Welding Patents (Class 219/136)
  • Publication number: 20090134137
    Abstract: A contactor device used in a wire-feeder employed in a welding system is disclosed. The contactor uses oversized nuts, increased torque and surface features to increase the heat dissipation of the contactor. This solution is an economical way of increasing heat dissipation to extend the life of contactors that are subject to failure due to heating and increased internal resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Justice
  • Publication number: 20090126321
    Abstract: A container for packing and shipping stud welding ferrule aligned along a spindle. The container comprises a body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls and opposing end walls defining a storage space therein. The container further comprises a spindle retainer operatively connected to the body. The spindle retainer has a transverse portion and a longitudinal portion connected to the transverse portion. The transverse portion extends from one of the end walls and toward and into the storage space, while the longitudinal portion extends from the transverse portion and toward the bottom of the body. The transverse portion and the longitudinal portion are sized and shaped to accept and to retain ends of the spindle to contain the spindle within the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald Martin
  • Publication number: 20090120921
    Abstract: The invention relates to a welding method and apparatus. According to the method between the welding wire and the base material an arc (4) is electrically formed, which behaves periodically (12, t2) in such a way that the duration of the period is (t2) and within the period (12) at least on average short-circuit periods (11) arise, which have an average duration (t1), and the arc voltage is controlled. According to the invention, the arc voltage is controlled at least mainly in such a way that the ratio of the average duration (t1) of the short-circuit periods (11) to the period duration (t2) is kept to a desired magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Tapani Makimaa
  • Publication number: 20090120920
    Abstract: A completely self contained robotic cell (or modular unit) disposed on air pallets. Also preferably included on the cell also are crane lift points. Thus, these measures allow the cell to be moved within a defined area in a shop, to a different area in a shop, or to other sites such as job sites. Preferably, the cell is also built to dimensions that allow for easy transport by truck to a job site, and are configured as to be stackable with other cells when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Fred GURNEY, Frank M. Clark, Rick Uhal, Jay Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20090090702
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an automatic welding device of MIG/MAG type consisting of at least one carriage holding at least one welding head comprising at least one torch (1) guiding a consumable electrode wire along a parting plane (P) between the pipes to be welded, which brings the current to the end of the electrode wire in order to generate an electric arc and ensure melting of the filler metal, The invention consists of the fact that the welding head therefore presents a welding torch (1) intended to be centered in relation to the parting plane (P) to ensure the penetration pass and also bears at least two other so-called tracking welding torches (2, 3), respectively positioned one after the other following the first so-called central welding torch (1) and offset respectively on both sides of the so-called central torch (1) in order to make lateral passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Denis Destouches
  • Publication number: 20090084769
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a holding fixture is disclosed for locating and stabilizing substantially identical repeated units during joining of the repeated units. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a structure comprising substantially identical repeated units. In still another embodiment, a welded structure is provided comprising a plurality of welded together substantially identical repeated units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: AMY HELVEY, V. BLAKE SLAUGHTER
  • Publication number: 20090078688
    Abstract: A welding gun includes a handle, an input line, a neck and an acoustic wave trigger. The handle is configured to be grasped by an operator and includes first and second ends. The input line connects to a first end of the handle and is configured to deliver wire and/or gas to the welding gun. The neck is operatively connected to the second end of the handle. The wire and/or gas passes into the neck and out through a nozzle. The acoustic wave trigger is secured to the handle and activates the welding gun when merely touched, as opposed to being squeezed or pressed, by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: William Richard Giese, Gregory William Bauer, Brian Joseph Truesdale
  • Publication number: 20090065489
    Abstract: In the control of a semi-automatic or automatic electric arc welding operation, the concentration in the atmosphere remote from the arc of a plurality of fume components is monitored. Control signals are fed or transmitted to at least one process control means which is programmed to adjust a plurality of operational parameters in response to the control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: John Duffy
  • Publication number: 20090050613
    Abstract: An arc welding tool which includes a circular frame defining a passage for receiving a work piece, a carriage moveably positioned on the frame, and an electrical connector supported by the carriage, with an electrical path defined between the frame, carriage and electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Harvey Prasek
  • Publication number: 20090032571
    Abstract: Methods and associated systems for welding a particle-matrix composite body to another body are disclosed. In some embodiments, a particle-matrix bit body may be welded to a metal coupler. In one embodiment, a heating torch may heat a first localized volume of the particle-matrix composite body to a temperature below the melting temperature of the matrix material of the particle-matrix composite body. A welding torch may simultaneously melt a second localized volume proximate the first localized volume to a temperature above the melting temperature of the matrix material of the particle-matrix composite body to weld the particle-matrix composite body to another body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Redd H. Smith
