Nonconsumable Electrode (e.g., Atomic Hydrogen) Patents (Class 219/75)
  • Patent number: 11673204
    Abstract: A torch for performing TIG welding is disclosed. The torch includes an electrode for a TIG/GTAW welding operation with an inert gas and an active gas. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the torch includes a torch body having a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel, an electrode assembly disposed in the torch body, a nozzle concentric with the electrode and a shield cap concentric with the nozzle. An angle between a longitudinal axis of the electrode assembly and an outer surface of at least one of the electrode holder and the electrode is about nine degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: THE ESAB GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Matthias Schaffitz, Xavier Jauregui
  • Patent number: 11623296
    Abstract: A plasma cutting machine cuts a work piece with a plasma arc. The plasma cutting machine includes a plasma torch, a drive device, and a controller. The plasma torch includes an electrode and a nozzle and generates the plasma arc. The drive device moves the plasma torch. The controller includes a storage device and controls the drive device. The storage device records information pertaining to the plasma cutting machine. The controller acquires a weight of a work piece. The controller acquires a consumption amount of at least one of the electrode and the nozzle. The controller records, in the storage device, processing performance data including the weight of the work piece and the consumption amount correlated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: KOMATSU INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Takata, Yoshihiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 11590597
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to preheat welding wire are disclosed. An example welding assembly for a welding torch includes: a first contact tip configured to conduct welding current to a consumable electrode; a second contact tip configured to conduct preheating current to the consumable electrode; and a cooling body configured to transfer heat from at least the first contact tip to coolant and to conduct the welding current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Roland Sigl, Jake Zwayer
  • Patent number: 11585439
    Abstract: An edge-welded bellows, including a plurality of diaphragms and a guide part for guiding on the outer surface of a rod extending through an inner through-opening of the bellows or for guiding on the inner surface of a tube surrounding the bellows. The guide part has a retaining fin, which, at the edge thereof, lies between the edges of adjacent diaphragms and is welded thereto, and a guide sleeve, which surrounds the longitudinal central axis and has a guide surface for guiding the bellows on the outer surface of the rod or the inner surface of the tube. The guide sleeve has a wall thickness that is more than three times that of the retaining fin. The guide sleeve has a step having a contact surface. The retaining fin lies, in a region adjoining the edge thereof, on the contact surface and is form-fittingly secured against being lifted off from the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Christian Hasler
  • Patent number: 11516939
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for stopping a flow of a liquid coolant into, and drawing away a residual portion of the liquid, a portion of a cooling system, e.g., for resistance welding electrodes. The disclosed system does not require more than a single actuator, and in one case uses only a single actuator, coupled to both i) one or more liquid shutoff valves and ii) one or more liquid drawback apparatus. The liquid drawback apparatus draws on the liquid at approximately a same time that the one or more liquid shutoff valves shut off the flow of the liquid from the coolant supply. The liquid drawback apparatus includes a non-return check valve, disposed in the fluid passageway and biased against a normal flow of the liquid from the coolant supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: PROTEUS INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: Mark Nicewonger
  • Patent number: 11498149
    Abstract: An electrode unit for inert gas welding by means of a non-consumable. The electrode unit includes an electrode holder and an electrode held firmly and undetachably in the electrode holder and having an electrode tip at a front end. The electrode protrudes beyond the electrode holder by means of the electrode tip on a first longitudinal end of the electrode holder. A gas guide channel is formed in the electrode holder, with an inlet opening located toward a second longitudinal end of the electrode holder. At least one outlet opening is oriented transversely with respect to a longitudinal extent of the electrode holder and located offset from the inlet opening, when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal extent, toward the first longitudinal end. The electrode unit is able to be efficiently cooled during the welding operation and has a reduced tendency to jam or wedge due to thermal expansions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Mewes, Michael Jürgens
  • Patent number: 11383318
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the position of a filler wire and/or a laser head, or other heating head, in a welding system. The distal end of the filler wire is gradually moved, e.g., upward, until electrical continuity with the weld pool is lost; the filler wire is then moved back into contact with the weld pool. The heating head may be stationary relative to the weld pool, or it may move, with the distal end of the filler wire, relative to the weld pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Liburdi Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Pistor, Matthew Ronald Reid
