Patents by Inventor James L. Uecker
James L. Uecker 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: 11383317Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a short clearing prediction module that uses the second derivative with respect to time of the output voltage, or an error between a measured output voltage and an output voltage predicted using the first derivative with respect to time of the output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
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Publication number: 20190217412Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a short clearing prediction module that uses the second derivative with respect to time of the output voltage, or an error between a measured output voltage and an output voltage predicted using the first derivative with respect to time of the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
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Patent number: 10239146Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a short clearing prediction module that uses the second derivative with respect to time of the output voltage, or an error between a measured output voltage and an output voltage predicted using the first derivative with respect to time of the output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
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Patent number: 9884385Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, James L. Uecker, Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison
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Patent number: 9718142Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
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Patent number: 9636766Abstract: The present invention includes a welding system that has at least two metal inert gas (MIG) welders configured to perform a cooperative pulsed MIG welding process. The welding system also includes at least one communications link connecting the at least two MIG welders to deliver at least one of subordination commands and superiority commands to either of the at least two MIG welders to synchronize the cooperative pulsed MIG welding process.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, Jeremy D. Overesch
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Publication number: 20160207136Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the (at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
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Patent number: 9314865Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
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Publication number: 20150108103Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2015Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
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Patent number: 8927903Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
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Publication number: 20140203007Abstract: The present invention includes a welding system that has at least two metal inert gas (MIG) welders configured to perform a cooperative pulsed MIG welding process. The welding system also includes at least one communications link connecting the at least two MIG welders to deliver at least one of subordination commands and superiority commands to either of the at least two MIG welders to synchronize the cooperative pulsed MIG welding process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, Jeremy D. Overesch
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Publication number: 20140190959Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi process welding includes providing a controlled short circuit output and a pulse output in response to a user selection across a workpiece output stud and a torch output stud.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
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Patent number: 8680432Abstract: The present invention includes a welding system that has at least two metal inert gas (MIG) welders configured to perform a cooperative pulsed MIG welding process. The welding system also includes at least one communications link connecting the at least two MIG welders to deliver at least one of subordination commands and superiority commands to either of the at least two MIG welders to synchronize the cooperative pulsed MIG welding process.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, Jeremy D. Overesch
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Publication number: 20140069901Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
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Patent number: 8669490Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi process welding includes providing a controlled short circuit output and a pulse output in response to a user selection across a workpiece output stud and a torch output stud.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
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Patent number: 8598492Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
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Publication number: 20130270245Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, James L. Uecker, Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison
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Patent number: 8487215Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, James L. Uecker, Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison
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Publication number: 20120061362Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a short clearing prediction module that uses the second derivative with respect to time of the output voltage, or an error between a measured output voltage and an output voltage predicted using the first derivative with respect to time of the output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
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Publication number: 20110114612Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, James L. Uecker, Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison