With Variable Transmission (epo) Patents (Class 2/8.8)
  • Patent number: 11698298
    Abstract: An automatic darkening filter with adaptive parameter adjustment includes: a welding arc intensity detection unit configured to provide a first signal for determining the welding arc intensity; a solar power supply module configured to provide electric energy for the welding arc intensity detection unit and provide a second signal for determining the ambient light intensity; and a CPU and a light valve, the CPU being configured to calculate a difference between the welding arc intensity and the ambient light intensity based on the first and second signals, and control the scale number of the light valve based on the difference. The automatic darkening filter can realize the automatic adjustment of the scale number, and in the adjustment process, the welding arc intensity signal can be revised based on the ambient light intensity, which can effectively ensure the accuracy of the final determination of the scale number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: CHANGZHOU SHINE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Qu, Weiren Gao
  • Patent number: 11129748
    Abstract: A curved eye protection shield for welding protection. The eye protection shield has an electrically switchable darkening filter and a protective cover. The darkening filter has eye facing major inner and outer surfaces, and the protective cover has major inner and outer surfaces. The protective cover is provided for arrangement on the inner surface of the darkening filter. The inner and outer surface of the darkening filter are equidistant, whereas the inner and outer surface of the protective cover are non-equidistant. The invention is advantageous in that it provides an eye protection shield having a minimized refractive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kristina M. Magnusson, Kenneth Jarefors, Laurent Froissard, Britton G. Billingsley
  • Patent number: 10660796
    Abstract: The present application discloses a wireless projector-type auto-darkening welding helmet comprising: a helmet housing; a headband structure for securing the helmet housing; an auto-darkening filter secured on the helmet housing; a wireless communication module; and a micro-projector which is data-connected to the auto-darkening filter and the wireless communication module, wherein when the auto-darkening filter is in a transparent state, the micro-projector is adaptable to project operating parameters of the auto-darkening filter and/or data received by the wireless communication module, as images, onto a plane in front of the welding helmet such that they can be watched by an operator who wears the welding helmet on his/her head. The present application also discloses a welding apparatus equipped with said wireless projector-type auto-darkening welding helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Tecmen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ziqian Wu
  • Patent number: 9741774
    Abstract: A display apparatus comprising an anisotropic absorption layer and a display panel is disclosed. The anisotropic absorption layer is arranged at light-emitting side of the display panel. A predefined angle is formed between an absorption axis of the anisotropic absorption layer and a normal of the display panel. The anisotropic absorption layer is adapted to absorb ambient lights and transmit display lights from the display panel. The anisotropic absorption layer has a high absorptance to the ambient lights and a high transmittance to the display lights, such that the display apparatus can reduce influence of the ambient lights and improve energy usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Minghong Xu
  • Publication number: 20150135389
    Abstract: An eye protection device for a welding mask or the like includes a welding activity detection circuit that is configured to detect welding activity, and a filter driver that controls an optical filter to be in undarkened and darkened states. The filter driver is configured to (i) provide a slower and/or gradual opening of the filter, (ii) insert a user-selected delay and/or gradient between the end of welding activity and the opening of the filter, and/or (iii) cause variation of light transmission values of the filter between a darkened state and an undarkened state based on varying brightness detected by a brightness sensor during transition of the filter from a darkened state to an undarkened state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: OPTREL AG
    Inventor: Sheng YANG
  • Patent number: 8990964
    Abstract: A welding helmet comprises a face cover, a first pane and a second pane. The face cover comprises a panel extending across an entire face of a person. The first pane comprises auto darkening material supported by the face cover panel so as to extend in a first flat plane. A second pane comprises auto darkening material supported by the face cover panel so as to extend in a second flat plane oblique to the first flat plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: David R. Anderson, Peter M. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 8959662
    Abstract: A grinding mode selector switch for welding masks which controls an anti-glare device blocking hazardous light during a welding operation or an operation using a cutting torch and protecting eyes of a worker during a grinding operation without taking off a welding mask during the welding operation and the grinding operation is disclosed. The grinding mode selector switch for welding masks is installed on the outer surface of the welding mask and is not touched by an external object, and the protruding height of a button protective cap is equal to or greater than the height of a button so as to prevent the button from being touched by an external object when the worker performs an operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Otos Wing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon Young Huh
  • Patent number: 8955162
    Abstract: Disclosed is a welding helmet including an anti-blinding device to selectively control a welding operation and a grinding operation, and more particularly, a welding helmet, which stably protects the welder's eyes and enables easy switching of the anti-blinding device from a welding operation mode to a grinding operation mode or vice versa without taking off the welding helmet. In addition to the anti-blinding device to protect the welder's eyes from light emitted from a welding or cutting torch during a welding or grinding operation, a switch is provided at an outer surface of the welding helmet to allow a welder to conveniently select a welding operation mode or a grinding operation mode without taking off the welding helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Otos Wing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon Young Huh
  • Publication number: 20150033431
