Patents by Inventor Richard Hutchison
Richard Hutchison 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: 11259577Abstract: A brace for a part of a body includes a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity, and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. The second fiber is woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber. The brace also includes a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fibers. The agent is constructed to cross-link in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified and is constructed to not cross-link in a second inactive mode when the first and second fibers are not electrified. The brace surrounds a body part, such as a knee or neck. The agent can include an ER fluid and/or EAP. A brace system includes a selectively electrically activated brace for the part of the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: SoftArmour LLCInventors: David Amos Ben-Meir, Allan Sanford, Christen Egan, Gibran Esquenazi, Richard Hutchison, Nathaniel Mowell, Russell Scott Miller
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Publication number: 20160174630Abstract: A brace for a part of a body includes a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity, and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. The second fiber is woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber. The brace also includes a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fibers. The agent is constructed to cross-link in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified and is constructed to not cross-link in a second inactive mode when the first and second fibers are not electrified. The brace surrounds a body part, such as a knee or neck. The agent can include an ER fluid and/or EAP. A brace system includes a selectively electrically activated brace for the part of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Applicant: SoftArmour LLCInventors: David Amos Ben-Meir, Allan Sanford, Christen Egan, Gibran Esquenazi, Richard Hutchison, Nathaniel Mowell, Russell Scott Miller
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Patent number: 9271858Abstract: A brace for a part of a body includes a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity, and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. The second fiber is woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber. The brace also includes a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fibers. The agent is constructed to cross-link in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified and is constructed to not cross-link in a second inactive mode when the first and second fibers are not electrified. The brace surrounds a body part, such as a knee or neck. The agent can include an ER fluid and/or EAP. A brace system includes a selectively electrically activated brace for the part of the body.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: SOFTARMOUR LLCInventors: David Amos Ben-Meir, Allan Sanford, Christen Egan, Gibran Esquenazi, Richard Hutchison, Nathaniel Mowell, Russell Scott Miller
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Publication number: 20150018733Abstract: A brace for a part of a body includes a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity, and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. The second fiber is woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber. The brace also includes a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fibers. The agent is constructed to cross-link in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified and is constructed to not cross-link in a second inactive mode when the first and second fibers are not electrified. The brace surrounds a body part, such as a knee or neck. The agent can include an ER fluid and/or EAP. A brace system includes a selectively electrically activated brace for the part of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Applicant: SOFTARMOUR LLCInventors: David Amos Ben-Meir, Allan Sanford, Christen Egan, Gibran Esquenazi, Richard Hutchison, Nathaniel Mowell, Russell Scott Miller
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Patent number: 8217305Abstract: A system and method for performing a welding-type process includes a welding-type torch having a first electrode connected to receive a welding-type power to effectuate a welding-type process. The welding-type torch also includes a second electrode connected to receive a starting power to initiate the welding-type process and a nozzle surrounding at least a portion of the first electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Richard Hutchison
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Publication number: 20100006552Abstract: A short circuit arc welding system is disclosed. The control scheme uses a current command signal comprised of a long-term current command that sets the long-term current command level and a real-time or short-by-short current command to drive the output current. Feedback is used to determine if the desired arc length is present and to adjust the long-term command. The short-by-short current command is derived from real-time arc current feedback and is used to control the burn-off rate by adjustment of the current command. The short being about to clear is detected in real time. When the process is ending a very low current level is provided to avoid forming a ball. If a short is created, after the low current level, a burst of energy is provided to clear of burn off the short. After the short is cleared, very low current is again provided to avoid forming a large ball, until the wire stops and the process ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard Hutchison, Todd Holverson, James Uecker
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Publication number: 20090145889Abstract: A system and method for performing a welding-type process includes a welding-type torch having a first electrode connected to receive a welding-type power to effectuate a welding-type process. The welding-type torch also includes a second electrode connected to receive a starting power to initiate the welding-type process and a nozzle surrounding at least a portion of the first electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventor: Richard Hutchison
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Publication number: 20080314885Abstract: A welding-type system and method for providing supplemental output power in an engine-driven, welding-type system. The welding-type system includes a battery, an engine, and a generator coupled to the engine to be driven to generate a power. The system also includes a power conditioning circuit configured to convert the power generated by the generator to a primary welding-type power and an output configured to deliver the welding-type power to drive a welding-type process during a first state and a second state of the welding-type process. The system further includes a controller configured to monitor the welding-type process and selectively couple the battery to the output during the second state of the welding-type process to provide a supplemental welding-type power to drive the welding-type process during the second state of the welding-type process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Richard Hutchison
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Publication number: 20080116177Abstract: A welding gun is disclosed that includes an electrode configured to effectuate a welding-type process and a non-conductive nozzle configured to at least partially surround the electrode. The welding gun also includes a conductive casing at least partially surrounding the nozzle and electrically isolated from the electrode and a conductive path extending from the conductive casing through the welding gun.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Richard Hutchison, Jeffery Gadamus
