Welding Patents (Class 219/136)
  • Patent number: 11951574
    Abstract: A display system for a welding helmet that includes a darkening filter layer, a high-dynamic range (HDR) camera system to capture an HDR light field, and an optical image stabilization subsystem. Captured images are displayed on an HDR electronic display within the welding helmet without risk of overexposure of ultraviolet radiation to the operator. In some examples, dual electronic displays are used to display different HDR images to each eye of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventor: Collin Stoner
  • Patent number: 11919241
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for designing a nozzle for jetting printing material in a printing system including selecting a surface tension and viscosity of a printing material at a jetting temperature, selecting a drop volume of the printing material, and constructing a constricted axisymmetric dissipative section of the nozzle, which may include defining a length of the constricted axisymmetric dissipative section and defining a cross-sectional area of the constricted axisymmetric dissipative section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christoforos Somarakis, Svyatoslav Korneev, Saigopal Nelaturi, Adrian Lew
  • Patent number: 11911857
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and systems to determine voltage measurements in welding-type applications to facilitate control of welding-type processes. Disclosed systems include a remote operations interface configured to facilitate voltage measurements in welding-type applications and facilitate communication between a welding-type power supply and a wire feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Zhang, Adam E. Anders
  • Patent number: 11897062
    Abstract: An example contact tip for a welding torch includes: a first body section having a first diameter and exterior threads, the first body section having channels extending longitudinally along an exterior surface of the first body section to permit gas flow from a first end of the contact tip to a second end of the contact tip through the channels; a first bore portion having a first inner diameter; and a second bore portion having a second inner diameter configured to contact an electrode wire traveling through the second bore portion, the first inner diameter being larger than the second inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James Uecker, Jake Zwayer
  • Patent number: 11848526
    Abstract: A portable welding ground attachment system used to attach a welding ground clamp (also called a work clamp or work cable) of an arc welder to a workpiece to be welded. The system is particularly useful in establishing positive connections between a work cable and extended lengths of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventor: Christopher Bryan Trussell
  • Patent number: 11833624
    Abstract: A welding system or an enterprise using welding systems can communicate with cloud-based resources for the provision of services and products to facilitate the welding operations. The communications may be via wired or wireless media, and may be direct, or through other components, such as enterprise networks, peripheral devices, and so forth. The cloud-based resources may provide for storage of data, particularly welding data, processing of data, welding protocols, specifications and processes, financial transactions for the purchase, licensing or use of welding-related products and services, welding training, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Martin Hutchison
  • Patent number: 11839015
    Abstract: Consumables for cutting torches include a distributor, an electrode, and a nozzle. The distributor defines a plurality of ports that extend from an internal cavity of the distributor to an exterior surface of the distributor. The electrode is disposed within and irremovably, fixedly coupled to the distributor. The nozzle defines at least one set of passageways that direct gas into a gap defined between the electrode and the nozzle, the nozzle being irremovably, fixedly coupled to the distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: The ESAB Group Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Nadler, Maximilian Dougherty, Kevin Horner-Richardson, Auston Maynard, Andrew J. Raymond
  • Patent number: 11833626
    Abstract: A welding tip includes a tip body having a wire insertion bore along a central axis and a leaf spring configured to press a welding wire onto a feeding point disposed on an inner surface of the wire insertion bore. The tip body 1a has an aperture on an outer circumferential surface on the distal end side. The leaf spring has a first end that is a free end disposed on the distal end side of the tip body and a second end fixed to the tip body. The aperture includes a first aperture accommodating the leaf spring and second apertures disposed in communication with the first aperture and configured to discharge wear particles created during welding to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 11806807
    Abstract: Disclosed is a laser welding method for a secondary battery, in which a first electrode substrate tab and a second electrode substrate tab are laser-welded onto a first electrode uncoated region of a first electrode plate and a second electrode uncoated region of a second electrode plate, respectively, wherein the first electrode substrate tab and the second electrode substrate tab are fusion-bonded with a laser beam so as to have a preset welding pattern at welding portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong Gyu An, Hyung Bin Park, Hee Dong Jung, Jin Gyu Heo, Myung Jun Park, Jae Hoon Roh, Sang Hyun Ryu, Seong Bae An
