Patent Publication Number: US-2015069035-A1

Title: Tire inflation system for engine driven welder

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/876,797, filed Sep. 12, 2013, and entitled “TIRE INFLATION SYSTEM FOR ENGINE DRIVEN WELDER.” The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention described herein pertains generally to welding equipment, and more particularly to integrating an air compressor into a welding machine. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Frequently, welding is required where supply power may not be readily available. As such, the welding power supply may be an engine driven welding power supply incorporating a generator. The generator may supply power to the welder as well as to other power tools as may be needed on site. As different applications require different versions of welders and power tools, the trailer may be designed to carry one of many different types of welding power supplies. 
     Traditional welding-type apparatus can be broken into two basic categories. The first category receives operational power from transmission power receptacles, also known as static power. The second is portable or self-sufficient, stand alone welders having internal combustion engines, also known as rotating power. While in many settings conventional static power driven welders are preferred, engine driven welders enable welding-type processes where static power is not available. Rotating power driven welders operate by utilizing power generated from engine operation. As such, engine driven welders and welding-type apparatus allow portability and thus fill an important need. 
     Static powered welders initiate the weld process by way of a trigger on a hand-held torch or with an electrically charged stick connected to a charged electrode. 
     Rotating power driven welders operate similarly, as long as the engine is running. If the engine is shut down, there is typically no residual power to create an arc. To once again weld, the engine must be started and run at operational speed to produce the arc. Therefore, it is simply not possible to manually start and stop the engine between each and every break in the welding process. Further, even during longer periods, operators may find it easier to let the engine run because of distance to the engine, a misconception that it is better for the engine, or just out of habit. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a welding device that includes at least one of a motor-driven welder assembly including a motor that is a power source for the welding device to perform a welding operation; an air compressor system that generates and stores a portion of compressed air in a reservoir, wherein the air compressor system is powered by at least the motor; a nozzle coupled to a hose that connects to the reservoir for delivery of the portion of compressed air; and a regulator component that is configured to manage an amount of the portion of compressed air stored in the reservoir. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a welding system that includes a motor-driven welder assembly including a motor that is a power source for the welding device to perform a welding operation and an internal compartment that houses an air compressor system. The air compressor system includes a reservoir that stores a portion of compressed air, an intake that receives a portion of ambient air, a crankcase with one or more pistons, means for driving the one or more pistons. a hose with a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end is coupled to the reservoir, and a a nozzle coupled to the second end for delivery of the portion of compressed air. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a welding device that includes at least the following: a trailer incorporating a trailer hitch, a trailer frame, and a payload region; an adjustable stand on a front end of the trailer, wherein the adjustable stand is configured to adjust a height of the front end of the trailer; an engine driven welder secured to the payload region; a motor-driven welder assembly including a motor that is a power source for the engine driven welder to perform a welding operation; an internal compartment that houses an air compressor system; the air compressor system that includes: a reservoir that stores a portion of compressed air, an intake that receives a portion of ambient air, a crankcase with one or more pistons, means for driving the one or more pistons, and means for delivering the portion of compressed air for inflation of a tire or driving a pneumatic device. 
     These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a welding device that includes a motor as a power source; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a welding device; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a welding device affixed to a trailer for mobility; 
         FIG. 4A  is a block diagram illustrating a welding device; 
         FIG. 4B  is a block diagram illustrating a welding device; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram of an embodiment of a welder with an integrated air compressor powered by at least a portion of a power source of the welder; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate embodiments including alternative positioning for an air compressor system for a welder; and 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate embodiments of an air compressor system with cutaway portions to depict various aspects of the air compressor apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems that generally relate to an air compressor system integrated into an engine welder. In particular, an air compressor system can be powered by at least a motor of an engine driven welder such that the engine driven welder can provide enhanced capabilities related to use of stored compressed air. The air compressor system can be stored into a portion of a housing of the engine driven welder, wherein the housing is a compartment that allows for concealment of the air compressor system unless needed by a user. The stored compressed air can be utilized, for instance, to drive a pneumatic device or inflate a tire. Further, an adjustment device allows a user setting to specify a target air pressure for delivery of stored compressed air. Moreover, a regulator component can manage an amount of stored compressed air in a reservoir in order to ensure the reservoir of the air compressor system is maintained within a safe pounds per square inch (PSI) range. 
