Patents by Inventor Brian Fast

Brian Fast 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: 11716047
    Abstract: A system and method for shaping the trajectory of a motion command to reduce the effects of a load on performance of a motor dynamically modifies the motion profile in real time to limit the reference signals in the motion profile to feasible commands. A load observer determines an estimated disturbance acceleration. The estimated disturbance acceleration includes the dynamics of the controlled load and is used to modify a maximum and a minimum limit for the acceleration reference. The acceleration limits are, in turn, used to determine velocity limits. The motion profile and modified acceleration and velocity limits are provided to a state filter which determines a new motion profile for use by the motor drive to control operation of a motor and to control the load connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Hoffman, Brian Fast, Robert J. Miklosovic
  • Patent number: 11682994
    Abstract: A system includes a motor configured to be coupled to a non-rigid load and a control system disposed within, or communicatively coupled to, a drive system configured to control an operation of the motor. The control system includes a processor and a memory accessible by the processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a smooth move input profile to control the operation of the motor based on inputs specifying a desired operation of the motor, apply a notch filter having a notch filter frequency to the smooth move input profile to produce a filtered smooth move input profile, and send a command to the drive system based on the filtered smooth move input profile, wherein the command is configured to adjust the operation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Miklosovic, Brian Fast
  • Publication number: 20220407447
    Abstract: A system and method for shaping the trajectory of a motion command to reduce the effects of a load on performance of a motor dynamically modifies the motion profile in real time to limit the reference signals in the motion profile to feasible commands. A load observer determines an estimated disturbance acceleration. The estimated disturbance acceleration includes the dynamics of the controlled load and is used to modify a maximum and a minimum limit for the acceleration reference. The acceleration limits are, in turn, used to determine velocity limits. The motion profile and modified acceleration and velocity limits are provided to a state filter which determines a new motion profile for use by the motor drive to control operation of a motor and to control the load connected to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Hoffman, Brian Fast, Robert J. Miklosovic
  • Publication number: 20220182001
    Abstract: A system includes a motor configured to be coupled to a non-rigid load and a control system disposed within, or communicatively coupled to, a drive system configured to control an operation of the motor. The control system includes a processor and a memory accessible by the processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a smooth move input profile to control the operation of the motor based on inputs specifying a desired operation of the motor, apply a notch filter having a notch filter frequency to the smooth move input profile to produce a filtered smooth move input profile, and send a command to the drive system based on the filtered smooth move input profile, wherein the command is configured to adjust the operation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Robert J. Miklosovic, Brian Fast
  • Patent number: 11264929
    Abstract: A system includes a motor configured to be coupled to a non-rigid load and a control system disposed within, or communicatively coupled to, a drive system configured to control an operation of the motor. The control system includes a processor and a memory accessible by the processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a smooth move input profile to control the operation of the motor based on inputs specifying a desired operation of the motor, apply a notch filter having a notch filter frequency to the smooth move input profile to produce a filtered smooth move input profile, and send a command to the drive system based on the filtered smooth move input profile, wherein the command is configured to adjust the operation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Miklosovic, Brian Fast
  • Publication number: 20210397174
    Abstract: An industrial data presentation system leverages structured data types defined on industrial devices to generate and deliver meaningful presentations of industrial data. Industrial devices are configured to support structured data types referred to as basic information data types (BIDTs) comprising a finite set of structured information data types, including a rate data type, a state data type, an odometer data type, and an event data type. The BIDTs can be referenced by both automation models of an industrial asset and non-automation models of the asset, allowing data points of both types of models to be easily linked using a common data source nomenclature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Joachim Thomsen, Steven C. Briant, Noel Henderson, Brian Fast
  • Patent number: 11144042
    Abstract: An industrial data presentation system leverages structured data types defined on industrial devices to generate and deliver meaningful presentations of industrial data. Industrial devices are configured to support structured data types referred to as basic information data types (BIDTs) comprising a finite set of structured information data types, including a rate data type, a state data type, an odometer data type, and an event data type. The BIDTs can be referenced by both automation models of an industrial asset and non-automation models of the asset, allowing data points of both types of models to be easily linked using a common data source nomenclature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Thomsen, Steven C. Briant, Noel Henderson, Brian Fast
