Patents by Inventor Andrew Keller

Andrew Keller 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).

  • Patent number: 12609840
    Abstract: A control apparatus transmits a self-signed certificate to a management server, receives a certificate authority signature certificate generated by the management server according to the self-signed certificate, and executes data communication in the control system that executes control of a system on the basis of the certificate authority signature certificate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2026
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Toinaga, Vien Nguyen, Andrew Keller, Yoshitaka Yoshida
  • Patent number: 12452174
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for leveraging an “out-of-band” communication channel between nodes of a process automation system. In various implementations, an out-of-band communication channel may be established between two or more process automation nodes of a process automation system. The out-of-band communication channel may be outside of a process automation network through which the two or more process automation nodes are communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the process automation system. The two or more process automation nodes may cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes to implement an at least partially automated process. One or more characteristics of the process automation system may be monitored, and based on the monitoring, traffic may be selectively diverted from the process automation network to the out-of-band communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2025
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: David Emerson, Joseph Malm, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Patent number: 12422828
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for commissioning a device such as a distributed control node (DCN) for operation with a process automation system (PAS) using a portable setup device (PSD) and an “out-of-band” communication channel. In various implementations, static information conveyed by a passive data store of the DCN may be used to establish an out-of-band communication channel between the DCN and PSD. The out-of-band communication channel may be distinct from a process automation network through which the DCN is to be communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the PAS. The DCN may be commissioned to the process automation system by exchanging operational technology (OT) data between the DCN and the PSD via the out-of-band communication channel to enable the DCN to cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes on the process automation network to implement an at least partially automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Malm, David Emerson, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20250125977
    Abstract: A control apparatus transmits a self-signed certificate to a management server, receives a certificate authority signature certificate generated by the management server according to the self-signed certificate, and executes data communication in the control system that executes control of a system on the basis of the certificate authority signature certificate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Inventors: Takeshi TOINAGA, Vien NGUYEN, Andrew KELLER, Yoshitaka YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20250007842
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for leveraging an “out-of-band” communication channel between nodes of a process automation system. In various implementations, an out-of-band communication channel may be established between two or more process automation nodes of a process automation system. The out-of-band communication channel may be outside of a process automation network through which the two or more process automation nodes are communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the process automation system. The two or more process automation nodes may cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes to implement an at least partially automated process. One or more characteristics of the process automation system may be monitored, and based on the monitoring, traffic may be selectively diverted from the process automation network to the out-of-band communication channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: David Emerson, Joseph Malm, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Patent number: 12093009
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for provisioning a device such as a DCN with configuration data for operation on a process automation network using an “out-of-band” communication channel. In various implementations, a temporary out-of-band communication channel may be established between a first and second DCNs. The out-of-band communication channel may be distinct from a process automation network through which the first DCN is to be communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of a process automation system. Provisioning data may be transmitted from the second DCN to the first DCN over the temporary out-of-band communication channel. The provisioning data may include: information technology (IT) configuration data and operational technology (OT) configuration data. Subsequent to the transmitting, the temporary out-of-band communication channel may be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick Clay, Vien Nguyen, David Emerson, Hidenori Sawahara, Andrew Keller, Joseph Malm
  • Publication number: 20240302819
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for commissioning a device such as a distributed control node (DCN) for operation with a process automation system (PAS) using a portable setup device (PSD) and an “out-of-band” communication channel. In various implementations, static information conveyed by a passive data store of the DCN may be used to establish an out-of-band communication channel between the DCN and PSD. The out-of-band communication channel may be distinct from a process automation network through which the DCN is to be communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the PAS. The DCN may be commissioned to the process automation system by exchanging operational technology (OT) data between the DCN and the PSD via the out-of-band communication channel to enable the DCN to cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes on the process automation network to implement an at least partially automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph Malm, David Emerson, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Patent number: 12058048
