Patents by Inventor Chris J. Roehl

Chris J. Roehl has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230015497
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for manually setting up a wire drive assembly of a welding power supply and automatically setting up welding power supply parameters. A drive roll is configured with multiple grooves for receiving multiple wires of different types and/or different diameters. A sensor can detect the configuration of the drive roll such as, for example, being configured to receive a particular wire type with a particular diameter in a particular groove, by detect a distance to the drive roll. The welding power supply can use this information to automatically set the wire speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
  • Publication number: 20220134463
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for support of low-power operation in training modes in welding machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Chris J. Roehl, Gregg Prochnow, Alan Manthe, Maxwell Bode Brock, Jeremy John Erdmann, Nicholas James Dessart, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski
  • Patent number: 11213907
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting welding schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type torch configured for use during welding-type operations, with the welding-type torch comprising an input device configured for setting a welding-type parameter, such as welding schedules, associated with a welding-type device that is used in conjunction with the welding-type torch during the welding-type operations. The welding-type device may be a welding-type power source. The welding-type torch is connected to the welding-type device via a welding-type connector, with the setting of the welding-type parameter occurring via the welding-type connector and without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Chris J. Roehl, Andrew James Thielke
  • Patent number: 11185942
    Abstract: Aspects of a welding-type cable and torch are provided. The welding-type cable includes a power conductor to conduct welding-type power and a weld torch interface on a distal end of the welding-type cable to attach a weld torch to the power conductor. The welding-type torch includes a power connector to transfer welding-type power between the welding-type torch and a power conductor of a welding-type cable that is detachably coupled to the power connector. An electrode to perform a welding-type operation using the welding-type power is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
  • Publication number: 20210323102
    Abstract: A tool less method of connecting a welding-type power source with a cart is disclosed. In some examples, the cart may be configured to carry one or more gas bottles (and/or cylinders). In some examples, the power source housing and the cart may connect at interfacing ends and/or walls of the housing and cart. A connector, such as a clip for example, may span the interface to connect the power source housing and the cart. Catches (e.g. slots, holes, crevices, and/or protrusions) may be formed in and/or on the power supply housing and/or cart proximate to the interfacing ends and/or walls. In some examples, the catches may be aligned. In some examples, the cart and/or power source housing may include alignment surfaces to assist with alignment. The connector may engage the aligned catches to connect the welding-type power source and cart together at the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas James Dessart, Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott R. Rozmarynowski
  • Patent number: 11084130
    Abstract: A tool less method of connecting a welding-type power source with a cart is disclosed. In some examples, the cart may be configured to carry one or more gas bottles (and/or cylinders). In some examples, the power source housing and the cart may connect at interfacing ends and/or walls of the housing and cart. A connector, such as a clip for example, may span the interface to connect the power source housing and the cart. Catches (e.g. slots, holes, crevices, and/or protrusions) may be formed in and/or on the power supply housing and/or cart proximate to the interfacing ends and/or walls. In some examples, the catches may be aligned. In some examples, the cart and/or power source housing may include alignment surfaces to assist with alignment. The connector may engage the aligned catches to connect the welding-type power source and cart together at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas James Dessart, Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott R. Rozmarynowski
  • Patent number: 11027354
    Abstract: A power conversion assembly for use in a welding power supply includes a power magnetics module and a power electronics module. The power magnetics module includes at least one transformer disposed on a first wind tunnel housing. The power electronics module is separate from and electrically coupled to the power magnetics module. The power electronics module includes switching circuitry and one or more heat sinks to remove heat from the switching circuitry. The switching circuitry and the heat sinks are disposed on a second wind tunnel housing coupled to the first wind tunnel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Alan Dunahoo, Ronald Dewayne Woodward, Benjamin David Romenesko, Chris J. Roehl, Craig Steven Knoener, Joshua Thomas Stiever
  • Patent number: 10987749
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for indicating schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type system may comprise a welding-type power source, a welding-type torch, driven by the welding-type power source, and a welding-type connector configured for connecting the welding-type power source to the welding-type torch. The welding-type torch may comprise one or more indication components configured for providing, to a user of the welding-type system, indications relating to at least one of operations of the welding-type torch, status of welding-type operations, or welding-type parameters. The one or more indications comprise an indication of a present value of a particular welding-type parameter that pertains to configuration of the welding-type power source; and the one or more indication components are configured to provide the indication of present value of the particular welding-type parameter without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Chris J. Roehl, Andrew James Thielke
  • Patent number: 10710191
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed of a welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply configured to provide welding-type power. A reel located within a housing of the welding-type power supply. A welding-type cable, the reel configured to wind the welding-type cable to reduce a length of the welding-type cable extending from the housing, and to unwind to increase a length of the welding-type cable extending from the housing at least partially wound around the reel when stored. The welding-type cable includes a first end secured to the reel and electrically connected to the welding-type power supply and a second end configured to provide the welding-type power to at least one welding-type tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
  • Publication number: 20190299341
