Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Bunker

Thomas A. Bunker 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: 20140209587
    Abstract: A method includes receiving data corresponding to a voltage level over time and a current level over time. The method also includes determining a first ratio corresponding to a voltage ramp percent or a voltage falling edge percent with respect to a peak in the voltage level and determining a second ratio corresponding to a current ramp ratio or a current falling edge ratio with respect to a peak in the current level. The method further includes determining, based on a comparison between the first ratio and the second ratio, whether to increment, decrement, or maintain an inductance compensation estimation value corresponding to an estimated inductance present in one or more secondary components associated with the welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Thomas A. Bunker, Richard Schuh
  • Publication number: 20140076871
    Abstract: A method includes receiving data corresponding to a weld waveform that is generated during a welding operation and determining, based on the received data corresponding to the weld waveform, an overshoot voltage for the welding operation that exceeds an expected voltage level. The method further includes receiving data corresponding to a measured stud voltage and calculating, based on the overshoot voltage and the measured stud voltage, a stud voltage for the welding operation. The method also includes controlling at least one parameter of the welding operation based on the stud voltage for the welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Thomas A. Bunker, Richard Schuh
  • Publication number: 20140048517
    Abstract: A controller for a welding system adapted to determine a value of a weld secondary parameter across a weld secondary component based on a sensed parameter is provided. The controller may also be adapted to compare the determined value to a reference value range and to alert a user to a presence and location of a weld secondary error when the determined value is outside the referenced value range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard Schuh, Anthony J. Kowaleski, Thomas A. Bunker, Nicholas James Dessart, Bruce A. Casner
  • Publication number: 20140001167
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a welding-type system including circuitry configured to receive direct current (DC) power directly from a distributed DC bus, to generate a current using the received DC power, and to isolate the welding-type system from the distributed DC bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Bunker, Alan A. Manthe, Anthony V. Salsich, Michael David Madsen, Bruce Patrick Albrecht
  • Patent number: 8592721
    Abstract: A controller for a welding system adapted to determine a value of a weld secondary parameter across a weld secondary component based on a sensed parameter is provided. The controller may also be adapted to compare the determined value to a reference value range and to alert a user to a presence and location of a weld secondary error when the determined value is outside the referenced value range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard Schuh, Anthony J. Kowaleski, Thomas A. Bunker, Bruce A. Casner, Nicholas James Dessart
  • Publication number: 20130264319
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a means for communicating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy N. Temby, James F. Rappl, Joseph E. Feldhausen, Todd E. Holverson, Michael H. Novak, Jeffery R. Ihde, Joseph C. Schneider, Bruce P. Albrecht, Thomas A. Bunker, Clay A. Byron
  • Patent number: 8367972
    Abstract: A controller for a welding system adapted to determine a value of a weld secondary parameter across a weld secondary component based on a sensed parameter is provided. The controller may also be adapted to compare the determined value to a reference value range and to alert a user to a presence and location of a weld secondary error when the determined value is outside the referenced value range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard Schuh, Anthony J. Kowaleski, Thomas A. Bunker, Bruce A. Casner, Nicholas James Dessart
  • Patent number: 8304685
    Abstract: The present invention includes a plasma cutter having an input configured to receive welding power and a converter arranged according to a ?uk topology and configured to automatically convert the welding power to plasma-cutting power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Bunker, Joseph C. Schneider, James F. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 8306971
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating a map view includes accessing a dataset having multiple records and multiple fields. One or more of the multiple fields are identified as geographical fields. Geographical codes are automatically associated with a first one of the identified geographical fields. A geographical map is generated for the dataset. Generating the geographical map includes generating a first plurality of marks on the geographical map. The first plurality of marks is positioned on the geographical map in accordance with the geographical codes associated with the first one of the identified geographical fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tableau Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Stolte, Jock Douglas Mackinlay, Richard Michael Grantham Wesley, Ross Thomas Bunker, Austin David Dahl
  • Publication number: 20110180522
    Abstract: Welding system and method permit exchange of data with Smart Grid monitors and/or controllers. The welding systems include a welding power supply configured to convert power between the power grid and the welding power supply. A grid interface cooperates with control circuitry to transmit data to and/or from the grid monitors and/or controllers on the grid side. The control circuitry may control operation of the welding power supply based upon data from the grid. The system may include power generation devices (e.g., engine-drive generators) and energy storage devices (e.g., batteries). The control circuitry may control operation of such devices, the exchange of power between them, and the draw of power from the grid or the application of power to the grid based upon the data exchanged with the grid monitors and/or controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Bunker, Bruce Patrick Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20100314371
