Patents by Inventor Richard Schmitz
Richard Schmitz 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: 20230415277Abstract: A welding sled, comprising a support base comprising one or more attachment points for attachment of a wire supply support and attachment of a wire drive assembly; a plurality of rollers coupled to a bottom of the support base; and a brake configured to selectively brake the welding sled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2022Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Mark Richard Christopher, Connor Denis Uitenbroek, Adam Richard Schmitz
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Patent number: 11742840Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a power supply noise disturbance rejection circuit (NDRC) having a first circuit reference potential (CRP1), a second circuit reference potential (CRP2), and a galvanic link conductively connecting CRP1 and CRP2 and providing a non-zero resistance return path for at least one current mode signal (CMS). In an illustrative example, a power supply monitor circuit (PSMC) may be referenced to CRP1 and a control circuit to CRP2. The PMSC may, for example, generate a voltage mode signal (VMS) relative to CRP1 and representing an output parameter of a power supply circuit (PSC), and convert the VMS into a first CMS (CMS1). The control circuit may, for example, generate a control signal for the PSC from CMS1. Various embodiments may advantageously attenuate a noise margin of a CMS presented at the control circuit by a factor of at least 10 relative to an equivalent VMS.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Alpha and Omega Semiconductor International LPInventors: Richard Schmitz, Tsing Hsu
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Publication number: 20230015497Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for manually setting up a wire drive assembly of a welding power supply and automatically setting up welding power supply parameters. A drive roll is configured with multiple grooves for receiving multiple wires of different types and/or different diameters. A sensor can detect the configuration of the drive roll such as, for example, being configured to receive a particular wire type with a particular diameter in a particular groove, by detect a distance to the drive roll. The welding power supply can use this information to automatically set the wire speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
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Publication number: 20220347783Abstract: An example wire feeder includes: a wire supply support configured to supply welding wire; a wire drive assembly configured to feed wire to a welding gun from the wire supply support; a support base defining a lower surface, the wire supply support and the wire drive assembly supported by the support base, the support base being pivotable from an operational position to a travel position; a handle at a first end of the support base; and at least one reduced friction element extending from a second end of the support base so that the support base is in contact with a support surface when the support base is in the operational position, and the reduced friction element is in engagement with the support surface and the support base is out of contact with the support surface when the support base is pivoted to the travel position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: Mark Christopher, Adam Richard Schmitz, Connor Denis Uitenbroek
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Publication number: 20220352881Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a power supply noise disturbance rejection circuit (NDRC) having a first circuit reference potential (CRP1), a second circuit reference potential (CRP2), and a galvanic link conductively connecting CRP1 and CRP2 and providing a non-zero resistance return path for at least one current mode signal (CMS). In an illustrative example, a power supply monitor circuit (PSMC) may be referenced to CRP1 and a control circuit to CRP2. The PMSC may, for example, generate a voltage mode signal (VMS) relative to CRP1 and representing an output parameter of a power supply circuit (PSC), and convert the VMS into a first CMS (CMS1). The control circuit may, for example, generate a control signal for the PSC from CMS1. Various embodiments may advantageously attenuate a noise margin of a CMS presented at the control circuit by a factor of at least 10 relative to an equivalent VMS.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Applicant: Alpha and Omega Semiconductor International LPInventors: Richard Schmitz, Tsing Hsu
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Publication number: 20220288715Abstract: A welding system has a wire feeder having an adjustable lift point. The wire feeder includes a wire supply source configured to supply welding wire, a wire drive assembly configured to feed wire to a welding gun from the spool, and a support base. The wire supply source and the wire drive assembly are supported by the base. A lift member is connected to the support base and is selectively movable in at least one direction with respect to the support base to enable adjustment of the lift point of the wire feeder.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2022Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Brian Lee Ott, Adam Richard Schmitz
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Patent number: 11368144Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a power supply noise disturbance rejection circuit (NDRC) having a first circuit reference potential (CRP1), a second circuit reference potential (CRP2), and a galvanic link conductively connecting CRP1 and CRP2 and providing a non-zero resistance return path for at least one current mode signal (CMS). In an illustrative example, a power supply monitor circuit (PSMC) may be referenced to CRP1 and a control circuit to CRP2. The PMSC may, for example, generate a voltage mode signal (VMS) relative to CRP1 and representing an output parameter of a power supply circuit (PSC), and convert the VMS into a first CMS (CMS1). The control circuit may, for example, generate a control signal for the PSC from CMS1. Various embodiments may advantageously attenuate a noise margin of a CMS presented at the control circuit by a factor of at least 10 relative to an equivalent VMS.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2021Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: ALPHA AND OMEGA SEMICONDUCTOR INTERNATIONAL LPInventors: Richard Schmitz, Tsing Hsu
