Topic leaderboard
Soldering, welding & local heating
Ranked by the PatentIndex Score — a 1–99 percentile within B23K · public-visibility date · generated 2026
top 25 per window · public-visibility date
Rising· last 2 yrs
Inventors whose newest B23K patents became public in the last 2 years — the current frontier
- 199Eric Jones23 patents · 1,705 citations
- 296Christopher J. Sutcliffe23 patents · 1,704 citations
- 392Robin Stamp21 patents · 971 citations
- 488Christopher Hsu91 patents · 3,264 citations
- 583Nicholas A. Sanders44 patents · 1,829 citations
- 679Todd Earl Holverson81 patents · 1,443 citations
- 775Robert T. Rozbicki25 patents · 461 citations
- 871Anshu A. Pradhan22 patents · 364 citations
- 967William Joshua Becker93 patents · 1,003 citations
- 1063Richard Martin Hutchison81 patents · 1,208 citations
- 1158Alan Smith19 patents · 421 citations
- 1254James W. Thomas18 patents · 458 citations
- 1350Sridhar K. Kailasam15 patents · 252 citations
- 1446Pei-Chung Wang96 patents · 1,229 citations
- 1542Peter J. Twarog24 patents · 384 citations
- 1638Timothy J. Trapp24 patents · 523 citations
- 1733Martin Huonker17 patents · 298 citations
- 1829Shigeru Sato27 patents · 535 citations
- 1925Bernard J. Vogel51 patents · 510 citations
- 2021Brian Lee Ott23 patents · 368 citations
- 2117Mitchell R. Wool16 patents · 290 citations
- 2213Sasha Marjanovic20 patents · 273 citations
- 238Kenneth C. Altekruse14 patents · 294 citations
- 244Timothy Stotler9 patents · 314 citations
- 251Thomas Mattes8 patents · 888 citations
Active· last 5 yrs
Sustained B23K output across the last 5 years
- 199Torbjorn Sandstrom21 patents · 1,723 citations
- 296Kenshi Fukumitsu71 patents · 2,962 citations
- 392Fumitsugu Fukuyo60 patents · 2,424 citations
- 488Naoki Uchiyama62 patents · 2,220 citations
- 583Vallabh Janardhan43 patents · 2,194 citations
- 679Vikram Janardhan43 patents · 2,194 citations
- 775Eric Jones23 patents · 1,705 citations
- 871Christopher J. Sutcliffe23 patents · 1,704 citations
- 967Jonathan S. Ehrmann37 patents · 1,478 citations
- 1063Matthew Wayne Wallace37 patents · 1,264 citations
- 1158Shunpei Yamazaki127 patents · 4,291 citations
- 1254James Cordingley30 patents · 1,372 citations
- 1350Robin Stamp21 patents · 971 citations
- 1446William O'Neill9 patents · 903 citations
- 1542Christopher Hsu91 patents · 3,264 citations
- 1638Paul A. Lauro22 patents · 878 citations
- 1733Edward Hillen27 patents · 1,619 citations
- 1829Da-Yuan Shih17 patents · 801 citations
- 1925Helmut Friedl9 patents · 1,172 citations
- 2021Dean Jennings33 patents · 1,158 citations
- 2117David Anthony Zboray20 patents · 583 citations
- 2213Zachary Steven Lenker18 patents · 548 citations
- 238Joseph A. Daniel66 patents · 1,311 citations
- 244Bruce J. Chantry39 patents · 613 citations
- 251James S. Im44 patents · 1,106 citations
All-time canon
Career PatentIndex Score in B23K
- 199Igor Y. Khandros74 patents · 12,289 citations
- 296Gaetan L. Mathieu60 patents · 10,325 citations
- 392Richard J. Saunders11 patents · 3,377 citations
- 488Torbjorn Sandstrom21 patents · 1,723 citations
- 583Benjamin N. Eldridge55 patents · 8,486 citations
- 679Gary W. Grube41 patents · 7,709 citations
- 775Carl R. Deckard14 patents · 5,789 citations
- 871Kenshi Fukumitsu71 patents · 2,962 citations
- 967Fumitsugu Fukuyo60 patents · 2,424 citations
- 1063Naoki Uchiyama62 patents · 2,220 citations
- 1158Toshimitsu Wakuda26 patents · 1,681 citations
- 1254Vallabh Janardhan43 patents · 2,194 citations
- 1350Vikram Janardhan43 patents · 2,194 citations
- 1446Benyamin Buller33 patents · 4,297 citations
- 1542Erel Milshtein20 patents · 2,705 citations
- 1638Sherman Seelinger5 patents · 864 citations
- 1733David M. Keicher10 patents · 2,642 citations
- 1829Joseph J. Beaman8 patents · 2,957 citations
- 1925Francis A. L'Esperance, Jr.14 patents · 3,950 citations
- 2021Eric Jones23 patents · 1,705 citations
- 2117Christopher J. Sutcliffe23 patents · 1,704 citations
- 2213Harris L. Marcus11 patents · 3,094 citations
- 238David L. Bourell7 patents · 2,693 citations
- 244Donald V. Smart38 patents · 2,859 citations
- 251Rajeev Joshi8 patents · 1,063 citations
Rising· last 2 yrs
The top-scoring B23K patents made public in the last 2 years
