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US 2016/0107257 A1Published application
Sensor-based power controls for a welding system
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsMarc Lee Denis, Christopher Hsu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A welding system includes a torch motion sensing system associated with a welding torch and is configured to sense welding torch orientations or movements. The welding system also includes a processing system that is configured to vary operation of a power source based on the sensed orientations or movements.
Claims20
A welding-type system, comprising:
- a power source;
- a motion sensing system associated with a welding-type or accessory and configured to sense an orientation or movement of the welding type tool or accessory;
- and
- a processing system communicatively coupled to the tool motion sensing system and configured to determine a change in the orientation or movement of the welding-type tool or accessory prior to a power demand from the tool, and to send an indication to energize the power source to provide power at a ready level sufficient to operate a welding-type process of the power source or operator tools connected to the power source.
1 more element
A method comprising:
- sensing an initial orientation of a welding-type tool or accessory via a motion sensing system;
- sensing a subsequent orientation of the welding-type tool or accessory via the motion sensing system;
- activating a power source associated with the welding-type tool or accessory if the power source is turned off and the subsequent orientation differs from the initial orientation;
- and
- activating a higher power state for the power source if the power source is in a low-power state and the subsequent orientation differs from the initial orientation.
2 more elements
A retro-fit kit configured to couple to a welding-type tool or accessory, comprising:
- a motion sensing system configured to determine orientation or movement of the welding-type tool or accessory;
- and
- a processor configured to send instructions to a power supply for the welding-type tool or accessory to provide power in response to movement of the welding-type tool or accessory or in response to a change in orientation of the welding-type tool or accessory.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.