Patents by Inventor Bruce Albrecht

Bruce Albrecht 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: 20250187094
    Abstract: An example welding interface device, includes: a user interface device; a processor; and a machine readable storage device comprising machine readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: determine, via the user interface device, information describing physical characteristics of a workpiece for a weld to be performed; based on the physical characteristics, determining at least one of a thermal characteristic of the workpiece, an electrical characteristic of the workpiece, or a chemical characteristic of the workpiece; determine a boundary condition associated with the workpiece based on the at least one of the thermal characteristic, the electrical characteristic, or the chemical characteristic; and output a welding process based on the boundary condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2024
    Publication date: June 12, 2025
    Inventors: Bruce Albrecht, Todd Holverson
  • Patent number: 12168269
    Abstract: An example welding interface device, includes: a user interface device; a processor; and a machine readable storage device comprising machine readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: determine, via the user interface device, information describing physical characteristics of a workpiece for a weld to be performed; based on the physical characteristics, determining at least one of a thermal characteristic of the workpiece, an electrical characteristic of the workpiece, or a chemical characteristic of the workpiece; determine a boundary condition associated with the workpiece based on the at least one of the thermal characteristic, the electrical characteristic, or the chemical characteristic; and output a welding process based on the boundary condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Albrecht, Todd Holverson
  • Patent number: 12008915
    Abstract: An example weld training system includes: a display device; a processor; and a machine readable storage device comprising machine readable instructions to: collect data describing the welding-type operation; collect, from a set of one or more cameras, images depicting one or more of: a) a posture of an operator or a technique of the operator during the welding-type operation; or b) a welding torch used in the welding-type operation; synchronize the collected data and the collected images with comparative images of a predefined correct performance of the welding-type operation; and display the collected data and the collected images together in a synchronized manner on the display device such that the processor updates the display device to display corresponding synchronized data and images when a portion of the welding-type operation is selected for viewing, the displaying comprising displaying the collected data, the collected images, and the comparative images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20230215294
    Abstract: An example weld training system includes: a display device; a processor; and a machine readable storage device comprising machine readable instructions to: collect data describing the welding-type operation; collect, from a set of one or more cameras, images depicting one or more of: a) a posture of an operator or a technique of the operator during the welding-type operation; or b) a welding torch used in the welding-type operation; synchronize the collected data and the collected images with comparative images of a predefined correct performance of the welding-type operation; and display the collected data and the collected images together in a synchronized manner on the display device such that the processor updates the display device to display corresponding synchronized data and images when a portion of the welding-type operation is selected for viewing, the displaying comprising displaying the collected data, the collected images, and the comparative images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 11605308
    Abstract: An example weld training system includes: a display device; a processor; and a machine readable storage device comprising machine readable instructions which cause the processor to: collect, from welding-type equipment during a welding-type operation, data describing the operation; collect, from a set of one or more cameras, images depicting one or more of: a) a posture of the operator or a technique of the operator during the welding-type operation; or b) a welding torch used in the welding-type operation; synchronize the collected data and the collected images; identify an anomaly associated with the data; display the collected and images together in a synchronized manner on the display device such that the processor updates the display device to display corresponding synchronized data and images when a portion of the operation is selected for viewing, the displaying comprising displaying an indicator of the anomaly in at least one of the data or images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 11524368
    Abstract: Welding headwear comprises a display operable to present images for viewing by a wearer of the welding headwear, and comprises circuitry operable to determine an identifier associated with a workpiece, retrieve, from memory, welding work instructions associated with the identifier, and generate the images for presentation on the display based on said work instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Albrecht, Richard Beeson, William J. Becker
  • Publication number: 20220226922
    Abstract: An example welding interface device, includes: a user interface device; a processor; and a machine readable storage device comprising machine readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: determine, via the user interface device, information describing physical characteristics of a workpiece for a weld to be performed; based on the physical characteristics, determining at least one of a thermal characteristic of the workpiece, an electrical characteristic of the workpiece, or a chemical characteristic of the workpiece; determine a boundary condition associated with the workpiece based on the at least one of the thermal characteristic, the electrical characteristic, or the chemical characteristic; and output a welding process based on the boundary condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Bruce Albrecht, Todd Holverson
  • Publication number: 20210065583
    Abstract: An example weld training system includes: a display device; a processor; and a machine readable storage device comprising machine readable instructions which cause the processor to: collect, from welding-type equipment during a welding-type operation, data describing the operation; collect, from a set of one or more cameras, images depicting one or more of: a) a posture of the operator or a technique of the operator during the welding-type operation; or b) a welding torch used in the welding-type operation; synchronize the collected data and the collected images; identify an anomaly associated with the data; display the collected and images together in a synchronized manner on the display device such that the processor updates the display device to display corresponding synchronized data and images when a portion of the operation is selected for viewing, the displaying comprising displaying an indicator of the anomaly in at least one of the data or images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 10839717
