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).

  • Patent number: 11383317
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
  • Publication number: 20190217412
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
  • Patent number: 10239146
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
  • Patent number: 9884385
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, James L. Uecker, Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 9718142
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
  • Patent number: 9636766
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, Jeremy D. Overesch
  • Publication number: 20160207136
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
  • Patent number: 9314865
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
  • Publication number: 20150108103
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
  • Patent number: 8927903
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
  • Publication number: 20140203007
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, Jeremy D. Overesch
  • Publication number: 20140190959
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
  • Patent number: 8680432
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, Jeremy D. Overesch
  • Publication number: 20140069901
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
  • Patent number: 8669490
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
  • Patent number: 8598492
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, James L. Uecker, Todd E. Holverson, David G. Almy, Curt J. Beck
  • Publication number: 20130270245
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, James L. Uecker, Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 8487215
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, James L. Uecker, Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison
  • Publication number: 20120061362
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
  • Publication number: 20110114612
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Todd E. Holverson, James L. Uecker, Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison