Patents by Inventor Albert M. Nowak

Albert M. Nowak 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).

  • Patent number: 8552339
    Abstract: A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Yunk, Albert M. Nowak
  • Patent number: 7465901
    Abstract: A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Yunk, Albert M. Nowak
  • Publication number: 20080283511
    Abstract: A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas G. Yunk, Albert M. Nowak
  • Patent number: 7329834
    Abstract: A process is disclosed that monitors a characteristic of a welding gun connected to a wire feeder and, based on the detected characteristic, automatically determines the type of gun connected and sets operating parameters of the wire feeder and/or welding gun accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kaufman, Albert M. Nowak, Jeffery R. Ihde
  • Patent number: 6855914
    Abstract: A process is disclosed that monitors a characteristic of a welding gun connected to a wire feeder and, based on the detected characteristic, automatically determines the type of gun connected and sets operating parameters of the wire feeder and/or welding gun accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kaufman, Albert M. Nowak, Jeffery R. Ihde
  • Publication number: 20040164064
    Abstract: A welding machine with a wire feeder and a controller is disclosed. The wire feeder includes a wire feed motor with a motor speed input. The controller is coupled to the motor speed control input. A user selectable wire feed speed input is also connected to the controller. The controller has an input circuit coupled with a non-linear stage such that the relationship between the user selectable wire feed speed input and the actual wire feed speed is not linear. The selectable input may be a potentiometer mounted on a front panel as the user selectable wire feed speed input. The non-linearity may be continuous or two discrete gains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Nowak, Thomas G. Yunk, Warren E. Herwig
  • Publication number: 20030102349
    Abstract: A welding machine with a wire feeder and a controller is disclosed. The wire feeder includes a wire feed motor with a motor speed input. The controller is coupled to the motor speed control input. A user selectable wire feed speed input is also connected to the controller. The controller has an input circuit coupled with a nonlinear stage such that the relationship between the user selectable wire feed speed input and the actual wire feed speed is not linear. The selectable input may be a potentiometer mounted on a front panel as the user selectable wire feed speed input. The non-linearity may be continuous or two discrete gains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Nowak, Thomas G. Yunk, Warren E. Herwig
  • Patent number: 6504133
    Abstract: A welding machine with a wire feeder and a controller is disclosed. The wire feeder includes a wire feed motor with a motor speed input. The controller is coupled to the motor speed control input. A user selectable wire feed speed input is also connected to the controller. The controller has an input circuit coupled with a non-linear stage such that the relationship between the user selectable wire feed speed input and the actual wire feed speed is not linear. The selectable input may be a potentiometer mounted on a front panel as the user selectable wire feed speed input. The non-linearity may be continuous or two discrete gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Nowak, Thomas G. Yunk, Warren E. Herwig
  • Publication number: 20010047987
    Abstract: A welding machine with a wire feeder and a controller is disclosed. The wire feeder includes a wire feed motor with a motor speed input. The controller is coupled to the motor speed control input. A user selectable wire feed speed input is also connected to the controller. The controller has an input circuit coupled with a non-linear stage such that the relationship between the user selectable wire feed speed input and the actual wire feed speed is not linear. The selectable input may be a potentiometer mounted on a front panel as the user selectable wire feed speed input. The non-linearity may be continuous or two discrete gains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Nowak, Thomas G. Yunk, Warren E. Herwig
  • Patent number: 6262391
    Abstract: A welding machine with a wire feeder and a controller is disclosed. The wire feeder includes a wire feed motor with a motor speed input. The controller is coupled to the motor speed control input. A user selectable wire feed speed input is also connected to the controller. The controller has an input circuit coupled with a non-linear stage such that the relationship between the user selectable wire feed speed input and the actual wire feed speed is not linear. The selectable input may be a potentiometer mounted on a front panel as the user selectable wire feed speed input. The non-linearity may be continuous or two discrete gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Nowak, Thomas G. Yunk, Warren E. Herwig
  • Patent number: 6204476
    Abstract: An arc welding machine is disclosed for providing a continuous feed electrode to a weld site. The arc welding machine includes a line frequency transformer having a primary winding, a first secondary winding, and a second secondary winding (e.g., an extension winding, a separate winding, etc.). The first secondary winding provides a welding power having a first voltage at a welding power output terminal. The second secondary winding provides a second welding power having a second higher voltage at an input terminal of a switch, the switch being controlled to provide a pulsed power at the welding power output terminal. According to one feature, the arc welding machine produces a pulsed power having a fixed pulse width and a fixed frequency, the fixed pulse width and fixed frequency being substantially free of operator adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventors: Jon O. Reynolds, Todd E. Holverson, Albert M. Nowak
  • Patent number: 5990447
    Abstract: A welding machine with a wire feeder and a controller is disclosed. The wire feeder includes a wire feed motor with a motor speed input. The controller is coupled to the motor speed control input. A user selectable wire feed speed input is also connected to the controller. The controller has an input circuit coupled with a non-linear stage such that the relationship between the user selectable wire feed speed input and the actual wire feed speed is not linear. The selectable input may be a potentiometer mounted on a front panel as the user selectable wire feed speed input. The non-linearity may be continuous or two discrete gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Albert M. Nowak, Thomas G. Yunk, Warren E. Herwig
  • Patent number: 5446641
    Abstract: An inverter power supply for use with various voltage inputs is provided. The inverter power supply generally receives 208 VAC single-phase, 208 VAC three-phase, 230 VAC three-phase, 230 VAC single-phase, 460 VAC single-phase, or 460 VAC three-phase power and provides a DC output current for welding, heating or cutting applications. The power inverter circuit includes a first tank circuit and a second tank circuit which are configured in serial or parallel according to a particular voltage input. Contactors, relays, or semiconductor switches respond to control signals from an AC sense circuit in order to configure the inverter power supply for the appropriate voltage input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Miller Electric Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Jon O. Reynolds, Albert M. Nowak
  • Patent number: 5319533
    Abstract: An inverter power supply for use with various voltage inputs is provided. The inverter power supply generally receives 208 VAC single-phase, 230 VAC three-phase, 230 VAC single-phase, 460 VAC single-phase, 208 VAC three-phrase or 460 VAC three-phase power and provides a DC output current for welding, heating or cutting applications. The power inverter circuit includes a first tank circuit and a second tank circuit which are configured in serial or parallel according to a particular voltage input. Contactors, relays, or semiconductor switches respond to control signals from an AC sense circuit in order to configure the inverter power supply for the appropriate voltage input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Miller Electric Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Jon O. Reynolds, Albert M. Nowak