     The subject innovation can be used with any suitable engine-driven welder, engine-driven welding system, engine-driven welding apparatus, a welding system powered by an engine, a welding system powered by a battery, a welding system powered by an energy storage device, a hybrid welder (e.g., a welding device that includes an engine driven power source and an energy storage device or batter), or a combination thereof. It is to be appreciated that any suitable system, device, or apparatus that can perform a welding operation can be used with the subject innovation and such can be chosen with sound engineering judgment without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. The engine driven welder can include a power source that can be used in a variety of applications where outlet power is not available or when outlet power will not be relied on as the sole source of power including portable power generation, backup power generation, heating, plasma cutting, welding, and gouging. The example discussed herein relates to welding operations, such as, arc welding, plasma cutting, and gouging operations. It is to be appreciated that a power source can generate a portion of power, wherein the portion of power is electrical power. It is to be appreciated that “power source” as used herein can be a motor, an engine, a generator, an energy storage device, a battery, a component that creates electrical power, a component that converts electrical power, or a combination thereof. By way of example and not limitation,  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate welding systems or devices that can be utilized with the subject innovation. It is to be appreciated that the following welding systems are described for exemplary purposes only and are not limiting on the welding systems that can utilize the subject innovation or variations thereof. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a welding device  100 . The welding device  100  includes a housing  112  which encloses the internal components of the welding device. Optionally, the welding type device  100  includes a loading eyehook  114  and/or fork recesses. The loading eyehook  114  and the fork recesses facilitate the portability of the welding device  100 . Optionally, the welding-type device  100  could include a handle and/or wheels as a means of device mobility. The housing  112  also includes a plurality of access panels  118 ,  120 . Access panel  118  provides access to a top panel  122  of housing  112  while access panel  120  provides access to a side panel  124  of housing  112 . A similar access panel is available on an opposite side. These access panels  118 ,  120 , provide access to the internal components of the welding device  100  including, for example, an energy storage device (not shown) suitable for providing welding-type power. An end panel includes a louvered opening to allow for air flow through the housing  112 . 
     The housing  112  of the welding-type device  100  also houses an internal combustion engine. The engine is evidenced by an exhaust port  130  and a fuel port  132  that protrude through the housing  112 . The exhaust port  130  extends above the top panel  122  of the housing  112  and directs exhaust emissions away from the welding-type device  100 . The fuel port  132  preferably does not extend beyond the top panel  122  or side panel  124 . Such a construction protects the fuel port  132  from damage during transportation and operation of the welding-type device  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a welding apparatus  205  that can be utilized with the subject innovation. Welding apparatus  205  includes a power source  210  that includes a housing  212  enclosing the internal components of power source  210 . As will be described in greater detail below, housing  212  encloses control components  213 . Optionally, welding device  210  includes a handle  214  for transporting the welding system from one location to another. To effectuate the welding process, welding device  210  includes a torch  216  as well as a grounding clamp  218 . Grounding clamp  218  is configured to ground a workpiece  220  to be welded. As is known, when torch  216  is in relative proximity to workpiece  220 , a welding arc or cutting arc, depending upon the particular welding-type device, is produced. Connecting torch  216  and grounding clamp  218  to housing  212  is a pair of cables  222  and  224 , respectively. 
     The welding arc or cutting arc is generated by the power source by conditioning raw power received from an interchangeable energy storage device  226 . In a preferred embodiment, energy storage device  226  is a battery. Energy storage device  226  is interchangeable with similarly configured batteries. Specifically, energy storage device  226  is encased in a housing  228 . Housing  228  is securable to the housing of welding device  210  thereby forming welding-type apparatus  205 . Specifically, energy storage device  226  is secured to power source  210  by way of a fastening means  230 . It is contemplated that fastening means  230  may include a clip, locking tab, or other means to allow energy storage device  226  to be repeatedly secured and released from power source  210 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a trailer  300  incorporating a trailer hitch or hitching device, depicted generally at  301 . The trailer  300  may include a trailer frame  302  and one or more trailer wheels  304  in rotational connection with the trailer frame  302  and may further include a payload region  306  for carrying one or more cargo items, which in an exemplary manner may be a welding power supply  308  or an engine driven welding power supply  308 . The trailer  300  may also include an adjustable stand  310  for adjusting the height of the front end  312  of the trailer  300 . However, any means may be used for raising and/or lowering the front end  312  of the trailer  300 . The trailer hitch  301  may be a generally longitudinal and substantially rigid trailer hitch  301  and may be attached to the frame  302  via fasteners  314 , which may be threaded bolts. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a hybrid welding device (herein referred to as a “hybrid welder”). A hybrid welder according to the invention is generally indicated by the number  400  in the drawings. Hybrid welder  400  includes an engine component that runs on fuel from fuel storage  410  allowing the hybrid welder  400  to be portable. It will be appreciated that hybrid welder  400  may also be mounted in a permanent location depending on the application. Hybrid welder  400  generally includes a motor-driven welder assembly  420  having a motor  425  and an energy storage device  430 . Motor  425  may be an internal combustion engine operating on any known fuel including but not limited to gasoline, diesel, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, and the like. These examples are not limiting as other motors or fuels may be used. 
     The motor  425  and energy storage device  430  may be operated individually or in tandem to provide electricity for the welding operation and any auxiliary operations performed by hybrid welder  400 . For instance, the control between motor  425  and energy storage device  430  can be based upon a switch component (not shown), a controller (not shown), a portion of software, a portion of hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, individual operation may include operating the motor  425  and supplementing the power from the motor  425  with power from the energy storage device  430  on an as needed basis. Or supplying power from the energy storage device  430  alone when the motor  425  is offline. Tandem operation may also include combining power from motor  425  and energy storage device  430  to obtain a desired power output. According to one aspect of the invention, a welder  400  may be provided with a motor having less power output than ordinarily needed, and energy storage device  430  used to supplement the power output to raise it to the desired power output level. In an embodiment, a motor with no more than 19 kW (25 hp) output may be selected and supplemented with six 12 volt batteries. Other combinations of motor output may be used and supplemented with more or less power from energy storage device. The above example, therefore, is not limiting. 
     Energy storage device  430  may be any alternative power source including a secondary generator, kinetic energy recovery system, or, as shown, one or more batteries  431 . In an embodiment, six 12 volt batteries  431  are wired in series to provide power in connection with motor-driven welder assembly  420 . Batteries  431  shown are lead acid batteries. Other types of batteries may be used including but not limited to NiCd, molten salt, NiZn, NiMH, Li-ion, gel, dry cell, absorbed glass mat, and the like. 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention will now be described for the purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time of the filing of this patent application. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims. Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same,  FIGS. 5-7  illustrate a schematic block diagram of a welding device, and in particular, an engine driven welding device as discussed in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a welder  500  including air compressor system  520 . Air compressor system  520  includes compressor  521 , which can be stowed in recess  529 . Compressor  521  is discussed in more detail in  FIG. 7  and can be chosen with sound engineering judgment without departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. When compressor  521  is stowed in recess  529 , access panel  530  can be closed. In embodiments, access panel  530  is flat, and creates a flush closure matching the contours of welder  500  when closed. In other embodiments, access panel  530  can be curved, 3-dimensional, or include a “jog-out”, increasing the closed volume of recess  529  to accommodate the specific geometry of compressor  521 . In still other alternative embodiments, access panel  530  can include a hole that allows at least a portion of air compressor system  520  to protrude through access panel  530  when access panel  530  is in a closed state. 
     Compressor  521  is supported by base  522 . In embodiments, base  522  can extend outward from recess  529  to permit easy access to compressor  521  and a secure resting position for compressor  521  when not in use. In embodiments where base  522  can extend outward using support system  523 . Support system  523  can include drawer-like rails which telescope or nest when transitioning between an open or closed state. In embodiments, base  522  can be extended or retracted through other mechanisms (e.g., swinging out or in) and can be supported through other mechanisms (e.g., hinges, support cables, legs, stops). In embodiments, base  522  can be cantilevered when extended outward, and support system  523  does not extend beyond the outer edge of welder  500 . 