    Abstract: A face protector for protecting a worker's eyes and face comprises an auto-darkening filter unit which in turn comprises a filter pane or ADF pane and an electronics unit driving the ADF pane, the electronics unit being configured to switch the ADF pane automatically from a transparent state to a darkened state. A hard shell unit comprises a shell carrying an ADF unit with the ADF and being shaped to protect a wearer's face, the shell being manufactured of a plastic material. A soft shell unit comprises a cap for protecting the crown of the wearer's head and a neck protector for protecting the wearer's neck, the soft shell unit being made of a combination of flexible fabric with support elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ramon Hofer Kraner, Daniel Iranyi, Leo Keller, Arno Lenzi, Tom Staubli, Uwe Werner
  • Patent number: 8726412
    Abstract: A lens assembly for securing in an opening in a face plate of a face protector has a first, retainer lens of shape and dimensions configured to be secured in the front opening of a face plate and having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the face plate. A second lens of smaller dimensions is secured behind the first lens to provide a lens-in-a-lens configuration. The lens assembly may be releasably secured in the face plate opening and the second lens is interchangeable with sets of lenses having different properties such as lens shade. The retainer assembly has a back cover and a gasket or spacer between the back cover and second lens to allow second lenses of different depths to be secured in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Dean Wright
  • Publication number: 20130340141
    Abstract: A grinding mode selector switch for welding masks which controls an anti-glare device blocking hazardous light during a welding operation or an operation using a cutting torch and protecting eyes of a worker during a grinding operation without taking off a welding mask during the welding operation and the grinding operation is disclosed. The grinding mode selector switch for welding masks is installed on the outer surface of the welding mask and is not touched by an external object, and the protruding height of a button protective cap is equal to or greater than the height of a button so as to prevent the button from being touched by an external object when the worker performs an operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Moon Young HUH
  • Patent number: 8438662
    Abstract: A lens assembly for securing in an opening in a face plate of a face protector has a first, retainer lens of shape and dimensions configured to be secured in the front opening of a face plate and having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the face plate. A second lens of smaller dimensions is secured behind the first lens to provide a lens-in-a-lens configuration. The second lens extends across a wearer's eyes when the face protector is worn and the first lens has side portions which extend around at least part of the opposite sides of the face to provide peripheral vision. The lens assembly may be releasably secured in the face plate opening and one or both lenses may be interchangeable with sets of lenses having different properties such as lens shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Dean Wright
  • Patent number: 8438663
    Abstract: A lens assembly for securing in an opening in a face plate of a face protector has a first, retainer lens of shape and dimensions configured to be secured in the front opening of a face plate and having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the face plate. A second lens of smaller dimensions is secured behind the first lens to provide a lens-in-a-lens configuration. The lens assembly may be releasably secured in the face plate opening and the second lens is interchangeable with sets of lenses having different properties such as lens shade. The retainer assembly has a back cover and a gasket or spacer between the back cover and second lens to allow second lenses of different depths to be secured in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Dean Wright
  • Patent number: 8331001
    Abstract: The welding filter device includes a light sensor, a microprocessor, a liquid crystal display, and a user interface. The light sensor senses light to generate a welding signal and a light source intensity signal. The microprocessor comprises a determining module, a control module, a regulating module, and a storage module. The determining module receives the welding signal and determines whether to activate a welding mechanism. The control module receives the light source intensity signal and outputs a control signal. The liquid crystal display presents a first display status according to the control signal. The user interface is used to generate a setting signal; wherein when the liquid crystal display presents the first display status, the regulating module receives the setting signal to regulate the settings so that the liquid crystal display presents a second display status. Furthermore, a method for controlling the welding filter device is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Arcmask Optech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Hsing Hsieh, Edward Martin, Chia-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8316462
    Abstract: A system enables transmitting a torch angle and/or a torch-to-workpiece distance error to a welding operator when these parameters are outside of a preset optimal range via real time audio cues. Weld characteristics are communicated via audio signals, which indicate to the welding operator the direction and severity of the torch angle error. Audio cues, such as pulsed or continuous tones, are used to communicate torch-to-workpiece distance to the welding operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William Joshua Becker, Kyle Andrew Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 8104094
    Abstract: This invention defines a welding helmet that encloses a welders head on five sides and with an optional skirt covers their neck. The helmet contains a fan, filter and cooling module to provide clean cool air that reduces welding fume levels in the breathing zone below suggested maximums. By providing cool air to the welders head and neck area their whole body will feel cooler. It suggests the use of an external power source to provide the energy required to have a fan of sufficient capacity to draw air thorough a quality filter so potentially hazardous constituents of welding fumes are captured. This externally supplied power allows the required cooling capacity thermal electric cooling modules to be used to significantly lower the ambient air temperature. This helmet allows the welding operator to have sufficient cooling to improve their overall work environment for one of the most objectionable welding issues, excess heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Daniel Uttrachi
  • Publication number: 20110258747
    Abstract: A control circuit for an automatic shading welding helmet prevents a LCD driving from being delayed owing to a reset delay of a micro computer. The control circuit for the automatic shading welding helmet having a welding detecting part, a solar cell, a micro computer, a LCD driving part, a LCD driving power, a LCD part, a high voltage supplying part, and a power supply includes a welding detecting signal processing part for outputting a welding detecting signal when the welding detecting signal is inputted from the welding detecting part and allowing the power to be supplied to the micro computer through the power supply; and a temporary driving controller for allowing a temporary power to be directly supplied to the LCD driving part before a reset of the micro computer and allowing the power of the power supply to be supplied to the LCD driving part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Woon Su SEO
  • Patent number: 7962967
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting a torch angle and/or a torch-to-workpiece distance error to a welding operator when these parameters are outside of a preset optimal range via real time visual and/or audio cues are provided. One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to weld characteristic communication via intuitive arrays of visual indicators located on the periphery of a lens, which indicate to the welding operator the direction and severity of the torch angle error. In one embodiment, audio cues, such as pulsed or continuous tones may be used to communicate torch-to-workpiece distance to the welding operator. In certain embodiments, vertical visual indicator arrays may be used to indicate additional weld or auxiliary information, such as battery charge state, torch speed and so forth, to the welding operator. All the components of the communication system may be located in or on the welding helmet or the components may be split between the helmet and a belt pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William Joshua Becker, Kyle Andrew Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20110010815
    Abstract: Disclosed is a welding helmet including an anti-blinding device to selectively control a welding operation and a grinding operation, and more particularly, a welding helmet, which stably protects the welder's eyes and enables easy switching of the anti-blinding device from a welding operation mode to a grinding operation mode or vice versa without taking off the welding helmet. In addition to the anti-blinding device to protect the welder's eyes from light emitted from a welding or cutting torch during a welding or grinding operation, a switch is provided at an outer surface of the welding helmet to allow a welder to conveniently select a welding operation mode or a grinding operation mode without taking off the welding helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: OTOS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Moon Young HUH
  • Patent number: 7812279
    Abstract: A welding flash protection apparatus for use with a welding machine with gas shielding is disclosed, the apparatus providing for delay of the welding flash thereby preventing the typically inherent fraction of a second delay between flash and lens darkening, hence protecting the eyes. The apparatus provides a complete helmet or apparatus components for fitment to an existing helmet. The apparatus provides a unique transmitter antenna mount for the shielding gas tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Doug J. Monzyk
  • Publication number: 20100140241
    Abstract: A welding machine having a first receiver for remote control of the operating parameters, a viewing module having a second receiver for remotely controlling the operating parameters of the viewing module, and a control module for controlling the operating parameters of the welding machine and the viewing module wherein the control modules and the viewing modules may be mounted in a helmet. A master control module is provided for remotely controlling a plurality of control modules wherein each control module controls a viewing module. Each pair of control module and viewing ,module controlled by the master control module may be mounted in a helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: A.C.E. INTERNATIONAL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Edward L. Martin, James P. Watkins, Jason Hsieh (Chien-Hsing)
  • Publication number: 20090094721
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for automatic adjustment of sensitivity threshold settings in an auto-darkening lens. For example, a user may initiate an automatic sensitivity setting process by activating a user interface (e.g., a button, a switch, a slider, etc.). The automatic sensitivity setting process may proceed to gradually increase the sensitivity threshold voltage until it exceeds an optical voltage based on the ambient light. The process may then be terminated. In some embodiments, a hysteresis may be added to the sensitivity threshold voltage to prevent lens flicker. The automatic sensitivity setting process may be implemented in a digital or analog system. These automatic sensitivity setting processes and systems may save time and provide for more precise sensitivity adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: William J. Becker
  • Patent number: 7477330
    Abstract: A protective automatic darkening filter construction 10 includes two low twist liquid crystal cells 26, 30 interspersed between a series of offset polarizers 24, 28, 32. The resulting construction provides improved homogeneity in the dark state as viewed by the user over a large viewing angle. By reducing variations in shade, visibility through the filter may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kristina M. Magnusson, Kenneth Jarefors, Per-Olav Dahlin
  • Patent number: RE45677
    Abstract: An anti-glare protection device for a welding mask includes a transmission control circuit for determining a darkening signal from a control signal, a welding activity detection circuit (6) for detecting a welding activity, based on the output of a first sensor circuit. The welding activity detection circuit is arranged to control, via an activation switch, whether either the darkening signal or a signal corresponding to an undarkened optical filter is input to a filter drive circuit. The filter drive circuit drives a controllable optical filter to a transmission value according to the signal input to the filter drive circuit. A manual input device allows a user to manually adjust a user selected signal. A second sensor circuit determines a sensed signal. A manually operable mode selection switch for selecting either, in a manual mode, the user selected signal or, in an automatic mode, the sensed signal to be used as the control signal to the transmission control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: OPTREL AG
    Inventor: Lukas Steinemann