Patents by Inventor Bret S. Hildebran
Bret S. Hildebran 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: 12038741Abstract: A first component of an industrial automation system includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) storing data identifying the first component. The data identifying the first component is read from the EEPROM by a second component to which the first component is communicatively coupled to authenticate the first component. The first component lacks a processor and a microcontroller, and does not run firmware.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Krejci, Chandresh R. Chaudhari, Sean P. Overberger, Bret S. Hildebran, Daniel E. Killian
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Publication number: 20230095486Abstract: A first component of an industrial automation system includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) storing data identifying the first component. The data identifying the first component is read from the EEPROM by a second component to which the first component is communicatively coupled to authenticate the first component. The first component lacks a processor and a microcontroller, and does not run firmware.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Neal R. Krejci, Chandresh R. Chaudhari, Sean P. Overberger, Bret S. Hildebran, Daniel E. Killian
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Patent number: 10649820Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
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Publication number: 20180189119Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2018Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
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Patent number: 9921890Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
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Patent number: 9857781Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Duwayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Robert J. Kretschmann, Mark A. Chaffee, Terence S. Tenorio, David A. Pasela
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Publication number: 20160147579Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
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Patent number: 9310788Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, David A Pasela
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Patent number: 9214935Abstract: An I/O circuit for use with an industrial controller provides a photovoltaic optical isolator communicating between a controller and a field-side of the I/O circuit, the photovoltaic optical isolator eliminating the need for high wattage power dropping circuits for powering the field-side of the I/O circuit from high-voltage field signals. The field effect transistor type transistors permit use of the low-power photovoltaic optical isolator while allowing flexible connections to various field circuit types.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John O'Connell, Dale Terdan, David A. Pasela, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Bret S. Hildebran
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Patent number: 9152136Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood H. Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Publication number: 20150276498Abstract: An interface circuit is provided for an Input/Output (I/O) module in an industrial controller to compensate for voltage generated by a bias current in a thermocouple. During a calibration routine, the interface circuit supplies two known bias currents to a thermocouple and measures a voltage generated across the thermocouple as a result of each bias current. The measured voltages and known current values are used to determine the resistance value of the thermocouple leads. Using two known bias currents provides for an accurate measurement of the resistance value of the thermocouple leads when the thermocouple is generating a voltage corresponding to the measured temperature. Either the I/O module or the industrial controller may determine a voltage resulting from the bias current applied to the thermocouple during operation as a function of the measured resistance and compensate the voltage measured at the thermocouple leads to accurately determine the measured temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Robert J. Kretschmann, Bret S. Hildebran, David A. Pasela
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Patent number: 8996754Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Richard O. Ruggeri, Kenwood H. Hall, Gregory J. Svetina, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Publication number: 20140371877Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood H. Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Publication number: 20140365015Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Richard O. Ruggeri, Kenwood H. Hall, Gregory J. Svetina, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Patent number: 8850092Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Duwayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Kenwood Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Mark Chaffee, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
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Publication number: 20140243999Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: BRET S. HILDEBRAN, ERIC D. DECKER, DUWAYNE D. MULHALL, PETER M. DELIC, CHARMAINE J. VAN MINNEN, KENWOOD HALL, RICHARD O. RUGGERI, HARSH SHAH, ANDREAS P. FRISCHKNECHT, SCOTT A. PIERCE, ROBERT J. KRETSCHMANN, MARK A. CHAFFEE, TERENCE S. TENORIO, DAVID A. PASELA
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Publication number: 20140237141Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, David A. Pasela
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Patent number: 8762588Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, David A. Pasela, Duwayne D. Mulhall, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Anthony Sorbello, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
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Publication number: 20130307514Abstract: An I/O circuit for use with an industrial controller provides a photovoltaic optical isolator communicating between a controller and a field-side of the I/O circuit, the photovoltaic optical isolator eliminating the need for high wattage power dropping circuits for powering the field-side of the I/O circuit from high-voltage field signals. The field effect transistor type transistors permit use of the low-power photovoltaic optical isolator while allowing flexible connections to various field circuit types.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: John O'Connell, Dale Terdan, David A. Pasela, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Bret S. Hildebran
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Publication number: 20120265322Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, David A. Pasela, Duwayne D. Mulhall, John J. Kolat, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Peter M. Delic, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischanecht, Anthony G. Gibart, Mark Chaffee, Scott A. Pierce, Gregg Sichner, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina, Steven A. Zuponcic