  • Patent number: 11292073
    Abstract: A welding torch includes a gas lens of a lattice structure that straightens a shielding gas. The welding torch includes a non-consumable electrode, an electrode holder into which the non-consumable electrode is inserted, and a torch body including a sleeve that holds the electrode holder, a flow path forming portion that forms a shielding gas flow path around the sleeve, and a nozzle that forms a shielding gas guiding space around a distal end of the non-consumable electrode, the distal end extending from the electrode holder, in which the gas lens is provided so as to separate the shielding gas flow path from the shielding gas guiding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiko Akamatsu, Shingo Yonemoto, Takanori Kozuki, Shinya Hibino, Yukio Ikezawa, Kenichiro Niimi, Akitsugu Arao
  • Patent number: 11285567
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machining module for a device for producing a molded metal body (1) by means of an additively generative manufacturing process. A sheet, wire, or pulverulent metal-containing starting material (2) is melted and applied in layers, thereby forming the molded body (1). According to the invention, in addition to a material supply device (9), the machining module comprises a protective gas supply device (11), which has an outlet opening arranged annularly about the material supply device (9), and a fluid supply device (3) for supplying coolant (4), having one or more nozzles (10) which are arranged spatially adjacent to the material supply device (9) such that the surface of the molded body (1) can be supplied with the coolant (4) in points or in a partial manner directly adjacent to the melt bath at one position or along a curve, each of which can be specified in a variable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Gefertec GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Fischer, Tobias Röhrich, Igor Haschke
  • Patent number: 11065705
    Abstract: A welding method for obtaining a lap fillet welded joint excellent in tensile strength, without causing an increase in welding deformation, not fracturing at the weld metal when a tensile load is applied, that is, a method of overlaying at least scheduled welding locations of a first steel sheet with a tensile strength of 780 MPa or more and a second steel sheet and fillet welding an end part of the first steel sheet and a surface of the second steel sheet, characterized by providing a reinforcing part at a surface of the first steel sheet at the opposite side to the surface to be overlaid with the second steel sheet and fillet welding one end part of the reinforcing material and the surface of the first steel sheet and by fillet welding the end part of the reinforcing part, the end part of the first steel sheet, and the surface of the second steel sheet so as to be covered by the weld metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yujiro Tatsumi, Yasunobu Miyazaki, Shinji Kodama
  • Patent number: 11032900
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma torch with a structure capable of performing reversed polarity/straight polarity operation, wherein the plasma torch is coupled to a melter and melts a waste material such as radioactive waste or industrial waste by generating and sustaining a plasma arc between electrodes, the plasma torch including: a rear electrode provided inside a torch pipe and electrically connected to become one of an anode and a cathode; and a front electrode provided at a front end of the torch pipe at a position adjacent to a front end of the rear electrode and electrically connected to become a remaining one of the anode and the cathode, wherein electrical connections of the rear and front electrodes are switchable with each other so that the plasma torch operates as a reversed polarity plasma torch or a straight polarity plasma torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-Woon Shin, Cheon-Woo Kim, Hyun-Je Cho, Young-Hwan Hwang, Seokju Hwang
  • Patent number: 10946467
    Abstract: A system for a welding apparatus including a welding cup; a hollow tubular adapter body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, an external surface of the adapter body defining one or more grooves extending about a circumference thereof and longitudinally disposed between the first and second end; and one or more O-rings configured to be installed about the adapter body and received in each of the one or more grooves; wherein the first end or the second end of the adapter body is engageable with a welding torch head and wherein the welding cup is configured to receive the other of the first end and the second end of the adapter body therein, the welding cup extending longitudinally along the adapter body such that the one or more O-rings is disposed between the adapter body and the welding cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Eric R. Mueller
  • Patent number: 10906117
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding type power on one of at least two output terminals is disclosed. Input power is received and welding type power is derived and provided by a shared power circuit. The welding type power is provided across a shared terminal and only two process terminals in response to a desired process. The desired process can be set bu user input, feedback, or sensing working connections. The process terminal is selected by selectively opening and closing at least two controllable switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Henry
  • Patent number: 10906118