    Abstract: A tool less method of connecting a welding-type power source with a cart is disclosed. In some examples, the cart may be configured to carry one or more gas bottles (and/or cylinders). In some examples, the power source housing and the cart may connect at interfacing ends and/or walls of the housing and cart. A connector, such as a clip for example, may span the interface to connect the power source housing and the cart. Catches (e.g. slots, holes, crevices, and/or protrusions) may be formed in and/or on the power supply housing and/or cart proximate to the interfacing ends and/or walls. In some examples, the catches may be aligned. In some examples, the cart and/or power source housing may include alignment surfaces to assist with alignment. The connector may engage the aligned catches to connect the welding-type power source and cart together at the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Nicholas James Dessart, Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott R. Rozmarynowski
  • Publication number: 20190126381
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for manually setting up a wire drive assembly of a welding power supply and automatically setting up welding power supply parameters. A drive roll is configured with multiple grooves for receiving multiple wires of different types and/or different diameters. A sensor can detect the configuration of the drive roll such as, for example, being configured to receive a particular wire type with a particular diameter in a particular groove, by detect a distance to the drive roll. The welding power supply can use this information to automatically set the wire speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
  • Patent number: 10252367
    Abstract: A method and system to determine optimum operating parameters for the startup phase of a welding-type process based on user-desired operating parameters of the post-startup or welding phase of the welding-type process are disclosed. While applicable to a number of welding-type processes, the method and system are particularly configured to determine an optimum wire feed speed for Gas Metal Arc Welding of aluminum using pulse spray transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kaufman, Michael Todd Klegin, Chris J. Roehl
  • Publication number: 20180281098
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed of a welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply configured to provide welding-type power. A reel located within a housing of the welding-type power supply. A welding-type cable, the reel configured to wind the welding-type cable to reduce a length of the welding-type cable extending from the housing, and to unwind to increase a length of the welding-type cable extending from the housing at least partially wound around the reel when stored. The welding-type cable includes a first end secured to the reel and electrically connected to the welding-type power supply and a second end configured to provide the welding-type power to at least one welding-type tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
  • Patent number: 10081072
    Abstract: A welding torch has a torch handle. A wire drive assembly is disposed in the torch handle and includes a drive motor and a drive roller. The wire drive assembly contacts the welding wire and is configured to drive the welding wire from a wire feeder to a welding operation. In addition, the welding torch has a trigger and a wire feed speed adjustment assembly. The trigger is disposed near a rear end of the torch handle and is configured to be depressed by an operator for initiating feed of the welding wire. The adjustment assembly is positioned near the rear end of the handle adjacent to the trigger and on the same side of the handle as the trigger. The adjustment assembly allows operator adjustment of a feed speed of the welding wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Paul William Garvey, Chris J. Roehl
  • Publication number: 20180185947
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for indicating schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type system may comprise a welding-type power source, a welding-type torch, driven by the welding-type power source, and a welding-type connector configured for connecting the welding-type power source to the welding-type torch. The welding-type torch may comprise one or more indication components configured for providing, to a user of the welding-type system, indications relating to at least one of operations of the welding-type torch, status of welding-type operations, or welding-type parameters. The one or more indications comprise an indication of a present value of a particular welding-type parameter that pertains to configuration of the welding-type power source; and the one or more indication components are configured to provide the indication of present value of the particular welding-type parameter without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Chris J. Roehl, Andrew James Thielke
  • Publication number: 20180185950
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting welding schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type torch configured for use during welding-type operations, with the welding-type torch comprising an input device configured for setting a welding-type parameter, such as welding schedules, associated with a welding-type device that is used in conjunction with the welding-type torch during the welding-type operations. The welding-type device may be a welding-type power source. The welding-type torch is connected to the welding-type device via a welding-type connector, with the setting of the welding-type parameter occurring via the welding-type connector and without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Chris J. Roehl, Andrew James Thielke
  • Publication number: 20180117703
    Abstract: Aspects of a welding-type cable and torch are provided. The welding-type cable includes a power conductor to conduct welding-type power and a weld torch interface on a distal end of the welding-type cable to attach a weld torch to the power conductor. The welding-type torch includes a power connector to transfer welding-type power between the welding-type torch and a power conductor of a welding-type cable that is detachably coupled to the power connector. An electrode to perform a welding-type operation using the welding-type power is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
  • Publication number: 20170355036
    Abstract: Provided is a disclosure for a welding system with a display device configured to display an electronic parameter chart for use in setting up the welding system for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Chris J. Roehl
  • Patent number: 9821980
    Abstract: A braking system for a welding machine is provided. In one aspect, the braking system includes a brake surface, a spool hub shaft, a spool hub, an adjustment knob and an expandable and compressible member. The spool hub shaft is capable of engaging against the brake surface. The expandable and compressible member is provided between the spool hub and the adjustment knob to apply varying levels of force on the spool hub. The spool hub shaft has at least one tab which is capable of engaging with a recess in the adjustment knob to adjust the force applied by the member on the spool hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl
  • Publication number: 20170182581
    Abstract: A method and system to determine optimum operating parameters for the startup phase of a welding-type process based on user-desired operating parameters of the post-startup or welding phase of the welding-type process are disclosed. While applicable to a number of welding-type processes, the method and system are particularly configured to determine an optimum wire feed speed for Gas Metal Arc Welding of aluminum using pulse spray transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Charles L. Kaufman, Michael Todd Klegin, Chris J. Roehl