Patent ID: 9180545
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A wire feeder apparatus, comprising: a first wire drive system coupled to a first welding device; a second wire drive system coupled to a second welding device; and a switching mechanism between said first and second welding devices, said switching mechanism comprising, an input terminal to receive an output current from a welding power supply, a first position that selects a first current path, said first current path configured to direct a first welding current from said welding power supply to said first welding device such that said second welding device is electrically isolated from said first welding current, a second position that selects a second current path, said second current path configured to direct a second welding current from said welding power supply to said second welding device such that said first welding device is electrically isolated from said second welding current, and a third position that selects neither said first current path nor said second current path; and a controller that couples to said switching mechanism and to said welding power supply and controls a switching of said switching mechanism.