The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 28, 2015
Filed:
Aug. 11, 2011
Joseph Carl Gitter, New London, WI (US);
George Harold Baus, Kimberly, WI (US);
Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Appleton, WI (US);
Joseph Carl Gitter, New London, WI (US);
George Harold Baus, Kimberly, WI (US);
Anthony Van Bergen Salsich, Appleton, WI (US);
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC., Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
A grounding system is provided for welding applications. The system comprises a pair of contacts that are brought into close grounding contact with a workpiece, and a measurement circuit coupled to the contacts. The contacts may be urged into intimate contact with the workpiece by a biasing structure that pulls the contacts tightly against the workpiece. The measurement circuit may include a center-tap transformer having a secondary coupled to a ground lead and to the contacts. A primary winding of the transformer is coupled to an oscillator that executes a measurement test. The system may provide an indication of the quality of the ground in the form of an operator perceptible notification, a digitized value, or any other suitable form.