  • Patent number: 7485829
    Abstract: A method for efficient production of a welding solid wire free of copper plating. The method consists of drawing by means of roller dies with the help of a dry solid lubricant for drawing which is at least either of sodium stearate or potassium stearate, removing the lubricant from the wire surface by means of a washing device, and applying a lubricant for wire feeding to the surface of the drawn wire by means of an oiling device. High-speed drawing by means of roller dies makes a stock wire into a welding solid wire having the diameter of the finished wire or nearly finished wire. The drawing step is followed by the washing step and the lubricant applying step, which are all accomplished in-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Konishi, Hiroyuki Shimizu, Yasuyuki Yokota
  • Publication number: 20090026188
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cold metal transfer welding process, in which the welding process is defined by the cyclic alternation of an arc phase and a short-circuit phase. According to the invention, during an arc phase, a welding rod is displaced towards the workpiece until it makes contact with the latter and during the short-circuit phase the welding rod displacement is reversed and the welding rod is then moved away from the workpiece. The welding current and/or the welding voltage are controlled during the arc phase in such a way that the welding rod melts, forming a droplet and that during the short-circuit phase a breaking of the short-circuit is suppressed by means of the welding current. The invention also relates to a welding installation for carrying out the welding method. The aim of the invention is to achieve optimal welding results using the smallest possible number of settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: FRONIUS INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Manfred Schorghuber
  • Publication number: 20090026187
    Abstract: The present technology relates to adjustment mechanisms for control settings on stud weld tools. Stud welding tools typically have a body that comprises a handle, a front end and a rear end. In one aspect, the present technology relates to plunge adjustment mechanisms for stud welding tools that are located at the front end of a stud welding tool and provide an adjustment knob for manual plunge adjustment. Another aspect of the present technology relates to weld heat adjustment mechanisms for stud welding tools that are located at the rear end of a stud welding tool and provide an adjustment knob for manual weld heat adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Blake Hobson, Scott Zeeb
  • Publication number: 20090001065
    Abstract: Conventional welding methods have the disadvantage of producing worse welded joints at the beginning of the process than in the later course of the method. The method in question uses an initializing plate on which the welding process is begun and then once a consistent quality can be achieved for the welded joint continues onto the points for repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Francis-Jurjen Ladru, Gerhard Reich, Helge Reymann
  • Publication number: 20080314887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a welding method and a welding system that use a welding torch, the position of which is determined. In order to develop such a welding method and system, with which it is possible to reliably determine the position of the welding torch in three dimensions, it is provided that a signal is emitted by a transmitter, the signal being received by at least one sensor which is integrated in or is associated with the welding torch, the received data readings being sent to an evaluation unit, which determines values relating to the position of the welding torch in three dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Markus Stoger, Manfred Wittmann, Tomas Leko
  • Patent number: 7465901
    Abstract: A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Yunk, Albert M. Nowak
  • Publication number: 20080302774
    Abstract: A method for welding weldable parts together, for instance for welding annular objects (1), wherein the parts (IA, IB) are subjected to a thermal resistance upset welding process for making the parts (IA, IB) flow together at contact surfaces (S), wherein the welding process (W) depends on a number of input parameters, comprising a pressure exerted on the parts to be welded and a heating current fed through the parts (IA, IB), wherein a number of welding process output parameters, for instance a welding temperature and a displacement of the parts (IA, IB), depend on the input parameters, wherein, during the welding process (W), at least one welding temperature and/or electrical resistance of said parts (IA, IB) is determined, wherein the result of the welding temperature determination and/or resistance determination is used by at least one regulator (R) for automatically readjusting a number of welding process input parameters during the welding process (W), or for automatically adjusting the welding process
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Rudolf Meulenberg
  • Publication number: 20080296277
    Abstract: A hot wire welding process. An induction coil is used to preheat the filler metal wire prior to its entering the welding puddle/arc region. An induction coil is placed in close proximity to the welding arc. The filler wire is guided by the delivery nozzle so that the filler wire passes through the center of the induction coil. The induction coil induces a current flow in the filler wire. The current produces heat as a result of the electrical resistivity of the filler wire. The heat produced raises the temperature of the filler wire just before it is fed into the weld arc region, thus reducing the energy required from the welding arc to melt the filler metal wire into the weld puddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Michael D. McAninch
  • Patent number: 7456373
