198 disposed on a rack 200 adapted to support
the power supplies. The weld system 190 further includes junction
boxes 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 each associated with
corresponding power supplies 138, 140, 192, 194, 196, and 198,
respectively. For example, junction box 202 is associated with
corresponding power supply 138, junction box 204 is associated with
corresponding power supply 140, and so forth. In the illustrated
embodiment, the junction boxes are coupled to the rack 200.
However, in other embodiments, the junction boxes may be coupled to
the power supplies, disposed on a separate rack, or positioned in
any other suitable location. The weld system 190 further includes
the auxiliary power conversion unit 150 and the pendant 48. In the
illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary power conversion unit 150
includes auxiliary power receptacles 214 disposed thereon.
[0061] As shown, the auxiliary power conversion unit 150 is coupled
to the first junction box 202 via cable 216. The junction box 202
is coupled to power supply 138 via cable 218 and to the pendant 48
via cable 220. Although not shown, the additional auxiliary outlets
214 may be coupled to the remaining junction boxes via additional
cables, and the junction boxes may also be coupled to their
corresponding power supplies and to the pendant via additional
cables in further embodiments. During operation, the auxiliary
power conversion unit 150 receives power from a primary power
source and converts the primary power to an auxiliary power output
(e.g., 115 volts). The auxiliary power is routed via auxiliary
outlet 214 to the junction box 202 through cable 216. As such, the
junction box 202 is adapted to receive the auxiliary power from the
cable 216.
[0062] In the embodiments illustrated and described herein, the
primary power is converted to auxiliary power in the auxiliary
power conversion unit. However, it should be noted that in other
embodiments, the auxiliary power may be generated in and received
from a variety of other sources. For example, in one embodiment,
the auxiliary power may be received from an outlet disposed in the
wall. In such an embodiment, the cable 216 may couple the junction
box directly to a wall outlet configured to deliver an auxiliary
output power (e.g., 115 volts).
[0063] The junction box 202 is also adapted to transmit and receive
control signals to and from the power supply 138 via control cable
218. The junction box 202 is further configured to couple the
received control signals to the received auxiliary power and to
transmit the auxiliary power and data to the pendant 48 via cable
220. It should also be noted that control signals may also be
received by the junction box 202 from the pendant 48 via cable 220.
As such, the junction box 202 may include any number of suitable
components, such as a communication power interface module,
electrical circuitry, and so forth.
[0064] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the
pendant 48 that may be employed in the weld system 190 of FIG. 13.
As shown, the pendant 48 includes an operator interface 222,
through which a user may control the welding process. For example,
the illustrated operator interface 22 includes an ON/OFF button
224, which the user may press to enable or disable the welding
output. The user interface 222 also includes a process selection
button 226, which the user may press to change the welding process,
e.g., between TIG welding and MIG welding. The user interface
further includes a setup button 228, through which the operator may
control a variety of parameters of the welding process, such as
control of the arc, weld characteristics, and so forth. As such, a
knob 230 may be used in conjunction with button 228 to change one
or more weld characteristics and/or to change the magnitude of one
or more weld parameters.
[0065] The user interface 222 also includes a display panel 232,
through which one or more parameters or values of the welding
process may be communicated to the user. For example, the display
panel 232 includes a first indicator 234 and a second indicator
236. In one embodiment, the first indicator 234 may be a light
emitting diode (LED) adapted to illuminate when a DCEP weld process
is occurring, and the second indicator 236 may be an LED adapted to
illuminate when a DCEN weld process is occurring. Still further,
the display panel 232 may be configured to communicate one or more
numerical values via display 238 to the user. For example, as the
user turns the knob 230 to change a parameter of the welding
process, the display 238 may display the value of the weld
parameter (e.g., the voltage or amperage level).
[0066] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary user interface 240 that may
be disposed on the one or more power supplies in accordance with
aspects of the present invention. The user interface 240 in the
illustrated embodiment includes LEDs 242 positioned by process
symbols that are configured to illuminate when a process is
selected. In a presently contemplated embodiment, the user selects
a welding process via a knob 244. As the user turns the knob 244,
the LEDs are illuminated, indicating the chosen process. A
selection panel 246 includes multiple sub-panels that allow the
user to choose the welding process. For instance, in the
illustrated embodiment, the selection panel 246 includes a flux
core (FCAW) no gas panel 248, a lift-arc TIG panel 250, a scratch
start TIG panel 252, a stick panel 254, and a MIG/FCAW with gas
panel 256. When the user turns the knob 244, LED associated with
the panel associated with the suitable process is illuminated and
the process is initiated. For instance, if the user turns knob 244
to the stick panel 254, the stick LED is illuminated, and the power
supply receives and processes the stick user selection.
Additionally, as the user turns the knob 244, the polarity of the
chosen process is communicated to the user via the DCEN icon 258
and the DCEP icon 260.
[0067] The user interface 240 also includes a power button 262,
through which the user may enable or disable the welding output.
The user interface 240 also includes a voltage display 264 and an
amperage display 266, which display the voltage and amperage of the
weld process, respectively. For example, the user may utilize the
adjustment panel 268 by rotating knob 270 to set the desired
voltage or amperage of the weld process, which is displayed on
panels 264 and 266. Still further, the operator interface includes
an arc control panel 272, through which the user may adjust an arc
parameter via rotation of knob 274.
[0068] While only certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes
will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *