With Automatic Output Control (e.g., Shortcircuit, Infrared) Patents (Class 219/130.21)
  • Patent number: 12115604
    Abstract: Systems and methods for clearing a short during a GMAW-P welding process are disclosed. A welding-type power supply may include a power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power, and a controller configured to control the power conversion circuitry based on a plurality of operating parameters. In examples, if the controller senses an occurrence of a short circuit during the welding cycle (e.g., during the background state), the voltage-controlled process can adjust an output current to increase in order to achieve one or more short state target voltage values. Once the short has cleared (as evidenced by a spike in voltage) and/or a desired short state target voltage value is achieved, the controller can again adjust the output current to decrease until the voltage has returned to a background voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Lucas Charles Johnson, Zach W. MacMullen, Charles Ace Tyler, Christine Dong
  • Patent number: 12083634
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Bunker, Bruce Patrick Albrecht
  • Patent number: 12036630
    Abstract: Disclosed welding-type systems include a welding-type power source to generate output power for a periodic welding process that operates in an arc mode, an open circuit mode or a short circuit mode. A wire-feeder advances an electrode wire toward a workpiece. A controller adjusts the current to below a threshold value during the arc mode to result in the open circuit mode prior to occurrence of a short circuit event based on one or more welding process parameters. In some examples, the controller determines the occurrence of the short circuit event based on the one or more welding process parameters, and adjusts the current to rise above a second threshold level to adjust a heat generated in the welding wire in response to the occurrence of the short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Hutchison, Dustin Wagner
  • Patent number: 12005530
    Abstract: To stabilize a growth state of a droplet during an electrode negative polarity peak period in consumable electrode AC pulse arc welding. In an AC pulse arc welding control method for controlling welding which is performed by feeding a welding wire, and applying an electrode negative polarity base current during an electrode negative polarity base period, then applying an electrode negative polarity peak current during an electrode negative polarity peak period, and then applying an electrode positive polarity current during an electrode positive polarity period, to repeatedly apply these welding currents, the electrode negative polarity peak period includes a rising period Tu, a peak period Ta, and a falling period Td, a time ratio of the peak period Ta to the electrode negative polarity peak period is less than 20%, and the falling period Td is a period twice or more longer than the rising period Tu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: DAIHEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kento Takada, Wakana Kondo
  • Patent number: 11958142
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control pulse welding are disclosed. An example welding-type system includes: power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power; and control circuitry configured to control the power conversion circuitry to output the welding-type power in a plurality of pulse cycles, each pulse cycle comprising a background phase, a ramp up phase, a peak phase, and a ramp down phase. Controlling the power conversion circuitry involves: during the ramp up phase of the pulse cycles, controlling the power conversion circuitry in a current-controlled mode and switching to controlling the power conversion circuitry in a voltage-controlled mode when a peak transition voltage is reached; and during the ramp down phase of the pulse cycles, controlling the power conversion circuitry in a current-controlled mode and switching to controlling the power conversion circuitry in a voltage-controlled mode when a background transition voltage is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Steven Knoener, Lucas Charles Johnson, Zach W. MacMullen, Charles Ace Tyler, Christine Dong
  • Patent number: 11953425
    Abstract: A core inspection device for inspecting a core, the device including a color sensor configured to detect a measured value of each color component of the color of the surface of the core, and a determination unit configured to compare the measured value of at least one color component detected by the color sensor with a threshold prepared corresponding to the at least one color component, thereby determine if a strength property of the core is acceptable or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Hanai, Hiroki Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 11819961
    Abstract: A sticking detection device for detecting the presence or absence of sticking of a welding wire disposed in an arc welding robot to a workpiece includes a first sticking detection unit and a second sticking detection unit. The first sticking detection unit detects the presence or absence of sticking based on a voltage value detected with respect to voltage being applied to the welding wire and the workpiece. The second sticking detection unit determines the presence or absence of sticking based on the voltage value and a result of the detection by the first sticking detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuuichi Matsuda
  • Patent number: 11813705
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for monitoring a non-melting welding electrode of an automated arc welding apparatus, using at least one camera, welding electrode images are captured and processed, and the state of the welding electrode is concluded therefrom. The images are captured during a welding process carried out with the arc welding apparatus, the images are reprocessed, and the arc of the welding process is extracted. The shape of the electrode end is determined from the reprocessed images and compared with a predefined shape of the electrode end. The images are reprocessed by capturing at least two images with different exposure times, cutting out and/or weighting partial areas from the at least two images with different exposure times, and combining them to form a composite image. If the determined shape of the electrode end deviates from the predefined shape of the electrode end, a signal is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Guenther Reinthaler, Martin Leuchtenmueller
  • Patent number: 11799406
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control auxiliary power output voltage using a welding output voltage are disclosed. An example power system includes an engine, a generator to provide electrical power based on mechanical power received from the engine, the electrical power comprising welding-type power and non-welding power, and a controller to control the generator or the engine to increase or decrease a voltage of the non-welding power based on a voltage measurement of the welding-type power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Neal Renner
  • Patent number: 11783728
    Abstract: An expert navigation device based on actual welding data of an embodiment includes: a welding variable acquisition unit that acquires welding variable data of an expert through a bigdata platform; a welding line extraction unit that analyzes a base material, which is a welding target, through a camera mounted on a welding helmet to acquire the welding line in the base material; a synchronization unit that generates a trigger, which serves as a reference point, for matching the welding variable data acquired through the welding variable acquisition unit to the welding line acquired through the welding line extraction unit; and a navigation output unit that displays information of the welding variable data to a user when a welding location reaches a trigger point while welding is performed based on the trigger point generated by the synchronization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TOTAL SOFT BANK LTD.
    Inventors: Maeng Nam Kim, Min Jung Kwon, Sang Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 11772181
    Abstract: Various embodiments may be generally directed to a welding system that monitors an output of the welding system to determine if an output arc should be extinguished or maintained. The welding system can compare an arc voltage output to a voltage threshold and a temporal threshold. When the arc voltage output exceeds the voltage threshold in an uninterrupted manner for the duration of the temporal threshold, an output weld current can be stopped. In turn, the output arc can be broken or extinguished. After a predetermined amount of time, the power source can be re-engaged to prepare for re-ignition of another arc. By tracking the amount of time the arc voltage output exceeds the predetermined threshold, a probability of unwanted arc outs can be reduced or minimized while still providing quick and reliable arc breaking when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ESAB AB
    Inventors: Per Aberg, Johan Toftling, Mikael Pettersson, Jakob Lennartsson
  • Patent number: 11731523
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a vehicle-side charging apparatus comprising: an AC voltage connection; a rectifier connected to the AC voltage connection; a first DC/DC converter and a second DC/DC converter; and a DC voltage connection. Each DC/DC converter includes a intermediate circuit capacitor and a switch unit. The rectifier is connected to the DC voltage connection via the DC/DC converters. There is a switch connecting the DC/DC converters in a switchable manner. In a first switching state the respective intermediate circuit capacitors and the respective switch units of the DC/DC converters are connected in parallel with one another and in a second switching state in series with one another. There is a third DC/DC converter connecting the rectifier to the DC voltage connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Pfeilschifter, Martin Götzenberger, Harald Schmauss
  • Patent number: 11691213
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine heat input to a weld are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a power converter to convert input power to output welding-type power, and a controller configured to: during a welding-type operation, calculate average instantaneous power values of the welding-type operation for discrete, non-overlapping time periods by multiplying voltage measurements and corresponding current measurements; identify an end of the welding-type operation; determine a duration of the welding-type operation; calculate a total average instantaneous power of the welding-type operation based on the average instantaneous power values for the time periods and the duration of the welding-type operation; and determine whether an acceptable range of the welding-type operation is exceeded based on the total average instantaneous power and the duration of the welding-type operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hsu, Jake Zwayer
  • Patent number: 11691212