    Abstract: A welding tool comprises a main body; a handle attached to the main body to be held by a welder; an electrode attached to the main body; an adjusting device for moving the consumable electrode forward/backward with respect to the main body; a control unit is connected to the adjusting device and is configured to act on the adjusting device for maintaining a substantially constant distance between the electrode and a weld area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: NUOVO PIGNONE SRL
    Inventors: Francescosaverio Chiari, Mario Milazzo, Marco Magnasco, Cesare Stefanini, Francesco Inglese
  • Patent number: 10717148
    Abstract: A first electrode coolant path is configured to cool a first welding electrode by liquid coolant flowing from a supply path through the first electrode coolant path to a return path. A second electrode coolant path is configured to cool a second welding electrode by liquid coolant flowing from the supply path through the second electrode coolant path to the return path. Three or more valves are configured to stop or reduce liquid coolant flow through the first or second electrode coolant path and configured to stop or reduce liquid coolant backflow from the return path when the first or second welding electrode is at least partially detached. At least one valve is coupled in the first or second electrode coolant path. A drawback apparatus generates a suction force to draw liquid coolant away from a gap formed when the first or second welding electrode is at least partially detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Proteus Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Nicewonger
  • Patent number: 10716199
    Abstract: In some aspects, methods for providing a uniform shield gas flow for an air-cooled plasma arc torch can include supplying a shield gas to a shield gas flow channel defined by an exterior surface of a nozzle and an interior surface of a shield; flowing the shield gas along the shield gas flow channel; reversing the flow of the shield gas along the shield gas flow channel using a recombination region, the recombination region comprising at least one flow reversing member; and flowing the shield gas from the mixing region to an exit orifice of the shield, thereby producing a substantially uniform shield gas flow at the exit orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Zheng Duan, Richard R. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10662529
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for methods and apparatuses for reducing particle contamination formation in a high temperature processing chamber with a cooled gas feed block. The cooled gas feed has a body. The body has a main center portion having a top surface and a bottom surface. The body also has a flange extending outward from the bottom surface of the main center portion. A gas channel is disposed through the body. The gas channel has an inlet formed in the top surface of the main center portion and an outlet formed in the bottom surface of the main center portion. The body also has a center coolant channel. The center coolant channel has a first portion having an inlet formed in the top surface of the main center portion, and a second portion coupled to the first portion, the second portion having an outlet formed a sidewall of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Govinda Raj, Hanish Kumar, Lin Zhang, Stanley Wu
  • Patent number: 10625364
    Abstract: A resin insulation guide is used in a plasma torch including an electrode and a nozzle into which the electrode is inserted. The insulation guide is used to couple the electrode and the nozzle, and includes a first internal circumferential surface formed on an inside of the insulation guide, a second internal circumferential surface formed on the inside of the insulation guide, a communication channel, and a heat resistant coating formed on the first internal circumferential surface. The second internal circumferential surface has an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first internal circumferential surface. The communication channel communicates a space inside the first internal circumferential surface to an outside of the insulation guide, and extends in a direction inclined with respect to an axial direction of the insulation guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: KOMATSU INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Keita Kondo, Shigeo Morimoto, Katsuo Saio
  • Patent number: 10610944
    Abstract: A method for closing a plurality of holes penetrating from a first surface of a metal article through a second surface of the metal article is disclosed including applying the metal composition to the first surface along a bridging application path. The bridging application path passes over the plurality of holes between a first edge of each of the plurality of holes and a second edge of each of the plurality of holes. Applying the metal composition along the bridging application path closes the plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Dechao Lin
  • Patent number: 10603733
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a TIG-welded stainless steel tube without adding H2 to a shielding gas, while inhibiting generation of a weld defect. The method is a method for producing a TIG-welded stainless steel tube and includes the steps of bending a stainless steel strip in a width direction so as to butt both edges against each other and TIG-welding the both edges thus butted. A pulse waveform of a pulse frequency of 40 Hz to 300 Hz is used as a current waveform of a welding power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Nisshin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takefumi Nakako, Tomokazu Nobutoki, Hiroshi Asada
  • Patent number: 10593539