     Compressor  521  is coupled with retractable cord  524 . Retractable cord  524  provides electrical power to compressor  521  for operation. In embodiments, retractable cord  524  can be reinforced to resist damage (e.g., fraying, cutting) and permit use of retractable cord  524  as a tether for compressor  521 . Retractable cord  524  can pass through cord aperture  525  to a compartment partitioned from recess  529  where the cord can be kept. Retractable cord  524  can have attached thereto a cord stop (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) that contacts cord aperture  525  or another component to prevent retractable cord  524  from being overextended, damaged, or disconnected from welder  500  or other coupled components. 
     While air compressor system  520  is shown oriented in a particular area of welder  500 , those of skill in the art will appreciate how this orientation is for illustrative purposes only, and that the particular positioning illustrated is only one of many possible configurations under the disclosures here. Further, it is understood that some embodiments of welders may not permit integration of air compressor system  520 , due to the location of internal components. Nonetheless, at least one embodiment of welder can be configured to integrate air compressor system  520  as illustrated, and  FIG. 5  can provide illustrative detail for integration in other embodiments. 
     Further, while compressor  521  is shown with retractable cord  524 , it is understood that, in alternative embodiments, retractable cord  524  need not be a component of air compressor system  520 , and compressor  521  can be a detached and removed from recess  529  (also referred to as a compartment. For instance, compressor  521  can include an energy storage device (not shown) that allows for removal and detachment from recess  529  for use of a compressor. In another instance, compressor  521  can include a detachable reservoir with hose and nozzle such that the reservoir can include compressed air generated by a power source and then used while being removed and detached from welder  500 . In some such embodiments, compressor  521  can include a recharging port that mates with a similar port in base  522 . In this way, the self-contained battery of a compressor  521  can be recharged using power from welder  500 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate embodiments of possible placements of an air compressor system in relation to various welding components.  FIG. 6A  illustrates a hybrid welder  600  with its outer case removed, and  FIG. 6B  shows an energy storage apparatus  650  for use with hybrid welder  600 . 
     While  FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict air compressor systems  620  and  620 ′, respectively, it is understood that when hybrid welder  600  and energy storage apparatus  650  are used in conjunction, only one of air compressor systems  620  and  620 ′ will be included. Thus, in some embodiments of a hybrid welding system using hybrid welder  600  and energy storage apparatus  650 , only one of air compressor system  620  and air compressor system  620 ′ will be present. Nonetheless, alternative embodiments can include two or more of air compressor system  620 , air compressor system  620 ′, and another tool integrated in a fashion similar to one of air compressor systems  620  and  620 ′. 
       FIG. 6A  shows hybrid welder  600  decoupled from energy storage apparatus  650  with its motor and fuel storage exposed. Air compressor system  620  can be integrated in a void between the motor and fuel storage, or in another position. As-illustrated between motor and fuel storage, air compressor system  620  can be surrounded by or include heat-resistant materials intended to insulate the air compressor system  620  from motor heat, or conduct heat away from the air compressor system  620 . 
     Air compressor system  620  can include compressor  621 , base  622 , and base supports  623 . Base  622  may extend out of or retract into the space between the motor and fuel storage to improve access to compressor  621  and/or provide a “table” on which to replace compressor  621 . Base  622  can be supported or retained in one or both of extended and retracted positions by base supports  623 . 
