Mark E Christopher

US Patent:

6476355, Nov 5, 2002

Filed:

Sep 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/654012

Inventors:

L. Thomas Hayes - Oshkosh WI
Kenneth C. Altekruse - Appleton WI
Mark R. Christopher - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23K 910

US Classification:

21913771, 219132

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed with a remote wire feed speed control potentiometer on a torch is disclosed. The range of the torch potentiometer is from a minimum to a value dependent on the control panel welding wire feed speed. A run-in wire feed speed control is also disclosed. The range of the run-in wire feed speed is from a minimum to a value dependent on the control panel or torch welding wire feed speed.

US Patent:

6781095, Aug 24, 2004

Filed:

Oct 15, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/272558

Inventors:

L. Thomas Hayes - Oshkosh WI
Kenneth C. Altekruse - Appleton WI
Mark R. Christopher - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23K 910

US Classification:

219132

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The method includes sensing the status of a trigger between an on position and an off position. A system latch is set or released based on the trigger status and the latch status. The system latches on when the trigger is held for a predetermined time (and the latch was previously off). The latch is released when the trigger is pulled and released when the latch was previously on. When the latch is off, pulling the trigger turns the system on, and releasing the trigger before the predetermined time turns the system off. The latch may also be released when welding current drops below a threshold. The time might not start until after welding current is flowing. A welding wire feed speed control potentiometer on a torch is also disclosed. The range of the torch potentiometer is from a minimum to a value dependent on the control panel welding wire feed speed.

US Patent:

6809286, Oct 26, 2004

Filed:

Aug 16, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/064782

Inventors:

Gerald P. Piechowski - Hortonville WI
Mark R. Christopher - Neenah WI

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23K 1500

US Classification:

21912133, 219 74, 21912151, 55482, 228 19

Abstract:

A shielding gas filter that can be readily incorporated into a gas shielding system for an arc welding apparatus. The gas shielding filter is readily installed to the system upstream of a gas solenoid valve and removes any potentially harmful particles from the supply of the shielding gas to prevent those particles from entering the gas solenoid valve. The shielding gas filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a specially formed passageway that communicates between the inlet and the outlet. A filter screen is retained within the housing to filter out the particles larger than a predetermined size. Preferably, the filter screen is constructed of stainless steel and filters out particles larger than about 100 microns.

US Patent:

6933467, Aug 23, 2005

Filed:

Feb 26, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/789162

Inventors:

L. Thomas Hayes - Oshkosh WI, US
Kenneth C. Altekruse - Appleton WI, US
Mark R. Christopher - Neenah WI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23K009/10

US Classification:

21913771, 219132

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The method includes sensing the status of a trigger between an on position and an off position. A system latch is set or released based on the trigger status and the latch status. The system latches on when the trigger is held for a predetermined time (and the latch was previously off). The latch is released when the trigger is pulled and released when the latch was previously on. When the latch is off, pulling the trigger turns the system on, and releasing the trigger before the predetermined time turns the system off. The latch may also be released when welding current drops below a threshold. The time might not start until after welding current is flowing. A welding wire feed speed control potentiometer on a torch is also disclosed. The range of the torch potentiometer is from a minimum to a value dependent on the control panel welding wire feed speed.

US Patent:

7465902, Dec 16, 2008

Filed:

Jun 9, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/148875

Inventors:

Mark R. Christopher - Neenah WI, US
Jim Maynard - Appleton WI, US
Jerry Piechowski - Hortonville WI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23K 9/133

US Classification:

2191377

Abstract:

A wire feed assembly and torch and welding systems are disclosed. The wire feed assembly includes a motor drivingly connected to at least one roll of a pair of rolls. A controller is connected to the motor and is constructed to control the operation thereof. A knob is rotatably connected to the controller and facilitates an operator's adjustment of the controller. A collar is disposed between knob and the controller and is fixedly connected to the controller and engaged by the knob to resist movement of the knob and thereby adjustment of the controller.

US Patent:

7723644, May 25, 2010

Filed:

Jun 9, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/148876

Inventors:

Mark R. Christopher - Neenah WI, US
Jim Maynard - Appleton WI, US
Jerry Piechowski - Hortonville WI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23K 9/173

US Classification:

21913731, 21913762

Abstract:

A torch and a welding system having a pair of gas paths are disclosed. The torch includes a wire feed assembly and is connectable to a welding-type power source and a source of shielding gas. A power signal suitable for welding applications and a shielding gas are communicated through the torch. The shielding gas is communicated through the torch by a pair of gas passages.

US Patent:

7767934, Aug 3, 2010

Filed:

Jun 9, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/148879

Inventors:

Mark R. Christopher - Neenah WI, US
Jim Maynard - Appleton WI, US
Jerry Piechowski - Hortonville WI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Took Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23K 9/12

US Classification:

2191377, 2191372, 21913731

Abstract:

A torch and a welder having a torch constructed to pull a consumable weld wire thereto are disclosed. The torch includes a wire feeder assembly having a first feed roll and a second feed roll. Operation of the feed rolls pulls a consumable weld wire to the torch. A lever selectively separates the first and the second feed rolls and is securable to allow a hands-free separation of the feed rolls.

US Patent:

8269143, Sep 18, 2012

Filed:

Oct 2, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/244280

Inventors:

Mark R. Christopher - Neenah WI, US
Jim Maynard - Appleton WI, US
Jerry Piechowski - Hortonville WI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

B23K 9/00

US Classification:

2191377

Abstract:

A wire feed assembly and torch and welding systems are disclosed. The wire feed assembly includes a motor drivingly connected to at least one roll of a pair of rolls. A controller is connected to the motor and is constructed to control the operation thereof. A knob is rotatably connected to the controller and facilitates an operator's adjustment of the controller. A collar is disposed between knob and the controller and is fixedly connected to the controller and engaged by the knob to resist movement of the knob and thereby adjustment of the controller.