Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Michael M. Rickin
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Patent number: 6855001Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
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Patent number: 6844794Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: ABB OyInventor: Pasi Matti Lauri
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Patent number: 6826521Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Hess, Andreas Kroll, Carl-Fredrik S. M. Lindberg, Per Erik Modén, Mikael Petersson, Kenneth L. Praprost
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Patent number: 6816822Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignees: ABB Automation Inc., ABB AGInventors: Todd M. Hess, Martyn Glenn Richards, Andreas Kroll
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Patent number: 6810430Abstract: A coupler for connecting a first communications network to a second communications network. The coupler implements its functionality in software.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 6806591Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
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Patent number: 6799083Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: ABB Inc.Inventors: Shih-Chin Chen, Ravi Subbarayan, Peter Q. Tran
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Patent number: 6789433Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: ABB Inc.Inventor: Martin L. Tanaka
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Patent number: 6774758Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventors: Kalyan P. Gokhale, Alpo K. Vallinmäki, Nicklas Jan Anders Sodo
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Patent number: 6772082Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: ABB ASInventors: Robert Anton Bernard van der Geest, John Allen, Svein Arne Morud, Bjorn Oyvind Bringedal
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Patent number: 6768766Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: ABB Inc.Inventor: Daniel K. Green
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Patent number: 6763703Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Juergen Krieger, Thomas Georg Karte, Andreas Elting
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Patent number: 6750566Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
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Patent number: 6745997Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Herbert Moeller, Marcel Schilg
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Patent number: 6741059Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignees: ABB Automation Inc., ABB Industry OyInventors: Kalyan P. Gokhale, Douglas W. Karraker, Samuli J. Heikkilä
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Patent number: 6721160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
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Patent number: 6711222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.Inventors: John Albert Piunno, Jr., Thomas Richard Heilman
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Patent number: 6705172Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Bailey-Fischer & Porter GmbHInventors: Lothar Deppe, Ralf Lesjak, Axel Papenbrock
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Patent number: 6699365Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: ABB Inc.Inventor: Shizhong Duan
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Patent number: 6686857Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: ABB Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. LoCasale, Joel A. B. Elston, Ismail I. Jouny