    Abstract: An arc welder includes a welding power supply, a forward/reverse welding wire feeder, and a controller for the power supply and the wire feeder. Welding is implemented by repeating unit welding steps each including a short circuit stage with the welding wire and a base material being short-circuited and an arc stage with an arc being generated between the wire and the material. A transition period continues from a starting point of the arc stage till the wire feeding rate reaches a forward maximum. An average welding current is defined as an average of the welding current during the short circuit and arc stages. Within the transition period, the controller sets a current suppression period during which welding current is smaller than the average welding current. Transition period length T0 and current suppression period length T1 are set to satisfy the inequality 0<T1/T0?0.8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: DAIHEN Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiro Ide
  • Patent number: 11642736
    Abstract: In a method for scanning the surface of metallic workpieces, during scanning, a welding torch with a consumable welding wire is moved over and towards the workpiece surface, until contact of the welding wire with the workpiece is detected, and the welding wire is subsequently moved away from the workpiece. Before scanning, slag-removal is carried out to remove slag at the welding wire end, wherein the welding current is lowered to a minimum, and the welding wire is moved cyclically with a rapid recurrent forward/backward movement over a specified path length toward the workpiece, and by a smaller distance away from the workpiece, until a short circuit between the welding wire and the workpiece is detected, whereupon slag-removal is ended, and upon the detection of no short circuit, slag-removal is repeated, and upon the detection of several short circuits one after the other, slag-removal is ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Manuel Mayer, Andreas Waldhoer, Manuel Binder
  • Patent number: 11607743
    Abstract: Power electronics, including welding-type power supplies may have a switched mode power supply configurable in two or more topologies. Detection circuitry of the power electronics may determine the configured topology of the switched mode power supply and the input voltage supplied to the power electronics. The detection circuitry and/or control circuitry of the power electronics may verify that the configured topology of the switched mode power supply corresponds to the supplied input voltage, and may indicate an error if the configured topology does not correspond to the supplied input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Alan A. Manthe
  • Patent number: 11583880
    Abstract: A device for distributing bulk material, such as seed material, includes a flow path having at least one conduit for conveying the bulk material from a bulk material source towards an agricultural area, and a blockage detection device in the flow path. The blockage detection device includes at least one sensor, which is mounted to the outside of the line and is configured to register mechanical vibrations of the line, as well as an evaluation unit in signal communication with the sensor, which is configured to detect a blockage as a function of the registered mechanical vibration. A method for detecting a blockage includes a sensor that identifies blockage as a function of the detected mechanical vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: HUGO VOGELSANG MASCHINENBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Nadja HĂĽdepohl
  • Patent number: 11541475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing short arc welding-type power is disclosed. The system includes a power supply, a wire feeder, and a controller. The output current is decreased at dive rate when the arc forms. The dive rate is maintained until the currents drops to a threshold, preferably a function of the peak short current in that cycle. Then the current is held steady for a length of time that is a percentage of the short time for that cycle. Then the current is decreased at the normal rate until the short reforms, and the current begins increasing at the normal rate. The holding steady portion can be omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Craig S. Knoener, Jake B. Zwayer, Zachary W. MacMullen
  • Patent number: 11534848
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a control method and welding equipment for MIG/MAG-welding with presence of short-circuiting droplets between an electrode end and a workpiece. The method comprises establishment of a short-circuiting time, establishment of an arc time, and controlling the energy supplied to the electrode. The energy supply is controlled in such a way that the energy supply is increased if a measured short-circuiting time of a total period time, where the period time is the sum of the short-circuiting time and the arc time, exceeds a defined adjustable set value and decreases if said short-circuiting percentage goes below said set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: ESAB AB
    Inventor: Per â„«berg
  • Patent number: 11498147
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply that receives alternating current (AC) input power and converts the AC input power to direct current (DC) power to provide power for welding tools. The welding-type power supply is configured to detect whether single phase AC power or three-phase AC power is connected to the input of welding-type power supply. Single phase input power may be detected by sampling ripple voltage of the DC power, either synchronously with the AC input power or synchronously with a signal generated by an output of the welding-type power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adam E. Anders, Randy Decoster, Andrew D. Nelson, Bernard J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 11453078