     Compressor  621  is powered using electricity provided through retractable cord  624 . Retractable cord  624  is stored about cord spool  627 , which can be manually wound to spool or unspool retractable cord  624 , or be biased (e.g., spring-loaded) to automatically spool slack in retractable cord  624 . In embodiments, retractable cord  624  need not pass through a cord aperture, and cord spool  627  can be disposed in a position with no physical separation from other components of air compressor system  620 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows energy storage apparatus  650  having air compressor system  620 ′. Air compressor system  620 ′ includes battery compressor  621 ′ that is powered by at least a portion of energy stored in an energy storage apparatus  650 . Battery compressor  621 ′ includes a charging port (not shown), which is configured to couple with a base charging port (not shown) on base  622 ′. In this way, an internal battery for battery compressor  621 ′ can be recharged when battery compressor  621 ′ is on base  622 ′. Base  622 ′ can be restrained or moved about by way of base supports  623 ′. In some embodiments, air compressor system  620 ′ can be placed in a space which may otherwise house a battery or other portion of energy storage apparatus  650 . 
     Bases  622  and  622 ′ can include strap, clip, retainer, or other securing member (not pictured) to secure compressor  621 / 621 ′ when engaged. When a securing member is engaged, hybrid welder  600  and/or energy storage apparatus  650  can be moved without shifting of compressor  621 / 621 ′, and compressor  621 / 621 ′ is secure and prevented from falling off base  622 / 622 ′. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate cutaway views of welding system  700  incorporating air compressor system  720 . Welding system  700  includes engine-driven welder  710 , which is operatively coupled to power source  740 . Power source  740  is used to generate at least a portion of power utilized by engine driven welder  710  and can be, but is not limited to, an energy storage device, a motor, an engine, a combustion engine, among others. 
     In addition to components utilized with welding tools, engine driven welder  710  includes opening  729 , which stores compressor  721  and associated components. Opening  729  is exposed or enclosed depending on the position of door  730 . Door  730  can be hingedly attached or fold in an outward or inward direction. In embodiments, door  730  can slide along rails to be opened outside engine driven welder  710 , or can slide into a compartment of engine driven welder  710 . In hinged and sliding embodiments, door  730  may include multiple portions (e.g., hingedly connected) that allow the door to assume curvature otherwise change its shape during opening or closing. Door  730  can include door latch  731 , which can attach to one of latches  732  and  733  to secure door  730  in an open or closed position. In some embodiments, door latch  731  can include a lock to provide security and prevent unauthorized use or removal of compressor  721 . 
     In an embodiment, compressor  721  is electrically powered by retractable cord  724 . Retractable cord  724  passes through a partition via cord aperture  725 , whereafter spool  727  (or another cord-retention component) retains excess cord not needed to move compressor  721  to a position where it is utilized. Retractable cord  724  can be used in combination with overextension preventer  726 , which is fixed to at least one portion of retractable cord  724  and stops in contact with cord aperture  725  or another component to prevent retractable cord  724  from being overextended and separating from spool  727  or power coupler  728 . A distal cord end operatively attaches with power coupler  728 , which routes appropriate electrical power to retractable cord  724  to power compressor  721 . In embodiments, power coupler  728  can include a converter, inverter, fuse, surge protector, or other components that prevent excess electrical power from being routed to and possibly damaging compressor  721 . 
     Compressor  721  can rest on a base. Base includes at least a stowed position and a usage position. Base can slide, roll, or otherwise be moved out of opening  729  to improve access and function of air compressor system  720 . Base tracks can support base in one or both of the stowed position and usage position. In some embodiments, base can be machined, molded, or otherwise shaped to accommodate compressor  721  placed on base in one or more positions. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates welder system  700  that includes welder  710  and air compressor system  720 . Air compressor system  720  can be integrated into welder system  700  such that a portion of power used by compressor  752  is provided by welder  710  and in particular power source  740 . For instance, welder  710  can include power source  740  as a motor, an engine, an energy storage device, or a combination thereof. Moreover, air compressor system  720  can receive a portion of power via power source  740  to power motor  754  for storing a portion of compressed air in reservoir  762 . In another instance, air compressor system  720  can be powered by an energy storage device (not shown but discussed in  FIG. 6B ) for compressor  752  that is charged by power source  740 . Power source  740  and distribution to at least motor  754  (e.g., via an engine, via an energy storage device of welder  710 , via energy storage device of compressor  752 , or a combination thereof) can be chosen with sound engineering judgment without departing from the intended scope of the subject innovation. 
