Patents by Inventor Andrew D. Nelson

Andrew D. Nelson 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: 12343822
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for TIG welding and starting a TIG welding process includes limiting the pulse width of a power circuit when a TIG start is being performed, and monitoring for the creation of a welding arc. After the welding arc has been detected the limiting of the pulse width is ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Bernard J. Vogel, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 12186841
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply includes a controller, a preregulator, a preregulator bus, and an output converter. The controller has a preregulator control output and an output converter control output. The controller has a converter control output connected to the control input, and a flux balancing module. The converter control output is responsive to the flux balancing module such that the flux in the transformer remains balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Bernard J. Vogel, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20230226633
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply that receives alternating current (AC) input power and converts the AC input power to direct current (DC) power to provide power for welding tools. The welding-type power supply is configured to detect whether single phase AC power or three-phase AC power is connected to the input of welding-type power supply. Single phase input power may be detected by sampling ripple voltage of the DC power, either synchronously with the AC input power or synchronously with a signal generated by an output of the welding-type power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Adam E. Anders, Randy Decoster, Andrew D. Nelson, Bernard J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 11660695
    Abstract: Welding power supplies, wire feeders, and systems to measure a weld cable voltage drop are disclosed. Example welding-type power supplies include a power converter configured to convert input power to output welding-type power to a remote device via a weld cable; a reference conductor connected between the power supply and the remote device; a voltage monitor configured to determine a first voltage between the weld cable and the reference conductor while substantially zero current is being conducted through the reference conductor; and a receiver circuit configured to receive a second voltage between the weld cable and the reference conductor from the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adam E. Anders, Brian Schwartz, Andrew D. Nelson, Mark Richard Christopher
  • Patent number: 11498147
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply that receives alternating current (AC) input power and converts the AC input power to direct current (DC) power to provide power for welding tools. The welding-type power supply is configured to detect whether single phase AC power or three-phase AC power is connected to the input of welding-type power supply. Single phase input power may be detected by sampling ripple voltage of the DC power, either synchronously with the AC input power or synchronously with a signal generated by an output of the welding-type power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adam E. Anders, Randy Decoster, Andrew D. Nelson, Bernard J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 11343211
    Abstract: A method for handling a data packet includes a network device receiving the data packet. The method also includes the network device separating first network layer data of the data packet from message data of the data packet. The message data of the data packet includes a source address represented by less than four bytes, a destination address represented by less than four bytes, and a format identifier. The method includes determining whether the destination address of the message data matches an address of the network device or whether the message data indicates a broadcast message. The method also includes the network device processing the format identifier if the destination address of the message data matches the address of the network device or if the message data indicates the broadcast message. The method includes the network device providing the message data to the network device and/or other network devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Nelson, Peter Donald Mehn, Randy Alan DeCoster, James D. Borowski
  • Publication number: 20220048128
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply includes a controller, a preregulator, a preregulator bus, and an output converter. The controller has a preregulator control output and an output converter control output. The controller has a converter control output connected to the control input, and a flux balancing module. The converter control output is responsive to the flux balancing module such that the flux in the transformer remains balanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Bernard J. Vogel, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11161193
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply includes a controller, a preregulator, a preregulator bus, and an output converter. The controller has a preregulator control output and an output converter control output. The controller has a converter control output connected to the control input, and a flux balancing module. The converter control output is responsive to the flux balancing module such that the flux in the transformer remains balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Bernard J. Vogel, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11077514
    Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce magnetic flux in a switched mode power supply are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a switched mode power supply, including a transformer configured to transform an input voltage to a welding-type voltage; switches configured to control a voltage applied to the primary winding of the transformer; a current detector configured to measure a current through the primary winding; a flux accumulator configured to determine a net flux in the transformer based on a number of volt-seconds applied to the primary winding of the transformer; and a controller configured to: control duty cycles of the switches based on the net flux; and set a value of the net flux in response to the current through the primary winding satisfying a current threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adam E. Anders, Brian Schwartz, Andrew D. Nelson, Bernard J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 11070139
    Abstract: Systems and methods to estimate magnetic flux in a switched mode power supply are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a switched mode power supply, comprising: a transformer configured to transform an input voltage to a welding-type voltage; a capacitor in series with a primary winding of the transformer; and switches configured to control a voltage applied to a series combination of the primary winding of the transformer and the capacitor; a voltage estimator coupled to the transformer and configured to output a signal representative of an alternating-current (AC)-coupled voltage at the capacitor; and a flux accumulator to determine a net flux in the transformer based on the voltage applied to the series combination of the primary winding of the transformer and the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adam E. Anders, Brian Schwartz, Andrew D. Nelson, Bernard J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 10910937