    Abstract: A welding or cutting system having a power supply with no user interface hardware or software for controlling the operation of the power supply, and a mobile communication device which contains an application allowing for control of the power supply. The mobile device is coupled to the power supply through either a wired or wireless connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: William T. Matthews, Lucian Petrila, Bruce J. Chantry
  • Patent number: 11420285
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a wire electrode after a welding process has ended are described. During a welding process, a wire electrode may be fed forward from a wire feeder through a welding torch to create a molten weld pool. While, conventionally, feeding of the wire electrode stops when the welding process ends, the present disclosure contemplates instead continuing to feed the wire electrode forward after the welding process ends. More particularly, the present disclosure contemplates feeding the wire electrode into the weld pool so that the wire electrode can be “cleaned” in the molten weld pool created by the welding process. The “cleaned” wire electrode end can be more easily used to establish an electrical arc at the beginning of the next welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James Lee Uecker
  • Patent number: 11383317
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a short clearing prediction module that uses the second derivative with respect to time of the output voltage, or an error between a measured output voltage and an output voltage predicted using the first derivative with respect to time of the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Davidson, Richard M. Hutchison, James L. Uecker
  • Patent number: 11370051
    Abstract: A time-based short circuit response is employed when a short circuit event occurs during a welding process. When short circuit occurs, a time until a predetermined event in the welding process is determined. Based on the time remaining before the predetermined event, a particular short circuit response is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Fleming
  • Patent number: 11305369
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a welding system includes an engine and a generator connected to the engine. The welding system also includes a power source having a controller. The power source is electrically connected to a welding electrode and a workpiece. The controller determines that an electrical load on the welding system has not been detected for a first time period while the engine is running, determines that a coolant temperature meets a minimum requirement, commands shutdown of the engine when the load has not been detected for the first time period and when the coolant temperature meets the minimum requirement, determines that the load has been detected (due to a single contact of the welding electrode to the workpiece) during a second time period after the engine has been shut down, and commands restart of the engine when the load has been detected during the second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Shahrul Huda, Bernard T. Vanderbyl
  • Patent number: 11285559
    Abstract: A welding system and method provide for generating a controlled waveform for welding power output, the waveform comprising a plurality of successive peak phases designed to avoid or reduce micro-arcing when used with metal-cored or flux-cored electrode wires. Ratios of the background current and voltage levels are elevated as compared to conventional techniques, with the levels in most cases exceeding 50% of the peak currents and voltages. Transitions between background and peak levels of current and voltage are also smoothed, and the duration of the peak phase as compared to the duration of each pulse cycle is elongated to further reduce micro-arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Todd Klegin, Caleb Haven
  • Patent number: 11277074
    Abstract: A power supply consisting of double stages. Wherein one stage generates a high voltage using current methods. While the second stage generator an amperage pulse which is inserted into the high voltage circuit, causing both elements to fuse and operate as one entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Charles Hugh Gayle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11253940
    Abstract: A welding regime may implements cyclic short circuits under a closed loop voltage control approach. Upon clearing or imminent clearing of the short circuit, a current recess is implemented. The current recess reduces the current that would otherwise be applied to the weld, resulting in multiple benefits. The recess may be implemented by suspending voltage command signals. Following the current recess, normal control is resumed with the then-current voltage command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Donald Mehn, Caleb Haven, Richard Martin Hutchison, James Lee Uecker
  • Patent number: 11173564
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Bunker, Bruce Patrick Albrecht
  • Patent number: 11101741
    Abstract: A parallel control method and a parallel control system for single-phase inverters and an inverter. Acquiring an output voltage and an output current of each of the single-phase inverters; transforming a voltage and a current in static abc coordinates into dq coordinates by reconstruction and coordinate transformation so as to realize decoupling of the voltage and the current; transforming an output voltage command value of a current loop in dq coordinates into abc coordinates by coordinate transformation; and modulating and generating modulation waves according to an output voltage command value in abc coordinates to control a switching of a power device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG ROLLING STOCK RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bo Zhang, Qingwen Sun, Junbo Zhao, Yunlong Liu, Xuebin Xing, Congcong Wang, Yufei Chen, Meiyun Li, Wendong Ji, Zhenzong Zhu, Yongjie Mao, Shen Wang