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Patent number: 11185942Abstract: Aspects of a welding-type cable and torch are provided. The welding-type cable includes a power conductor to conduct welding-type power and a weld torch interface on a distal end of the welding-type cable to attach a weld torch to the power conductor. The welding-type torch includes a power connector to transfer welding-type power between the welding-type torch and a power conductor of a welding-type cable that is detachably coupled to the power connector. An electrode to perform a welding-type operation using the welding-type power is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
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Publication number: 20210323102Abstract: A tool less method of connecting a welding-type power source with a cart is disclosed. In some examples, the cart may be configured to carry one or more gas bottles (and/or cylinders). In some examples, the power source housing and the cart may connect at interfacing ends and/or walls of the housing and cart. A connector, such as a clip for example, may span the interface to connect the power source housing and the cart. Catches (e.g. slots, holes, crevices, and/or protrusions) may be formed in and/or on the power supply housing and/or cart proximate to the interfacing ends and/or walls. In some examples, the catches may be aligned. In some examples, the cart and/or power source housing may include alignment surfaces to assist with alignment. The connector may engage the aligned catches to connect the welding-type power source and cart together at the interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Nicholas James Dessart, Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott R. Rozmarynowski
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Patent number: 11084130Abstract: A tool less method of connecting a welding-type power source with a cart is disclosed. In some examples, the cart may be configured to carry one or more gas bottles (and/or cylinders). In some examples, the power source housing and the cart may connect at interfacing ends and/or walls of the housing and cart. A connector, such as a clip for example, may span the interface to connect the power source housing and the cart. Catches (e.g. slots, holes, crevices, and/or protrusions) may be formed in and/or on the power supply housing and/or cart proximate to the interfacing ends and/or walls. In some examples, the catches may be aligned. In some examples, the cart and/or power source housing may include alignment surfaces to assist with alignment. The connector may engage the aligned catches to connect the welding-type power source and cart together at the interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Nicholas James Dessart, Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott R. Rozmarynowski
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Patent number: 10924014Abstract: A controller for a switching regulator includes an error amplifier configured to receive a feedback voltage indicative of the regulated output voltage and a reference voltage, and to generate an error signal indicative of the difference between the feedback voltage and the reference voltage; a loop calculator configured to generate an output signal in response to the error signal, the output signal being used by the switching regulator to generate the regulated output voltage having a voltage value related to the reference voltage; and an output voltage adjust circuit configured to receive a sense current signal indicative of a current flowing through the load and to generate a voltage adjust signal in response to the sense current signal, the voltage adjust signal being applied to generate the reference voltage relative to a predetermined set voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (Cayman) Ltd.Inventors: Richard Schmitz, Edward Mun Lam, Daniel Edward Brown
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Publication number: 20200295658Abstract: A controller for a multi-phase switching regulator includes an error amplifier configured to generate an error signal indicative of the difference between a feedback voltage and a reference voltage; a loop calculator configured to generate control signals in response to the error signal to drive the power stages; and a dynamic phase management control circuit configured to generate a power efficiency value in response to the input current, the input voltage, the output current, and the output voltage. The dynamic phase management control circuit generates a phase selection signal indicating a first number of power stages to be activated in response to the first current signal and the power efficiency value. The phase selection signal is provided to the loop calculator to activate the first number of power stages.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventor: Richard Schmitz
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Patent number: 10778101Abstract: A controller for a multi-phase switching regulator includes an error amplifier configured to generate an error signal indicative of the difference between a feedback voltage and a reference voltage; a loop calculator configured to generate control signals in response to the error signal to drive the power stages; and a dynamic phase management control circuit configured to generate a power efficiency value in response to the input current, the input voltage, the output current, and the output voltage. The dynamic phase management control circuit generates a phase selection signal indicating a first number of power stages to be activated in response to the first current signal and the power efficiency value. The phase selection signal is provided to the loop calculator to activate the first number of power stages.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: ALPHA AND OMEGA SEMICONDUCTOR (CAYMAN) LTD.Inventor: Richard Schmitz