  • Patent number: 11673593
    Abstract: A welding cart with a cable management system may include a frame, a shelf adapted to support a welding machine, a plurality of upright members, a plurality of wheels supporting the cart, one or more pairs of holders disposed on one or more sides of the cart, and a removable bar that may be releasably secured to the one or more pairs of holders. The bar may be releasably secured to the holders via a pin-and-hole mechanism and may have a hook adapated to hold welding equipment such as cables. The bar may be releasably secured to a first pair of holders disposed on a side of the cart or a second pair of holders disposed on another side of the cart. This system provides additional, easily accessible storage space for welding tools and accessories while still being compatible with a wide variety of portable welding machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Harbor Freight Tools
    Inventors: Ryan Lewis, Jonathan Cardenas, Anthony Ponce
  • Patent number: 11571763
    Abstract: A GTAW system and a welding method suitable for ultra-narrow gaps, and belongs to the technical field of narrow gap welding. The device includes a argon arc welding machine, a GTAW torch, a welding trolley, a wire feeding device, and a gas protection device. The GTAW torch includes a rotating motor, a rotating tungsten, a conductive system, and a gas supply system. The non-axisymmetric rotating tungsten is drived by the rotating motor through the central rotating shaft. The conductive system is used for connecting and supplying electric power from the argon arc welding machine, and the air supply system is used for providing shielding gas into the welding torch. The GTAW torch is fixed on the welding trolley, and the GTAW torch is moved by the welding trolley, and the wire feeding device moves synchronously with the welding torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SHANDONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chuanbao Jia, Wei Wu, Bin Wei, Sachin Mishra, Jihui Zhou
  • Patent number: 11498142
    Abstract: A wire dispenser for a laser metal wire deposition machine comprises a longitudinal duct for guiding a wire from a proximal end to a distal end of the duct. A nozzle unit is connected to the distal end of the duct and has a through bore for receiving the wire from the distal end of the duct and for discharging the wire adjacent to a laser metal wire deposition site. The nozzle unit includes a cooling circuit for a cooling liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: GKN AEROSPACE SWEDEN AB
    Inventor: Johan Käll
  • Patent number: 11453077
    Abstract: A system for and a method of controlling a filler wire and/or an heat source is provided. The system includes a high intensity energy source configured to heat at least one workpiece to create a molten puddle on a surface of the at least one workpiece. A filler wire feeder is configured to feed a filler wire into said molten puddle, and a travel direction controller is configured to advance the high intensity energy source and the filler wire in a travel direction to deposit the filler wire on the at least one workpiece. The system also includes a controller configured to move the filler wire and/or the energy source in at least a first direction during the feeding and advancing of the filler wire. At least the first direction is controlled to obtain a desired shape, profile, height, size, or admixture of a bead formed by the molten puddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: Elliott R. Ash
  • Patent number: 11426813
    Abstract: A welding or additive manufacturing wire drive system includes a first spindle for a first welding wire spool, a second spindle for a second welding wire spool, a first drive roll, and a second drive roll. One or both of the drive rolls has a circumferential groove. A first welding wire and a second welding wire are located between the first drive roll and the second drive roll in the circumferential groove. The first welding wire contacts the second welding wire between the first drive roll and the second drive roll. The first welding wire further contacts a first sidewall portion of the circumferential groove. The second welding wire further contacts a second sidewall portion of the circumferential groove. Both of the first welding wire and the second welding wire are radially offset from a central portion of the circumferential groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Bradford W. Petot, Elliott R. Ash, Kent R. Johns, Vincent D. Casella, Steven R. Peters, Alexander C. Mehlman, Matthew A. Weeks
  • Patent number: 11400535
    Abstract: A method for producing a built-up object, includes: producing maps beforehand, the maps indicating bead heights BH and bead widths BW corresponding to a base-surface inclination angle ? and a track inclination angle ?, in which the base-surface inclination angle is an angle between a base surface on which the weld beads are to be formed and a vertical direction, and the track inclination angle is an angle between a track direction of the torch and a vertical direction on the base surface; selecting a bead height BH0 and a bead width BW0 from the maps correspondingly to the base-surface inclination angle ? and the track inclination angle ? in forming a weld bead on the base surface; and forming the weld bead based on the selected bead height BH0 and bead width BW0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: KOBE STEEL, LTD.