    Abstract: A welding apparatus having an easily replaceable fan and a method of replacing the fan is disclosed. An opening is formed through the front panel of a welding-type power source to correspond to the profile of a cooling fan. The opening allows the cooling fan to pass therethrough unobstructed. Once inside the housing of the welding-type power source, the fan is positioned to generally occlude the opening and is then mounted to an inner surface of the front panel by a fastener secured through the front panel and into the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan P. Andersen, Jeffery J. Gadamus
  • Publication number: 20080283512
    Abstract: An electrode driving system for welding device has two mirror image carriages are located side by side to one another and mounted to a main frame. Each carriage has an elongated slider rod therein movable in a reciprocating manner relative to the carriage. The front portion of the slider rod has narrow sections formed by depressions located on its opposite upper and lower edges. A plurality of pairs of jaw elements are pivotally mounted in the carriages. The jaw elements are in contact engagement with the upper and lower edges of the slider rod and they are in a closed position to clamp on or release the clamp on the welding electrode while the carriages are alternately moving back and forth in the reciprocating manner for driving said electrode continuously forward toward a workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Qi Fen Jiang
  • Patent number: 7451893
    Abstract: This invention relates to a ferrule dispenser for dispensing stud welding ferrules and to a package of ferrules for use with the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a rod that supports a spring loaded cam system. The cam system moves relative to the rod and includes a compression spring and a cam. The spring and cam work together to bias a pair of ferrule release pins inward and outward of the rod, selectively holding ferrules on an outer surface of the rod or releasing them onto a work surface. The package of ferrules used with the dispenser includes multiple sets of ferrules, each set including multiple ferrules uniformly stacked on a spindle. Each spindle has one open end that can pass through an opening in a handle of the dispenser and down a center bore of the dispenser for loading the ferrules from the spindle onto the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald D Martin
  • Publication number: 20080272098
    Abstract: To refine a method for electric arc joining, in particular for M[etal] P[rotective] G[as] welding and/or for M[etal] P[rotective] G[as] soldering, of at least one object made of metal and/or at least one metal alloy under protective gas using at least one meltable electrode, at least one mixture made of argon, helium, and at least one active gas being supplied as the protective gas, in such a manner that arbitrary electric arc joining technologies, in particular M[etal] P[rotective] G[as] welding and/or M[etal] P[rotective] G[as] soldering, may be performed in parallel and/or in sequence using the supplied protective gas, it is suggested that the protective gas have helium in a range from approximately 25 volume-percent (vol.-%) to approximately 30 vol.-%, carbon dioxide, oxygen, or a carbon dioxide-oxygen mixture in a range from approximately 0.5 vol.-% b to approximately 0.9 vol.-%, and argon in the remaining volume range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Christoph MATZ
  • Publication number: 20080272112
    Abstract: To hard-solder parts to be joined along a common joint, the parts are heated by a heat source e.g. a laser beam (3). Melted solder (7) that is stored in a container (6) is then introduced into the joint. Joints can be filled with solder in this manner at higher speed and the solidified solder surface is practically devoid of pores, thus permitting the priming or painting of said parts without the need for subsequent treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Soutec Soudronic AG
    Inventor: Werner Urech
  • Publication number: 20080264923
    Abstract: Provided is a welding system and method for controlling a welding system with an improved waveform. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a welding system waveform is calibrated such that the welding transfer regularly occurs during short circuits, comprising applying a voltage and a current to a welding electrode, applying an increased voltage and an increased current to the welding electrode, increasing the current to the welding electrode when a short circuit is detected, and maintaining the increased current applied to the welding electrode until a desired time expires after the short circuit is detected or until the short circuit clears, whichever occurs first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Galen Jon White
  • Publication number: 20080264451
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing an inside of a pipe which performs various works from an inside of a pipe, includes traveling drive units, a working device, rotation support mechanisms, a coupling mechanism, and suspension devices. The traveling drive units are inserted into the inside of the pipe, and the working device is moved in a circumferential direction along the inside of the pipe by the traveling drive units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki SHIMAMURA, Yutaka Togasawa, Takeshi Maehara, Yasuhiro Yuguchi
  • Publication number: 20080264916
    Abstract: A consumable electrode arc-welding machine comprising an arc resistance calculating part that calculates an arc resistance from a welding current and a welding voltage to develop an arc resistance signal, wherein the welding current and welding voltage are controlled by a short-circuit waveform control signal and an arc waveform control signal that vary in accordance with the arc resistance signal. In this way, the spatter control and the arc stability can be achieved. During an arc period, if the arc resistance signal exhibits a level greater than a predetermined level for a predetermined period, a constant current control signal is developed to perform a constant current control of the welding current by use of a predetermined current value that is higher than the current value developed during the development of the arc waveform control signal, thereby preventing the arc from going off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Motoyasu Nagano, Shinsuke Shimabayashi
