Patents by Inventor Joseph C. Schneider

Joseph C. Schneider 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: 20250091153
    Abstract: Disclosed example power supplies, user interfaces, and methods provide for monitoring, analysis and/or presentation of input power characteristics for a welding-type power supply and/or wire feeder. A welding system includes a power supply to deliver power to a welding torch based on one or more input power characteristics. The input power characteristics may correspond to received input power characteristics values during a welding procedure. The input power characteristics are responsive to the power demanded during the welding operation and may change accordingly. To maintain an accounting of the input power characteristics and their values as they change during the welding operation, control circuitry may receive information regarding the input characteristics, analyze the information, and/or generate presentable indicators for display on one or more graphical interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Craig Knoener, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 12205489
    Abstract: Described herein are examples of weld training systems that show (e.g., transparent and/or translucent) “ghost” images of a welding tool on a display screen of a welding headgear to indicate target positions and/or target orientations of an actual welding tool. In some examples, the weld training systems may additionally “reset” the target tool image to a position closer to the actual welding tool if the target tool image gets too far away. The ability to “reset” the target tool image to a position closer to the actual welding tool may help in minimizing a risk that an operator 106 will overcompensate to try to catch up with the target tool image, which can be detrimental to the weld. Additionally, resetting the target tool image to a position closer the welding tool may allow an operator to better perceive and/or understand differences in orientation and/or other technique parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell James Muske, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 12157190
    Abstract: Disclosed example power supplies, user interfaces, and methods provide for monitoring, analysis and/or presentation of input power characteristics for a welding-type power supply and/or wire feeder. A welding system includes a power supply to deliver power to a welding torch based on one or more input power characteristics. The input power characteristics may correspond to received input power characteristics values during a welding procedure. The input power characteristics are responsive to the power demanded during the welding operation and may change accordingly. To maintain an accounting of the input power characteristics and their values as they change during the welding operation, control circuitry may receive information regarding the input characteristics, analyze the information, and/or generate presentable indicators for display on one or more graphical interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Knoener, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20240367264
    Abstract: Systems and methods for laser welding are disclosed. A laser welding system includes a hand held laser welding tool to direct laser power to a workpiece to generate a weld during a laser welding operation. The welding system includes a controller to regulate activation and regulation of the laser power based on user inputs, sensor inputs, and/or synergic control of a laser power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Shuang Liu, Todd Earl Holverson, Charles Ace Tyler, Richard Martin Hutchison, Andrew Marchand, Robert J. Centner, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20240367260
    Abstract: Systems and methods for laser welding are disclosed. A laser welding system includes a hand held laser welding tool to direct laser power to a workpiece to generate a weld during a laser welding operation. The welding system includes a controller to regulate activation and regulation of the laser power based on user inputs, sensor inputs, and/or synergic control of a laser power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Shuang Liu, Todd Earl Holverson, Charles Ace Tyler, Richard Martin Hutchison, Andrew Marchand, Robert J. Centner, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20240342817
    Abstract: Disclosed example travel speed pacing systems for welding-type operations include: an interface configured to receive a first input describing a characteristic of a welding-type operation, and configured to receive an operation length of the welding-type operation; and control circuitry configured to: determine a target travel speed based on the first input; determine a target operation time based on the target travel speed and the operation length; and provide a time output representative of least one of a duration of the welding-type operation or a remaining amount of the target operation time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph C. Schneider, Nathan Gerald Leiteritz
  • Publication number: 20240342821
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for pretreating a wire that is used in a welding operation to reduce the amount of hydrogen introduced into a weld. Using embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein, one passes a wire through a pre-treatment chamber in which a wire is treated to release hydrogen and/or other contaminants, and provides a gas flow through the pre-treatment chamber so that the contaminants that are released from the wire are taken up by the gas. The gas exiting the pre-treatment chamber may be isolated from the shielding gas utilized during a welding operation. For instance, the pretreatment gas may be directed away from the distal end of the welding torch, thereby preventing released contaminants from being transported into a weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Michael V. Hoeger, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 12102162
    Abstract: Example hard hat adapters include: a coupling mechanism to removably couple the hard hat adapter to a hard hat; an upper arm configured to removably couple to an outer face shield and an inner face shield; and a lower arm configured to removably couple to a blower shell, wherein the outer face shield and the inner face shield are configured to removably couple to the hard hat adapter at a first pivot point of the hard hat adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell James Muske, Joseph C. Schneider, Moon Young Huh
  • Patent number: 12059758
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for pretreating a wire that is used in a welding operation to reduce the amount of hydrogen introduced into a weld. Using embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein, one passes a wire through a pre-treatment chamber in which a wire is treated to release hydrogen and/or other contaminants, and provides a gas flow through the pre-treatment chamber so that the contaminants that are released from the wire are taken up by the gas. The gas exiting the pre-treatment chamber may be isolated from the shielding gas utilized during a welding operation. For instance, the pretreatment gas may be directed away from the distal end of the welding torch, thereby preventing released contaminants from being transported into a weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Michael V. Hoeger, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20240253159
    Abstract: Systems and methods for laser welding are disclosed. A laser welding system includes a manually operated laser welding torch to direct laser power to a workpiece to generate a puddle during a laser welding operation. The welding system includes a controller to regulate activation and regulation of the laser power based on user inputs, sensor inputs, and/or synergic control of a laser power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Shuang Liu, Andrew Pfaller, Todd E. Holverson, Steven B. Massey, JR., Joseph C. Schneider, Bruce Patrick Albrecht, William R. Giese
  • Publication number: 20240253161