  • Patent number: 11097369
    Abstract: A welding-type power supply includes a controller, a preregulator, a preregulator bus, and an output converter. The controller has a preregulator control output and an output converter control output. The preregulator receives a range of inputs voltages as a power input, and receives the preregulator control output as a control input, and provides a preregulator power output signal. The preregulator includes a plurality of stacked boost circuits. The preregulator bus receives the preregulator output signal. The output converter receives the preregulator bus as a power signal and receives the output converter control output as a control input. The output converter provides a welding type power output, and includes at least one stacked inverter circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 11090754
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling arc welding including forward and reverse feeding periods alternately switched. By the method, a set of a short circuit period and an arc period is repeated, and the arc welding is controlled such that the reverse feeding period shifts to the forward feeding period when an arc occurs during the reverse feeding period, and that the forward feeding period shifts to the reverse feeding period when a short circuit occurs between the welding wire and the object during the forward feeding period. The reverse feeding period includes a reverse feeding deceleration period having a time length that is adjusted in accordance with the time length of the short circuit period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: DAIHEN Corporation
    Inventors: Kohei Ono, Toshiaki Nakamata, Kento Takada
  • Patent number: 11077514
    Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce magnetic flux in a switched mode power supply are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a switched mode power supply, including a transformer configured to transform an input voltage to a welding-type voltage; switches configured to control a voltage applied to the primary winding of the transformer; a current detector configured to measure a current through the primary winding; a flux accumulator configured to determine a net flux in the transformer based on a number of volt-seconds applied to the primary winding of the transformer; and a controller configured to: control duty cycles of the switches based on the net flux; and set a value of the net flux in response to the current through the primary winding satisfying a current threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adam E. Anders, Brian Schwartz, Andrew D. Nelson, Bernard J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 11045892
    Abstract: A welding system including an arc monitoring, training, and control system is disclosed. The welding system includes a power supply, controller, and associated memory. When a weld is performed, the weld command and weld feedback parameters can be stored in the memory, along with associated alarm limit values. During subsequent welds, the input weld commands and actual feedback values can be compared to the established limits, and a fault signal provided to an operator or supervisor when the value exceeds the established limits. The fault signals can be used for training operators, as well as providing monitoring signals, and can be stored with weld data in a database for later analysis. In addition, collected weld data can be used to determine when to clean, repair, or replace consumables, including, for example, contact tips, wire drive liners, and drive rolls, and to monitor usage of wire and gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Raimund Davidson, Joseph Kyle Fink, Paul Warren Cleveland
  • Patent number: 11031871
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an LLC resonant converter system. The LLC resonant converter system includes: a first resonant circuit including a first switch circuit, a first LC resonant circuit, a first transformer, and a first rectifier circuit; and a second resonant circuit including a second switch circuit, a second LC resonant circuit, a second transformer, and a second rectifier circuit; where one secondary side winding of the first transformer is connected in series with one secondary side winding of the second transformer to form a first series branch, and the other secondary side winding of the first transformer is connected in series with the other secondary side winding of the second transformer to form a second series branch. The LLC resonant converter system achieves current equilibrium or voltage equilibrium in a two-branch resonant circuit, thereby simplifying a control circuit and improving current equilibrium or voltage equilibrium effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Xingkuan Guo, Xinwei Liu
  • Patent number: 11007597
    Abstract: A method of operating a welding wire feeder includes receiving an input power from a welding power source, actuating a power relay to close and open a first current carrying path for application of the input power, and actuating bypass circuitry coupled in parallel to the power relay to close and open a second current carrying path in coordination with actuating the power relay. The method of operating the welding wire feeder also includes providing a welding wire to a welding torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Brian Lee Ott, Edward G. Beistle
