Energy Conservation System, Method, and Apparatus for Use with Welding Equipment

A welding system comprising:

• an engine capable of operation at a first speed and a second speed;
• a generator operatively coupled to the engine, wherein the generator provides at least one of (1) a welding current output or (2) an auxiliary power output;
• a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor configured to output a trigger signal;
• a first engine speed control circuit operatively coupled to said proximity sensor,
• wherein the first engine speed control circuit provides a first engine speed control signal to the engine such that the engine operates at the first speed when the proximity sensor outputs the trigger signal;
• and
• a second engine speed control circuit operatively coupled to said first engine speed control circuit,
• wherein the second engine speed control circuit provides a second engine speed control signal to the engine such that the engine operates at the second engine speed.

A system comprising:

• a proximity sensor, the proximity sensor being configured to provide a first output signal when an operator of said welding system is in-range;
• and
• a power supply,
• wherein the power supply provides at least one of (1) a welding current output or (2) an auxiliary power output;
• and
• wherein the power supply is capable of operation in (1) an operating mode when the proximity sensor outputs the first output signal and (2) an energy conservation mode when the power supply is not operating in the operating mode.