  • Patent number: 11086281
    Abstract: A system and method for online simulation of a controlled machine or process utilizes a simplified model of the system dynamics and may be used with hardware in the loop to evaluate performance of the controlled system or with software in the loop to perform commissioning of the control program prior to completion of the mechanical installation. The simplified model includes dominant order dynamics of the controlled system such as the inertia of the system and a damping factor. Further, the online simulation is scheduled to execute at an update rate slower than the update rate of the control loops within the motor drive. The simplified model and reduced update rate reduce the computational burden on the processor such that the simulation may be performed either on the industrial controller or on the motor drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Fast, Robert Guenther, Joachim Thomsen, Robert J. Miklosovic, Mark A. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20210083611
    Abstract: A system includes a motor configured to be coupled to a non-rigid load and a control system disposed within, or communicatively coupled to, a drive system configured to control an operation of the motor. The control system includes a processor and a memory accessible by the processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a smooth move input profile to control the operation of the motor based on inputs specifying a desired operation of the motor, apply a notch filter having a notch filter frequency to the smooth move input profile to produce a filtered smooth move input profile, and send a command to the drive system based on the filtered smooth move input profile, wherein the command is configured to adjust the operation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Robert J. Miklosovic, Brian Fast
  • Patent number: 10756660
    Abstract: A motor drive having controller settings which will result in improved tuning-less performance is disclosed. Gain values for the control loops and/or observer are determined independently of the mechanical loading and the resultant effects of that loading on the motor. The motor drive includes a control loop operable to receive a command signal and to generate a controller reference signal to achieve desired operation of a motor connected to the motor drive. The motor drive also includes a load observer operable to generate a signal that estimates a response required by the motor drive as a result of a load present on the motor. The response estimate signal is provided to the controller to isolate the effects of the load dynamics from operation of the control loops within the controller. A modified controller reference signal is generated as a function of the response estimate signal and the controller reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Miklosovic, Brian Fast, Mark Chaffee
  • Patent number: 10746590
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein describes a method and system to monitor and identify vibrations in a rotational mechanical system. Various fault conditions in a rotating machine operating at variable speeds may be identified, at least in part, by identifying the multiple of the fundamental frequency, or order, at which the vibration occurs. The orders of vibration present in a measured vibration signal may be determined by finding an order spectrum of a measured vibration signal in the position domain. A fault vector is generated from the order spectrum that identifies the magnitude of each order of vibration present in the measured vibration signal. The fault vector may be plotted on a radar chart to provide a visual indication of the type of fault present in the mechanical system. Evaluation models for each fault determines a probability and magnitude for each fault condition being present in the sampled vibration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Linglai Li, Zhenhuan Yuan, Kun Wei, Robert H. Schmidt, Michael J. Melfi, Brian Fast, Sunil R. Gaddam, Chris E. Gottlieb
  • Publication number: 20200012265
    Abstract: An industrial data presentation system leverages structured data types defined on industrial devices to generate and deliver meaningful presentations of industrial data. Industrial devices are configured to support structured data types referred to as basic information data types (BIDTs) comprising a finite set of structured information data types, including a rate data type, a state data type, an odometer data type, and an event data type. The BIDTs can be referenced by both automation models of an industrial asset and non-automation models of the asset, allowing data points of both types of models to be easily linked using a common data source nomenclature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Joachim Thomsen, Steven C. Briant, Noel Henderson, Brian Fast
  • Publication number: 20190146434
    Abstract: A system and method for online simulation of a controlled machine or process utilizes a simplified model of the system dynamics and may be used with hardware in the loop to evaluate performance of the controlled system or with software in the loop to perform commissioning of the control program prior to completion of the mechanical installation. The simplified model includes dominant order dynamics of the controlled system such as the inertia of the system and a damping factor. Further, the online simulation is scheduled to execute at an update rate slower than the update rate of the control loops within the motor drive. The simplified model and reduced update rate reduce the computational burden on the processor such that the simulation may be performed either on the industrial controller or on the motor drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Fast, Robert Guenther, Joachim Thomsen, Robert J. Miklosovic, Mark A. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20190101436
