Patents by Inventor Eric D. Decker
Eric D. Decker 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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Patent number: 11971719Abstract: Low profile object detection can be performed on mowers or other vehicles that may be autonomous. An autonomy controller can be employed on a mower to receive and process sensor data for a detection area to determine whether an object may be present in a region of interest within the detection area. When the autonomy controller determines that an object may be present, it can cause the ground speed of the mower to be slowed and can commence buffering region of interest sensor data over a period of time. The autonomy controller can process the buffered region of interest sensor data to determine whether an object is present in the region of interest, and if so, can alter the path of the mower appropriately.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: FireFly Automatix, Inc.Inventors: Eli D. Wilson, Steven R. Aposhian, Eric E. Aston, William M. Decker
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Patent number: 10649820Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
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Patent number: 10474115Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller includes configurable execution windows. The execution windows are defined by a first parameter and a second parameter stored within the input module. A third parameter defines a status bit which is compared against the execution window to set a window output signal within the input module. The execution window may define a range between the first and second parameters against which the status bit is compared. Alternately, the first and second parameters may define setpoints against which the status bit is compared. At one of the setpoints, the window output signal is set and at the other of the setpoints, the window output signal is reset.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Kenwood H. Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
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Publication number: 20180329378Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller includes configurable execution windows. The execution windows are defined by a first parameter and a second parameter stored within the input module. A third parameter defines a status bit which is compared against the execution window to set a window output signal within the input module. The execution window may define a range between the first and second parameters against which the status bit is compared. Alternately, the first and second parameters may define setpoints against which the status bit is compared. At one of the setpoints, the window output signal is set and at the other of the setpoints, the window output signal is reset.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Kenwood H. Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
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Patent number: 10031497Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Kenwood H. Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
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Publication number: 20180189119Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2018Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
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Patent number: 9921890Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
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Patent number: 9857781Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Duwayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Robert J. Kretschmann, Mark A. Chaffee, Terence S. Tenorio, David A. Pasela
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Publication number: 20160147579Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
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Patent number: 9310788Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, David A Pasela
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Publication number: 20160026165Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Kenwood H. Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
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Patent number: 9152136Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood H. Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Patent number: 8996745Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce
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Patent number: 8996754Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Richard O. Ruggeri, Kenwood H. Hall, Gregory J. Svetina, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Publication number: 20140371877Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood H. Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Publication number: 20140365015Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Richard O. Ruggeri, Kenwood H. Hall, Gregory J. Svetina, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Patent number: 8850092Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Duwayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Kenwood Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Mark Chaffee, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Publication number: 20140244002Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce
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Publication number: 20140243999Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: BRET S. HILDEBRAN, ERIC D. DECKER, DUWAYNE D. MULHALL, PETER M. DELIC, CHARMAINE J. VAN MINNEN, KENWOOD HALL, RICHARD O. RUGGERI, HARSH SHAH, ANDREAS P. FRISCHKNECHT, SCOTT A. PIERCE, ROBERT J. KRETSCHMANN, MARK A. CHAFFEE, TERENCE S. TENORIO, DAVID A. PASELA
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Publication number: 20140237141Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, David A. Pasela