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Publication number: 20080023457Abstract: 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: October 12, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: Todd Holverson, Richard Hutchison, James Uecker
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Publication number: 20080006616Abstract: A short circuit arc welding system is disclosed. The control scheme uses a current command signal comprised of a long-term current command that sets the long-term current command level and a real-time or short-by-short current command to drive the output current. Feedback is used to determine if the desired arc length is present and to adjust the long-term command. The short-by-short current command is derived from real-time arc current feedback and is used to control the burn-off rate by adjustment of the current command. The short being about to clear is detected in real time. When the process is ending a very low current level is provided to avoid forming a ball. If a short is created, after the low current level, a burst of energy is provided to clear of burn off the short. After the short is cleared, very low current is again provided to avoid forming a large ball, until the wire stops and the process ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard Hutchison, Todd Holverson, James Uecker
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Publication number: 20070000893Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire from a source of wire to a weld includes one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive the wire to the weld. A buffer is disposed between the source and an arc end of the torch. Another motor may be disposed near the wire source. A wire tension controller may be provided. The one or more motors advance and retract the wire, and wire is stored, or the path length altered, when the wire is retracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventors: Gerd Huismann, Peter Hennecke, Richard Hutchison
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Publication number: 20060261052Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding wire in a welding system include one or more motors disposed adjacent the wire to drive it. A wire feed motor is also disposed along the wire path, and is closer to the source of wire than the torch, and closer to the source than the one or more motors. The motors may be a pair motors disposed on opposite sides of the wire and move the wire to and away from an arc end of a torch. They preferably reversing the direction of the wire within one process cycle. The or more motors may be a stepper motor, a servo motor, a zero backlash motor, a gearless motor, a planetary drive motor, or a linear actuator (such as a piston), in various embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Inventors: Gerd Huismann, Peter Hennecke, Richard Hutchison
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Publication number: 20060201923Abstract: A system and method for controlling a wire feeder is disclosed. The speed by which a wire feeder delivers consumable weld wire to a weld is dynamically controlled based on feedback from a contact-less sensor. The contact-less sensor provides the feedback directly from the consumable weld wire as it is being delivered to a weld. The present invention is particularly applicable with MIG and CSC welding systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: September 14, 2006Inventor: Richard Hutchison
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Publication number: 20060175299Abstract: A welding gun is disclosed that includes an electrode configured to effectuate a welding-type process and a non-conductive nozzle configured to at least partially surround the electrode. The welding gun also includes a conductive casing at least partially surrounding the nozzle and electrically isolated from the electrode and a conductive path extending from the conductive casing through the welding gun.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2005Publication date: August 10, 2006Inventors: Richard Hutchison, Jeffery Gadamus
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Publication number: 20060169683Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a welding-type power supply includes providing a current wave form having an arc current portion and a short circuit current portion. An arc state is entered by retracting a welding wire, and a short circuit state is entered by advancing the wire. The current enters the arc current portion prior to the creation of the arc and the current enters the short circuit current portion prior to the creation of the short, by coordinating the wave form with the wire retraction. This may be preformed on a wire having a diameter of 2.4 mm or more to a weld and applying a welding current of less than 100 amps, or of less than 35 amps. One current waveform during the arc state includes at least three segments, and the last segment is entered into prior to the short circuit state being entered, and is the same current magnitude as the current magnitude at the start of the short circuit state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2006Publication date: August 3, 2006Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Gerd Huismann, Peter Hennecke, Richard Hutchison, Lori Kuiper, Tim Matus
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Publication number: 20060163229Abstract: A short circuit arc welding system is disposed. The control scheme uses a current command signal to drive the output current. The command signal is comprised of a long-term current command that sets the long-term current command level and a real-time or short-by-short current command. Arc voltage feedback is used to determine if the desired arc length is present and to adjust the long-term command. The short-by-short current command is derived from real-time arc current feedback and is used to control the burn-off rate by an instantaneous, or short-by-short, adjustment of the current command. A function of the time derivative of arc power, less the time derivative of arc current, is used to detect, in real time, when the short is about to clear. A stop algorithm is employed that monitors the arc on a short-by-short basis. When the process is ending a very low current level is provided to avoid forming a ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2006Publication date: July 27, 2006Inventors: Richard Hutchison, Todd Holverson, James Uecker
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Publication number: 20060081578Abstract: 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: November 23, 2005Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventors: Todd Holverson, James Uecker, Robert Davidson, Richard Hutchison
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Publication number: 20060076334Abstract: 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: November 23, 2005Publication date: April 13, 2006Inventors: Todd Holverson, Richard Hutchison, James Uecker
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Patent number: 6987243Abstract: A short circuit arc welding system is disclosed. The control scheme uses a current command signal to drive the output current. The command signal is comprised of a long-term current command that sets the long-term current command level and a real-time or short-by-short current command. Arc voltage feedback is used to determine if the desired arc length is present and to adjust the long-term command. The short-by-short current command is derived from real-time arc current feedback and is used to control the burn-off rate by an instantaneous, or short-by-short, adjustment of the current command. A function of the time derivative of arc power, less the time derivative of arc current, is used to detect, in real time, when the short is about to clear. A stop algorithm is employed that monitors the arc on a short-by-short basis. When the process is ending a very low current level is provided to avoid forming a ball.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Richard Hutchison, Todd Holverson, James Uecker