Patents by Inventor Jeffery Ray Ihde
Jeffery Ray Ihde 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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Publication number: 20230182227Abstract: An example welding cable connector system comprises: a male connector comprising a first conductive body for conveying welding power, a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first preassembled valve assembly coupled to threads within the first sealed passageway and configured to stop flow of the shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged; and a female connector comprising a second conductive body for conveying the welding power, a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying the shielding gas, and a second preassembled valve assembly coupled to threads within the second sealed passageway and configured to stop the flow of the shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2023Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, Thomas Don Lahti
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Patent number: 11565340Abstract: A welding cable connector system having a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a first conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector also includes a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The female connector includes a second conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector also includes a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a second Schrader valve configured 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. The first and second Schrader valves seal the flow of shielding gas when the connectors are not mutually engaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, Thomas Don Lahti
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Publication number: 20210205912Abstract: 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: October 20, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Jeffery Ray Ihde, Kenneth Austin Stanzel, John C. Leisner
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Patent number: 10807181Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James Francis Rappl, Jeffery Ray Ihde, Kenneth Austin Stanzel, John C. Leisner
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Patent number: 10384294Abstract: A method and device for controlling current flow through a welding clamp are provided. One welding clamp includes a first contact piece configured to contact a workpiece and to provide a first current path that limits current flow. The welding clamp also includes a second contact piece configured to contact the workpiece and to provide a second current path. When the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece, the first contact piece is configured to contact the workpiece prior to the second contact piece. In addition, the welding clamp is configured so that current flows through the first current path prior to flowing through the second current path when the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Christopher, Thomas Don Lahti, Jeffery Ray Ihde, Gary A. Thyssen, Michael Todd Klegin, Timothy Jay Reitmeyer
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Publication number: 20190184484Abstract: A welding cable connector system having a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a first conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector also includes a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The female connector includes a second conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector also includes a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a second Schrader valve configured 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. The first and second Schrader valves seal the flow of shielding gas when the connectors are not mutually engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2018Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, Thomas Don Lahti
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Patent number: 10076803Abstract: A welding cable connector system having a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a first conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector also includes a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The female connector includes a second conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector also includes a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a second Schrader valve configured 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. The first and second Schrader valves seal the flow of shielding gas when the connectors are not mutually engaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, Thomas Don Lahti
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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: 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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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: 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: 20130186874Abstract: A welding cable connector system having a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a first conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector also includes a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The female connector includes a second conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector also includes a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a second Schrader valve configured 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. The first and second Schrader valves seal the flow of shielding gas when the connectors are not mutually engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, Thomas Don Lahti
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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
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Publication number: 20130168374Abstract: A method and device for controlling current flow through a welding clamp are provided. One welding clamp includes a first contact piece configured to contact a workpiece and to provide a first current path that limits current flow. The welding clamp also includes a second contact piece configured to contact the workpiece and to provide a second current path. When the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece, the first contact piece is configured to contact the workpiece prior to the second contact piece. In addition, the welding clamp is configured so that current flows through the first current path prior to flowing through the second current path when the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Christopher, Thomas Don Lahti, Jeffery Ray Ihde, Gary A. Thyssen, Michael Todd Klegin, Timothy Jay Reitmeyer
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Patent number: 8357007Abstract: A cable assembly with strain relief for providing welding control is provided. One welding control cable assembly includes a cable having a plurality of conductors configured to convey data and/or power in an insulative jacket. The cable assembly also includes a retainer bound to an outer surface of the insulative jacket adjacent to an end of the cable and a connector assembly having a plurality of connector elements in a housing. Each of the connector elements is terminated to a respective one of the conductors. The housing is disposed adjacent to the retainer. The assembly includes an overmolded shell disposed over the retainer and at least a portion of the connector assembly. At least the insulative jacket, the retainer and the overmolded shell cooperate to resist stress on the conductors by axial tensile forces placed on the connector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Ray Ihde, James Francis Rappl, Thomas Don Lahti
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Publication number: 20120008264Abstract: An external positioning structure for a remote user interface is provided. The external positioning structure includes a roll cage assembly configured to receive at least a portion of the remote user interface and at least partially surround lateral sides of the remote user interface. The roll cage assembly further includes a plurality of fastening points allowing for securement of the roll cage assembly to the remote user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Thomas Don Lahti, Jeffery Ray Ihde