    Inventors: Takemasa Yamasaki, Shinji Sato, Takeshi Yamada, Tatsuya Fujii
  • Patent number: 11400537
    Abstract: Systems and methods for labeling non-welding time periods using machine learning techniques are described. In some examples, a weld monitoring system may collect various data from sensors and/or welding equipment in a welding area over a time period. The data may evaluated to divide the time period into welding time periods and non-welding time periods. The weld monitoring system may use one or more machine learning models and/or techniques in combination with the collected data to determine what non-welding activities took place during the non-welding time periods. In some examples, the machine learning models may be continuously trained, updated, and/or improved using feedback from operators and/or other individuals, data from ongoing welding and/or non-welding activities, as well as data from other weld monitoring systems and/or machine learning models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Ivkovich
  • Patent number: 11370053
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure provides a welding torch that includes a torch head and a torch body removably connected to the torch head. The torch head includes first and second torch-head flow paths for flowing cooling water, first and second inlets/outlets communicating with the first and second torch-head flow paths, respectively, and a movable part movable in an axial direction of the torch head. The torch body includes a torch-body flow path for flowing cooling water, and first and second connection ports communicating with opposite ends of the torch-body flow path, respectively. The first and second inlets/outlets communicate with the first and second connection ports, respectively, when the torch head and the torch body are connected to each other. The first and second inlets/outlets are closed with the movable part when the torch head and the torch body are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: DAIHEN Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsushi Minamoto, Yukiya Morita, Yoshiaki Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 11345017
    Abstract: A cable-mounted object, such as a camera, is movable using one or more robotic cable mounts. The robotic cable mounts have a head which support a first portion of the cable. The head is movable in three-dimensional space, such as linearly along three orthogonal axis (or combinations thereof). Changes in the position of the head of the robotic mount change the position of the cable, thus changing the position of the cable-mounted object. In one embodiment, two ends of cable may be connected to first and second robotic cable mounts, or an object might be mounted to multiple cables, each of which is connected to a different robotic mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Andrew Flessas
  • Patent number: 11338383
    Abstract: A tungsten inert gas welding torch body, a TIG welding torch handle, and a TIG welding torch has a gas channel terminating in front of the distal end of a plug-in element in an inlet opening arranged on the shell side of the plug-in element, and a central inlet mouth at the distal end of the plug-in element terminating in front of the distal end of the plug-in element in a return opening on the shell side at the plug-in element. The TIG welding torch handle has a second channel arranged coaxially to the central channel, and a third channel arranged coaxially to the second channel. A connection is between the second channel and the third channel. The first channel has a mouth in the center of the receiving part, and each of the second and third channels has a mouth on the shell side of the receiving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: David Preundler, Klaus Oberndorfer, Anton Preundler, Alexander Zeitlinger
  • Patent number: 11331742
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flux-cored wire including a steel sheath and a flux that fills the steel sheath. The flux contains fluorides of which a total value ? of F-equivalent values is 0.21% or more, oxides of which the total value ? of amounts ranges from 0.30% to less than 3.50%, and carbonates of which a total value of amounts ranges from 0% to 3.50%. An amount of CaO ranges from 0% to less than 0.20%. An amount of iron powder ranges from 0% to less than 10.0%. A X-value is 5.0% or less. The amount of CaF2 is less than 0.50%. The amount of Ti oxides ranges from 0.10% to less than 2.50%. A ratio of ? to ? ranges from 0.10 to 4.00. A total value of amounts of MgCO3, Na2CO3, and LiCO3 ranges from 0% to 3.00%. Other chemical composition is within a predetermined range. Ceq ranges from 0.45% to 1.20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kotaro Watanabe, Tatsuya Kumagai, Hiroki Fujimoto, Yasuhito Totsuka
  • Patent number: 11278982
    Abstract: A welding power system including a controller with (a) a data input device via which a an operator can input parameters relating to a volume of an interior of one more pieces to be welded and (b) that calculates and outputs a purge time, the purge time being a time period needed to replace an atmosphere within the volume with a purge gas at a predetermined flow rate of the purge gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Steven Kadlec
  • Patent number: 11247290
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to preheat weld wire are disclosed. An example welding torch includes a first contact tip configured to conduct welding current to a consumable electrode, a second contact tip configured to conduct preheating current to the consumable electrode, and a plurality of liquid cooling assemblies configured to conduct the preheating current and to conduct the welding current to the consumable electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Roland Sigl, James Lee Uecker, Jake Zwayer, Nicholas Matiash, Jeffrey Wells, Nauman Basit
  • Patent number: 11220011
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-jointed welding robot that includes: a rotating part that is rotatably provided on a base that is fixed to an installation surface; and a multi-jointed arm that is coupled to the rotating part via a first driving shaft and has a plurality of arm parts. An opening is formed in the rotating part through which a routing member, which is routed inside the rotating part, is guided from part of the rotating part toward the side opposite the installation surface. A guide member guides the routing member, which has one end fixed to the opening and which is guided through the opening, toward the installation surface from the other end of the routing member while bending the routing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuharu Sakurai, Yuki Shika, Motoaki Murakami, Taichi Igarashi, Tatsuji Minato
  • Patent number: 11192202
    Abstract: A welding torch having a nozzle assembly with multiple attachment methods is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle shell, an electrically insulating sleeve, and a nozzle insert. The nozzle insert is configured for attachment to gas diffuser assemblies with different attachment mechanisms (e.g. a slip-on mechanism relying on frictional force, and/or screw-on mechanism relying on torque).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Robert J. Centner
  • Patent number: 11131978
    Abstract: A metal fabrication resource performance monitoring method includes collecting data representative of a parameter sampled during one or more metal fabrication operations of one or more metal fabrication resources, the one or more resources being selectable by a user from a listing of individual and groups of resources, receiving event data comprising a time that an event occurred, via at least one computer processor, determining a first analyzed system parameter from the collected data, via the at least one computer processor, populating a dashboard page with graphical indicia representative of the first analyzed system parameter before and after the event, and transmitting the dashboard page to a user-viewable display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Todd Earl Holverson, Caleb Robert Krisher, Adam Kirk Pliska
  • Patent number: 11077515
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a welding torch is disclosed. The nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle, a contact tip, and a gas diffuser assembly. The gas diffuser assembly comprises a gas diffuser, coupled to an insulator. The gas diffuser is also coupled to a gooseneck and the contact tip. The nozzle is coupled to the gas diffuser assembly, such that the contact tip is retained within the nozzle. The nozzle and gas diffuser assembly further include complementary engagement features to couple the nozzle to the gas diffuser assembly. The nozzle also includes a spatter deflector configured to deflect or block spatter from obstructing gas holes of the gas diffuser assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Eugene Whipple, Jeffrey G. Wells
  • Patent number: 11033979
    Abstract: There is provided an arc welding control method of performing a forward/reverse feeding control of alternating a feeding rate of a welding wire between a forward feeding period and a reverse feeding period, and generating short-circuiting periods and arc periods to perform welding. The welding wire is fed forwardly at a time of staring the welding. The forward/reverse feeding control is started from the reverse feeding period of the welding wire after starting conduction of a welding current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: DAIHEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiro Ide
  • Patent number: 11020813
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to reduce cast in a welding wire are disclosed. Example systems to reduce cast in a welding wire include a wire advancement roller configured to advance welding wire from a welding wire supply toward a welding torch; and a wire straightener configured to reduce cast in the welding wire by applying heat to the welding wire between the welding wire supply and the welding torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Will, Jake Zwayer
  • Patent number: 11014186
    Abstract: An arc welding method preforms reciprocating wire feed so as to alternately perform forward feed and reverse feed. The arc welding method includes a normal arc welding step, a normal short circuit welding step, and an abnormal arc welding step. In the abnormal arc welding step, a short circuit state occurs at a second time point, which is before a lapse of a second period from a first time point at which an arc state occurs. Further, in the abnormal arc welding step, the reciprocating wire feed continues until a third time point after a lapse of a first period from the second time point. At the third time point, the reciprocating wire feed is stopped and the abnormal arc welding step is completed. From the third time point, the welding wire is decelerated and the reciprocating wire feed is restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaito Matsui, Atsuhiro Kawamoto, Junji Fujiwara, Akira Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 10994371
    Abstract: A system and method depositing metal to form a three-dimensional (3D) part on a substrate. A wire is moved relative to a location on the substrate while a laser heats a proximal end of the wire at the location using a laser beam. The laser causes the wire and substrate to reach a melting point of the wire to fuse the wire at the location on the substrate. The wire can be preheated by passing a current through the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: William S Yerazunis, John C Barnwell, III, William T Vetterling
  • Patent number: 10967451
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control hot-start weld current for arc ignition are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a power converter to output welding-type current, a temperature monitor to determine a temperature of an electrode using at least one of a temperature measurement or a thermal model, and a current controller to control a hot-start weld current output by the power converter based on the temperature of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Zach MacMullen, Charles Ace Tyler, Lucas Charles Johnson
  • Patent number: 10960482
    Abstract: A diffuser insert is provided for use with a welding diffuser and contact tip assembly comprising a diffuser with an interior chamber configured to receive a wire conduit that supplies electrode wire and a shielding gas used during a welding operation and a contact tip coupled to the diffuser and configured to receive electrode wire. The diffuser insert comprises a diffuser insert body configured to be disposed within the interior chamber of the diffuser, and further comprises an insert bore extending therethrough configured to receive electrode wire. An outer periphery of the diffuser insert has at least one surface feature configured to manipulate a flow of said shielding gas from within said interior chamber of the diffuser and out of exit passages to thereby direct said flow of shielding gas about a molten welding puddle formed during a welding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Meess, Jeffrey Kachline
  • Patent number: 10906114
    Abstract: A welding system includes a power supply configured to output power to a welding device. The power supply is configured to alternate the power output between an arc phase and a hotwire phase. The power output in the arc phase produces an arc between a welding electrode and a workpiece, and the power output in the hotwire phase heats the welding electrode without producing an arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Martin Hutchison, Kevin Michael Scott
  • Patent number: 10882133
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and/or methods for providing welding systems or portions of welding systems that provide a tip-retention device that is configured to direct gas radially towards a contact tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy L. Jansma, Robert J. Centner, Jeffrey G. Wells
  • Patent number: 10857677
    Abstract: A tip attachment is disclosed. The tip attachment may an attachment body including a recess to fit on or in a tip of a device during programming of a robotic device. The attachment body may be structured such that the attachment body defines a set of angles of the tip during the programming of the robotic device. The recess may be sized such that the recess defines a distance between the tip and a workpiece during the programming of the robotic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Hammar, Craig Habeger, Michael Noble, William Barnickel, Joshua Geary
  • Patent number: 10857631
    Abstract: A spark absorbing system for use with a cutting torch, comprises a cap having at least one spark opening therethrough and a spark capture unit coupled to the cap and positioned to capture sparks passing through the spark opening. The spark capture unit may comprise a tube extending from the cap and may include an outlet and a flow-reduction element positioned between the cap and the outlet and/or a spark accumulator between the cap and the spark capture unit. The flow-reduction element may comprise at least one baffle, screen or mesh. The spark absorbing system may further include a spark ramp extending from the cap opposite the spark capture unit and/or a shield, which may define a cutting space between the shield and the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Felix Sorkin
  • Patent number: 10754103
