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).

  • Patent number: 11971719
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: FireFly Automatix, Inc.
    Inventors: Eli D. Wilson, Steven R. Aposhian, Eric E. Aston, William M. Decker
  • Patent number: 10649820
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 10474115
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20180329378
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    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
  • Patent number: 10031497
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20180189119
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    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
  • Patent number: 9921890
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 9857781
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20160147579
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    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
  • Patent number: 9310788
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20160026165
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    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
  • Patent number: 9152136
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8996745
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 8996754
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20140371877
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    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
  • Publication number: 20140365015
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    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
  • Patent number: 8850092
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20140244002
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce
  • Publication number: 20140243999
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20140237141
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: 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