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for leveraging an “out-of-band” communication channel between nodes of a process automation system. In various implementations, an out-of-band communication channel may be established between two or more process automation nodes of a process automation system. The out-of-band communication channel may be outside of a process automation network through which the two or more process automation nodes are communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the process automation system. The two or more process automation nodes may cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes to implement an at least partially automated process. One or more characteristics of the process automation system may be monitored, and based on the monitoring, traffic may be selectively diverted from the process automation network to the out-of-band communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Emerson, Joseph Malm, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Patent number: 12013684
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for commissioning a device such as a distributed control node (DCN) for operation with a process automation system (PAS) using a portable setup device (PSD) and an “out-of-band” communication channel. In various implementations, static information conveyed by a passive data store of the DCN may be used to establish an out-of-band communication channel between the DCN and PSD. The out-of-band communication channel may be distinct from a process automation network through which the DCN is to be communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the PAS. The DCN may be commissioned to the process automation system by exchanging operational technology (OT) data between the DCN and the PSD via the out-of-band communication channel to enable the DCN to cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes on the process automation network to implement an at least partially automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Malm, David Emerson, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11750696
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for commissioning a distributed control node (DCN) to a process automation network. In various implementations, one or more messages transmitted on the process automation network by the DCN announcing that the DCN has joined the process automation network may be detected. Based on the one or more messages, one or more operational technology (OT) capabilities of the DCN may be determined. Based on the one or more OT capabilities, the DCN may be commissioned to the process automation network, e.g., by configuring the DCN to cooperate with one or more other process automation nodes on the process automation network to implement an at least partially automated process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vien Nguyen, Patrick Clay, David Emerson, Hidenori Sawahara, Andrew Keller, Joseph Malm
  • Publication number: 20220353185
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for leveraging an “out-of-band” communication channel between nodes of a process automation system. In various implementations, an out-of-band communication channel may be established between two or more process automation nodes of a process automation system. The out-of-band communication channel may be outside of a process automation network through which the two or more process automation nodes are communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the process automation system. The two or more process automation nodes may cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes to implement an at least partially automated process. One or more characteristics of the process automation system may be monitored, and based on the monitoring, traffic may be selectively diverted from the process automation network to the out-of-band communication channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: David Emerson, Joseph Malm, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20220308542
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for provisioning a device such as a DCN with configuration data for operation on a process automation network using an “out-of-band” communication channel. In various implementations, a temporary out-of-band communication channel may be established between a first and second DCNs. The out-of-band communication channel may be distinct from a process automation network through which the first DCN is to be communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of a process automation system. Provisioning data may be transmitted from the second DCN to the first DCN over the temporary out-of-band communication channel. The provisioning data may include: information technology (IT) configuration data and operational technology (OT) configuration data. Subsequent to the transmitting, the temporary out-of-band communication channel may be closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Patrick Clay, Vien Nguyen, David Emerson, Hidenori Sawahara, Andrew Keller, Joseph Malm
  • Publication number: 20220308555
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for commissioning a device such as a distributed control node (DCN) for operation with a process automation system (PAS) using a portable setup device (PSD) and an “out-of-band” communication channel. In various implementations, static information conveyed by a passive data store of the DCN may be used to establish an out-of-band communication channel between the DCN and PSD. The out-of-band communication channel may be distinct from a process automation network through which the DCN is to be communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the PAS. The DCN may be commissioned to the process automation system by exchanging operational technology (OT) data between the DCN and the PSD via the out-of-band communication channel to enable the DCN to cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes on the process automation network to implement an at least partially automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph Malm, David Emerson, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20220303338
