An inductive sensor which includes one or more inductive coils and an inductance to digital converter. The output of the inductive sensor may be used to replace the functions of a switch and a potentiometer to initiate and control various outputs in welding-type systems and applications.

An automated welding system for sealing high level radioactive waste containers in the field at the nuclear plant site. The system includes a programmable portable robotic welder comprising a multi-jointed articulating robotic arm. A welding head operable to form a weld is mounted to the arm. Operation of the robotic welder and ancillary components is controlled by a programmable controller which implements a welding plan. In one embodiment, a circumferentially-extending lid-to-shell hermetic seal weld may be formed by the robotic welder. The weld is completed in multiple welding passes through the weld joint between the lid and shell guided by an automated joint tracking sensor linked to the controller. The highly portable robotic welder is detachably mountable on the lid to perform the welding. An automated pivotable cable-conduit management apparatus keeps electrically conductive wiring and flow tubing out of the path of the rotating robotic arm during welding.

Systems and methods for welding asset movement tracking are disclosed. In some examples, a welding asset tracking system may comprise an asset tracking network of tags, hubs, and/or gateways retained by welding assets within a welding area. Directions of travel of monitored assets may be determined by comparing the order in which assets are identified by the asset tracking network. The travel directions, travel paths, and/or ingress and egress of tracked assets from welding areas are stored for subsequent analysis and/or retrieval. Additionally or alternatively, functionality of tracked assets may be disabled and/or enabled based on whether the assets are authorized to be removed from a designated area.

Systems and methods for welding asset tracking are disclosed. In some examples, a welding asset tracking system may comprise an asset tracking network of tags, hubs, and/or gateways retained by welding assets within a welding area. The asset tracking network may obtain and/or communicate to an asset tracking server welding data related to one or more of the welding assets, as well as position data obtained via an internal and/or external positioning system. In this way, the welding asset tracking server may continually receive updated information regarding each welding assets identity, location, and/or use. The asset tracking server may additionally send a command to a selected welding asset that causes an interface of the selected welding asset to emit an output that enables an operator to physically identify the welding asset.

Systems and methods for wireless control of welding power supplies are disclosed. An example welding power supply includes: a housing comprising a control panel configured to receive inputs from an operator; power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power into output power for a welding operation; and local control circuitry configured to wirelessly receive a control signal from remote control circuitry of a portable electronic device, and to control the welding power supply based on the received control signal; wherein the local control circuitry is configured to set prioritization of control of the welding power supply between the portable electronic device and the control panel of the welding power supply, prevent the control panel from controlling a parameter of the welding power supply when the portable electronic device is prioritized, and prevent the portable electronic device from controlling the parameter when the control panel is prioritized.

Systems and methods for an example modular welding systems having one or more system capabilities based on components connected to the welding systems are provided. In some examples, a modular welding system includes one or more components, such as a welding power supply, one or more welding torches, a wire feeder, and/or an auxiliary device, each of which can be coupled to one or more of the other components

Provided is a disclosure for a multi-attachment accessory holder that includes a main body configured to couple a first side of the main body to an accessory device. The main body is configured to hold a magnet, and the main body includes one or more coupling points for attaching an ancillary accessory.

A welding system having a weld torch, a first transmitting circuit, and a first receiving circuit is provided. The weld torch is coupled to a weld cable and is configured for a welding application. The first transmitting circuit includes a first processor and a sensor system with at least one sensor configured to detect sensor information related to the weld torch. The first processor transmits one or more control signals based on the received sensor information. The first receiving circuit includes communications circuitry and a second processor that receives the one or more control signals and generates information related to a trigger status based on the one or more control signals. The communications circuitry transmits the information to the wire feeder, and the wire feeder controls an operating parameter of the welding system based at least in part on the information related to the trigger status.

A communication system provided according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a connection line. The second communication device communicates with the first communication device. The connection line connects the first communication device and the second communication device. The first communication device includes a switching unit that switches a voltage applied to the second communication device through the connection line. The second communication device includes a specifying unit that specifies the voltage applied from the first communication device through the connection line. The first communication device and the second communication device perform a pairing process based on a state switched by the switching unit and a state specified by the specifying unit.

A welding system comprises a plurality of welders and a server. Each welder includes one or more processors and one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to measure weld data. The weld data includes data related to one or more operating parameters of the welder that are configured to control an ongoing weld operation of the welder. The welding system comprises a server in communication with the one or more processors to receive the weld data. The server is configured to process the weld data and communicate the processed weld data to the one or more processors. If the weld data does not meet predetermined criteria, the one or more processors are configured to modify the ongoing weld operation of the welder.