- 199US12202680B1✦ AIClamping device having automatic direction adjustment function in vehicle body welding con18 cites · 202589% earned
- 296US12251776B2✦ AIMethod and device for laser processing a workpiece8 cites · 202486% earned
- 392US12035459B2✦ AIMethods of forming flexible interconnect circuits9 cites · 202474% earned
- 488US12420418B1Posture optimization and following control method and system for robot used in freeform su3 cites · 202580% earned
- 583US12377639B2Vacuum insulated panel with seal material thermal diffusivity and/or conductivity6 cites · 202457% earned
- 679USD1010728SLaser module of engraving machine8 cites · 202486% earned
- 775US12115598B2Adaptive overhaul using plural scanning methods6 cites · 202485% earned
- 871US11992901B1Lead-free and halogen-free solder paste6 cites · 202485% earned
- 967US11969818B1Split-type friction stir welding tool with adjustable stirring pin length5 cites · 202484% earned
- 1063US12145211B2Rotary tool, joining device, and joining method8 cites · 202486% earned
- 1158US12304014B1Automatic welding production line for large complex workpiece and production method3 cites · 202580% earned
- 1254US12330241B1Robot welding assembly mechanism and application in annular welding seam detection and pos3 cites · 202580% earned
- 1350US12275082B2Consumable cartridge for a plasma arc cutting system4 cites · 202475% earned
- 1446US11857848B1Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of a golf club8 cites · 202480% earned
- 1542US12172229B2Friction stir additive manufacturing devices and methods for forming in-situ rivets4 cites · 202475% earned
- 1638US12145200B1Systems and methods for additive manufacturing of a golf club3 cites · 202467% earned
- 1733US12157039B1Golf club head with miter joint for brazing2 cites · 202461% earned
- 1829US12280442B2Rotary tool, joining device, and joining method5 cites · 202484% earned
- 1925US12440927B1High-heat-input combined welding method for thick-walled high-strength steel1 cites · 202567% earned
- 2021US11878369B1Laser scanning welding method for lap joints based on linear energy density regulation3 cites · 202480% earned
- 2117US12358079B1Inductor coil welding equipment and its welding process1 cites · 202567% earned
- 2213US12037669B1Metal-alloy biphasic systems, and powders and methods for making metal-alloy biphasic syst5 cites · 202477% earned
- 238US12023765B1Method for stud welding and fastening metal decking to a structural frame and metal deckin4 cites · 202475% earned
- 244US12336728B2Forceps having actuator splay control2 cites · 202439% earned
- 251US11906874B1Acousto-optic deflector and methods of fabrication2 cites · 202449% earned
Active· last 5 yrs
The top-scoring B23K patents of the last 5 years
- 199US11794291B1✦ AIAssembling device for rotating joint of rotary drying equipment36 cites · 202391% earned
- 296US12202680B1✦ AIClamping device having automatic direction adjustment function in vehicle body welding con18 cites · 202589% earned
- 392US11315053B1✦ AISystems and methods for optimizing complex systems29 cites · 202283% earned
- 488US11104981B2Aluminum-cobalt-chromium-iron-nickel-silicon alloy, powder and cladding thereof29 cites · 202191% earned
- 583US11578716B2Overmolded tubing assembly and adapter for a positive displacement pump23 cites · 202280% earned
- 679US12251776B2Method and device for laser processing a workpiece8 cites · 202486% earned
- 775US11407110B2Real time feedback and dynamic adjustment for welding robots19 cites · 202279% earned
- 871US11085882B1Multiphase laser ablation analysis instrument22 cites · 202182% earned
- 967US11783145B2Systems for authentication and related devices and methods10 cites · 202381% earned
- 1063US11110551B1Device for preheating before welding and post-welding heat treatment of tank16 cites · 202189% earned
- 1158US11219966B1Laser-assisted method for parting crystalline material19 cites · 202279% earned
- 1254US12035459B2Methods of forming flexible interconnect circuits9 cites · 202474% earned
- 1350US11643939B2Seals and methods of making seals18 cites · 202284% earned
- 1446US11772188B1Additive friction stir deposition system for refractory metals15 cites · 202389% earned
- 1542US12420418B1Posture optimization and following control method and system for robot used in freeform su3 cites · 202580% earned
- 1638US10987754B1Continuous feed method for friction stir processing23 cites · 202190% earned
- 1733US12064354B2Composite porous interbodies and methods of manufacture14 cites · 202280% earned
- 1829US11745295B2Manufacture of heat exchangers via hybrid welding11 cites · 202288% earned
- 1925US11684759B2Guidewire having varying diameters and method of making16 cites · 202184% earned
- 2021US11260468B2Removable scribe friction stir welding (FSW) tool16 cites · 202189% earned
- 2117US11757532B1Acousto-optic deflector and telecommunication system7 cites · 202364% earned
- 2213US11247295B1Methods for multiphase laser ablation analysis14 cites · 202289% earned
- 238US11446775B2Tank fabricating equipment11 cites · 202178% earned
- 244US11819950B2Edge position detecting apparatus11 cites · 202188% earned
- 251US11517477B2Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts and associated systems and methods13 cites · 202283% earned
All-time canon
The defining B23K patents of the whole record
- 199US8747238B2✦ AIRotary drive shaft assemblies for surgical instruments with articulatable end effectors1,987 cites · 201496% earned
- 296US4863538A✦ AIMethod and apparatus for producing parts by selective sintering1,277 cites · 198993% earned
- 392US5293024A✦ AIMachining apparatus with automatic restart function1,026 cites · 199495% earned
- 488US4088864AProcess for forming outlet passageways in pills using a laser892 cites · 197895% earned
- 583US8008598B2Method for forming staple pockets of a surgical stapler875 cites · 200795% earned
- 679US5972027APorous stent drug delivery system820 cites · 199989% earned
- 775US6391251B1Forming structures from CAD solid models808 cites · 200295% earned
- 871US5780807AMethod and apparatus for direct laser cutting of metal stents745 cites · 199887% earned
- 967US5837960ALaser production of articles from powders726 cites · 199895% earned
- 1063US5656186AMethod for controlling configuration of laser induced breakdown and ablation705 cites · 199792% earned
- 1158US6024792AMethod for producing monocrystalline structures690 cites · 200095% earned
- 1254US5631190AMethod for producing high efficiency light-emitting diodes and resulting diode structures681 cites · 199792% earned
- 1350US4665913AMethod for ophthalmological surgery677 cites · 198795% earned
- 1446US5720894AUltrashort pulse high repetition rate laser system for biological tissue processing676 cites · 199892% earned
- 1542US5476211AMethod of manufacturing electrical contacts, using a sacrificial member670 cites · 199585% earned
- 1638US5912477AHigh efficiency light emitting diodes663 cites · 199992% earned
- 1733US4063064AApparatus for tracking moving workpiece by a laser beam663 cites · 197795% earned
- 1829US6099522AAutomated laser workstation for high precision surgical and industrial interventions660 cites · 200089% earned
- 1925US5974662AMethod of planarizing tips of probe elements of a probe card assembly649 cites · 199995% earned
- 2021US5772451ASockets for electronic components and methods of connecting to electronic components648 cites · 199890% earned
- 2117US4718418AApparatus for ophthalmological surgery631 cites · 198895% earned
- 2213US5460317AFriction welding624 cites · 199595% earned
- 238US5984916AOphthalmic surgical laser and method611 cites · 199995% earned
- 244US5304173ASpectral diagonostic and treatment system561 cites · 199492% earned
- 251US5917707AFlexible contact structure with an electrically conductive shell556 cites · 199985% earned
Rising· last 2 yrs
Assignees whose newest B23K patents became public in the last 2 years — the current frontier
- 199HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK133 patents · 3,374 citations
- 296MASSACHUSETTS INST TECHNOLOGY33 patents · 2,715 citations
- 392UNIV CALIFORNIA58 patents · 4,040 citations
- 488IBM744 patents · 20,336 citations
- 583LINCOLN GLOBAL INC667 patents · 14,094 citations
- 679HITACHI LTD384 patents · 10,337 citations
- 775GEN ELECTRIC1,021 patents · 24,920 citations
- 871ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS1,260 patents · 13,219 citations