    Abstract: A controller for a welding system adapted to determine a value of a weld secondary parameter across a weld secondary component based on a sensed parameter is provided. The controller may also be adapted to compare the determined value to a reference value range and to alert a user to a presence and location of a weld secondary error when the determined value is outside the referenced value range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard Schuh, Anthony J. Kowaleski, Thomas A. Bunker, Bruce A. Casner, Nicholas James Dessart
  • Publication number: 20090319556
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of generating a map view includes accessing a dataset having multiple records and multiple fields. One or more of the multiple fields are identified as geographical fields. Geographical codes are automatically associated with a first one of the identified geographical fields. A geographical map is generated for the dataset. Generating the geographical map includes generating a first plurality of marks on the geographical map. The first plurality of marks is positioned on the geographical map in accordance with the geographical codes associated with the first one of the identified geographical fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Stolte, Jock Douglas Mackinlay, Richard Michael Grantham Wesley, Ross Thomas Bunker, Austin David Dahl
  • Publication number: 20080296276
    Abstract: A welding-type system and method for operating a welding-type system is disclosed. The system includes a switched power delivery circuit connected to deliver power to output terminals and an open-circuit voltage (OCV) control circuit configured to adjust an operational state of the switched power delivery circuit. A controller is included that is configured to monitor the output terminals to identify an open circuit condition and selectively engage the OCV control circuit to adjust the operational state of the switched power delivery circuit to reduce a voltage of the output power delivered to the output terminals during the open circuit condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Quinn William Schartner, Thomas A. Bunker
  • Publication number: 20060231532
    Abstract: The present invention includes a plasma cutter having an input configured to receive welding power and a converter arranged according to a ?uk topology and configured to automatically convert the welding power to plasma-cutting power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Bunker, Joseph Schneider, James Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20060219679
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed. The power supply has two output lines, and two inductances that are magnetically coupled, or a common mode inductance, in the output lines. The inductances may be installed when the power supply is built, or added afterwards. The inductance may protect the welding-type power supply from high frequency noise on a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Bunker
  • Patent number: 7078652
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed. The power supply has two output lines, and two inductances that are magnetically coupled, or a common mode inductance, in the output lines. The inductances may be installed when the power supply is built, or added afterwards. The inductance may protect the welding-type power supply from high frequency noise on a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bunker
  • Publication number: 20040217097
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed. The power supply has two output lines, and two inductances that are magnetically coupled, or a common mode inductance, in the output lines. The inductances may be installed when the power supply is built, or added afterwards. The inductance may protect the welding-type power supply from high frequency noise on a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bunker
  • Patent number: 6444944
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma cutting includes a cutting power supply, preferably a buck converter, and a compressor. The cutting power supply provides power to a plasma torch, and the compressor provides air to the torch. The air compressor is integrated into the plasma cutter, and includes a compressor motor, preferably with a buck convertor power supply, or having the motor windings are part of the buck converter that is the cutting power supply. The motor is regulated regulator to a fixed setpoint or a user setpoint by a compressor regulator in response to a feedback signal, preferably a compressor motor voltage feedback signal. The compressor also turns the compressor on and/off in response to a trigger and/or cutting current feedback signal and has an on/off circuit responsive thereto in various alternatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Schneider, Thomas A. Bunker
  • Publication number: 20010042736
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma cutting includes a cutting power supply, preferably a buck converter, and a compressor. The cutting power supply provides power to a plasma torch, and the compressor provides air to the torch. The air compressor is integrated into the plasma cutter, and includes a compressor motor, preferably with a buck convertor power supply, or having the motor windings are part of the buck converter that is the cutting power supply. The motor is regulated regulator to a fixed setpoint or a user setpoint by a compressor regulator in response to a feedback signal, preferably a compressor motor voltage feedback signal. The compressor also turns the compressor on and/off in response to a trigger and/or cutting current feedback signal and has an on/off circuit responsive thereto in various alternatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Schneider, Thomas A. Bunker
  • Patent number: 6310320
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding power includes two power sources (first and second), each having an output. A linking circuit selectively connects the power sources in one of an independent mode (such that each is connected to a separate welding output whereby the first welding output is independent of the second welding output) or a combined mode (such that the power sources are connected in parallel and connected to one welding output whereby the outputs of the first power source and second power source are combined). A controller includes a mode selector to allow the user to select between the independent mode and the combined mode. Also, the controller includes a master output magnitude selector, which is a single selector, that controls the magnitude of the output of both power sources when the user has selected the combined mode. The power sources can be operated in a CV or CC mode when independent, or a CC mode when combined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David Kraus, Thomas Bunker