  • Patent number: 11007595
    Abstract: An electric arc welder and a method for performing a pulse welding process producing reduced spatter. The welder produces a current between an advancing electrode and a workpiece. The welder includes a short-detecting capability for detecting a short condition upon occurrence of a short circuit between the advancing electrode and the workpiece. The welder may also include a switching module in the welding circuit path of the welder having an electrical switch and a resistive path. Times of occurrence of short intervals can be tracked and a blanking signal can be generated based on the tracked short intervals to anticipate a next short interval in a next pulse period of the pulsed welding process. The blanking signal can be used to reduce a welding current in the welding circuit path by introducing additional resistance into the welding circuit path via the switching module, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Daniel, Stephen Cole, Steven R. Peters
  • Patent number: 10985647
    Abstract: A multiphase interleaved forward power converter includes two or more subconverters and two or more subconverters clamping circuits. Each subconverter includes an input, an output, and a transformer coupled between the input and the output. The subconverters are phase shifted relative to each other such that a conduction period of one subconverter is at least partially complementary to an idle period of another subconverter. The clamping circuits each include a switching device coupled to at least one winding of the transformer of each subconverter. The clamping circuits each are configured to clamp a voltage across the at least one winding to substantially prevent a resonance voltage from propagating in the subconverters during their idle period. Additional example subconverters, clamping circuits, and methods for substantially preventing a resonance voltage from propagating in multiphase interleaved forward power converters are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Astee International Limited
    Inventors: John Faustino Boqueo Begino, III, Nathaniel Franco Neri
  • Patent number: 10977519
    Abstract: Data from one or more sensors is input to a workflow and fragmented to produce HyperFragments. The HyperFragments of input data are processed by a plurality of Distributed Experts, who make decisions about what is included in the HyperFragments or add details relating to elements included therein, producing tagged HyperFragments, which are maintained as tuples in a Semantic Database. Algorithms are applied to process the HyperFragments to create an event definition corresponding to a specific activity. Based on related activity included in historical data and on ground truth data, the event definition is refined to produce a more accurate event definition. The resulting refined event definition can then be used with the current input data to more accurately detect when the specific activity is being carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Nils B. Lahr
  • Patent number: 10910937
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for synchronization of control circuits of welding power supplies are disclosed. In some examples, welding-type power supplies use a modified pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal, in conjunction with certain fail safes, for synchronization of control circuitry. The welding-type power supplies may include conversion circuitry that converts and/or regulates input power to welding-type power. Control circuitry may provide control signals to control the conversion and/or regulation of the input power via the conversion circuitry. The control circuitry may be comprised of a first control circuit and a second control circuit. The first and second control circuit may synchronize their operations using a synchronization signal (e.g., comprised of a modified PWM control signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Andrew D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10888946
    Abstract: A welding system includes a multi-process power supply, a TIG torch, and a TIG power pin for connecting the TIG torch to the multi-process power supply. The multi-process power supply has a power output connection for a MIG torch and a controller. The Controller is configured to command shielding gas and welding current to be provided to the power output connection, and the power output connection is configured to provide the shielding gas and the welding current to a MIG torch when the MIG torch is connected to the power output connection. The TIG power pin connects the TIG torch to the power output connection such that the power output connection is configured to provide the shielding gas and the welding current to the TIG torch. The controller is configured such that at least one of the shielding gas and the welding current is not provided to the TIG torch through the power output connection until a user engages a control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel P Crescenze, Brian M. Turk, Alexander C. Mehlman, Jonathan D. Rosenberger
  • Patent number: 10882131
    Abstract: A welding apparatus is configured to obtain values of one or more real-time operating parameters associated with the welding apparatus. Using the values of the one or more operating conditions, the welding apparatus is configured to determine a dynamic duty cycle of the welding apparatus, given the present/current operating conditions of the welding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: The ESAB Group Inc.
