Patent ID: 9266183
Filing Date: 2016-02-23
CPC Classification: B23K

Claim Text:
1. A welding system comprising: an engine-driven generator comprising an internal combustion engine drivingly coupled to a generator; power conversion circuitry coupled to the generator and configured to convert power output by the generator to power suitable for welding; a welding torch that in operation receives power from the power conversion circuitry for initiating and maintaining a welding arc; at least one sensor configured to sense parameters of the power draw from the generator; and control circuitry configured to receive signals from the sensor, to increase speed of the engine to a first speed when performing a welding operation, to determine a power or voltage value based at least in part on signals from the sensor, to compare the power or voltage value to a threshold value, to maintain speed of the engine at the first speed when the power or voltage value does not exceed the threshold value, and to increase speed of the engine in increments until the power or voltage value exceeds the threshold value, wherein the control circuitry implements successive steps of power calculation and commands the engine speed to remain at a determined speed or to increase the engine speed based upon the power draw.