Patents by Inventor William Todd Watson
William Todd Watson 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: 20230191522Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Patent number: 11612949Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, Todd Earl Holverson, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Patent number: 11590596Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Patent number: 11430105Abstract: A workpiece inspection and defect detection system includes a light source, a lens that inputs image light arising from a surface of a workpiece, and a camera that receives imaging light transmitted along an imaging optical path. The system utilizes images of workpieces acquired with the camera as training images to train a defect detection portion to detect defect images that include workpieces with defects. Anomaly detector classification characteristics are determined based on features of the training images. Run mode images of workpieces are acquired with the camera, and based on determined features from the images, the anomaly detector classification characteristics are utilized to determine if the images of the workpieces are classified as anomalous. In addition, the defect detection portion determines if images are defect images that include workpieces with defects and for which additional operations may be performed (e.g., metrology operations for measuring dimensions of the defects, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: William Todd Watson, Robert Kamil Bryll, Shannon Roy Campbell
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Publication number: 20210390681Abstract: A workpiece inspection and defect detection system includes a light source, a lens that inputs image light arising from a surface of a workpiece, and a camera that receives imaging light transmitted along an imaging optical path. The system utilizes images of workpieces acquired with the camera as training images to train a defect detection portion to detect defect images that include workpieces with defects. Anomaly detector classification characteristics are determined based on features of the training images. Run mode images of workpieces are acquired with the camera, and based on determined features from the images, the anomaly detector classification characteristics are utilized to determine if the images of the workpieces are classified as anomalous. In addition, the defect detection portion determines if images are defect images that include workpieces with defects and for which additional operations may be performed (e.g., metrology operations for measuring dimensions of the defects, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2020Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: William Todd Watson, Robert Kamil Bryll, Shannon Roy Campbell
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Patent number: 11150200Abstract: A workpiece inspection and defect detection system includes a light source, a lens that inputs image light arising from a surface of a workpiece, and a camera that receives imaging light transmitted along an imaging optical path. The system utilizes images of workpieces acquired with the camera as training images to train a defect detection portion to detect defect images that include workpieces with defects, and determines a performance of the defect detection portion as trained with the training images. Based on the performance of the defect detection portion, an indication is provided as to whether additional defect images should be provided for training. After training is complete, the camera is utilized to acquire new images of workpieces which are analyzed to determine defect images that include workpieces with defects, and for which additional operations may be performed (e.g., metrology operations for measuring dimensions of the defects, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: William Todd Watson, Shannon Roy Campbell, Robert Kamil Bryll
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Publication number: 20210016382Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, Todd Earl Holverson, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Patent number: 10890693Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient (TAG) lens includes an acoustic wave generating element and a refractive fluid in a casing cavity surrounded by a lens casing. The lens casing includes case ends which each include a window configuration, a case end rim portion and an enhanced axial compliance portion. The window configuration includes a window and a window mounting portion having an overall window mount dimension along the axial direction. The enhanced axial compliance portion is coupled between the window mounting portion and the case end rim portion and includes a reduced thickness region characterized by a material thickness that is at most 75% of the associated window mount dimension. The axial compliance portion is configured to enhance the axial deflection of the window mounting portion compared to the case end rim portion, when a periodic drive signal is applied to the acoustic wave generating element.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: William Todd Watson, Isaiah Freerksen
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Publication number: 20200361014Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Publication number: 20200200950Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient (TAG) lens includes an acoustic wave generating element and a refractive fluid in a casing cavity surrounded by a lens casing. The lens casing includes case ends which each include a window configuration, a case end rim portion and an enhanced axial compliance portion. The window configuration includes a window and a window mounting portion having an overall window mount dimension along the axial direction. The enhanced axial compliance portion is coupled between the window mounting portion and the case end rim portion and includes a reduced thickness region characterized by a material thickness that is at most 75% of the associated window mount dimension. The axial compliance portion is configured to enhance the axial deflection of the window mounting portion compared to the case end rim portion, when a periodic drive signal is applied to the acoustic wave generating element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: William Todd Watson, Isaiah Freerksen
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Patent number: 10596650Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Publication number: 20190337076Abstract: A welding system includes an orientation sensing system associated with a welding torch and is configured to sense a welding torch orientation relative to a direction of gravity. The welding system also includes a processing system communicatively couple to the orientation sensing system and configured to determine an angular position of the welding torch relative to a pipe based at least in part on the sense welding torch orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Bruce Patrick Albrecht, William Todd Watson
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Patent number: 10335883Abstract: A welding system includes an orientation sensing system associated with a welding torch and is configured to sense a welding torch orientation relative to a direction of gravity. The welding system also includes a processing system communicatively couple to the orientation sensing system and configured to determine an angular position of the welding torch relative to a pipe based at least in part on the sense welding torch orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Bruce Patrick Albrecht, William Todd Watson
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Patent number: 9771042Abstract: A system for classifying an occupant located on a seating surface of a vehicle seat. The system includes a movable element and an electrode located in the vehicle seat. A sensing circuit is provided to supply a signal to the conductor. The sensing circuit also includes measurement electronics configured to measure the signal to the conductor and the vibration of the moveable element. A controller is configured to discriminate between different types of objects located on the seating surface based on changes in the signal being supplied to the conductor and the vibration of the moveable element.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: William Todd Watson, Leonard Cech, James Gregory Stanley, Scott Kerby
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Publication number: 20170095873Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, Todd Earl Holverson, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Publication number: 20170080509Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Patent number: 9573215Abstract: A weld travel speed sensing system includes at least one sound sensor configured to sense a sound generated to allow determination of a position of a welding torch. The weld travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a position of a point on the welding torch based on the sensed sound.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, William Joshua Becker, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison
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Patent number: 9522437Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, Todd Earl Holverson, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Patent number: 9511443Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kyle Andrew Pfeifer, William Todd Watson, Richard Martin Hutchison, William Joshua Becker
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Publication number: 20160193681Abstract: An automated welding device comprises a camera, processing circuitry, a welding torch, and an electromechanical subsystem. The camera is operable to capture, using visible and/or infrared wavelengths, an image of one or more workpieces. The processing circuitry is operable to synchronize the capture of the images to times when voltage between the welding torch and the one or more workpiece is below a determined threshold. The processing circuitry is operable to process the images for determination of physical characteristics of the one or more workpieces. The processing circuitry is operable to generate, during welding of the one or more workpieces by the welding torch, electrical signals which are based on the determined physical characteristics of the one or more workpieces, and which control one or more welding parameters of the automated welding device during the welding of the one or more workpieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2015Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Francois Pesme, Christopher Hsu, William Todd Watson