     Compressor  752  can receive ambient air via ambient air intake  750  and convert ambient air into compressed air. In particular, motor  754  can drive (e.g., rotate) crankshaft  760  disposed within crankcase  756  that actuates piston  758 . Piston  758  can provide suction to draw in a portion of ambient air via ambient air intake  750  and force or compress the portion of ambient air into reservoir  762 , wherein the force and compression generate a portion of compressed air. Compressor  752  transfers the portion of ambient air through air line  764  that is connected to reservoir  762  for storage of the converted ambient air (e.g., compressed air). The stored compressed air can be delivered via a hose or nozzle from reservoir  762 . 
     In an embodiment, a regulator component (not shown) manages am amount of pressure stored in reservoir  762 . In particular, motor  754  can be controlled based upon the regulator component. Still further, an adjustment device can be utilized to set a desired air pressure for delivery from reservoir  762 . For instance, a particular pounds per square inch (PSI) may be desired by a user for use with inflation of a tire, a pneumatic device (e.g., drill, nailgun, wrench, air sprayer, impact wrench, jackhammer, and the like), among others. In another embodiment, gauge  784  is provided to indicate a pressure reading or amount. For instance, gauge  784  can display a pressure of reservoir  762  or a target pressure for delivery of a portion of stored compressed air. 
     In an embodiment, air compressor system  720  can be detachable and removable from compartment or recess  729 . For instance, air compressor system  720  can be modular such that reservoir  762  can be portable in comparison to welder  710 . For instance, a coupling mechanism that includes first connector  766  and second connector  768  can allow air line  764  to couple and de-couple to reservoir  762 . It is to be appreciated that coupling mechanism allows for receipt of a portion of ambient air from compressor  752  which is stored and converted to compressed air. Reservoir  762  can be removable from welder  710  without any connections to allow for portability and eventually delivery of compressed air. It is to be appreciated reservoir  762  can include one or more handles (not shown) for ease of portability. 
     In an embodiment, reservoir  762  can include a valve with one or more channels. For example, the valve can be a “Y” shaped valve. In particular, the valve can include a first channel  770  and a second channel  772 , wherein first channel  770  provides delivery of compressed air at a first air pressure (via an adjustment device) and second channel  772  provides delivery of compressed air at a second air pressure (via an adjustment device). Further, each channel can include an adjustment device that regulates air pressure delivered from reservoir  762 . For example, first channel  770  can include adjustment device  776  that regulates an air pressure of compressed air delivered from reservoir  762  and second channel  772  can include adjustment device  776  that regulates air pressure of compressed air delivery from reservoir  762 . For instance, nozzle  782  can be coupled to hose  780  that receives compressed air from reservoir  762  for delivery. The nozzle  782  can deliver compressed air to a tire, a item that requires inflating, and the like. In another example, pneumatic device  770  can be actuated by compressed air delivered via hose  778  from reservoir  762 . It is to be appreciated that various couplings, connectors, fittings, and the like can be utilized with the subject innovation and for the sake of brevity have not been discussed but are intended to be within the scope of the subject disclosure. 
     Welder system  700  further includes controller that is configured to manage electrical current use. In particular, controller can determine to perform a welding operation with power source  740 , an energy storage device, energy generated by motor  754 , or a combination thereof. For instance, motor  754  can be used to supplement or replace power source  740  for electrical current used with a welding operation. In another embodiment, controller can determine when compressor  752  and/or motor  754  can be operated based on a parameter. For instance, the parameter can be a switch or a user input. By way of example and not limitation, the parameter can be a switch that allows a first setting to activate compressor  752 . In the embodiment, the parameter is at least one of a representative of power source  740  of welding system  700  operating, a representative of the welding operation being performed (e.g., welding, brazing, gouging, TIG, etc.), an amount of energy stored in an energy storage device, a fuel amount contained within welding system  700 , a cost of a fuel for a motor, a fuel consumption efficiency for welding system  700 , a duration of time the motor of welding system  700  operates, a welding parameter (e.g., a voltage, a current, a wire feed speed, a type of weld, a workpiece composition, etc.), and the like. 
