Inventors:
George Tunnell - Foster City CA
Charles L. Pomernacki - Oakland CA
Jack P. Gregg - Fremont CA
International Classification:
G10K 1100
B23K 910
Abstract:
Apparatus and method are provided for permitting human voice control of a welding system. A human operator, remote from a welding power supply, uses a welding torch connected by a power line to the welding power supply. The human operator is provided with an audio transmitter which permits the operator to adjust the welding power supply through verbal commands. The verbal commands are issued by the human operator, and are transmitted through a receiver, a voice recognition unit, and a computer, which is electrically connected to deliver power control signals to the welding power supply to thereby adjust the power delivered to the welding torch. The operator may also issue verbal commands to start and stop an internal combustion engine which drives the welding power supply, when such an engine is used. Additionally, when the welding process incorporates a consumable wire electrode, the operator may verbally alter the speed at which the wire electrode is fed through the welding torch. A major advantage of the system is that changes are made without interrupting the welding process.