Systems and methods for distributed weld monitoring using jobs and job sessions are described. In some examples, a distributed monitoring system comprises a central monitoring station in communication with a user device and a local monitoring station. A user may use the user device to enter weld monitoring data that is subsequently received by the central monitoring station and stored in a central data repository. The central data repository may associate the weld monitoring data with welding data received from a welding device, as well as with a job session that is, in turn, associated with a job.

Aspects of a welding-type cable and torch are provided. The welding-type cable includes a power conductor to conduct welding-type power and a weld torch interface on a distal end of the welding-type cable to attach a weld torch to the power conductor. The welding-type torch includes a power connector to transfer welding-type power between the welding-type torch and a power conductor of a welding-type cable that is detachably coupled to the power connector. An electrode to perform a welding-type operation using the welding-type power is also provided.

Welding-type devices having configurable interfaces are disclosed. An example welding-type device, includes only one user interface input device, a receiver circuit configured to receive interpretation information, and a controller configured to interpret input received via the user interface input device based on the interpretation information to modify zero or more of a plurality of welding-type variables, and to control a welding-type operation based on the plurality of welding-type variables.

In certain embodiments, a wireless sensor module includes a motion or position sensor configured to detect a defined motion or position of a welding operator. The wireless sensor module also includes memory circuitry configured to store the defined motion or position and an adjustment of an operating parameter of a welding system which corresponds to the defined motion or position. A processor of the wireless sensor module is coupled to the motion or position sensor and the memory circuitry, where the processor is configured to retrieve the adjustment of the operating parameter from the memory circuitry upon detection of the defined motion or position by the motion or position sensor. The wireless senor module further includes a wireless communication device coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the adjustment of the operating parameter to the welding system.

A system (10) and method (200) includes a welding machine (12) having a voltage setting, On/Off power setting, power outlet setting, welding process setting, and welding lead setting and a communication device (15), a computing device (14) including a processor programmed to enter data for an adjustment setting of at least one of the voltage setting, On/Off power setting, power outlet setting, welding process setting, and welding lead setting and communicate the adjustment setting to the welding machine (12), and a computer server (16, 100) to receive the adjustment setting from the computing device (14) and to send the adjustment setting to the communication device (15), the processor of the communication device (15) adjusting the at least one of the voltage setting, On/Off power setting, power outlet setting, welding process setting, and welding lead setting.

A welding system having a welding power supply, a wire feeder coupled to the welding power supply, and a welding torch coupled to the wire feeder and configured to output wire from the wire feeder is provided. In particular, the welding system includes a wireless module (e.g., gateway) disposed within a component of the welding system, or as an independent component within the welding system. For example, the wireless module may be disposed within the welding power supply, the wire feeder, or the welding torch. The wireless module is configured to wirelessly transmit to and receive welding information, such as operator identification information, from a wireless personal device. The wireless personal device is uniquely associated with a welding operator operating the welding system.

Disclosed is welding-type power supply including wireless communications circuitry that is configured to host a first wireless communication network and connect as a client to a second wireless communication network. Welding-type power supply settings and welding-type power supply data may be communicated via the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a power supply, a control device connected to the power supply, a welding device selectively connected to the power supply via the control device, and a switch connected between the control device and the welding device. The control device includes a time delay relay that measures a predetermined time period. The switch maintains a closed position when the predetermined time period expires and the welding device is producing a welding arc. The switch switches from the closed position to an open position when the predetermined time period expires and the welding device stops producing the welding arc. The control device transfers current from the power supply to the welding device when the switch is in the closed position, and blocks current from the power supply to the welding device when the switch is in the open position.

Systems and methods are provided for selecting welding schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type torch configured for use during welding-type operations, with the welding-type torch comprising an input device configured for setting a welding-type parameter, such as welding schedules, associated with a welding-type device that is used in conjunction with the welding-type torch during the welding-type operations. The welding-type device may be a welding-type power source. The welding-type torch is connected to the welding-type device via a welding-type connector, with the setting of the welding-type parameter occurring via the welding-type connector and without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector. The welding-type parameter is set to one of a plurality of available values, with the input device causes setting the welding-type parameter to a specific value from the plurality of available values only in response to receiving a corresponding specific input associated with that value.

A portable advanced process module system includes, for example, a welding power source, an portable advanced process module, and a wire feeder. The portable advanced process module and the wire feeder are separately enclosed in suitcase style enclosures with disconnectable power and communication means between the portable advanced process module and the wire feeder. The processing unit includes power electronics to enable advanced weld processes that can be delivered to the wire feeder and a welding work piece. The portable advanced process module is powered by a DC bus that can be supplied by a welding power source. Connecting the portable advanced process module between the welding power source and the wire feeder enables advanced welding processes to be accomplished at great distances from the main welding power source. Separating the power electronics into the portable advanced process module and maintaining a standard suitcase wire feeder form factor keeps the welding equipment used in the working area envelope small, light, and portable.