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US 8,552,339 B2Granted
Power cord system for welding-type devices
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsThomas G. Yunk, Albert M. Nowak
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.
Claims16
A welding-type device comprising:
- a power supply with a transformer configured to generate a power signal suitable for welding-type applications, the transformer comprising a single primary winding having a first end, a second end, and a center tap;
- a cord having a first conductor electrically coupled to the first end of the primary winding, a second conductor electrically coupled to the second end of the primary winding, a third conductor electrically coupled to the center tap of the primary winding, and a fourth conductor electrically coupled to a reference point of the power supply;
- a cord end having a first prong electrically coupled to the first conductor, a second prong electrically coupled to the second conductor, a third prong electrically coupled to the third conductor, and a fourth prong electrically coupled to the fourth conductor;
- and
- a plurality of adapters, each adapter having a power input side configured to receive power from a power source and a power output side configured to be coupled to the cord end, wherein the power input side of each adapter is unique to the respective adapter and the power output side of each adapter is common among the adapters whereby all of the adapters are connectable to the prongs of the cord end, the plurality of adapters comprising a first adapter and a second adapter, wherein when the first adapter is mated to the cord end, the first and second prongs of the cord end and therethrough the first and second primary winding ends are electrically coupled to the power input side of the first adapter and when the second adapter is mated to the cord end, the first and third prongs of the cord end and therethrough the first primary winding end and the center tap are electrically coupled to the power input side of the second adapter.
2 more elements
A welding-type device comprising:
- a power supply constructed to generate a power signal suitable for welding-type applications, the power supply including a transformer comprising a single primary winding;
- a cord having a first conductor electrically coupled to a first end of the primary winding, a second conductor electrically coupled to a second end of the primary winding, a third conductor electrically coupled to the center tap of the primary winding, and a fourth conductor electrically coupled to a reference point of the power supply;
- a switch assembly comprising a first switch and a second switch, the switch assembly designed to open and close electrical conductivity of the second and third conductors concurrently, the first switch configured to open and close electrical conductivity of the second conductor and the second switch configured to open and close electrical conductivity of the third conductor;
- a cord end having a first prong electrically coupled to the first conductor, a second prong electrically coupled to the second conductor, a third prong electrically coupled to the third conductor, and a fourth prong electrically coupled to the fourth conductor;
- and
- a plurality of adapters, each adapter having a power input side configured to receive power from a power source and a power output side configured to be coupled to the cord end, wherein the power input side of each adapter is unique to the respective adapter and the power output side of each adapter is common among the adapters whereby all of the adapters are connectable to the prongs of the cord end, the plurality of adapters comprising a first adapter and a second adapter, wherein when the first adapter is mated to the cord end, the first and second prongs of the cord end and therethrough the first and second primary winding ends are electrically coupled to the power input side of the first adapter and when the second adapter is mated to the cord end, the first and third prongs of the cord end and therethrough the first primary winding end and the center tap are electrically coupled to the power input side of the second adapter.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.