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein describes a method and system to monitor and identify vibrations in a rotational mechanical system. Various fault conditions in a rotating machine operating at variable speeds may be identified, at least in part, by identifying the multiple of the fundamental frequency, or order, at which the vibration occurs. The orders of vibration present in a measured vibration signal may be determined by finding an order spectrum of a measured vibration signal in the position domain. A fault vector is generated from the order spectrum that identifies the magnitude of each order of vibration present in the measured vibration signal. The fault vector may be plotted on a radar chart to provide a visual indication of the type of fault present in the mechanical system. Evaluation models for each fault determines a probability and magnitude for each fault condition being present in the sampled vibration signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Linglai Li, Zhenhuan Yuan, Kun Wei, Robert H. Schmidt, Michael J. Melfi, Brian Fast, Sunil R. Gaddam, Chris E. Gottlieb
  • Publication number: 20180262144
    Abstract: A motor drive having controller settings which will result in improved tuning-less performance is disclosed. Gain values for the control loops and/or observer are determined independently of the mechanical loading and the resultant effects of that loading on the motor. The motor drive includes a control loop operable to receive a command signal and to generate a controller reference signal to achieve desired operation of a motor connected to the motor drive. The motor drive also includes a load observer operable to generate a signal that estimates a response required by the motor drive as a result of a load present on the motor. The response estimate signal is provided to the controller to isolate the effects of the load dynamics from operation of the control loops within the controller. A modified controller reference signal is generated as a function of the response estimate signal and the controller reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. Miklosovic, Brian Fast, Mark Chaffee
  • Patent number: 10033319
    Abstract: An improved system for tuning a motor controller is disclosed. The controller gains are initially set based on the measured frequency response for the controlled system. A desired level of performance is defined by setting a desired phase margin and a desired gain margin to be observed in the frequency response. An improved method of determining the frequency response provides for a reduced computational intensity. The initial tuning routine uses the frequency response to set not only controller gains, but also settings for filters in the control module. Having obtained the desired level of performance from the initial tuning, the motor drive executes an adaptive tuning routine while controlling the motor. The adaptive tuning routine tracks changes in the operating performance and adjusts the filter settings or the controller gains to return operation to within the desired level of performance while the motor continues to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aderiano M. da Silva, Brian Fast, Robert J. Miklosovic, Michelle E. Holt
  • Patent number: 9998053
    Abstract: An improved system for controlling operation of a motor with a motor drive is disclosed. The motor drive includes a control module having an inner control loop operable to generate a torque reference signal and a load observer operable to generate an estimate of the torque present on the motor. The torque estimate is summed with the torque reference signal to generate a modified torque reference. The bandwidth of the load observer is set wide enough to generate the estimated torque over a desired operating range of the motor. The control module may also include a low pass filter and at least one tracking notch filter. The low pass filter suppresses vibrations at high frequencies, and the tracking notch filter suppresses resonances present at frequencies above the bandwidth of the load observer and within the pass band of the low pass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Miklosovic, Brian Fast, Mark Chaffee
  • Patent number: 9634600
    Abstract: A motor drive is provided with integrated frequency response analysis tools for generating drive performance metrics that are independent of motion profile and tuning. The metrics are broadly applicable to a wide range of applications, tunings, and load types, and can be used to fairly compare performance across different drives models and assist in drive selection. The frequency analysis tools include a transformation algorithm that reduces or eliminates spectral leakages, a signal generation component that scales the test input signal as a function of frequency avoid saturation based on defined limits of the controlled system, and a phase unwrapping algorithm that correctly unwraps the phase of open-loop and closed-loop response curves. The frequency response analysis tools yield an open-loop response, a closed-loop response, a tracking error response, and a disturbance rejection response, which are used to derive performance metrics for the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Miklosovic, Brian Fast, Aderiano da Silva
  • Patent number: D836981
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Fast
  • Patent number: D884423
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Fast