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a support assembly. In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a shaft coupled to a disk-shaped body. The disk-shaped body includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a cylindrical outer surface. A flange extends radially outward from the cylindrical outer surface. A fluid channel is formed in the disk-shaped body and is coupled to the heat transfer fluid conduit of the shaft. A plurality of grooves formed in the upper surface are coupled by a hole to the vacuum conduit of the shaft. A gas conduit formed through the disk-shaped body couples the gas conduit of the shaft to the cylindrical outer surface of the disk-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Joel M. Huston, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan
  • Patent number: 10488043
    Abstract: An arc lighter fixing element includes a metal conduit and an arc lighter detachably installed to an end of the metal conduit. A plastic expansion member is latched into an end of the metal conduit. The arc lighter includes an arc generation head and a ceramic member installed on the top inner side of the arc generation head, and the bottom of the arc generation head is sheathed on the top of the metal conduit. A screw is passed through the center of the ceramic member and then secured with the plastic expansion member. The metal conduit may be bent conveniently to facilitate an ignition at different angles, and passed through an expansion structure to connect the arc lighter to the metal conduit, so as to facilitate the installation and disassembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: NINGBO YANGLING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yuyuan Bao
  • Patent number: 10477665
    Abstract: A microwave plasma torch providing two laminar flows is described. Two laminar flows are created using a set of at least three concentric, staggered dielectric tubes connected to a pressurized gas source. An inner laminar flow entrains injected particles entering the plasma. An outer laminar flow creates a sheath around the plasma and prevents it from attaching to the walls of the plasma torch. The entry point of the gas source is designed to ensure laminar flow for both the entrainment of the particles and for the shielding of the plasma plume. The uniform processing conditions results in uniform particles and a homogenous materials distribution. This enables a final product with improved thermal properties, improved corrosion and wear resistance and a higher tolerance to interface stresses. The microwave plasma torch can be used for producing nanomaterial powder and for spray coating materials onto various substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: AMASTAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Kamal Hadidi, Makhlouf Redjdal
  • Patent number: 10335886
    Abstract: A vibrating welding torch attachment utilizes a battery-operated vibrating mechanism secured within a cylindrical housing. The attachment is configured to be detachably secured to the welding end of a traditional TIG-style welding torch. The battery pack within the attachment is rechargeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: William A. Woodward
  • Patent number: 10299363
    Abstract: In some aspects, nozzles for a plasma arc torch can include a first body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis; and a second body disposed about a portion of the first body to complement the first body, the second body defining a set of channels formed on an internal surface shaped to form a set of liquid flow passages between the first body and the second body, the second body at least partially defining at least one inlet and at least one outlet to the set of liquid flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Currier, John Peters, Stephen M. Dunbar
  • Patent number: 10035213
    Abstract: An arc welding apparatus disclosed in this specification includes: first electrode; second electrode; and a first gas supply unit which supplies a first shielding gas from the circumference of a base material-side portion of an arc region formed between the first electrode and a base material connected to the second electrode toward the center of the arc region, and controls the ratio of the pressure outside the arc region to the pressure at the center of the arc region to within the range of 70 to 5000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki Shirai, Tsuyoshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 9868173
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arc welding method that implements an arc welding torch provided with an electrode, in which a central gas flow is supplied so as to contact the electrode and an annular gas flow is supplied on the periphery of said first gas flow. The central gas flow contains only argon and hydrogen (H2), the hydrogen content being 2 to 8 vol %. The sheath gas flow only contains argon and 1.8 to 3 vol % of carbon dioxide (CO2) or 0.9 to 1.5 vol % of oxygen (O2). The method is used for welding parts made of steel, in particular stainless steel or carbon steel, as well as steel coated with zinc or aluminium or any other material for preventing the corrosion of said steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Sébastien Gadrey, Jean-Pierre Planckaert
  • Patent number: 9862058
    Abstract: A method for laser welding one or more workpieces made of press-hardenable steel in a butt joint, wherein the workpiece or workpieces have a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.8 mm, and/or a jump in thickness of between 0.2 and 0.4 mm occurs at the butt joint, and wherein laser welding is carried out with the feed of filler wire into the molten bath, which is generated only by at least one laser beam. The filler wire contains at least one alloy element from the group comprising manganese, chromium, molybdenum, silicon and/or nickel, which alloy element promotes the formation of austenite in the molten bath generated by the laser beam, wherein said at least one alloy element is present in the filler wire in a mass percentage greater by at least 0.1 wt. % than in the steel of the workpiece or workpieces and the workpiece or workpieces used are non-coated or the coating thereof is partially removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: WISCO Tailored Blanks GmbH