     In another embodiment, controller can determine whether to operate compressor  752  based on a parameter that is a welding parameter. For instance, the welding parameter can be, but is not limited to, a voltage of the welding operation, a current of the welding operation, a portion of a waveform used with the welding operation, a welding schedule parameter (e.g., welding process, wire type, wire size, wire feed speed (WFS), volts, trim, wire feeder to use, feed head to use, among others), a position of a welding tool, a composition of the workpiece on which the welding operation is performed, a position or location of an operator, sensor data (e.g., video camera, image capture, thermal imaging device, heat sensing camera, temperature sensor, among others), an amount of charge stored in energy storage device, a signal from a controller of the welding operation, a signal from a controller associated with welding device, and the like. 
     In an embodiment, the air compressor system further includes a compressor operable to provide compressed air, and comprising a crankcase and a crankshaft, wherein the crankshaft is disposed in the crankcase and a controller that is configured to power the compressor via the motor based upon at least the regulator component. In an embodiment, a welding device can include an adjustment device that is configured to receive a user setting for a target air pressure for the portion of compressed air stored in the reservoir. In an embodiment, the adjustment device further regulates an air pressure delivered from the reservoir to the hose to the nozzle. In an embodiment, the air pressure delivered from the reservoir to the hose to the nozzle is based upon a pounds per square inch (PSI) for a tire or a pneumatic device. 
     In an embodiment, a welding device can include an energy storage device that is an additional power source for the welding device to perform the welding operation and a switch component that selects between the energy storage device and the motor. In an embodiment, the air compressor system receives a portion of power from the energy storage device to generate the portion of compressed air in the reservoir. In an embodiment, the air compressor system is powered by the motor or the energy storage device. 
     In an embodiment, a welding device can include a valve member that includes a first channel for a first portion of compressed air and a second channel for a second portion of air, wherein at least one of the first channel or the second channel include at least one adjustment device to regulate a PSI for delivery of the portion of compressed air via the nozzle. In an embodiment, the first portion of compressed air is a first PSI and the second portion of compressed air is a second PSI. In an embodiment, the first PSI or the second PSI are based upon a user input for a target air pressure. 
     In an embodiment, a welding device can include a gauge that displays at least one of the amount of the portion of compressed air, a target air pressure for the portion of compressed air stored in the reservoir, or an air pressure delivered upon release of the portion of compressed air from the reservoir. In an embodiment, a welding device can include a compartment that stores the air compressor system. In an embodiment, the hose, the nozzle, and the reservoir are detachable from the welding device with the portion of compressed air stored in the reservoir. 
     In an embodiment, a welding system can include an energy storage device that is an additional power source for the welding device to perform the welding operation and a switch component that selects between the energy storage device and the motor. In an embodiment, the means for driving the one or more pistons is one of the motor or the energy storage device. For instance, the means for driving the one or more pistons can be a motor of an engine driven welder, an energy storage device associated with an engine driven welder, an energy storage device associated with solely the air compressor system, a motor solely associated with the air compressor system, a combination thereof, a connecting rod for each piston with a crankshaft disposed in a crankcase, and the like. In an embodiment, the means of driving the one or more pistons provides a suction of the portion of ambient air and a compression of the portion of ambient air to become the portion of compressed air. In an embodiment, at least one of the reservoir, the hose, or the nozzle are detachable and removable from the internal compartment. 
     While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein. The control systems and methodologies discussed herein are equally applicable to, and can be utilized in, systems and methods related to arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, and any other systems or methods using similar control methodology, without departing from the spirit or scope of the above discussed inventions. The embodiments and discussions herein can be readily incorporated into any of these systems and methodologies by those of skill in the art. By way of example and not limitation, a power supply as used herein (e.g., welding power supply, among others) can be a power supply for a device that performs welding, arc welding, laser welding, brazing, soldering, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, laser cutting, among others. Thus, one of sound engineering and judgment can choose power supplies other than a welding power supply departing from the intended scope of coverage of the embodiments of the subject invention. 
     The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, wherein equivalent alterations and/or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware, software, or combinations thereof, which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition although a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and/or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.