Patents by Inventor James Francis Rappl
James Francis Rappl 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).
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Patent number: 10076809Abstract: A voltage sensing wire feeder includes a storage device and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive a first selection and a second selection. The first selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a first group of settings stored in the storage device, and the second selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a second group of settings stored in the storage device.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Jeffrey Ray Ihde, Joseph Edward Feldhausen, Timothy Jay Reitmeyer, Thomas Don Lahti, Clay Alan Byron, Michael Hilary Novak
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Publication number: 20180200824Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting a welding process are disclosed. An example welding power supply is configured to: provide welding power for welding; receive a communication from a remote device over a weld cable, wherein the communication corresponds to a detected welding output polarity; and automatically set a new welding process based on a current welding process of the welding power supply and the received communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Jeffery Ray Ihde, Kenneth Austin Stanzel, John C. Leisner
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Patent number: 9902011Abstract: A welding torch with a welding electrode and a welding electrode holder is provided. One welding torch includes a securing mechanism and an insulated grip. The securing mechanism is configured to secure an exposed central portion of a welding rod bounded by flux covered first and second sides. The securing mechanism is also configured to make electrical contact with the central portion of the rod for arc welding with the first side. The insulated grip is configured to cover the second side of the welding rod.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Thomas Don Lahti
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Patent number: 9902012Abstract: A weld electrical and gas connector with sealed gas flow is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a welding cable connector system includes a male connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The system also includes a female connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, Thomas Don Lahti, James Francis Rappl, Joseph Edward Feldhausen
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Patent number: 9902008Abstract: A method includes detecting whether a wire feeder is in communication with a welding power supply. The method also includes detecting a current welding process of the welding power supply if the wire feeder is in communication with the welding power supply. The method includes determining, at the wire feeder, a welding output polarity. The method also includes setting a new welding process based on the current welding process and the welding output polarity without a user selecting the new welding process.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Jeffery Ray Ihde, Kenneth Austin Stanzel, John C. Leisner
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Publication number: 20180021873Abstract: Various welding systems that provide communication over auxiliary or weld power lines are provided. The disclosed embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supply that is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and power between components of the welding system. In some embodiments, the pendant may also include auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments further include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Embodiments are provided that also allow for bidirectional data communication over a power line in networked welding systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Brian Lee Ott, Andrew David Nelson, Jeremy Daniel Overesch, Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Quinn William Schartner, Kenneth Austin Stanzel
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Patent number: 9796038Abstract: Various welding systems that provide communication over auxiliary or weld power lines are provided. The disclosed embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supply that is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and power between components of the welding system. In some embodiments, the pendant may also include auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments further include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Embodiments are provided that also allow for bidirectional data communication over a power line in networked welding systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Brian Lee Ott, Andrew David Nelson, Jeremy Daniel Overesch, Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Quinn William Schartner, Kenneth Austin Stanzel
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Patent number: 9505076Abstract: A shielding gas filter assembly for a welding apparatus. The filter assembly includes a filter housing having a filter disposed therein. The filter assembly also includes a filter guard coupled to the filter housing and configured to receive shielding gas. The filter guard includes a tamper resistant portion configured to inhibit an object from contacting the filter when the object is inserted into the filter guard.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Thomas Don Lahti, Jeffery Ray Ihde, James Francis Rappl
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Publication number: 20150266129Abstract: A weld electrical and gas connector with sealed gas flow is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a welding cable connector system includes a male connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The system also includes a female connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2015Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, Thomas Don Lahti, James Francis Rappl, Joseph Edward Feldhausen
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Patent number: 9061367Abstract: A weld electrical and gas connector with sealed gas flow is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a welding cable connector system includes a male connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The system also includes a female connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, Thomas Don Lahti, James Francis Rappl, Joseph Edward Feldhausen
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Patent number: 9056366Abstract: A method and system for detecting a welding gas leak is provided. One welding power supply includes a gas valve configured to control the flow of shielding gas to a welding device through a gas line. The welding power supply also includes a sensor coupled to the gas line and configured to detect a parameter of the shielding gas. The welding power supply includes control circuitry coupled to the gas valve and to the sensor, and configured to control the operation of the gas valve, and to receive device value representative of the detected parameter. The control circuitry is further configured to determine a leak test result based upon the parameter value, and to provide an operator indicator of the leak test result.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2011Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Thomas Don Lahti, Jeffery Ray Ihde
