Patents by Inventor Thomas Bunker

Thomas 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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20010025838
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: David Kraus, Thomas Bunker