    Inventors: Arndt Breuer, Christian Both
  • Patent number: 9789560
    Abstract: An arc welding torch having a variable electrode receiving aperture including a number of discrete wedges guided within a conical interior surface of a housing to enable the use of electrodes of various diameters without changing components of the torch. An adjusting collar engages the wedges and forms an adjustable opening for an electrode to be inserted therein. Rotation of a tailpiece of the torch handle adjusts the position of the wedges and secures the electrode in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Jesse Rogers
  • Patent number: 9681529
    Abstract: A plasma torch module combining arc and microwave discharges is disclosed. One embodiment serves to enhance the size and enthalpy of the plasma torch and has a very large operational range of the airflow rate, from subsonic to supersonic flow speed. Increase of airflow in the torch operation can increase not only the size of the torch plasma and the cycle energy of the arc discharge but also the lifetime of the torch module and the torch can operate stably with very low airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Spencer Kuo, Skip Williams, Daniel Bivolaru, Campbell Carter
  • Patent number: 9649714
    Abstract: A modular welding system which can switch between right-handed and left-handed wire feeders by use of the modular design and without having a duplicative dual feed system is disclosed. This aspect is applicable to robotic welding as well as boom-mounted welding operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Enyedy, Michael A. Kindig, Jason Leach, Robert J. Thayer
  • Patent number: 9638083
    Abstract: A connector element for connecting a pump assembly for use in a selective catalytic reduction system to a reagent supply of reagent fluid, the connector element comprising: a reagent flow passage arranged to receive reagent fluid at a first end from the reagent supply and to supply the reagent fluid via a second end to a reagent inlet port for reagent fluid on the pump assembly; a coolant passage for cooling fluid, the coolant passage arranged to be in communication with a coolant port on the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg SARL.
    Inventors: Keith E. Wright, Frank Grumbrecht
  • Patent number: 9583291
    Abstract: In an electromagnetic contactor, an arc generated when a movable contact separates from fixed contacts can be easily extinguished. The movable contact is disposed so as to be connectable to and detachable from the pair of fixed contacts disposed to maintain a predetermined interval inside a contact housing case having insulating properties, and an arc extinguishing chamber is formed in a position in which the movable contact and the pair of fixed contacts contact. At least the inner wall surface side of the arc extinguishing chamber contacting an arc is formed of a high thermal conductivity material having thermal conductivity higher than that of a synthetic resin molded material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignees: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD., FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Kashimura, Masaru Isozaki, Kouetsu Takaya, Yuji Shiba
  • Patent number: 9396964
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes: a process chamber which accommodates a substrate to be processed; a lower electrode disposed in the process chamber; an upper electrode including an electrode plate that is detachable and discharges a process gas inside the form of shower into the process chamber; a gas supply unit including a central pipe and a edge pipe for supplying the process gas to the upper electrode; a first high frequency power source which applies high frequency power for plasma generation to the lower electrode; pressure indicators which detect pressures inside gas supply pipes; and a controller which measures a degree of consumption of the electrode plate based on the pressures detected by the pressure indicators and calculates a variation in process rate resulting due to the consumption of the electrode plate to adjust process conditions to resolve the variation in process rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Shin Matsuura
  • Patent number: 9288887
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes an electrode, a tip, a third element, and a secondary power circuit. The electrode is disposed within the plasma arc torch and adapted for electrical connection to a cathodic side of a power supply. The tip is positioned distally from the electrode and adapted for electrical connection to an anodic side of the power supply during piloting. A plasma chamber is formed between the electrode and the tip. The third element is disposed near a proximal end of the plasma chamber. The secondary power circuit is disposed proximate the plasma arc torch and in electrical communication with the third element. The secondary power circuit is configured to generate a high voltage pulse on the third element using input to secondary power circuit to initiate a first arc to start the plasma arc torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventors: Steve Norris, Roger Hewitt, Ken Isenor, Christopher J. Conway
  • Patent number: 9266184