  • Patent number: 7442898
    Abstract: A welding accessory system for a welder that includes a welder having a welder housing and at least one welding accessory support connected to the welder housing to support at least one welding accessory of a welder. The one or more welding accessory supports include a cable holder, an electrode holder, a cooling fluid holder, a cylinder gas holder, a cable connector box, and/or a tool holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Ignatius L. Di Novo, Ralph Samodell, Don Hohman
  • Patent number: 7439471
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are providing for automated servicing of MIG welding torches and components thereof including the nozzle, the retaining head assembly, and the contact tip. The invention is directed to removing and cleaning a nozzle from a first end proximal to the torch, cleaning a retaining head assembly of deposited welding wire, or removing a used contact tip to be replaced with a replacement contact tip obtained from a magazine or combinations thereof. The invention can feature severing a welding wire or applying an anti-spatter solution to the torch or its components. The invention is also directed a plurality of maintenance operations being performed as to a stationary torch in an automated environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jaeger, Robert Lajoie
  • Patent number: 7427726
    Abstract: A portable wire feeder for providing welding wire and welding current to a welding operation includes an input electrically connected to a power source. An output is electrically connected to the input to receive welding current delivered to the input from the power source and to provide the welding current and welding wire to the welding operation through a guide hose. A motorized wire feeding system includes a motor and a feed roll driven by the motor to direct the wire from a wire supply to the output for provision of the welding wire to the welding operation through the guide hose. Power for the motorized wire feeding system is drawn from the welding current passed from the input to the output. A grounding assembly nonattachably contacts a work piece of the welding operation to electrically ground the power drawn from the welding current directly to the work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Enyedy, William T. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20080224528
    Abstract: A method of welding brush filaments to a ferrule that includes the steps of providing a welding source that produces high frequency vibrations and/or heat, brush filaments, and a ferrule having an inner face, an outer face and an opening to receive the brush filaments, positioning the brush filaments at least partially into the opening of the ferrule, positioning the welding source proximate the outer face of the ferrule, and transferring the high frequency vibrations and/or heat from the welding source to one or more locations on the outer face of the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Zhaohui Wang
  • Publication number: 20080203074
    Abstract: A system and method for an integrated structural welding system is designed to protect the components of the system against accidental damage and undue stresses. Specifically, portable structure and a strain protection system are provided. The strain protection system is supported by a portable structure and engages one or both of a welding-type cable and a power cable to transfer forces applied to the welding-type cable or power cable when adjusting a position of the portable structure to the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph E. Feldhausen, Jeffrey W. Rappold, Gary A. Thyssen, Craig S. Knoener, Christopher D. McInnis, Brian A. Schwartz, Michael W. Hogan Hogan, Jeffrey P. Lenz, Kodi K. Welch
  • Publication number: 20080203075
    Abstract: A system and method for an integrated structural welding system is designed to improve work flow efficiency. Specifically, a portable support structure is provided that includes a number of integrated components, such as transmission power receptacles and gas supply connections, that provide ready access to resources to perform a number of welding-type processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph E. Feldhausen, Jeffrey W. Rappold, Gary A. Thyssen, Craig S. Knoener, Christopher D. McInnis, Brian A. Schwartz, Michael W. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20080190900
    Abstract: A welder for welding a base metal. The welder may include a first electrode for forming a first arc with the base metal and a second electrode for forming a second arc between the first and second electrodes. A compact welder, welding system, and method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: YuMing Zhang, Kehai Li
  • Publication number: 20080169277
    Abstract: Provided is system for aiding a welding operator in positioning a welding device. The system includes a welding device and a light source coupled to the welding device, wherein the light source is configured to generate a focused beam of light that is configured to illuminate a weld location. The configuration of the light source's illumination may provide for aligning and positioning of the welding device relative to a work piece or other surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Richard Mark Achtner, Bruce Patrick Albrecht, LeRoy H. Lauer
  • Publication number: 20080156850
    Abstract: A tooling fixture is adapted to preserve the dimensional accuracy of critical dimension locating components associated with the fixture. The tooling fixture has a plurality of component locators having a body with at least one surface for accurately constraining at least one component part within the tooling fixture. The surfaces of the component locators are exposed to weld spatter. A spatter resistant coating is applied to the surfaces of the component locators to protect their surfaces from accumulating weld spatter thereby preserving the dimensional repeatability of the tooling fixture and decreasing rework or scrap quantities resulting from the component parts being out of specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: GENESIS SYSTEMS GROUP, L.L.C.
