Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm William R. Walbrun
  • Patent number: 6831440
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a controller that uses a flux angle position value to control a three phase induction machine, the method for determining an instantaneous flux angle position value in the machine where the machine is characterized by a system specific dominant harmonic frequency number DH that is at least two, the method comprising the steps of injecting a high frequency voltage signal having a high frequency value into the machine thereby generating a high frequency current within the stator windings, obtaining a high frequency feedback signal from the machine, mathematically combining the high frequency value and the dominant harmonic number DH to provide an instantaneous modified angle, using the feedback signal to identify X consecutive calculating instances during each Y consecutive feedback signal cycles where Y is at least two, at each of the X different calculating instances, identifying an instantaneous flux angle position value by mathematically combining a shift angle with the i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Semyon Royak, Mark M. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 6822850
    Abstract: An apparatus for linking together power switching devices having intra-converter connection terminals to form a power conversion assembly, the apparatus comprising a planar bus bar including positive and negative DC bus layers and insulating layers that insulate each of the DC bus layers, the bar also including at least a first external insulating layer that forms a first external surface of the bar, the bar also forming at least first and second linking edges and first and second pluralities of linkages formed along the first and second linking edges, respectively, each linkage linked to one of the positive and negative DC bus layers and configured to be linkable to at least one of the power switching device intra-converter connection terminals, in some cases positive and negative DC bus linkages are also provided to render the conversion assembly extremely versatile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Pfeifer, John M. Kasunich, Richard Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6819960
    Abstract: An automation interface is provided for interacting with industrial controllers. The automation interface provides for programming, editing, monitoring and maintenance of industrial controllers programmatically from a local or remote location. The automation interface component is adapted to communicate with industrial controllers by integrating a computer process interface library into the automation interface component. The computer process interface library exposes the automation interface component to client application processes, so that the client application processes can communicate with the at least one industrial controller programmatically. The automation interface is provided with functionality for downloading, uploading and programming of control programs to the processors of the industrial controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Software Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. McKelvey, Mike D'Amico
  • Patent number: 6819077
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a controller that samples a command frequency and provides modulating waveforms to a PWM inverter as a function of the sampled command frequency, the inverter also receiving a carrier signal having a carrier frequency, the method for reducing distortions in the modulating waveforms that result from sampling characteristics of the controller, the method comprising the steps of sampling the command frequency at a sampling frequency to generate a series of sampled signals, integrating the sampled signals to generate a phase angle, identifying a correction angle as a function of the sampling frequency, adding the correction angle to the phase angle to generate a corrected phase angle and using the corrected phase angle to generate the modulating waveforms to be provided to the PWM inverter
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Seibel, Russel J. Kerkman
  • Patent number: 6796739
    Abstract: A torsional joint assembly and method of making same having members of formed of dissimilar materials bonded together at calculated angles to result in essentially singularity-free joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Boris A. Shoykhet
  • Patent number: 6788049
    Abstract: A detector for magnetizable materials operates remotely to determine a amplitude and phase modification of an exciting magnetic field caused by the magnetizable materials. These amplitude and phase measurements are used to create a phase-amplitude trajectory in phase amplitude space, which may be finely divided to distinguish among a number of different types of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Engdahl, Ira B. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6767223
    Abstract: An input/output device (10) includes housings (12, 120) defining a circuit board receiving cavity (25). An input/output module 160 is removably connected to the housings (12, 120). Circuit board (102) is engaged within the circuit board receiving cavity (25) and has power and data terminals (40, 60) electrically engaged therewith. Each of the power and data terminals (40, 60) have portions extending from the circuit board (102) and are adapted for being electrically engaged with complementary portions of terminals of adjacent devices in a stacked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Lostoski, David S. Wehrle, Gail R. Ball
  • Patent number: 6768408
    Abstract: A common mode and differential mode inductance assembly including first and second toroidal cores wherein first and second windings are wrapped about first and second segments of the first core and the first core forms a first surface and wherein the second core forms a second surface and is positioned adjacent the first core such that the first and second surfaces oppose each other and a gap is formed between the first and second surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gilmore, Glenn Ray
  • Patent number: 6765147
    Abstract: A pre-defined conduit knockout is formed as a unitary part of an electronics enclosure so that before its removal the knockout is joined to the housing at a continuous unbroken surface, thereby preventing debris and liquid from entering the housing from around the knockout. The knockout is bounded by a reduced thickness break-away section of an enclosure wall that shears apart to separate the knockout from the enclosure. The knockout is formed with a unitary, pocketed tool receptor adapted to receive a tool, such as a screwdriver or pliers, for twisting the knockout free of the housing without the need to apply an impact force, which could upset sensitive electronics in the enclosure. Methods of forming the knockout in, and removing it from, an electronics housing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Weiss, Keith A. Alwardt
  • Patent number: 6734866
    Abstract: An improved raster engine adapted to render video data from a frame buffer to one of a plurality of disparate displays is disclosed which comprises an integral bounded video signature analyzer, a hardware cursor apparatus supporting dual scanned displays, programmatic support for multiple disparate display types, multi-mode programmable hardware blinking, programmable multiple color depth digital display interface, and programmable matrix controlled grayscale generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Dan Dotson
  • Patent number: 6721181