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a welding system capable of detecting a size of a welding material and automatically implementing appropriate arc starting parameters. The welding system includes a welder, a welding torch, and a sensor, in which the sensor is configured to detect the size of the welding material, directly or indirectly. The welder is automatically configured to produce an arc having the arc starting parameters determined from the size of the welding material detected by the sensor. The present disclosure decreases operational error by automatically changing arc starting parameters and/or welding parameters based upon a change in welding material size, rather than requiring an operator to manually change the arc starting parameters and/or welding parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Bradley William Hemmert, Mark Steven Kadlec
  • Patent number: 9073141
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for plasma torches for plasma cutting and to a use of the electrode for said plasma torch. The electrode in accordance with the invention for plasma cutting torches is formed from an electrode holder and from an emission insert which are connected to one another in a force-fitted and/or shape-matched manner. The emission insert has at least one section along its longitudinal axis which is arranged between two other sections or next to a section which has a reduced outer diameter in a rotationally symmetrical design of the emission insert or has a reduced cross-sectional surface in a non-rotationally symmetrical emission insert with respect to the other section(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Kjellberg-Stiftung
    Inventors: Frank Laurisch, Volker Krink
  • Publication number: 20150144600
    Abstract: A stainless steel weldment and pad combined welding method includes steps of: (a) respectively processing and pairing butts of to-be-welded portions of two weldments, wherein, during pairing, inner walls of the two weldments are aligned at the same plane; the butts of the two weldments are opposed to form a V-shaped groove with an angle ?; and between bottoms of the butts of the two weldments is kept a gap L of 2-4 mm; (b) providing a copper pad at the gap between the bottoms of the butts of the two weldments, wherein the copper pad closely attaches to the inner walls of the two weldments; (c) welding the V-shaped groove to form a root pass; and (d) removing the copper pad, and filling the root pass to be welded into a cover pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jiewen Xia, Qingping Huang, Jialin Chen, Yuxian Su, Wenwei Li, Liyang Pang, Yan Wu
  • Patent number: 9040868
    Abstract: A retaining cap for a plasma torch is provided that includes fast securing threads. The retaining cap includes internal threads that couple to external threads of a torch body of the plasma torch. The internal and external threads may be multiple start threads having a thread angle greater than 60°. Plasma torches and plasma cutting systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Gerald Leiteritz, George Arthur Crowe
  • Publication number: 20150129582
    Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to adjusting at least one of an arc current for a welding operation, an arc voltage for a welding operation, a wire feed speed for a welding operation, or a height of a torch that performs the welding operation. In particular, a parameter can be updated based upon, for instance, a user input, and the arc current, arc voltage, wire feed speed, or the height of the torch can be calibrated to perform the welding operation. Specifically, while a parameter is being adjusted or transitioned to the setting received via user input, the height of the torch and/or at least one of the arc current level, the arc voltage, the wire feed speed is maintained until the setting is achieved for the parameter. Once the parameter is at the setting, a second arc current level, a second arc voltage, a second wire feed speed, or second height for the torch is implemented to perform the welding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: STEPHEN R. COLE
  • Publication number: 20150122781
    Abstract: The welder interface described above may increase synergy with the welding system for the user. The welder interface receives input parameters of a desired weld from a user and advises a weld process and weld variables for producing the desired weld. The welder interface may be integral with a component of the welding system, or a separate component that may be coupled with the welding system. The welder interface may utilize data from a look-up table, neural network, welding procedure system, or database to advise the weld process and weld variables. The user may utilize the welder interface to simulate the weld process and the effect of the weld variables on a simulated weld. The user may modify the input parameters prior to producing a weld, and the user may modify the weld variables after reviewing the results of the produced weld for subsequent welding applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Patrick Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20150093287
    Abstract: A a titanium alloy can be applied on a substrate by one of melting, welding, and depositing said titanium alloy on said substrate and solidifying said deposited or molten titanium alloy. Further, 0.01-0.4 weight % Boron can be added to said titanium alloy before or during said melting, welding or depositing said titanium alloy on said substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: GKN Aerospace Sweden AB
    Inventors: Robert Pederson, Frank Skystedt
  • Patent number: 8975555
    Abstract: A protective shell for surrounding a portion of a body of a handheld plasma torch includes a first and second shell section. The plasma torch body includes a handle, a head extending from the handle and a torch tip extending from the head. The first shell section is structurally independent from an outer surface of the plasma torch body. The second shell section is structurally independent from the outer surface of the plasma torch body and is capable of being secured to the first shell section such that, in combination, the first and second shell sections surround the torch head and provide (i) structural protection to the torch head and (ii) thermal insulation to the torch head, wherein the first and second shell sections are electrically insulated relative to the torch head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Roberts, Peter Twarog
  • Publication number: 20150048057
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a non-consumable electrode type semi-automatic welding system which can conduct welding with high weld deposit and high speed is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Katsunori Wada
  • Publication number: 20150041441
    Abstract: A system and method for metalworking using a vacuum to evacuate particulate matter, smoke, excess gas, and molten metal from a work area. The vacuum system has a vacuum head and a vacuum nozzle. A bracket establishes pivotal and slidable couplings between the welding head and the vacuum head. The vacuum nozzle has a support surface for being rested on a surface of a workpiece to support the vacuum head and the welding head. A flow of liquid can be applied to the work area defined by the vacuum nozzle and the welding head to provide cooling and to prevent deleterious overheating and particulate matter accumulation. A V-shaped canal, potentially with a depression in each face thereof, can communicate across a support surface of the vacuum nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Klangos
  • Publication number: 20150027997
    Abstract: A welding torch having guidance means designed to advance a wire-like welding filler material mechanically along an axis at least in a section of the welding torch, a process gas nozzle that coaxially surrounds at least the guidance means, and a welding current connector that is connected in electrically conductive manner to an element of the welding torch that is configured to conduct electrical current. A hollow electrode is provided that surrounds the axis coaxially and as the element configured for conducting current is connected in electrically conductive manner to the welding current connector, wherein the guidance means are designed to advance the wire-like welding filler material in potential free manner. The welding torch may be used as part of a welding apparatus for a variety of welding methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Ernst Miklos, Faith Savgu
  • Patent number: 8941026
    Abstract: A nozzle for a liquid cooled plasma torch includes a nozzle bore for the exit of a plasma gas beam at a nozzle tip, a first section, of which the outer surface is essentially cylindrical, and a second section connecting the nozzle tip, of which the second section the outer surface tapers essentially conically towards the nozzle tip, wherein at least one liquid supply groove is provided and extends over a part of the first section and over the second section in the outer surface of the nozzle towards the nozzle tip and at least one liquid return groove separate from the liquid supply groove is provided and extends over the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Kjellberg Finsterwalde Plasma und Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Krink, Frank Laurisch, Timo Grundke
  • Publication number: 20150014284
    Abstract: A hybrid MIG-TIG or MAG-TIG welding device including a MIG or MAG welding torch utilizing a consumable wire oriented in a first direction, associated with a TIG welding torch utilizing a non-consumable electrode oriented in a second direction, said first and second directions being substantially coplanar and forming between themselves an angle (?) no less than 5° and no greater than 40° is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Nicolas Burvelle, Jean-Pierre Planckaert
  • Patent number: 8933364
    Abstract: An electrode for a plasma arc torch includes a conductive body and a plurality of emissive inserts. The conductive body includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a cavity extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The distal end portion defines a distal end face. The plurality of emissive inserts extend through the distal end face. The conductive body further defines a dimple extending into the distal end face and at least partially into the emissive inserts. The dimple is positioned concentrically about a centerline of the conductive body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Thermal Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Nakhleh Hussary, Christopher J. Conway
  • Publication number: 20150001184
    Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to influencing a direction of an arc within a welding operation. Within a hot wire welding operation, an arc is generated between an electrode and a workpiece and a welding wire is energized while being supplied to a puddle formed by the electrode in order to deposit the liquefied welding wire onto the workpiece. A welder system and/or method is provided that controls a direction of the arc based on at least one of a polarity of the welding wire (via a power supply that energizes the welding wire), a location of the welding wire in proximity to the arc, a synchronization and/or de-synchronization of a polarity of the welding wire with the electrode, an activation and/or a de-activation of energizing of the welding wire, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN R. COLE, STEVEN R. PETERS