    Inventors: Awad Gharib, Lee Mantell
  • Patent number: 10857613
    Abstract: A welding or cutting system is provided using a performance module which monitors the real-time performance of a welding or cutting system and displays this information on a user interface on the system. Other embodiments of the system also include a cost calculation function in which a cost of the welding or cutting operation is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Kooken, Matthew Jon Krueger, Lifeng Luo
  • Patent number: 10843287
    Abstract: A welding power source configured to receive an input power includes a plurality of components and supervising circuitry configurable in a plurality of modes. The plurality of components include power conversion circuitry and background power supply. The supervising circuitry is configured to distribute the input power to the plurality of components based at least in part on a mode of the plurality of modes. The plurality of modes include a welding mode configured to distribute the input power to the power conversion circuitry and to the background power supply. The plurality of modes also include a monitoring mode configured to distribute the input power to the background power supply, and to not distribute the input power to the power conversion circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Indra B. Wiryadinata, Mark A. Ulrich, Charles L. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 10843288
    Abstract: A method of operating a welding wire feeder includes receiving an input power signal from a power source and converting the input power signal to a bus power signal on an internal bus at a first time with a boost converter. The method also includes detecting bus voltage and bus current of the bus power signal on the internal bus and converting the bus power signal to a welding output signal at a second time with a buck converter. The welding output signal is suitable for a controlled waveform welding process. The method also includes detecting output voltage and output current of the weld output, and reducing a voltage ripple on the internal bus based at least in part on the detected bus and output current and/or voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Edward G. Beistle
  • Patent number: 10821535
    Abstract: A welding system includes a feeder that advances a self-shielded flux-cored welding electrode toward a weld puddle. A power supply provides a welding output to the electrode to generate an arc, and a controller controls the welding output. The controller controls the power supply to provide a background welding output to the electrode before a shorting event between the electrode and a workpiece is detected. The controller monitors the welding output to detect both the shorting event and the clearance thereof. Upon detecting clearance of the short, the controller automatically switches the welding output to a minimum magnitude fixed current welding output. After the predetermined duration, the controller automatically switches the welding output from the minimum magnitude fixed current welding output back to the background welding output until another shorting event is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Steven R. Peters, David Earle Mooney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10807182
    Abstract: A welding and processing condition setting system includes an input device, a display device, a control device, and a database. The input device receives a retrieving operation of at least processing condition information input by an operator. The control device is configured to extract a processing condition parameter of the processing condition information from at least one of master condition data and user condition data according to the retrieving operation, extract a welding condition parameter of welding condition information corresponding to the extracted processing condition parameter from at least one of the master condition data and the user condition data, and calculate an evaluation item which is a result obtained by evaluating at least one of a welding amount and a working efficiency in the extracted welding condition parameters. The display device displays at least one parameter of the welding condition parameters, and the evaluation item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyunseung Kim, Kenji Sadahiro, Toshiyuki Izumi, Masatoshi Hida, Toshihiko Nishimura, Takemasa Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 10775063
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus having a power saving function and a related air conditioner are disclosed. The power supply apparatus includes a first communication unit, a first controller transmitting a control signal to the first communication unit, a main power supply including a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) connected to an AC power supply and supplying power and a standby power switch selectively switching power supplied to the SMPS, an auxiliary power supply connected to the AC power supply, a second communication unit connected to the first communication unit via a communication line and receiving power from the auxiliary power supply, a switching driver connected to the auxiliary power supply and the second communication unit and supplying driving power to the standby power switch according to the control signal, and a second controller receiving power from the SMPS and selectively supplying power to the switching driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Wonwoo Lee
  • Patent number: 10773331
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to communicate via a weld cable are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a power converter, a receiver circuit, and a controller. The power converter converts input power to welding-type power based on a weld voltage setpoint and to output the welding-type power via a weld circuit. The receiver circuit receives a communication via the weld circuit while current is flowing through the weld circuit or after the current has stopped flowing through the weld circuit. The communication includes weld voltage feedback information measured at a device remote from the power supply while the current is flowing through the weld circuit. The controller controls the welding-type power output by the power converter according to a voltage feedback loop using the weld voltage feedback information to regulate a weld voltage at the remote device to the weld voltage setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Mehn, Christopher Hsu, Maxwell Brock, Quinn William Schartner
  • Patent number: 10751827
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power derives motive power from a variable speed engine and driving a variable frequency generator with the motive power to provide a generator output. The generator output is preregulated to provide an intermediate signal, and the preregulating is controlled at least in response to feedback indicative of the welding-type output power. Welding-type output power is derived from the bus, and controlled at least in response to the welding feedback. Auxiliary output power is also derived from the bus, and controlled at least in response to feedback indicative of the auxiliary output power. The speed of the engine is controlled at least in response to one of the auxiliary feedback and the welding feedback. Energy produced by the engine that is not used as an output is stored by batteries. When the output exceeds the energy generated, the difference is supplied by the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Gerald Batzler