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for universal-blindmate sleeve comprising mounting mechanisms for mounting the universal sleeve to a midplane. The universal-blindmate sleeve comprising a sleeve housing, having a first opening for receiving a first blindmate connector. The first opening is arranged at an end of the sleeve housing and facing a first side of the midplane. The sleeve housing further having a second opening for receiving a second blindmate connector, wherein the second opening is arranged at an opposing end of the sleeve housing and facing an opposing side of the midplane. A body of the sleeve housing is configured for blindmating the first blindmate connector to the second blindmate connector through the midplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Kevin B. Leigh, John Norton, Joseph Allen
  • Patent number: 10722966
    Abstract: A support ring supports a welding ring to guide welding bugs around a coated pipe section. The support ring has a tubular body to support the welding ring, the body having substantially circular curvature around a longitudinal axis. At least one grounding extension connected to the body is offset longitudinally and radially outwardly with respect to the body and the longitudinal axis. This allows the grounding extension to lie radially outboard of a parent coating of the pipe section while the body encircles a cut-back end zone where the parent coating has been cut back. Pipe sections abutting end-to-end for welding can each be fitted with these support rings. This enables welding rings to encircle both of the cut-back end zones and allows effective grounding connections to be made without enlarging the cut-back end zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Acergy France SAS
    Inventors: Cesar Atin, Jacques Lacome
  • Patent number: 10710186
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an impeller, the method including: a step of forming a cover that is provided with a plurality of blades; a step of disposing a core on the cover such that the core is interposed between the blades; a step of disposing a hub on the blades, the hub being a plate on which grooves conforming to shapes of the blades are formed; and a step of welding the hub and the blades, wherein through-holes conforming to the shapes of the blades are provided on the core, such that the blades are fitted in the core when the core is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Esao Yamada, Kentaro Orita, Takashi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 10709006
    Abstract: Provided is a fluid-cooled contact tip assembly that can be used in methods and systems for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, where the deposition rate is increased by increasing the flow rate of electric charge through the metal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: NORSK TITANIUM AS
    Inventors: Tom-Erik Falla, Arne Ramsland
  • Patent number: 10654122
    Abstract: A gas-diffusing water-degradable welding purge dam apparatus for purging a weld zone of a pipe assembly having first and second pipes with respective first and second pipe ends to be welded together at a root gap. The purge dam apparatus includes a first air flow blocking member, a second air flow blocking member, and an interconnecting member interconnecting the first and second air flow blocking members. The interconnecting member has a hollow purge gas-receiving interior and a gas-diffusing sidewall that allows a pressurized purge gas in the gas-receiving interior to pass through the sidewall and exit therefrom in a diffused state into a weld zone external to the interconnecting member. An external purge gas entry port in the purge dam apparatus in fluid communication with the gas-receiving interior. The purge dam apparatus includes one or more water degradable materials so it can be flushed from the pipe assembly following welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Hacikyan
  • Patent number: 10657839
    Abstract: Present embodiments include systems and methods for stick welding applications. In certain embodiments, simulation stick welding electrode holders may include stick electrode retraction assemblies configured to mechanically retract a simulation stick electrode toward the stick electrode retraction assembly to simulate consumption of the simulation stick electrode during a simulated stick welding process. In addition, in certain embodiments, stick welding electrode holders may include various input and output elements that enable, for example, control inputs to be input via the stick welding electrode holders, and operational statuses to be output via the stick welding electrode holders. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a welding training system interface may be used to facilitate communication and cooperation of various stick welding electrode holders with a welding training system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William Joshua Becker, David Paul Marcusen
  • Patent number: 10654125
    Abstract: A method of forming a weld on a work piece is disclosed. The method may include creating an internal cavity along the work piece and extending a conduit having an exit orifice into the internal cavity such that the exit orifice may be positioned adjacent to the weld to be formed. The method may further include supplying a purge gas to the conduit, the purge gas being carried through the conduit and pushed out of the exit orifice so as to displace undesirable gasses away from the weld to be formed and then subsequently forming the weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William R. Schell, Edward O. Jorgenson, Jack W. Mauldin, Mark D. Gilcreest, Benjamin S. Northup