    Abstract: Synchronized weld training systems are disclosed. Example systems include a display device; a processor to execute instructions to: collect, from welding-type equipment during a welding-type operation, data describing the operation; collect, from a set of one or more cameras, first images of an operator, the first images depicting a posture or technique of the operator; collect, from the set of cameras, second images of a welding torch; collect third images of a weld bead; synchronize the data, and the first, second, and third images; display the data and the first, second, and third images; and, after the operation and in response to an input specifying a portion of the welding-type operation, display corresponding synchronized portions of the data and the first, second, and third images to present a relationship between the posture, a position of the welding torch, and the data to the weld bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20200001408
    Abstract: Welding headwear comprises a display operable to present images for viewing by a wearer of the welding headwear, and comprises circuitry operable to determine an identifier associated with a workpiece, retrieve, from memory, welding work instructions associated with the identifier, and generate the images for presentation on the display based on said work instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Bruce Albrecht, Richard Beeson, William J. Becker
  • Patent number: 10406638
    Abstract: Welding headwear comprises a display operable to present images for viewing by a wearer of the welding headwear, and comprises circuitry operable to determine an identifier associated with a workpiece, retrieve, from memory, welding work instructions associated with the identifier, and generate the images for presentation on the display based on said work instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Albrecht, Richard Beeson, William J. Becker
  • Publication number: 20170200394
    Abstract: Synchronized weld training systems are disclosed. Example systems include a display device; a processor to execute instructions to: collect, from welding-type equipment during a welding-type operation, data describing the operation; collect, from a set of one or more cameras, first images of an operator, the first images depicting a posture or technique of the operator; collect, from the set of cameras, second images of a welding torch; collect third images of a weld bead; synchronize the data, and the first, second, and third images; display the data and the first, second, and third images; and, after the operation and in response to an input specifying a portion of the welding-type operation, display corresponding synchronized portions of the data and the first, second, and third images to present a relationship between the posture, a position of the welding torch, and the data to the weld bead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20160250723
    Abstract: Welding headwear comprises a display operable to present images for viewing by a wearer of the welding headwear, and comprises circuitry operable to determine an identifier associated with a workpiece, retrieve, from memory, welding work instructions associated with the identifier, and generate the images for presentation on the display based on said work instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce Albrecht, Richard Beeson, William J. Becker
  • Publication number: 20160207134
    Abstract: A system comprises one or more image sensors, processing circuitry, and communication interface circuitry. The image sensor(s) are operable to capture an image of a weld in progress powered by welding equipment. The processing circuitry is operable to, while the weld is in progress, analyze pixel data of the image, generate a welding equipment control signal based on the analysis of the pixel data, and output the generated welding equipment control signal via the communication interface circuit. The image sensor(s), processing circuitry, and communication interface circuitry may be integrated into welding headwear. The processing circuitry may be operable to determine, from the analysis of the pixel data, one or more welding parameters for the weld and to compensate for variations in the parameters by varying the welding equipment control signal to vary the welding equipment settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Beeson, William J. Becker, Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 9352411
    Abstract: A welding training system includes one or more welding operator device which provides positional feedback relevant to a quality weld. The positional feedback is analyzed and, when the positional feedback is outside of a predetermined range, a signal is provided to the welding operator. In one embodiment, tactile feedback is provided in a welding gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Todd Batzler, Bruce Albrecht, William J. Becker
  • Patent number: 9308597
    Abstract: Methods, controllers, and power sources for controlling weld states of a MIG welding machine having a 115 volt inverter are provided. The regulation of a power source may include determining a command current signal based on a maximum allowable voltage error determined from the output condition at the weld. The signal may be provided to a controller that regulates the output of the 115 volt inverter. A MIG welding power source may include the 115 volt inverter and a processor that determines a maximum allowable voltage offset from a voltage feedback signal and a voltage level. The processor may provide a signal based on a determined instantaneous command current to regulate the 115 volt inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Tim A. Matus, Bernard J. Vogel, Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 9199328
    Abstract: A welding system including a housing forming an enclosure, a power supply arranged within the enclosure and configured to deliver welding-type power during a welding-type process, a user interface including at least one user interface device configured to select operational parameters of a welding process that includes a touch-responsive display element configured to indicate a desired setting of the at least one user interface device in response to contact by a hand of a user, and a bezel forming a marking surface associated with the at least one user interface device to display user markings and allow the user markings to be selectively erased, wherein the marking surface is proximate to the touch-responsive display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 9138825
    Abstract: A welding-type device has wireless communications to transmit wireless signals comprising at least identification information or location information. The information may be transmitted either automatically or in response to request signals. Such a welding-type device may be configured to communicate with other welding-type devices, a monitoring device, or both. A wireless communication system has at least one welding-type device, at least one wireless communication assembly, and at least one monitoring device and is capable of assisting a user in locating particular welding-type devices, preventing theft of welding-type devices, and scheduling preventive maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Albrecht, James F. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 8841583
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a welding-type power source that includes a power source housing and an engine arranged in the power source housing to supply electrical power. An energy storage device is included that is in rechargeable association with the internal combustion engine and arranged to provide welding-type power for at least a given period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Patent number: 8791388
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a welding-type power source that includes a power source housing and an engine arranged in the power source housing to supply electrical power. An energy storage device is included that is in rechargeable association with the internal combustion engine and arranged to provide welding-type power for at least a given period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht