Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Michael M. Rickin
  • Patent number: 6855001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular system comprising an electrical base unit (1) with a plurality of slots each for receiving a pluggable electrical unit (2), each pluggable electrical unit (2) being connected to the base unit (1) by means of a multi-pin plug-in connection comprising a plug-in contact device (23) and a mating plug-in contact device (13) and the base unit (1) being provided with signal processing means (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
  • Patent number: 6844794
    Abstract: A filter for mitigating harmonics in an electrical distribution system. In one embodiment the filter has one winding that is connected to the power distribution system which may be a three phase system and capacitors are connected to other end of the winding in either a delta or y-connection. There is one tapping on the winding for connection to a load which may an adjustable speed drive. In another embodiment the filter has two or more separate reactors. In either embodiment a switch may be in series with the capacitors and capacitors may be connected in parallel with the series combination of switch and capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Pasi Matti Lauri
  • Patent number: 6826521
    Abstract: A methodology for process modeling and control and the software system implementation of this methodology, which includes a rigorous, nonlinear process simulation model, the generation of appropriate linear models derived from the rigorous model, and an adaptive, linear model predictive controller (MPC) that utilizes the derived linear models. A state space, multivariable, model predictive controller (MPC) is the preferred choice for the MPC since the nonlinear simulation model is analytically translated into a set of linear state equations and thus simplifies the translation of the linearized simulation equations to the modeling format required by the controller. Various other MPC modeling forms such as transfer functions, impulse response coefficients, and step response coefficients may also be used. The methodology is very general in that any model predictive controller using one of the above modeling forms can be used as the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Hess, Andreas Kroll, Carl-Fredrik S. M. Lindberg, Per Erik Modén, Mikael Petersson, Kenneth L. Praprost
  • Patent number: 6816822
    Abstract: A technique to provide dynamic modeling, parameter estimation and optimization for processes having operating targets. The technique has an optimization cycle and a simulation cycle. The simulation cycle runs at a rate that is equal to or faster than the run rate of the optimization cycle. Both cycles obtain data from the field about the process. The optimization cycle provides a simulation execution of a dynamic process model and the results of that simulation are used to match the model response to the actual plant response. This matching determines if a dynamic parameter estimation and data reconciliation is needed for the model parameters. Optimized operating targets are determined using either the estimated and reconciled parameters and data or if the same is not needed the collected process data. Mathematical and heuristic assessment tools are used to determine if the optimized operating targets should or should not be invoked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: ABB Automation Inc., ABB AG
    Inventors: Todd M. Hess, Martyn Glenn Richards, Andreas Kroll
  • Patent number: 6810430
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting a first communications network to a second communications network. The coupler implements its functionality in software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Bruce Gillooly, David Waters, Cheng-Yang Chou, Peter Lui, Samuel A. Mattoni, Jr., Edward S. Mallinak, Eric Robertson, Charles J. Stack
  • Patent number: 6806591
    Abstract: A method of shutting down a pluggable electrical unit in a modular system comprising a base unit and at least one pluggable electrical unit connected via an interface. Each pluggable electrical unit has module electronics and a switch, which is coupled to a mechanical locking of the pluggable electrical unit in the base unit. The electronics is provided with a variable resistor, arranged in a feed line and is communicatively connected to the base unit via switching means. For removal, the pluggable electrical unit to be removed is unlocked and the switch is actuated. Then, communication operations in progress between the base unit and the pluggable electrical unit to be removed are terminated. The communication connection routed via the switching means is disconnected and the module electronics of the pluggable electrical unit to be removed are isolated from the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
  • Patent number: 6799083
    Abstract: A controller to provide base level fiber orientation control of a paper web. The controller achieves one or more indices that are derived from the online measurements of a fiber orientation sensor of the fiber ratio and the fiber angle. The indices are used for control of the sheet forming processes. The controller may be implemented by a single or multi stage fuzzy controller or the combination of fuzzy controllers with non-fuzzy logic controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Chin Chen, Ravi Subbarayan, Peter Q. Tran
  • Patent number: 6789433
    Abstract: A flow sensor for an analytical instrument. The flow sensor can be used to detect the flow of a fluid such as purge gas in the instrument. The sensor can measure the fluid flow at an opening of the instrument enclosure. The sensor has first and second differential pressure switches connected in series. The sensor has a sealed chamber which is in the opening. Bordering the sealed chamber are first and second restrictors through which the fluid can flow. A sensing tube transfers the pressure in the sealed chamber to the first and second switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventor: Martin L. Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6774758
    Abstract: Non-linear inductor(s) are used to reduce the percent total harmonic distortion of the harmonics in the line currents in the input side rectifier system of an ac drive system. Several constructions for the non-linear inductor(s) are described. The non-linear inductor(s) may be constructed from E and I laminations. The gap depends on the construction of the middle leg of the E laminations and may have a step with a constant spacing or a variable spacing which depends on the stacking of the laminations. Alternatively the non-linear inductor(s) may be constructed from a toriodal core that either has a step gap or a variable type gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Kalyan P. Gokhale, Alpo K. Vallinmäki, Nicklas Jan Anders Sodo
  • Patent number: 6772082
    Abstract: Sensor failure in an oil and gas production system is monitored and detected by checking the consistency of the measurements of the sensor in question using a computer-based process model with the measurements of the other sensors in the system. The present invention also generates a back-up value for a failing sensor with the process model by identifying the value that is most consistent with the measurements of the other sensors in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: ABB AS
    Inventors: Robert Anton Bernard van der Geest, John Allen, Svein Arne Morud, Bjorn Oyvind Bringedal
  • Patent number: 6768766
