US 12,377,488 B2
Methods and apparatus to switch a weld power output
Joseph Robert Ryan, Greenville, WI (US); James Andrew Byrne, Appleton, WI (US); Richard Mark Achtner, Buchanan, WI (US); and Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Appleton, WI (US)
Assigned to Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US)
Filed by Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
Filed on Nov. 2, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/500,703.
Application 18/500,703 is a continuation of application No. 16/563,989, filed on Sep. 9, 2019, granted, now 11,819,960.
Application 16/563,989 is a continuation of application No. 15/062,775, filed on Mar. 7, 2016, granted, now 10,406,624, issued on Sep. 10, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2024/0066619 A1, Feb. 29, 2024
Int. Cl. B23K 9/10 (2006.01); B23K 9/095 (2006.01); B23K 9/235 (2006.01); B23K 9/32 (2006.01); H05B 6/04 (2006.01); H05B 6/10 (2006.01)
CPC B23K 9/1043 (2013.01) [B23K 9/0956 (2013.01); B23K 9/1006 (2013.01); B23K 9/1056 (2013.01); B23K 9/235 (2013.01); B23K 9/32 (2013.01); H05B 6/04 (2013.01); H05B 6/101 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A welding system, comprising:
a welding power supply configured to output welding power; and
a first welding accessory configured to receive the welding power from the welding power supply and comprising:
a power converter configured to consume the welding power;
one or more pass-through ports configured to connect the first welding accessory to a second welding accessory;
first and second switching devices configured to direct the welding power to the power converter or to the second welding accessory; and
a controller configured to:
monitor the welding power from the welding power supply; and
control the first and second switching devices to direct the welding power to the power converter or the one or more pass-through ports based on at least a change of impedance or voltage at the pass-through ports.