  • Patent number: 10625380
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method which uses welding in order to join a FeCrAl alloy to a FeNiCr alloy by using a specific filler metal. The present disclosure also relates to a product obtained thereof. Further, the present disclosure relates to the use of the method, especially in high temperature applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Thomas Blomfeldt, Anders Wallero, Asa Larsson, Anders Wilsson
  • Patent number: 10556282
    Abstract: A deburring subassembly has a controller to generate an electrical current and move a deburring tool bit from a non-deburring position to a range of deburring positions. The electrical current permits deburring of the workpiece without damaging it. A workpiece securement subassembly secures the workpiece for formation on a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tool and also holds the workpiece in place for deburring. The electrical current is provided to a deburring tool bit. The controller thereby controls movement of the deburring tool bit to the range of deburring positions and generates the electrical current to deburr the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventors: Jerry Mraz, Jonathan Montgomery
  • Patent number: 10543557
    Abstract: A welding torch includes a main body and an end portion suited to be fed through the main body with a welding wire and a shielding gas. The end portion includes a welding unit electrically powered and provided with an internal channel for the passage of the welding wire. A conveyor element is provided with an outlet mouth to allow the welding wire to move out of the welding unit and to allow the shielding gas to be conveyed outside of the welding unit. Electrical insulation means are interposed between the welding unit and the conveyor element with an insulation portion made of an electrically non-conductive material. The welding torch includes the conveyor channel suited to convey the shielding gas from the main body to the outlet mouth of the conveyor element. The conveyor channel is delimited at least partially by the insulation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: TRAFIMET GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Carletti, Ugo Simioni, Attilio Imi
  • Patent number: 10507878
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle body transfer system using a transfer unit. The system may include a base configured to move along a base rail; a moving unit comprising a supporting part that is configured to support a vehicle body, wherein the moving unit is configured to move the supporting part in a predetermined direction and the moving part is disposed on the base; and a tool unit disposed outside the base rail and selectively engaged to the moving unit, wherein the tool unit is configured to provide a driving torque such that the moving unit controls a position of the supporting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyunwoo Lee, Ji Eun Jang, Yoon Jang
  • Patent number: 10505289
    Abstract: A portable welding ground clamp attachment system used to attach a welding ground clamp (also called a work clamp or work cable) of an arc welder to a workpiece to be welded. The system is particularly useful in establishing positive connections between a work cable and extended lengths of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Bryan Trussell
  • Patent number: 10391579
    Abstract: A welding electrode is mounted in a tool holder that is part of a handle apparatus. The handle apparatus has an electrode power connection. The handle apparatus has a housing defining a haft that can be grasped in the hand of an operator. A vibrator is mounted inside the haft. The vibrator includes a force transmitter in the form of a cantilevered beam. The cantilevered beam is electrically conductive and carries power to the tool holder. The tool holder has a handle that permits the welding rod to be rotated about its axis as it wears during deposition of welding rod material on the object work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: HUYS INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Nigel Scotchmer
  • Patent number: 10376984
    Abstract: A method of resistance spot welding a workpiece stack-up that includes a steel workpieces and an aluminum alloy workpiece that overlie and contact one another to establish a faying interface at a weld site is disclosed. The method comprises passing a DC electrical current through the workpiece stack-up at the weld site and causing the current to assume a conical flow pattern. The conical flow pattern has a path of current flow that expands along a direction leading from a first welding electrode in electrical communication with the steel workpiece towards a second welding electrode in electrical communication with the aluminum alloy workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David R. Sigler, Blair E. Carlson