    Inventors: GARY ALDEN, PATRICK W. POLLOCK, Don STABENOW
  • Publication number: 20080149608
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a wear condition of a welding consumable includes a welding torch having a consumable component and a wire delivery system configured to deliver wire to the welding torch during a welding process. The welding system also includes a power source configured to deliver power to the welding torch to perform the welding process. A controller is included that is configured to monitor at least one operational characteristic of the delivery of wire to the welding torch over a selected period, determine a wear condition of the consumable component from the at least one operational characteristic, and generate a signal indicating detection of the wear condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20080135533
    Abstract: A cable management system for a welding-type system includes a support column extending in a first direction from a first end supported by a welding-type device to a second end arranged above the welding-type device. The cable management system also includes a cable support arranged on the second end of the support column that extends in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction. Accordingly, a portion of the cable support extends away from the welding-type device to allow a cable supported thereon to extend below the cable support and proximate to the welding-type device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Ertmer, Chris J. Roehl, John C. Breitbach, Thomas G. Yunk
  • Patent number: 7375305
    Abstract: A welding apparatus having a system to facilitate its assembly. The apparatus is assembled by affixing a pair of molded end panels to a molded base and each of the end panels has a specially constructed receptacle area that is adapted to receive an end of the base. Each end of the base has a pair of snaps that extend outwardly and which engage with a correspondingly located pair of ramps formed in the receptacle area of each of the end panels. Thus the assembly is easily carried out by simply inserting the base ends into the receptacle areas where the snaps ride up the ramps and engage the vertical walls on the inner side of those ramps to securely affix the end panels to the base. Preferably the snaps are U-shaped in configuration with the distal end of the snaps being the closed ends of the U-shaped snaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Cigelske, Jr., Richard M. Achtner
  • Publication number: 20080078753
    Abstract: A portable welding system is disclosed that may be used for TIG and stick welding processes. The welding system comprises a soft-pack carrying case for transporting a number of welding elements. The carrying case includes deflectable walls that form an interior cavity configured to contain the welding elements for transport. The carrying case further includes a set of wheels, a retractable handle, and a fixed handle. The user may either roll the case via the wheels and retractable handle or lift the system via the fixed handles. Finally, the carrying case includes means to seal the interior cavity of the case to further contain the welding elements during transport or long durations of inactivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jack Fulcer, Mike Vanden Heuvel
  • Patent number: 7339134
    Abstract: An apparatus for welding, including a lift mechanism for lifting a personnel platform attached to an end of the lift mechanism, a drive system for moving the apparatus, where the drive system includes a DC power source, a set of controls mounted on the platform for controlling the drive system and the lift mechanism, and an electric arc welding system for creating a DC welding arc between an electrode and a workpiece, where the welding system is mounted on the personnel platform and powered by the DC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Stropki, Jr., William T. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20080035623
    Abstract: A contact tip for a welding torch is provided. In one embodiment, the contact tip includes a body formed of an electrically conductive material and a non-linear passage that extends through the body. The non-linear passage of this embodiment is configured to receive a wire electrode and to facilitate electrical communication between the body and the wire electrode. Various contact tip assemblies and manufacturing techniques for forming contact tips are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Richard M. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 7325717
    Abstract: In the present invention, an iron based alloy which contains by mass %: 0.20% or less of C; 6.0 to 16.0% of Cr; 6.0 to 16.0% of Ni and whose martensitic transformation starting temperature (Ms point temperature) is in the range of 0-170° C., inclusive of 0° C. and exclusive of 170° C., is used as a welding material. With respect to a weld metal, the weld metal has a iron alloy composition which contains by mass %: 0.20% or less of C; 3.0 to 13.0% of Cr; 3.0 to 13.0% of Ni and whose martensitic transformation starting temperature (Ms point temperature) is in the range of 50-360° C., inclusive of both 50° C. and 360° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: National Institute for Materials Science
    Inventors: Yasushi Morikage, Takahiro Kubo, Koich Yasuda, Keniti Amano, Kazuo Hiraoka, Akihiko Ohta, Chiaki Shiga
  • Patent number: 7326879