    Abstract: An apparatus for sinking heat away from a plurality of power switching devices where each power switching device includes a heat dissipating surface having a dissipating width dimension and having a device length dimension perpendicular to the dissipating width dimension, the apparatus comprising a heat sink member having a sink length dimension between inlet and outlet ends, forming an internal channel that extends substantially along the entire sink length dimension and also forming inlet and outlet ports that open into the channel at the inlet and outlet ends, respectively, the sink including first and second oppositely facing surfaces, the second surface for receiving the heat dissipating surfaces of the power switching devices, the second surface having a receiving width dimension that is substantially perpendicular to the sink length dimension and that is less than twice the device dissipating width dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Pfeifer, John M. Kasunich
  • Patent number: 6720748
    Abstract: A method for use with an adjustable frequency controller to deliver current to an electromagnetic load including a stator and a rotor, the method for identifying a flux current estimate and comprising the steps of (a) identifying a rated torque value; (b) providing an initial q-axis current estimate; (c) using the q-axis current estimate to identify a d-axis current estimate; (d) mathematically combining the d-axis current estimate and the q-axis current estimate to identify a torque estimate; (e) comparing the rated torque value to the torque estimate; (f) where the torque estimate is similar to the rated torque value skipping to step (i); (g) altering the q-axis current estimate; (h) repeating steps (c) through (f); and (i) storing the d-axis and q-axis current estimates as flux and torque current values for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Seibel, Russel J. Kerkman
  • Patent number: 6705179
    Abstract: A rope tensioner sets the tension of a rope operated switch assembly actuable to switch between first and second conditions on a change in tension of the rope. The tensioner comprises a body, a rotatable member which engages the rope, a shaft for rotating the member relative to the body to adjust tension in the rope by winding the rope around the member, and a lock to lock the member in position relative to the body. The rope opperated switch assembly is much simpler to install than previous assemblies, as the tensioner may be simply threaded or otherwise installed onto the rope without the rope having to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: EJA Limited
    Inventor: Mehdi Mohtasham
  • Patent number: 6703809
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating flux angle position in an induction machine, the method including the steps of providing high frequency injection voltage signals to a three-phase motor, obtaining frequency feedback signals from machine supply lines, converting the feedback signals to two-phase stationary high frequency signals, converting the stationary signals to synchronous signals using a high frequency angle estimate, negating one of the resulting synchronous signals, stepping up the negated signal to generate a low frequency spectrum signal, adding the low frequency spectrum signal and the high frequency injection signal to generate a combined spectrum signal and integrating the combined spectrum signal to generate the high frequency angle estimate, dividing the low frequency spectrum by a system specific DHN to generate a stator frequency estimate and integrating the stator frequency estimate to generate the flux angle estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Semyon Royak, Russel J. Kerkman, Mark M. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 6690139
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with an induction machine system including a controller and d and q-axis current feedback loops, the controller receiving a frequency command signal and generating d and q-axis voltage command signals, the method for limiting load current to a level below a limit current at low operating frequencies, the method comprising the steps of identifying an operating frequency as a function of the d and q-axis feedback currents, where the operating frequency is below a low threshold value: comparing a feedback current to the limit current; and where the feedback current exceeds the limit current, reducing the q-axis voltage command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Seibel
  • Patent number: 6674619
    Abstract: A method for interrupting current is provided wherein substantially all current is conveyed through a normal current carrying path in a circuit interrupter. A movable element is displaced for interruption of the current, and a balance is struck between the normal current carrying path and a parallel alternative or transient current carrying path. The transient current carrying path includes at least one variable or controllable resistance element. The transient current carrying path presents a substantially open circuit during normal operation. The variable resistance elements have a lower resistance during initial phases of circuit interruption, favoring transition of all current from the normal current carrying path to the transient path. Thereafter, the variable resistance elements increase in resistivity, producing additional back-EMF to drive the fault current to a zero level and to limit let-through energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Benard, Paul T. Nolden, Edward A. Mallonen, Mark A. Clayton
  • Patent number: 6674014
    Abstract: The present technique provides a technique for electrically wiring devices using insulation displacement. The technique arranges a plurality of insulation displacement members in wedge-shaped configurations for piercing an insulation layer and electrically contacting a conductor of an insulated electrical wire assembly. The insulation displacement members may be disposed at any suitable angles and offsets to provide an effective multipoint electrical contact with the conductor. The insulated electrical wire assembly also may be carried by a wire support structure to facilitate insertion and removal of the insulated electrical wire assembly with the arrangement of insulation displacement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Miller, Sal Eminovic, Paul Gieschen, Darrell S. Filtz
  • Patent number: 6675226
    Abstract: A multi-port, multi-network interface allows desktop-type computers to be used in industrial control environments employing time critical network communications over multiple networks. A run-time program on the multi-network interface handles network protocol matters while interfacing two application programs through the mechanism of an API of the operating system of the desktop computer. The run-time program allows for different devices on different networks to be collected as a single logical entity through the use of a view attribute stored in a memory of the multi-network interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh Nair, Michael J. Gilson
  • Patent number: 6671633
    Abstract: Monitoring modules of a monitoring and protection system are disposed in groups proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are monitored. A master module, which may be a similar monitoring module or a different device such as a gateway, stores user configuration parameters that are also stored in the monitoring modules. In the event of loss of service or replacement of a module, once the same or a different module is detected by the master, the configuration parameters are restored to the monitoring module to permit continuity of operation. The parameters may include multiple settings such as alarm levels, units of measure, processing parameters, response settings, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Entek IRD International Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin E. Kramb, David P. Trumpy, Patrick F. Carle, Dan R. Shupe
  • Patent number: 6670733
    Abstract: Technique for reducing bearing current discharges in a system by increasing the surface area between the shaft and the frame of the system and thereby increasing the rotor to frame capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Melfi