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Publication number: 20200287459Abstract: A controller for a switching regulator includes an error amplifier configured to receive a feedback voltage indicative of the regulated output voltage and a reference voltage, and to generate an error signal indicative of the difference between the feedback voltage and the reference voltage; a loop calculator configured to generate an output signal in response to the error signal, the output signal being used by the switching regulator to generate the regulated output voltage having a voltage value related to the reference voltage; and an output voltage adjust circuit configured to receive a sense current signal indicative of a current flowing through the load and to generate a voltage adjust signal in response to the sense current signal, the voltage adjust signal being applied to generate the reference voltage relative to a predetermined set voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2019Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Richard Schmitz, Edward Mun Lam, Daniel Edward Brown
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Patent number: 10710191Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed of a welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply configured to provide welding-type power. A reel located within a housing of the welding-type power supply. A welding-type cable, the reel configured to wind the welding-type cable to reduce a length of the welding-type cable extending from the housing, and to unwind to increase a length of the welding-type cable extending from the housing at least partially wound around the reel when stored. The welding-type cable includes a first end secured to the reel and electrically connected to the welding-type power supply and a second end configured to provide the welding-type power to at least one welding-type tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
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Patent number: 10603736Abstract: A welding system includes a welder configured to output welding power to generate an arc between a welding electrode and a workpiece. The welding system also includes a power pin configured to be coupled to the welder in a first orientation or a second orientation. The power pin is configured to switch the welding power from a first polarity to a second polarity when the power pin is switched from being coupled to the welder in the first orientation to being coupled to the welder in the second orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Benjamin David Romenesko, Ronald Dewayne Woodward, Adam Richard Schmitz, Michael Thomas Schwarz
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Publication number: 20190299341Abstract: A tool less method of connecting a welding-type power source with a cart is disclosed. In some examples, the cart may be configured to carry one or more gas bottles (and/or cylinders). In some examples, the power source housing and the cart may connect at interfacing ends and/or walls of the housing and cart. A connector, such as a clip for example, may span the interface to connect the power source housing and the cart. Catches (e.g. slots, holes, crevices, and/or protrusions) may be formed in and/or on the power supply housing and/or cart proximate to the interfacing ends and/or walls. In some examples, the catches may be aligned. In some examples, the cart and/or power source housing may include alignment surfaces to assist with alignment. The connector may engage the aligned catches to connect the welding-type power source and cart together at the interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2018Publication date: October 3, 2019Inventors: Nicholas James Dessart, Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott R. Rozmarynowski
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Publication number: 20190126381Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for manually setting up a wire drive assembly of a welding power supply and automatically setting up welding power supply parameters. A drive roll is configured with multiple grooves for receiving multiple wires of different types and/or different diameters. A sensor can detect the configuration of the drive roll such as, for example, being configured to receive a particular wire type with a particular diameter in a particular groove, by detect a distance to the drive roll. The welding power supply can use this information to automatically set the wire speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2017Publication date: May 2, 2019Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
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Publication number: 20180281098Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed of a welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply configured to provide welding-type power. A reel located within a housing of the welding-type power supply. A welding-type cable, the reel configured to wind the welding-type cable to reduce a length of the welding-type cable extending from the housing, and to unwind to increase a length of the welding-type cable extending from the housing at least partially wound around the reel when stored. The welding-type cable includes a first end secured to the reel and electrically connected to the welding-type power supply and a second end configured to provide the welding-type power to at least one welding-type tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet
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Publication number: 20180117703Abstract: Aspects of a welding-type cable and torch are provided. The welding-type cable includes a power conductor to conduct welding-type power and a weld torch interface on a distal end of the welding-type cable to attach a weld torch to the power conductor. The welding-type torch includes a power connector to transfer welding-type power between the welding-type torch and a power conductor of a welding-type cable that is detachably coupled to the power connector. An electrode to perform a welding-type operation using the welding-type power is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2016Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Adam Richard Schmitz, Chris J. Roehl, Scott Ryan Rozmarynowski, Zachary William MacMullen, Lauren Goulet