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for commissioning a distributed control node (DCN) to a process automation network. In various implementations, one or more messages transmitted on the process automation network by the DCN announcing that the DCN has joined the process automation network may be detected. Based on the one or more messages, one or more operational technology (OT) capabilities of the DCN may be determined. Based on the one or more OT capabilities, the DCN may be commissioned to the process automation network, e.g., by configuring the DCN to cooperate with one or more other process automation nodes on the process automation network to implement an at least partially automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Vien Nguyen, Patrick Clay, David Emerson, Hidenori Sawahara, Andrew Keller, Joseph Malm
  • Patent number: 11418447
    Abstract: Implementations are described herein for leveraging an “out-of-band” communication channel between nodes of a process automation system. In various implementations, an out-of-band communication channel may be established between two or more process automation nodes of a process automation system. The out-of-band communication channel may be outside of a process automation network through which the two or more process automation nodes are communicatively coupled with other process automation nodes of the process automation system. The two or more process automation nodes may cooperate with one or more of the other process automation nodes to implement an at least partially automated process. One or more characteristics of the process automation system may be monitored, and based on the monitoring, traffic may be selectively diverted from the process automation network to the out-of-band communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Emerson, Joseph Malm, Andrew Keller, Patrick Clay, Hidenori Sawahara, Vien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20220004257
    Abstract: A headware for computer control includes a body portion. A first arm is pivotally coupled to the body portion and a second arm is pivotably coupled to the body portion. The first arm and the second arm define a central region therebetween. A pivoting mechanism is coupled to the first arm or the second arm and the body portion. The pivoting mechanism pivots the first arm or the second arm towards or away from the central region. The pivoting mechanism includes a pivot pin securing the first arm or the second arm to the body portion. A biasing member biases the first arm or the second arm toward the central region when the first arm or the second arm is pivoted away from the central region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Keller, Alexander Aziz Castillo Alvarez, Samuel Stephen Holland
  • Patent number: 10430219
    Abstract: There is provided a virtual machine control with the ability to configure a virtual machine's behavior when certain conditions are met. The conditions include configuring a virtual machine based on an amount of time of inactivity. The conditions include configuring a virtual machine based on exceeding a cost for a given time frame. The virtual machine control removes the need to have a user manually monitor and shut down unused virtual machines. Accordingly, the virtual machine is automatically commanded to shut down if it exceeds a threshold operational cost or is inactive beyond a threshold amount of time. The virtual machine control also provides a calculation of the projected cost of running a virtual machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Keller
  • Patent number: 9807726
    Abstract: A management system for a plant facility is disclosed. The system includes a server, a mobile terminal, and beacon transmitters. The beacon transmitter is attached to or embedded into a field device in the plant facility and broadcasts a beacon signal including an identifier of the field device. The server includes a display, a storage that stores process data corresponding to the identifiers, and a controller that receives wireless signals including the identifiers from the mobile terminal and identifies the process data corresponding to the identifiers received with the wireless signals. The mobile terminal includes a display, a beacon receiver that receives the beacon signals, and a controller that transmits the wireless signals to the server with the identifiers received with the beacon signals. At least one of the displays of the server and the mobile terminal displays the process data identified by the controller of the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vien Nguyen, Patrick Clay, Andrew Keller, Akio Umezawa
  • Publication number: 20170205795
    Abstract: A system, method, and an apparatus relating to automatically setting up pre-upset warning conditions for entire systems based on drifting parameters. The drifting parameters may provide monitoring to operate the process so that the upset condition is never reached, by allowing the operator can take actions so that the process remains in a stable state. The aim is to monitor and limit variations in parameters to enable the operator to achieve a much tighter control on the process and not allow the alarm to occur in the first place. Additionally, the important values may be displayed in context, and the operator may directly manipulate the values through a variety of touch input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Vijaya Rama Raju PENUMATCHA, Patrick CLAY, Andrew KELLER
  • Publication number: 20150355923
    Abstract: There is provided a virtual machine control method that includes the ability to configure a virtual machine's behavior when certain conditions are met. The conditions may include configuring a virtual machine based on an amount of time of inactivity. The conditions may include configuring a virtual machine based on exceeding a cost for a given time frame. The control method removes the need to have a user manually monitor and shut down unused virtual machines. Accordingly, the virtual machine may be automatically commanded to shut down if it is inactive beyond a threshold amount of time. The control method may also provide a method of calculating the projected cost of running a virtual machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew KELLER