    Abstract: A mid-plane baffle or plate having a fan mounted thereto to dissipate heat within a welding machine is provided. By centrally positioning a baffle and mounting a circulating fan thereto, cooling efficiency is improved thereby enabling more direct cooling of the internal components of the welding machine. The baffle also reduces the critical volume of the welding machine and allows the fan to operate more efficiently and pull an increased amount of cooler ambient air through the machine which creates a greater cooling effect during the cooling cycle of the machine. The baffle placement also improves welding start performance by operating as a barrier between the high frequency/high voltage components and the PC board (control electronics) of the welding machine. The baffle also improves flexibility of component placement within the welding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan P. Andersen, David A. Werba
  • Publication number: 20080011729
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present technique relate to a welding storage structure. In one embodiment, a welding system includes a welding chassis and a storage structure that rotates outwardly from the welding chassis. In another embodiment, a welding system includes a welding storage unit having a storage base with a plurality of storage compartments, a cover removably disposed over the plurality of the storage compartments, and a rotatable chassis mount configured to couple the welding storage unit rotatably to a welding chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: John C. Brietbach
  • Publication number: 20070272670
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a backing member having an upper face pressing against two work pieces having a welding gap therebetween. A rod extends through the backing member and has an exposed upper portion extending through a narrower portion of the welding gap into a wider portion of the welding gap. An elastic element is mounted between a bottom face of the backing member and an abutting portion on a lower portion of the rod to bias the backing member to press against the work pieces. The upper portion includes a hooked section having a first width smaller than a width of the narrower portion and a second width perpendicular to and larger than the width of the narrower portion. The rod is turnable to a position in which the second width of the hooked section presses against the work pieces under the action of the elastic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Mar Lon Chen
  • Publication number: 20070267392
    Abstract: A workpiece movement sensing system can be used with an automated stud welding machine and/or process. The system includes a sensor measuring applied voltage relative to lift height utilized during the stud welding process. A workpiece movement detection module detects workpiece movement occurring during one or more welds. Upon detection, an operator can be notified, and/or automatic voltage compensation can be turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: David Lame
  • Patent number: 7288740
    Abstract: A housing of a welding-type device includes a bezel which encloses a plurality of electrical receptacles and a plurality of terminal posts of the welding-type device. The bezel has a first and a second opening corresponding to each terminal post. The plurality of first openings has hinged covers attached to the bezel over the openings. The plurality of second openings is uninterrupted through the bezel and constructed such that the bezel provides strain relief to a welding cable which passes therethrough. The covers are formed such that they allow passage of an electrical cable through the first opening with the cover in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Radtke
  • Patent number: 7279658
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for cleaning the gas nozzle (12) of a welding torch (14) and for spraying the gas nozzle (12) or a welding wire located in the gas nozzle (12). The inventive device comprises a clamping/holding device (16) for the gas nozzle (12), a cleaning device (18) for mechanically removing welding residues from the gas nozzle (12), wherein the cleaning device (18) can be moved in the direction of a first axis (20) towards the clamping/holding device (16) or away from the latter. The device also comprises a spraying device (22) for applying an anti-stick medium. The spraying device (22) can be moved in the direction of a second axis (24) that is arranged in a substantially transversal manner with respect to a first axis (20) and relative to the clamping/holding device (16). Preferably, the spraying device (22) is mechanically coupled to a cutting device (44) for the welding wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Alexander Binzel Schweisstechnik
    Inventor: Ralf Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7253373
    Abstract: A welding implement, such as a TIG welding torch. The welding implement comprises a torch head and a thermal storage member. The torch head is operable to conduct electricity to a welding electrode disposed therein. The thermal storage member is adapted to store heat from the torch head during operation of the torch and to release the heat when the torch is not operated. The thermal storage member is electrically isolated from the torch head by an electrical insulator. The welding implement may comprise a tube coupled to the torch head to conduct gas and electricity to the torch head. The welding implement may also comprise a second tube disposed around the tube proximate to the torch head to increase heat transfer from the torch head to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: David Delgado
  • Patent number: 7247815
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating a contact tip of a welding device includes a member, e.g., a clutch bearing or other device, that securely grasps the contact tip and minimizes damage thereto. The method and apparatus can be used to install or remove a contact tip into/from a welding device, e.g., without the need to remove the nozzle of the welding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Lajoie