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Publication number: 20150158104Abstract: Various welding systems that provide communication over auxiliary or weld power lines are provided. The disclosed embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supply that is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and power between components of the welding system. In some embodiments, the pendant may also include auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments further include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Embodiments are provided that also allow for bidirectional data communication over a power line in networked welding systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Brian Lee Ott, Andrew David Nelson, Jeremy Daniel Overesch, Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Quinn William Schartner, Kenneth Austin Stanzel
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Publication number: 20150136746Abstract: A method includes detecting whether a wire feeder is in communication with a welding power supply. The method also includes detecting a current welding process of the welding power supply if the wire feeder is in communication with the welding power supply. The method includes determining, at the wire feeder, a welding output polarity. The method also includes setting a new welding process based on the current welding process and the welding output polarity without a user selecting the new welding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Jeffery Ray Ihde, Kenneth Austin Stanzel, John C. Leisner
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Publication number: 20150060425Abstract: A welding torch with a welding electrode and a welding electrode holder is provided. One welding torch includes a securing mechanism and an insulated grip. The securing mechanism is configured to secure an exposed central portion of a welding rod bounded by flux covered first and second sides. The securing mechanism is also configured to make electrical contact with the central portion of the rod for arc welding with the first side. The insulated grip is configured to cover the second side of the welding rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Thomas Don Lahti
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Patent number: 8957344Abstract: Various welding systems that provide communication over auxiliary or weld power lines are provided. The disclosed embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supply that is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and power between components of the welding system. In some embodiments, the pendant may also include auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments further include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Embodiments are provided that also allow for bidirectional data communication over a power line in networked welding systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Brian Lee Ott, Andrew David Nelson, Jeremy Daniel Overesch, Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Quinn William Schartner, Kenneth Austin Stanzel
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Patent number: 8890029Abstract: A welding torch with a welding electrode and a welding electrode holder is provided. One welding torch includes a securing mechanism and an insulated grip. The securing mechanism is configured to secure an exposed central portion of a welding rod bounded by flux covered first and second sides. The securing mechanism is also configured to make electrical contact with the central portion of the rod for arc welding with the first side. The insulated grip is configured to cover the second side of the welding rod.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Thomas Don Lahti
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Publication number: 20140263256Abstract: A voltage sensing wire feeder includes a storage device and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive a first selection and a second selection. The first selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a first group of settings stored in the storage device, and the second selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a second group of settings stored in the storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Jeffrey Ray Ihde, Joseph Edward Feldhausen, Timothy Jay Reitmeyer, Thomas Don Lahti, Clay Alan Byron, Michael Hilary Novak
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Patent number: 8779329Abstract: Embodiments of a pendant associated with a multi-process welding power supply that allows a user to switch processes and reverse an output polarity while located remotely from a power supply unit are provided. Certain embodiments include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Control circuitry that may include processing circuitry and memory is provided. The control system may disable redundant controls on the power supply unit user interface when the power supply unit is connected to the pendant via a supply cable. Additionally, the control system may set the process, set the polarity, enable or disable a wire feed, and enable or disable gas flow according to inputs received via a user interface on either the power supply unit or the pendant.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Thomas D. Lahti, Jeffery R. Ihde, Joseph Edward Feldhausen
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Patent number: 8664565Abstract: Embodiments of a pendant associated with a multi-process welding power supply that allows a user to switch processes and reverse an output polarity while located remotely from a power supply unit are provided. Certain embodiments include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Control circuitry that may include processing circuitry and memory is provided. The control system may disable redundant controls on the power supply unit user interface when the power supply unit is connected to the pendant via a supply cable. Additionally, the control system may set the process, set the polarity, enable or disable a wire feed, and enable or disable gas flow according to inputs received via a user interface on either the power supply unit or the pendant.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Thomas D. Lahti, Jeffery R. Ihde, Joseph Edward Feldhausen
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Publication number: 20130186866Abstract: A shielding gas filter assembly for a welding apparatus. The filter assembly includes a filter housing having a filter disposed therein. The filter assembly also includes a filter guard coupled to the filter housing and configured to receive shielding gas. The filter guard includes a tamper resistant portion configured to inhibit an object from contacting the filter when the object is inserted into the filter guard.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Thomas Don Lahti, Jeffery Ray Ihde, James Francis Rappl