Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Jeremy Daniel Overesch

Anthony Van Bergen Salsich

Todd Earl Holverson

James Lee Uecker

Quinn William Schartner

Anthony VanBergen Salsich

James Francis Rappl

Kyle Andrew Pfeifer

Andrew David Nelson

Brian Lee Ott

Scott Stephen Liebert

Kenneth Austin Stanzel

Gregg Donald Prochnow

Edward Gerard Beistle

James F Ulrich

Dylan Anderson

Anthony Van Salsich

Methods and apparatus to control heating based on monitoring feedback of temperature sensors are disclosed. An example heating apparatus includes: a heater configured to apply heat energy to an object; and control circuitry configured to: control the heater based on a target temperature to which the object is to be heated; in response to determining that a first measured temperature sample associated with a first temperature sensor is greater than a first reference temperature, updating a first temperature range and the first reference temperature based on the first measured temperature sample; and in response to determining that a second measured temperature sample associated with the first temperature sensor is not within the first temperature range, reduce the priority of the first temperature sensor for control of applying the heat energy to the object.

Methods and apparatus to control heating based on monitoring feedback of temperature sensors

A welding system monitors the changes in the power output provided from a power supply to a device to determine the inductance of power cables between the power supply and the device. The device may determine the inductance of the power cables based at least in part on a delay in a threshold change in voltage to the device after a change in the current demand of the device, a delay in the initialization of the change in the current demand of the device after an initialization signal, a rate of change of the current drawn by the device, or a relative comparison of the voltage to the device and the current drawn by the device, or any combination thereof. If the inductance of the power cables is greater than a threshold inductance, the device may signal the user, disable operation of the device, or any combination thereof.

System and method for determining inductance of a power cable

A method for controlling an output current of a welding power supply includes detecting, using control circuitry of the welding power supply, a root mean square (RMS) current setting. The method also includes calculating, using the control circuitry, an average current command based on the RMS current setting. The method also includes controlling, using the control circuitry, the output current using the average current command to produce an output substantially the same as the RMS current setting.

Systems and methods for controlling an output power of a welding power supply

Apparatus and methods are disclosed of a membrane panel comprising a close-proximity communication antenna embedded within the membrane panel. In an example, a welding-type system includes a membrane panel with a user interface and a close-proximity communication antenna embedded within the membrane panel.

Apparatus with membrane panel having close-proximity communication antenna

System for determining inductance of a power cable

A system and method for a plasma system includes a plasma torch actuated by a trigger, a consumable installed in the plasma torch, and a gas flow system constructed to receive pressurized gas and provide a gas flow to the plasma torch. A gas flow regulating system is included and configured to regulate the gas flow, and a sensing device is included and configured to monitor a gas pressure in the plasma torch. The plasma system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensing device and to determine one of a length parameter of the plasma torch and a type of the consumable therefrom.

Automatic consumable and torch length detection via pressure decay

Various welding systems that provide communication over auxiliary or weld power lines are provided. The disclosed embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supply that is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and power between components of the welding system. In some embodiments, the pendant may also include auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments further include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Embodiments are provided that also allow for bidirectional data communication over a power line in networked welding systems.

Welding system with power line communication

The present invention includes a welding system that has at least two metal inert gas (MIG) welders configured to perform a cooperative pulsed MIG welding process. The welding system also includes at least one communications link connecting the at least two MIG welders to deliver at least one of subordination commands and superiority commands to either of the at least two MIG welders to synchronize the cooperative pulsed MIG welding process.

Cooperative welding system

A system and method for start flow approach control for a proportional valve in a plasma cutter is provided that includes a controller configured to determine a target gas pressure set point for a plasma cutting operation and determine a ramp pressure set point offset from the target gas pressure set point. The controller is also configured to apply a full-open drive signal to an air pressure-closing proportional valve and monitor a pressure of gas flow output from the air pressure-closing proportional valve via a sensing device. The controller is further configured to apply a ramping drive signal to the air pressure-closing proportional valve after the pressure of the gas flow has reached the ramp pressure set point and apply a target-pressure drive signal to the air pressure-closing proportional valve after the pressure of the gas flow has reached the target gas pressure set point.

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Neenah, WI, United States of America

Jeremy Daniel Overesch