- 967BOEING CO369 patents · 9,099 citations
- 1063MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP358 patents · 8,711 citations
- 1158CORNING INC155 patents · 2,216 citations
- 1254FRAUNHOFER GES FORSCHUNG75 patents · 2,433 citations
- 1350APPLIED MATERIALS INC153 patents · 1,572 citations
- 1446SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD179 patents · 1,724 citations
- 1542NASA60 patents · 1,924 citations
- 1638HYPERTHERM INC169 patents · 3,784 citations
- 1733LOCKHEED CORP70 patents · 1,659 citations
- 1829TOSHIBA KK185 patents · 3,276 citations
- 1925ROLLS ROYCE PLC169 patents · 3,199 citations
- 2021DISCO CORP609 patents · 2,534 citations
- 2117FRONIUS INT GMBH106 patents · 1,371 citations
- 2213CANON KK107 patents · 2,047 citations
- 238SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES61 patents · 1,550 citations
- 244KULICKE & SOFFA IND INC101 patents · 1,234 citations
- 251US NAVY60 patents · 1,382 citations
Active· last 5 yrs
Sustained B23K output across the last 5 years
- 199HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK133 patents · 3,374 citations
- 296INSERA THERAPEUTICS INC43 patents · 2,194 citations
- 392SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LAB282 patents · 8,927 citations
- 488MASSACHUSETTS INST TECHNOLOGY33 patents · 2,715 citations
- 583UNIV CALIFORNIA58 patents · 4,040 citations
- 679ELECTRO SCIENT IND INC146 patents · 6,505 citations
- 775IBM744 patents · 20,336 citations
- 871LINCOLN GLOBAL INC667 patents · 14,094 citations
- 967MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC204 patents · 4,779 citations
- 1063HITACHI LTD384 patents · 10,337 citations
- 1158GEN ELECTRIC1,021 patents · 24,920 citations
- 1254ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS1,260 patents · 13,219 citations
- 1350BOEING CO369 patents · 9,099 citations
- 1446SEIKO EPSON CORP79 patents · 2,200 citations
- 1542MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP358 patents · 8,711 citations
- 1638CORNING INC155 patents · 2,216 citations
- 1733FRAUNHOFER GES FORSCHUNG75 patents · 2,433 citations
- 1829APPLIED MATERIALS INC153 patents · 1,572 citations
- 1925UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP399 patents · 7,178 citations
- 2021SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD179 patents · 1,724 citations
- 2117NASA60 patents · 1,924 citations
- 2213HYPERTHERM INC169 patents · 3,784 citations
- 238UNIV COLUMBIA30 patents · 1,105 citations
- 244PANASONIC CORP58 patents · 946 citations
- 251LOCKHEED CORP70 patents · 1,659 citations
All-time canon
All-time PatentIndex Score in B23K
- 199FORMFACTOR INC74 patents · 12,254 citations
- 296MICRONIC LASER SYSTEMS AB17 patents · 1,702 citations
- 392UNIV TEXAS31 patents · 7,385 citations
- 488HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK133 patents · 3,374 citations
- 583INSERA THERAPEUTICS INC43 patents · 2,194 citations
- 679SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS INC18 patents · 3,890 citations
- 775VELO3D INC34 patents · 4,414 citations
- 871ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM13 patents · 2,362 citations
- 967LRI L P6 patents · 2,601 citations
- 1063OPTOMEC DESIGN5 patents · 2,026 citations
- 1158SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LAB282 patents · 8,927 citations
- 1254FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR8 patents · 1,029 citations
- 1350MASSACHUSETTS INST TECHNOLOGY33 patents · 2,715 citations
- 1446UNIV CALIFORNIA58 patents · 4,040 citations
- 1542ELECTRO SCIENT IND INC146 patents · 6,505 citations
- 1638CAPOTE MIGUEL ALBERT9 patents · 1,511 citations
- 1733IBM744 patents · 20,336 citations
- 1829LINCOLN GLOBAL INC667 patents · 14,094 citations
- 1925EOS ELECTRO OPTICAL SYST6 patents · 1,710 citations
- 2021BIOLASE TECH INC26 patents · 2,552 citations
- 2117MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC204 patents · 4,779 citations
- 2213GEN SCANNING INC15 patents · 1,529 citations
- 238VISX INC17 patents · 2,262 citations
- 244HITACHI LTD384 patents · 10,337 citations
- 251GEN ELECTRIC1,021 patents · 24,920 citations
90–99 field-defining50–89 strong<50 emergingearned by citationsfrom family breadth