    Abstract: Systems and methods for laser welding are disclosed. A laser welding system includes a manually operated laser welding torch to direct laser power to a workpiece to generate a puddle during a laser welding operation. The welding system includes a controller to regulate activation and regulation of the laser power based on user inputs, sensor inputs, and/or synergic control of a laser power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Shuang Liu, Andrew Pfaller, Todd E. Holverson, Steven B. Massey, JR., Joseph C. Schneider, Bruce Patrick Albrecht, William R. Giese
  • Publication number: 20240253165
    Abstract: Systems and methods for laser welding are disclosed. A laser welding system includes a manually operated laser welding torch to direct laser power to a workpiece to generate a puddle during a laser welding operation. The welding system includes a controller to regulate activation and regulation of the laser power based on user inputs, sensor inputs, and/or synergic control of a laser power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Shuang Liu, Andrew Pfaller, Todd E. Holverson, Steven B. Massey, JR., Joseph C. Schneider, Bruce Patrick Albrecht, William R. Giese
  • Patent number: 11999596
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to power a crane on a work truck using an engine-powered service pack are disclosed. An example auxiliary power system for a vehicle includes an engine, a generator configured to convert mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy, and power conversion circuitry configured to provide electrical power to a crane to enable the crane to lift at least a portion of a rated load, and configured to convert the electrical energy from the generator to output DC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Trinkner, Jeffery R. Ihde, Joseph C. Schneider, Nathan J. Jochman, Jeff Lenzner
  • Publication number: 20230405703
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for pretreating a wire that is used in a welding operation to reduce the amount of hydrogen introduced into a weld. Using embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein, one passes a wire through a pre-treatment chamber in which a wire is treated to release hydrogen and/or other contaminants, and provides a gas flow through the pre-treatment chamber so that the contaminants that are released from the wire are taken up by the gas. The gas exiting the pre-treatment chamber may be isolated from the shielding gas utilized during a welding operation. For instance, the pretreatment gas may be directed away from the distal end of the welding torch, thereby preventing released contaminants from being transported into a weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Michael V. Hoeger, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20230381024
    Abstract: Described herein are examples of smart welding helmets having a plurality of functions that go beyond conventional welding helmets. For example, a smart welding helmet may be configured to detect if/when the helmet surpasses one or more temperature thresholds, which may alert an operator if they have been welding too close and/or for too long. Other example smart helmet functions may include the ability to display (and/or otherwise output) feedback/guidance and/or welding information, as well as communicate with appropriate personnel. In some examples, the smart welding helmet may be configured to selectively enable/disable certain functions of the smart welding helmet to accommodate the needs of a particular operator and/or groups of operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: William Joshua Becker, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20230311229
    Abstract: A portable advanced process module system includes, for example, a welding power source, an portable advanced process module, and a wire feeder. The portable advanced process module and the wire feeder are separately enclosed in suitcase style enclosures with disconnectable power and communication means between the portable advanced process module and the wire feeder. The processing unit includes power electronics to enable advanced weld processes that can be delivered to the wire feeder and a welding work piece. The portable advanced process module is powered by a DC bus that can be supplied by a welding power source. Connecting the portable advanced process module between the welding power source and the wire feeder enables advanced welding processes to be accomplished at great distances from the main welding power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan G. Leiteritz, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11772182
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for pretreating a wire that is used in a welding operation to reduce the amount of hydrogen introduced into a weld. Using embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein, one passes a wire through a pre-treatment chamber in which a wire is treated to release hydrogen and/or other contaminants, and provides a gas flow through the pre-treatment chamber so that the contaminants that are released from the wire are taken up by the gas. The gas exiting the pre-treatment chamber may be isolated from the shielding gas utilized during a welding operation. For instance, the pretreatment gas may be directed away from the distal end of the welding torch, thereby preventing released contaminants from being transported into a weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Michael V. Hoeger, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20230294194
    Abstract: Disclosed example power supplies, user interfaces, and methods provide for monitoring, analysis and/or presentation of input power characteristics for a welding-type power supply and/or wire feeder. A welding system includes a power supply to deliver power to a welding torch based on one or more input power characteristics. The input power characteristics may correspond to received input power characteristics values during a welding procedure. The input power characteristics are responsive to the power demanded during the welding operation and may change accordingly. To maintain an accounting of the input power characteristics and their values as they change during the welding operation, control circuitry may receive information regarding the input characteristics, analyze the information, and/or generate presentable indicators for display on one or more graphical interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Craig Knoener, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20230290271
    Abstract: Described herein are examples of weld training systems that show (e.g., transparent and/or translucent) “ghost” images of a welding tool on a display screen of a welding headgear to indicate target positions and/or target orientations of an actual welding tool. In some examples, the weld training systems may additionally “reset” the target tool image to a position closer to the actual welding tool if the target tool image gets too far away. The ability to “reset” the target tool image to a position closer to the actual welding tool may help in minimizing a risk that an operator 106 will overcompensate to try to catch up with the target tool image, which can be detrimental to the weld. Additionally, resetting the target tool image to a position closer the welding tool may allow an operator to better perceive and/or understand differences in orientation and/or other technique parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Mitchell James Muske, Joseph C. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11745286
    Abstract: An example welding-type power supply includes: power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power, and to output the welding-type power via a welding-type circuit; a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least one component of the welding-type power supply; and stray current detection circuitry configured to detect stray welding-type current based on the measured temperature of the at least one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Schneider, Michael D. Madsen, Bernard J. Vogel, Andrew J. Henry