Patents by Inventor Brian John Gillespie
Brian John Gillespie has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240056320Abstract: An APL field switch includes a number of ports that transmit power to APL field devices connected to spurs extending from the ports. The APL Power Class of each port can be dynamically set by a user to enable more efficient allocation of power to the ports to meet the needs of the connected field devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2022Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Lonnel J. Swarr, David N. Katz, Jason Alan Norris, Brian John Gillespie
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Publication number: 20230318875Abstract: Protocol detection circuits for detecting the field device protocol of a field device attached to a channel having a data line are sequentially connected to the data line by a controller that communicates to the field device through the protocol detection circuits. The protocol detection circuits are disconnected from the field device after protocol detection is completed. The channel may be one of a number of channels; the controller may also connect and disconnect the protocol detection circuits from the one channel whereby the protocol detection circuits can be used with any channel. After the protocol of the field device is identified a protocol adapter can be inserted into the channel to enable data conversion between the field device protocol and an another protocol used by the channel for data transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2022Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Lonnel J. Swarr, David N. KATZ, Davis MATHEWS, Brian John GILLESPIE, Brenton E. HELFRICK, Scott Michael FRYE
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Patent number: 11516935Abstract: A method for maintaining continuity of a network signal path extending along a backplane includes providing a bypass signal circuit compatible with the network signal path and being electrically connected in series with the first and second portions of the network signal path. The bypass signal circuit includes a normally open circuit portion and an electrical contact movable with respect to the bypass signal circuit. An electrical contact is mechanically moved out of contact with the bypass signal circuit and moved mechanically into contact with the bypass signal circuit in response to the function module being detached from or attached to the function module electrical connector and not in response to an electrical control signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Scott Michael Frye, Brian John Gillespie, Christopher Michael Brink
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Patent number: 11197386Abstract: A field device I/O connector includes a base and an I/O module removably mounted on the base for transmitting I/O signals along an I/O channel. A set of electrical connectors mounted on the base connect the base to a field device. The electrical connectors, the base, and the I/O module mounted on the base cooperate to define the I/O channel. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit to convert between I/O signals and a digital data format output from the field device I/O connector. The base and I/O module also cooperate to define a diagnostic circuit connected to the portion of the I/O channel extending through the I/O module. The diagnostic circuit extends to a diagnostic logic circuit that may be included on the base, in the I/O module, or away from the field device I/O connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David Nathan Katz, Davis Mathews, Jason Alan Norris, Brian John Gillespie
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Patent number: 11093428Abstract: A convertible I/O signal processor is convertible between different operating configurations for connecting multiple field devices to the I/O signal processor by selectable types of electrical connectors such as cables, terminal blocks, and the like. The I/O signal processor includes a signal processing module connected to a signal processor and an interface module removably connected to the signal processing module. The interface module includes electrical connectors for receiving/transmitting I/O signals from and to field devices. The interface module and the signal processing module define I/O channels extending between the electrical connectors and the signal processor. The interface module in embodiments includes I/O module connectors that enable removable I/O modules to be interposed in the I/O channels.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Davis Mathews
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Publication number: 20210209049Abstract: A convertible I/O signal processor is convertible between different operating configurations for connecting multiple field devices to the I/O signal processor by selectable types of electrical connectors such as cables, terminal blocks, and the like. The I/O signal processor includes a signal processing module connected to a signal processor and an interface module removably connected to the signal processing module. The interface module includes electrical connectors for receiving/transmitting I/O signals from and to field devices. The interface module and the signal processing module define I/O channels extending between the electrical connectors and the signal processor. The interface module in embodiments includes I/O module connectors that enable removable I/O modules to be interposed in the I/O channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Davis Mathews
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Publication number: 20210185846Abstract: A field device I/O connector includes a base and an I/O module removably mounted on the base for transmitting I/O signals along an I/O channel. A set of electrical connectors mounted on the base connect the base to a field device. The electrical connectors, the base, and the I/O module mounted on the base cooperate to define the I/O channel. The I/O channel includes a conversion circuit to convert between I/O signals and a digital data format output from the field device I/O connector. The base and I/O module also cooperate to define a diagnostic circuit connected to the portion of the I/O channel extending through the I/O module. The diagnostic circuit extends to a diagnostic logic circuit that may be included on the base, in the I/O module, or away from the field device I/O connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2019Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: David Nathan Katz, Davis Mathews, Jason Alan Norris, Brian John Gillespie
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Publication number: 20210068293Abstract: A method for maintaining continuity of a network signal path extending along a backplane includes providing a bypass signal circuit compatible with the network signal path and being electrically connected in series with the first and second portions of the network signal path. The bypass signal circuit includes a normally open circuit portion and an electrical contact movable with respect to the bypass signal circuit. An electrical contact is mechanically moved out of contact with the bypass signal circuit and moved mechanically into contact with the bypass signal circuit in response to the function module being detached from or attached to the function module electrical connector and not in response to an electrical control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Scott Michael Frye, Brian John Gillespie, JR., Christopher Michael Brink
