Patents by Inventor Alan Weddle
Alan Weddle 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).
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Patent number: 9995640Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.Inventors: Stephen Mowry, Robert Alan Weddle
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Patent number: 9239575Abstract: To reduce the cost and/or space occupied by diagnostic circuitry in a module of a programmable logic controller with multiple outputs, a multiplexer connects the same diagnostic circuitry to the different outputs. The outputs are sequentially tested with the same circuitry. To limit stress on an output driver, an overload condition may be tested while the driver is off. A different source of power is applied to the output, and the results of the application are measured for shorting to ground.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Robert Alan Weddle, James F. Archer
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Patent number: 9122264Abstract: Inductive commutation is detected for programmable logic controller (PLC) diagnosis. By detecting the inductive commutation, the need for any delay may be determined. Where the load is not inductive, the diagnostic may be performed with little or no delay.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Robert Alan Weddle, James F. Archer
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Publication number: 20140185646Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.Inventors: Stephen Mowry, Robert Alan Weddle
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Patent number: 8702306Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Weeks Mowry, Jr., Robert Alan Weddle
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Publication number: 20130218521Abstract: Inductive commutation is detected for programmable logic controller (PLC) diagnosis. By detecting the inductive commutation, the need for any delay may be determined. Where the load is not inductive, the diagnostic may be performed with little or no delay.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Siemens Industry Inc.Inventors: Robert Alan Weddle, James F. Archer
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Publication number: 20130218493Abstract: To reduce the cost and/or space occupied by diagnostic circuitry in a module of a programmable logic controller with multiple outputs, a multiplexer connects the same diagnostic circuitry to the different outputs. The outputs are sequentially tested with the same circuitry. To limit stress on an output driver, an overload condition may be tested while the driver is off. A different source of power is applied to the output, and the results of the application are measured for shorting to ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Siemens Industry Inc.Inventors: Robert Alan Weddle, James F. Archer
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Patent number: 8228068Abstract: A circuit is provided that includes a power source and a sensor circuit electrically coupled by a switch to the power source. The circuit further includes an A/D converter electrically coupled to the sensor circuit and adapted to read a voltage difference across a resistive element to determine an impedance of the sensor circuit. A method is provided that includes closing a switch electrically coupling a power source to a sensor circuit and measuring a voltage difference across a resistive element at an A/D converter electrically coupled to the sensor circuit. The method further includes determining an impedance of the sensor circuit based on the voltage difference.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: James F. Archer, Robert Alan Weddle
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Patent number: 8024511Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise, via a state machine implemented as an application specific integrated circuit, responsive to an automatically detected asynchronous RAM interface signal, automatically transmitting a corresponding synchronous RAM interface signal. The state machine can be communicatively coupled to a programmable logic controller.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Robert Alan Weddle
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Patent number: 7974793Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the synchronization of diagnostic cycles and data conversion for redundant I/O applications are provided. An exemplary system comprises a first analog input module adapted to request mastership with respect to a second analog input module, output a synchronization pulse to said second analog input module, initiate a diagnostic cycle of said second analog input module, and initiate a data conversion cycle, and wherein said second analog input module, said second analog input module are adapted to assume a slave role with respect to said first analog input module. Numerous other aspects are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Robert Alan Weddle
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Publication number: 20090273350Abstract: A circuit is provided that includes a power source and a sensor circuit electrically coupled by a switch to the power source. The circuit further includes an A/D converter electrically coupled to the sensor circuit and adapted to read a voltage difference across a resistive element to determine an impedance of the sensor circuit. A method is provided that includes closing a switch electrically coupling a power source to a sensor circuit and measuring a voltage difference across a resistive element at an A/D converter electrically coupled to the sensor circuit. The method further includes determining an impedance of the sensor circuit based on the voltage difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: James F. Archer, Robert Alan Weddle
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Publication number: 20090080490Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Weeks Mowry, JR., Robert Alan Weddle
