Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Michael J. Femal
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Patent number: 6711509Abstract: An on-board self test system for an electrical power monitoring device includes a test signal circuit in an electronic circuit of the monitoring device, and responsive to a programmable test input signal for producing an analog signal simulating an electrical power waveform, and a programmable memory in an electronic circuit of the monitoring device and operatively coupled with the test signal circuit for storing and reproducing upon command, one or more of the programmable test input signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Ronald J. Bilas
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Patent number: 6687649Abstract: A system, method and computer program for facilitating the operation of a control system utilizing one or more input devices is disclosed. The control system provides the ability to monitor and modify operating parameters of the input devices. A function integrated within a software code is to be executed by the control system. The function is responsive to the input device. The input device includes at least one condition comprising a state wherein all of the conditions must be met prior to the execution of the function. A display of an unmet condition is exhibited to operator personnel of the control system during the execution of any function having an unmet condition prohibiting the execution of the function. The operator personnel is capable of overriding the unmet condition by selecting the state of the condition that allows the condition to be met, thus allowing the function to be executed. A maintenance log contains a record of the conditions that were bypassed or overridden.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.Inventors: John Ditter, Scott Walczak
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Patent number: 6679628Abstract: A method and system for automated temperature measurement is described. The system includes a programmable logic controller, a temperature measurement diode, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the diode and the programmable logic controller, a current source coupled to the diode and configured to generate a first current and a second current different from said first current, and a processor coupled to the current source and to the analog-to-digital converter. The processor controls the current source such that the current source sequentially applies the first current to the diode at a first point in time and applies the second current to the diode at a second point in time. The processor also receives a first voltage across the diode measured when the first current is applied to the diode and a second voltage across the diode measured when the second current is applied to the diode. Based on the first and second voltages, the processor determines the temperature proximate the diode.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.Inventor: Richard H. Breinlinger
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Patent number: 6654355Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for communicating a controller area network (CAN) message between a sending node, attached to a sending CAN network, and a receiving node, where the sending and receiving nodes are interconnected by a network communicating according to transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP). The invention provides for having the sending node extract the CAN message payload (arbitration field, control field and data field if any) from a CAN message, having it embed the CAN message payload in a TCP/IP frame as the TCP/IP data field of the TCP/IP frame, having it refer to a routing form to determine the address on the TCP/IP network of the receiving node; and having it transmit the TCP/IP frame over the TCP/IP network using the address for the receiving node from the routing form.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.Inventors: Alain Marbach, Wolfgang Langer
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Patent number: 6644133Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a controller to monitor a flow volume in a fluid transportation system. The controller being operably connected to a module. The module being operably connected to a flow meter. The module senses a series of pulses that represent a known fluid volume in a proving loop. The module also measures the fluid density of the fluid in the proving loop. The controller utilizes a dynamic density of the fluid and the sensed pulses to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the flow volume through the measuring flow meter. The controller ensures the accuracy of the flow meter by utilizing the partial pulses sensed during a meter-proving period by using an interpolation method.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventor: Michael B. Williams
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Patent number: 6643555Abstract: An apparatus and method of generating an application for a control system. A control process is defined by a physical model and a topological model. An application generator utilizes the physical and topological models to generate an application for the control system.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.Inventors: Thomas Eller, M. Remi Peyrou
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Patent number: 6640140Abstract: A programmable logic controller for use as part of an industrial control system or as part of an automated system and a corresponding method, the controller including an interface to the Internet, and including a web server allowing a remote computer to access web pages maintained by the controller providing information relevant to the control function of the controller such as control sensor readings and, optionally, information about the status of the control system. The web server is implemented as part of the controller in such a way that the controller scan rate (the rate at which the ladder logic for all associated control system devices is repeated) is unaffected by execution of the web server.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.Inventors: David T. Lindner, Andrew G. Swales, Merrill W. Harriman, James W. McGlaughlin, III