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for synchronization of control circuits of welding power supplies are disclosed. In some examples, welding-type power supplies use a modified pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal, in conjunction with certain fail safes, for synchronization of control circuitry. The welding-type power supplies may include conversion circuitry that converts and/or regulates input power to welding-type power. Control circuitry may provide control signals to control the conversion and/or regulation of the input power via the conversion circuitry. The control circuitry may be comprised of a first control circuit and a second control circuit. The first and second control circuit may synchronize their operations using a synchronization signal (e.g., comprised of a modified PWM control signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Andrew D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200189021
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing welding devices in a welding system. In one method, the method includes sending a pairing request from a first welding device to a second welding device. The method also includes receiving, at the first welding device, a response to the pairing request from the second welding device. The second welding device is physically connected to the first welding device. The pairing request or the response includes a change in welding power, welding consumables, or any combination thereof The method includes pairing the first welding device and the second welding device after the first welding device receives the response to the pairing request from the second welding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Edward G. Beistle, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200139469
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for TIG welding and starting a TIG welding process includes limiting the pulse width of a power circuit when a TIG start is being performed, and monitoring for the creation of a welding arc. After the welding arc has been detected the limiting of the pulse width is ended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Bernard J. Vogel, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10556289
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for TIG welding and starting a TIG welding process includes limiting the pulse width of a power circuit when a TIG start is being performed, and monitoring for the creation of a welding arc. After the welding arc has been detected the limiting of the pulse width is ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Bernard J. Vogel, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10507542
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing welding devices in a welding system. In one method, the method includes sending a pairing request from a first welding device to a second welding device. The method also includes receiving, at the first welding device, a response to the pairing request from the second welding device. The second welding device is physically connected to the first welding device. The pairing request or the response includes a change in welding power, welding consumables, or any combination thereof. The method includes pairing the first welding device and the second welding device after the first welding device receives the response to the pairing request from the second welding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. Beistle, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10500669
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply includes a controller, bus (that can, but need not be preregulated), and an output converter. The controller has a preregulator control output and an output converter control output. The controller may receive bus feedback indicative of a plurality of bus voltages. A bus voltage balancing module in the converter includes a scaled correction module responsive to the bus feedback signal, and the converter control output is responsive to the bus voltage balancing module. The controller may receive load feedback indicative of a load output, have a bus voltage balancing module that includes a load proportional gain module responsive to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn W. Schartner, Bernard J. Vogel, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190372451
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for synchronization of control circuits of welding power supplies are disclosed. In some examples, welding-type power supplies use a modified pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal, in conjunction with certain fail safes, for synchronization of control circuitry. The welding-type power supplies may include conversion circuitry that converts and/or regulates input power to welding-type power. Control circuitry may provide control signals to control the conversion and/or regulation of the input power via the conversion circuitry. The control circuitry may be comprised of a first control circuit and a second control circuit. The first and second control circuit may synchronize their operations using a synchronization signal (e.g., comprised of a modified PWM control signal).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventor: Andrew D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190351501
    Abstract: Welding power supplies and user interfaces for welding power supplies are disclosed. An example interface includes control circuitry configured to: in response to inputs from first, second, third, and fourth buttons, select a welding process, electrode wire type, electrode wire size, and shielding gas composition from respective sequences; select a welding program based on the selections; in response to input from the first input device, select a wire feed speed; based on the selected wire feed speed, automatically select a voltage based on a relationship between the wire feed speed and the voltage, the relationship based on at least one of the selected welding process, the electrode wire type, the electrode wire size, or the shielding gas composition; and control at least one of an output of power conversion circuitry based on the selected voltage, or a feed speed of a wire feeder based on the selected wire feed speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Michael P. Vandenberg, Brian J. Hammers, Andrew D. Nelson, John C. Leisner, Mark Christopher, Tiffany Carter
  • Publication number: 20190337081
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply that receives alternating current (AC) input power and converts the AC input power to direct current (DC) power to provide power for welding tools. The welding-type power supply is configured to detect whether single phase AC power or three-phase AC power is connected to the input of welding-type power supply. Single phase input power may be detected by sampling ripple voltage of the DC power, either synchronously with the AC input power or synchronously with a signal generated by an output of the welding-type power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Adam E. Anders, Randy Decoster, Andrew D. Nelson, Bernard J. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20190199662
    Abstract: A method for handling a data packet includes a network device receiving the data packet. The method also includes the network device separating first network layer data of the data packet from message data of the data packet. The message data of the data packet includes a source address represented by less than four bytes, a destination address represented by less than four bytes, and a format identifier. The method includes determining whether the destination address of the message data matches an address of the network device or whether the message data indicates a broadcast message. The method also includes the network device processing the format identifier if the destination address of the message data matches the address of the network device or if the message data indicates the broadcast message. The method includes the network device providing the message data to the network device and/or other network devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew D. Nelson, Peter Donald Mehn, Randy Alan DeCoster, James D. Borowski