Patents by Inventor Mike Wolfinger

Mike Wolfinger 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: 9989250
    Abstract: A method of starting an auto-ignition gas torch includes increasing a flow of oxygen above zero and increasing a flow of fuel gas to a level lower than the flow of oxygen for improved start reliability. In one form, the flow of oxygen is from about two times to about six times higher than the flow of fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Mike Wolfinger, Brandon Hebert, Darrin MacKenzie, Chris Conway
  • Patent number: 8784574
    Abstract: A method of directing a gas flow in a tip of a gas torch includes: directing a flow of gas to an outer passageway of the tip; directing the flow of gas inwardly through at least one intermediate gas passageway; directing the flow of gas to a central gas passageway of the tip; and directing the flow of gas distally through a distal orifice of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Darrin MacKenzie, Chris Conway, Mike Wolfinger, Brandon Hebert
  • Patent number: 8758526
    Abstract: A method of directing gas flows in a gas torch includes directing a flow of a first gas and a flow of a second gas to a mixer central gas passageway of a mixer and directing the flow of the mixed first and second gases from the mixer to an axial passageway of a tip. The method further includes directing a flow of a third gas to an outer passageway of the tip, directing the flow of the third gas inwardly through at least one intermediate gas passageway, and then directing the flow of the third gas to a tip central gas passageway of the tip. Finally, the flow of the mixed first and second gases and the flow of the third gas are directed distally through a distal portion of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Darrin MacKenzie, Chris Conway, Mike Wolfinger, Brandon Hebert
  • Patent number: 8609020
    Abstract: A tip for use in a gas cutting torch is provided that includes an outer tip portion defining a central cavity and a distal orifice and an inner tip portion disposed within the cavity of the outer tip portion. The inner tip portion defines an outer surface, a central gas passageway in communication with the distal orifice of the outer tip portion, and an least one intermediate gas passageway extending from the outer surface to the central gas passageway for a flow of at least one gas to provide improved cooling to the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Darrin MacKenzie, Chris Conway, Mike Wolfinger, Brandon Hebert
  • Patent number: 8568651
    Abstract: A tip assembly for use in a gas cutting torch is provided that includes a tip and a mixer. The tip includes a tip central gas passageway and a distal orifice and the mixer includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the mixer is adapted for connection to the tip and the proximal end portion of the mixer defines a connecting member that removably connects the mixer to a torch head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Darrin MacKenzie, Chris Conway, Mike Wolfinger, Brandon Hebert
  • Publication number: 20120032001
    Abstract: A tip for use in a gas cutting torch is provided that includes an outer tip portion defining a central cavity and a distal orifice and an inner tip portion disposed within the cavity of the outer tip portion. The inner tip portion defines an outer surface, a central gas passageway in communication with the distal orifice of the outer tip portion, and an least one intermediate gas passageway extending from the outer surface to the central gas passageway for a flow of at least one gas to provide improved cooling to the tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Darrin MacKenzie, Chris Conway, Mike Wolfinger, Brandon Hebert
  • Publication number: 20120034567
    Abstract: A method of starting an auto-ignition gas torch includes increasing a flow of oxygen above zero and increasing a flow of fuel gas to a level lower than the flow of oxygen for improved start reliability. In one form, the flow of oxygen is from about two times to about six times higher than the flow of fuel gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Mike Wolfinger, Brandon Hebert, Darrin MacKenzie, Chris Conway
  • Publication number: 20120032002
    Abstract: A tip assembly for use in a gas cutting torch is provided that includes a tip and a mixer. The tip includes a tip central gas passageway and a distal orifice and the mixer includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the mixer is adapted for connection to the tip and the proximal end portion of the mixer defines a connecting member that removably connects the mixer to a torch head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Darrin MacKenzie, Chris Conway, Mike Wolfinger, Brandon Hebert