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Patent number: 6639518Abstract: A circuit monitor monitors one or more metered values in an electrical circuit, and includes a system for selecting alarm setpoints based upon learned characteristics of normal operation of metered values. The circuit monitor includes a controller and a memory. The memory includes a test register of alarms selected to be part of a learning process. The controller includes summaries and characterizes the one or more metered values as histogram formatted data corresponding to metered values identified by a test register of alarms selected to be part of a learning process. The controller stores the histogram formatted data in the memory and organizes the stored data into a plurality of memory locations, each covering a fixed range of time duration. The controller selects setpoints which produce a minimum product of metered value multiplied by time duration for Over Alarms or a maximum product of metered value multiplied by time duration for Under Alarms.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Larry E. Curtis
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Patent number: 6633168Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a partial discharge in a voltage transformer, the transformer having a first voltage winding and a second voltage winding. A grounded electrostatic shield being operably attached to the transformer, preferably between the windings. A radio frequency current transformer is operably connected to the electrostatic shield wherein the partial discharge occurring within the voltage transformer is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Philip J. Hopkinson, Vadim Raff
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Patent number: 6612873Abstract: A field replaceable wiring adapter for interfacing a remotely operable switching device to a control device. The wiring adapter contains a set of terminals coupled to control wires extending from the switching device, a conversion circuit, and a second set of terminals coupled to the control device. The conversion circuitry converts a bi-directional current flowing from the control device in a single current path into two separate current paths that share a common conductor. The conversion circuitry extends between the first and second sets of terminals. The mounting element is used to mount the adapter to the control device. Since the wiring adapter contains the interface circuitry and necessary terminals, it may be easily installed or replaced in the field, for upgrade or maintenance purposes, with minimal disruption to power distribution services.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Drew A. Reid, Charles E. Reneau
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Patent number: 6614216Abstract: A system clock for a system for measuring at least one given quantity having a value which does not vary significantly from a given frequency, the system clock comprises a controller for sampling said given quantity at a rate determined by an oscillator frequency, and a programmable oscillator for generating the oscillator frequency, said programmable oscillator being programmable to produce said oscillator frequency at a frequency which is substantially identical to a high order harmonic of said given frequency of the quantity to be measured.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: Avery D. Long
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Patent number: 6611724Abstract: An online monitor that can be permanently attached to a device to be monitored continuously monitors a set of analog signals and initiates data capture over a window of time when a user programmable set of conditions is satisfied. The online monitor includes a digital signal processing unit, a modular, interchangeable, analog signal conditioning base unit that can be tailored to the specific requirements of the process to be monitored and a modular, interchangeable, communication interface unit. The interface unit permits the digital signal processing unit to exchange data with external equipment such as network computers via a number of industry standard communication fieldbus protocols. The online monitor provides the capability to define the trigger condition under which data capture is initiated by comparing a user defined signal to a function of the instantaneous value of another signal or constant.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Paul Robert Buda, Larry Alan Dew, Todd Charles Wheaton, Jackie Laverne Winn
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Patent number: D480055Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Louis Droulin, Jean-Marc Tixador, Benoit Lecoanet
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Patent number: D480367Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Louis Droulin, Jean-Marc Tixador, Benoit Lecoanet
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Patent number: D480368Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Louis Droulin, Jean-Marc Tixador, Benoit Lecoanet
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Patent number: D480369Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Louis Droulin, Jean-Marc Tixador, Benoit Lecoanet
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Patent number: D481014Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Louis Droulin, Jean-Marc Tixador, Benoit Lecoanet
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Patent number: D482005Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Louis Droulin, Jean-Marc Tixador, Benoit Lecoanet
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Patent number: D482663Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Louis Droulin, Jean-Marc Tixador, Benoit Lecoanet
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Patent number: D488133Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Schneider Automation, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Louis Droulin, Jean-Marc Tixador, Benoit Lecoanet