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Publication number: 20090063739Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a first analog input module adapted to, via a sent synchronization signal, automatically terminate a diagnostic cycle of a second analog input module. The synchronization signal can be adapted to cause an initiation of a data conversion cycle at the second analog input module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventor: Robert Alan Weddle
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Publication number: 20090063760Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise, via a state machine implemented as an application specific integrated circuit, responsive to an automatically detected asynchronous RAM interface signal, automatically transmitting a corresponding synchronous RAM interface signal. The state machine can be communicatively coupled to a programmable logic controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventor: Robert Alan Weddle
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Patent number: 7325162Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a control system device, comprising a multiple channel discrete output module, said module storing a plurality of fail-state parameters, each fail-state parameter from the plurality of fail-state parameters corresponding to one channel of the multiple channels. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling the operation of each of a plurality of channels coupled to a discrete output module upon failure or shutdown of a control system coupled to the discrete output module, comprising, for each of the plurality of channels, storing a predetermined value for a fail-state parameter in a multi-channel discrete output module adapted to control the channel; and upon detecting a control system failure or shutdown, causing the channel to operate in a mode corresponding to the stored value for the channel's fail-state parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Alan Weddle, Stephen Weeks Mowry, Jr.
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Patent number: 7124041Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method for detecting a circuit fault, comprising: for a sensor coupleable to an input circuit, the sensor characterized by an output signal operating voltage range: automatically causing the sensor to be electrically disconnected from the input circuit; automatically causing an invalid sensor voltage to be applied to the input circuit, the invalid sensor voltage having a value outside the output signal operating voltage range for the sensor; automatically causing the invalid sensor voltage to be removed from the input circuit; automatically causing the sensor to be electrically connected to the input circuit; and, in the event that an input circuit voltage value is outside the output signal operating voltage range for the sensor, automatically providing notification that a circuit fault is associated with the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Charles Johnson, Alan Weddle
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Patent number: 7085963Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a control system device, comprising a multiple channel discrete output module, said module storing a plurality of fail-state parameters, each fail-state parameter from the plurality of fail-state parameters corresponding to one channel of the multiple channels. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling the operation of each of a plurality of channels coupled to a discrete output module upon failure or shutdown of a control system coupled to the discrete output module, comprising, for each of the plurality of channels, storing a predetermined value for a fail-state parameter in a multi-channel discrete output module adapted to control the channel; and upon detecting a control system failure or shutdown, causing the channel to operate in a mode corresponding to the stored value for the channel's fail-state parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Alan Weddle, Stephen Weeks Mowry, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040078627Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a control system device, comprising a multiple channel discrete output module, said module storing a plurality of fail-state parameters, each fail-state parameter from the plurality of fail-state parameters corresponding to one channel of the multiple channels. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling the operation of each of a plurality of channels coupled to a discrete output module upon failure or shutdown of a control system coupled to the discrete output module, comprising, for each of the plurality of channels, storing a predetermined value for a fail-state parameter in a multi-channel discrete output module adapted to control the channel; and upon detecting a control system failure or shutdown, causing the channel to operate in a mode corresponding to the stored value for the channel's fail-state parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Alan Weddle, Stephen Weeks Mowry
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Publication number: 20030226066Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a control system device, comprising a multiple channel discrete output module, said module storing a plurality of fail-state parameters, each fail-state parameter from the plurality of fail-state parameters corresponding to one channel of the multiple channels. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling the operation of each of a plurality of channels coupled to a discrete output module upon failure or shutdown of a control system coupled to the discrete output module, comprising, for each of the plurality of channels, storing a predetermined value for a fail-state parameter in a multi-channel discrete output module adapted to control the channel; and upon detecting a control system failure or shutdown, causing the channel to operate in a mode corresponding to the stored value for the channel's fail-state parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Alan Weddle, Stephen Weeks Mowry