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Patent number: 10842039Abstract: A backplane or backplane module for transmitting data along a signal path of a network to one or more functional modules attached to the signal path includes a printed circuit board, a functional module electrical connector attached to the printed circuit board, and a mechanically actuated bypass circuit assembly that maintains signal continuity along the signal path when a function module is not attached to the function module electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Scott Michael Frye, Brian John Gillespie, Jr., Christopher Michael Brink
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Publication number: 20200344906Abstract: A backplane or backplane module for transmitting data along a signal path of a network to one or more functional modules attached to the signal path includes a printed circuit board, a functional module electrical connector attached to the printed circuit board, and a mechanically actuated bypass circuit assembly that maintains signal continuity along the signal path when a function module is not attached to the function module electrical connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2018Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Scott Michael Frye, Brian John Gillespie, JR., Christopher Michael Brink
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Patent number: 9727098Abstract: A redundant power supply motherboard assembly connects control segments of a fieldbus-type control system to a host computer. The assembly has a compact design with pairs of power supply modules in side-by-side nests on the motherboard. The nests are mounted on the motherboard in desired locations and securely hold the modules on the assembly despite vibrations, shocks and handling to prevent contact impairment. The nests provide touch protection for components on the motherboard.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Terry Lee Barber, Michael Anthony Correll
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Patent number: 9436233Abstract: A redundant power supply motherboard assembly connects control segments of a fieldbus-type control system to a host computer. The assembly has a compact design with pairs of power supply modules mounted in nests on the motherboard. The nests securely hold the modules to prevent contact impairment due to vibrations, shocks and handling.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Michael Anthony Correll, Brian John Gillespie, Terry Lee Barber
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Publication number: 20150362964Abstract: A redundant power supply motherboard assembly connects control segments of a fieldbus-type control system to a host computer. The assembly has a compact design with pairs of power supply modules mounted in nests on the motherboard. The nests securely hold the modules to prevent contact impairment due to vibrations, shocks and handling.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Michael Anthony Correll, Brian John Gillespie, Terry Lee Barber
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Publication number: 20150362963Abstract: A redundant power supply motherboard assembly connects control segments of a fieldbus-type control system to a host computer. The assembly has a compact design with pairs of power supply modules in side-by-side nests on the motherboard. The nests are mounted on the motherboard in desired locations and securely hold the modules on the assembly despite vibrations, shocks and handling to prevent contact impairment. The nests provide touch protection for components on the motherboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Terry Lee Barber, Michael Anthony Correll
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Publication number: 20150214729Abstract: A surge protection system including a pluggable surge protection cartridge and its corresponding base is disclosed. The cartridge includes a housing, a surge protection assembly situated within the housing containing a surge protection element and a plurality of cartridge contacts in electrical contact with the surge protection assembly. The cartridge contacts are configured to engage a base within an electrical load center to carry a surge current from the load center across an electrical path of the surge protection assembly through the surge protection element. The cartridge is configured to be situated within the base such that the cartridge is removable from the base while the base remains in electrical contact with the load center.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Brian John GILLESPIE, Christopher Jon LAUBACH, Russell David MOSER, David Michael MCCLELLAN, Scott Keith MICKIEVICZ
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Patent number: 8988842Abstract: A terminal block is disclosed that includes a terminal body housing, a plurality of conductive elements arranged within the terminal body to create a continuous electrical path therethrough, and a disconnect switch integral the terminal body, the switch arranged to open the continuous electrical path and expose a terminal.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Christopher Jon Laubach, Russell David Moser, David Michael McClellan, Scott Keith Mickievicz, Michael P. Lacey
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Patent number: 8670221Abstract: A terminal block is disclosed that integrates a surge protection base, a disconnect and connection points to provide a Kelvin connection in which a surge protection element is in electrical communication with the ground and the connection points for incoming and outgoing wires. The terminal block includes a terminal body having a terminal body housing, a plurality of conductive elements arranged within the terminal body to create a continuous electrical path therethrough and a disconnect switch integral the terminal body, the switch arranged to open the continuous electrical path and expose a terminal. The terminal body is configured to receive a surge protection element and the surge protection element, when received in the terminal body, forms a portion of the continuous electrical path.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Christopher Jon Laubach, Russell David Moser, David Michael McClellan, Scott Keith Mickievicz, Michael P. Lacey
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Publication number: 20120206848Abstract: A surge protection system including a pluggable surge protection cartridge and its corresponding base is disclosed. The cartridge includes a housing, a surge protection assembly situated within the housing containing a surge protection element and a plurality of cartridge contacts in electrical contact with the surge protection assembly. The cartridge contacts are configured to engage a base within an electrical load center to carry a surge current from the load center across an electrical path of the surge protection assembly through the surge protection element. The cartridge is configured to be situated within the base such that the cartridge is removable from the base while the base remains in electrical contact with the load center.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: PHOENIX CONTACT DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Brian John GILLESPIE, Christopher Jon LAUBACH, Russell David MOSER, David Michael McCLELLAN, Scott Keith MICKIEVICZ
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Patent number: D979518Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Scott Michael Frye
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Patent number: D1016763Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2023Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Brian John Gillespie, Scott Michael Frye