    Abstract: An upper ring for an induction furnace. The upper ring is cast as one piece in a holder off of the furnace. The precast upper ring may be used as a replacement for the cast in place upper rings present on previously installed furnaces or may be used in the construction of new furnaces. The electromagnetic induction coil of the furnace may be modified to include cooling turns at its upper end when the holder with the one piece cast upper ring is installed on the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel K. Green
  • Patent number: 6763703
    Abstract: There is described herein a method and a device for determining leaks at the seal of a valve or a valve rod, in particular of a process valve so that an indication that the valve-rod seal needs changing can then be obtained in good time. In order to determine the leak, the pressure is determined, if appropriate as a function of time, in a control volume between a first valve-rod seal and a second valve-rod seal, and the leak flow rate is calculated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Krieger, Thomas Georg Karte, Andreas Elting
  • Patent number: 6750566
    Abstract: A pluggable electrical unit with module electronics has a bus access unit for electrical connection of the pluggable unit to an electrical base unit. The base unit comprises a power supply, a signal processing means and signal lines for identification, control lines, address lines and data lines, which are connected in the manner of a bus to a plurality of contact devices. The bus access unit has a variable resistor and switches for isolation. The variable resistor and the switches for isolating signal lines for identification, control lines address lines and data lines in the pluggable electrical unit are linked to one another in a causal chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
  • Patent number: 6745997
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for operating an actuator which is used to open and close valves in pipelines in order to avoid pressure surges and resonances during the closing operation in pipelines to be shut off. The closing operation of the valve is subdivided into two closing phases (S1 and S2). During the first closing phase (S1), the actuating element is moved at maximum actuating speed down to a predefinable position (P) of the actuating element, starting from the open state of the valve. From this position (P), the actuating speed of the actuating element is reduced continuously and steplessly with a predefinable gradient. Additionally when the actuating speed in the second closing phase is reduced to a predefinable constant value the method and apparatus may include a third phase during which the actuator maintains that speed value until the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Moeller, Marcel Schilg
  • Patent number: 6741059
    Abstract: The direct torque control (DTC) principle is used to control the torque of a wound ring rotor slip induction machine, also known as a doubly fed or cascade machine, by utilizing a solid state inverter on the rotor side. In addition, the DTC principle is used to control the power factor at the stator terminals of the doubly fed machine to a desired level and also to perform the task of synchronization of stator voltage to the grid voltage. An integrated controller is used to implement these three functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignees: ABB Automation Inc., ABB Industry Oy
    Inventors: Kalyan P. Gokhale, Douglas W. Karraker, Samuli J. Heikkilä
  • Patent number: 6721160
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for dissipating electrostatic charges (3) of a pluggable electrical unit (2) with an at least partially electrically conductive housing (20) when it is brought into connection with an at least partially electrically conductive enclosure (10) connected to earth potential of an electrical base unit (1) using a pair of leading contacts (131, 231). In this case, the enclosure (10) is connected to earth potential (4) of the base unit (1) via a first attenuator (111/121), to the frame potential (14) of the base unit (1) via a second attenuator (112/122) and to a first contact device (131). The frame potential (14) of the base unit (1) is connected to a second contact device (132). The housing (20) of the pluggable electrical unit (2) is connected to the frame potential (24) of the pluggable electrical unit (2) via a third attenuator (211/221) and to a first mating contact device (231) via a fourth attenuator (212).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
  • Patent number: 6711222
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing frequency synthesis in a communication system. A fiber optic repeater connected between a copper bus and a fiber optic cable includes a voltage controlled oscillator and associated circuitry to adjust the frequency at which the repeater operates to match the frequency of the device that generated the incoming data stream. This adjustment is performed on-both data received from the copper bus or the fiber optic cable on a message by message basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventors: John Albert Piunno, Jr., Thomas Richard Heilman
  • Patent number: 6705172
    Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the flow rate of flowing, in particular liquid media using the Coriolis measurement principle, in which a measuring tube flowed through by the medium can be set vibrating and the deflection of the measuring tube is measured at at least two different measuring points via sensors and the flow rate can be determined from the amplitude and further vibration parameters with the aid of an electric evaluation unit. In this case, a further sensor is arranged at the site of vibration generation and the two other sensors are placed at sites which are arranged symmetrically with regard to their distance, referred to the tube section of the measuring tube, from the site of vibration generation. The evaluation unit contains logic means which, in the event of failure of one of the sensors, on the one hand report this, and on the other hand simulate the defective sensor in terms of evaluation by interpolation until the defective sensor is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Bailey-Fischer & Porter GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Deppe, Ralf Lesjak, Axel Papenbrock
  • Patent number: 6699365
    Abstract: This invention relates to a three-stream atomizing nozzle for use with a rewet shower. The nozzle has an air stream divider that separates the atomizing air from the source into three streams. The first stream is a straight air stream staying closest to and around the atomized water jet. The second stream is a swirl running around the first straight stream. The third stream is also a straight stream that wraps around the first straight stream and the second swirl. The nozzle also has a mixing chamber in which the three air streams are mixed together for the atomizing purpose. The nozzle can from the combination of the three air streams produce fine water droplets that are suitable for a paper rewet shower and more importantly creates a tailorable water mass profile. The mass profile can be tailored into a shape that is close to a square shape which is ideal for rewet showers as a square profile creates minimal coupling between adjacent zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventor: Shizhong Duan
  • Patent number: 6686857
    Abstract: Waveform information is transmitted from the ends of a protection zone by first compressing the information using a lossy compression technique such as wavelets and then compressing the lossy compressed waveform information using a loss-less compression technique such as the Burrows-Wheeler transform. Status information is transmitted from the ends of the protection zone by compressing that information using the loss-less technique. The time for transmission can be less than, equal to or greater than the time for one cycle of the power line frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. LoCasale, Joel A. B. Elston, Ismail I. Jouny