Patents by Inventor Daniel E. Killian

Daniel E. Killian 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).

  • Publication number: 20230349211
    Abstract: A door positioning device includes a door engaging portion including a door channel that receives a door upper edge. The device also includes a frame engaging portion including a frame channel adapted to receive an associated door frame. A connecting portion extends between and interconnects the door engaging portion and the frame engaging portion. The connecting portion maintains a fixed distance between the door engaging portion and the frame engaging portion. The fixed distance can be adjustable. A method of positioning a door relative to a frame includes placing a door engaging portion of a door positioning device on an upper edge of the door and positioning the door such that a select gap is defined. The device is slid on the upper edge of the door toward the outer edge of the door such that a frame channel of the frame engaging portion receives a portion of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventor: Daniel E. Killian
  • Patent number: 11699867
    Abstract: An I/O device includes an I/O base, at least two I/O modules supported on the I/O base, and a duplex terminal block assembly supported on the I/O base. The at least two I/O modules include a first I/O module and a second I/O module coupled to the duplex terminal block assembly in parallel. The duplex terminal block assembly can include connectors for connecting to a field device. The duplex terminal block assembly can include conductive structures for coupling the connectors with each of the first and second I/O modules. The duplex terminal block can be installed in a pair of ports in an I/O base to connect two I/O modules in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Daniel E. Killian
  • Patent number: 11665846
    Abstract: A modular I/O system for an industrial automation network includes a network adapter including first and second adapter modules, wherein each adapter module is configured for connection with an industrial network. The I/O system further includes a first I/O device with first and second I/O modules each configured for operative connection to a controlled system for input/output of data with respect to the controlled system. The I/O system further includes first and second independent backplane data networks that connect each of the first and second adapter modules to each of the first and second I/O modules. The network adapter includes first and second removable backplane network switches and the first I/O device includes third and fourth removable backplane network switches that establish the backplane networks. The backplane network switches can be Ethernet gigabit switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Killian, Sivaram Balasubramanian, Kendal R. Harris, Chandresh R. Chaudhari
  • Publication number: 20230095486
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Neal R. Krejci, Chandresh R. Chaudhari, Sean P. Overberger, Bret S. Hildebran, Daniel E. Killian
  • Patent number: 11564324
    Abstract: An I/O system having redundant removable and/or replaceable components. Each of the removable/replaceable components can be removed by displacement parallel to a common axis. An I/O device having an I/O base with a lock-out toggle to prevent installation of one or more I/O modules to the I/O base unless a ground screw has been secured to supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Brian T. Estanek, Daniel E. Killian
  • Patent number: 11243504
    Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device for a distributed modular I/O system includes a base adapted to be connected to an associated support structure. A terminal block is connected to the base and includes a plurality of wiring connections adapted to be connected to field wiring of an associated controlled system. The I/O device further includes first and second I/O modules each including a plurality of removable single-channel I/O submodules that are each releasably connected to the base and each configured for a select I/O operation for input and output of data relative to the associated controlled system. One or more pairs of the single-channel I/O submodules can be configured to be redundant within or between the first and second I/O modules. Each of the single-channel I/O submodules is operatively connected to wiring connections of the terminal block through the base. The I/O device further includes first and second network switches connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Douglas A. Lostoski, Daniel E. Killian
  • Publication number: 20220030733
    Abstract: A modular I/O system for an industrial automation network includes a network adapter including first and second adapter modules, wherein each adapter module is configured for connection with an industrial network. The I/O system further includes a first I/O device with first and second I/O modules each configured for operative connection to a controlled system for input/output of data with respect to the controlled system. The I/O system further includes first and second independent backplane data networks that connect each of the first and second adapter modules to each of the first and second I/O modules. The network adapter includes first and second removable backplane network switches and the first I/O device includes third and fourth removable backplane network switches that establish the backplane networks. The backplane network switches can be Ethernet gigabit switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Killian, Sivaram Balasubramanian, Kendal R. Harris, Chandresh R. Chaudhari
  • Patent number: 11147181
    Abstract: A modular I/O system for an industrial automation network includes a network adapter including first and second adapter modules, wherein each adapter module is configured for connection with an industrial network. The I/O system further includes a first I/O device with first and second I/O modules each configured for operative connection to a controlled system for input/output of data with respect to the controlled system. The I/O system further includes first and second independent backplane data networks that connect each of the first and second adapter modules to each of the first and second I/O modules. The network adapter includes first and second removable backplane network switches and the first I/O device includes third and fourth removable backplane network switches that establish the backplane networks. The backplane network switches can be Ethernet gigabit switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Killian, Sivaram Balasubramanian, Kendal R. Harris, Chandresh R. Chaudhari
  • Publication number: 20210274675
    Abstract: An I/O system having redundant removable and/or replaceable components. Each of the removable/replaceable components can be removed by displacement parallel to a common axis. An I/O device having an I/O base with a lock-out toggle to prevent installation of one or more I/O modules to the I/O base unless a ground screw has been secured to supporting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Brian T. Estanek, Daniel E. Killian
  • Publication number: 20210249798
    Abstract: An I/O device includes an I/O base, at least two I/O modules supported on the I/O base, and a duplex terminal block assembly supported on the I/O base. The at least two I/O modules include a first I/O module and a second I/O module coupled to the duplex terminal block assembly in parallel. The duplex terminal block assembly can include connectors for connecting to a field device. The duplex terminal block assembly can include conductive structures for coupling the connectors with each of the first and second I/O modules. The duplex terminal block can be installed in a pair of ports in an I/O base to connect two I/O modules in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Daniel E. Killian
  • Patent number: 10985477
    Abstract: An I/O device includes an I/O base, at least two I/O modules supported on the I/O base, and a duplex terminal block assembly supported on the I/O base. The at least two I/O modules include a first I/O module and a second I/O module coupled to the duplex terminal block assembly in parallel. The duplex terminal block assembly can include connectors for connecting to a field device. The duplex terminal block assembly can include conductive structures for coupling the connectors with each of the first and second I/O modules. The duplex terminal block can be installed in a pair of ports in an I/O base to connect two I/O modules in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Daniel E. Killian
  • Patent number: 10986748
    Abstract: An I/O system having redundant removable and/or replaceable components. Each of the removable/replaceable components can be removed by displacement parallel to a common axis. An I/O device having an I/O base with a lock-out toggle to prevent installation of one or more I/O modules to the I/O base unless a ground screw has been secured to supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Brian T. Estanek, Daniel E. Killian
  • Publication number: 20210100124
    Abstract: An I/O system having redundant removable and/or replaceable components. Each of the removable/replaceable components can be removed by displacement parallel to a common axis. An I/O device having an I/O base with a lock-out toggle to prevent installation of one or more I/O modules to the I/O base unless a ground screw has been secured to supporting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Brian T. Estanek, Daniel E. Killian
  • Publication number: 20210098904
    Abstract: An I/O device includes an I/O base, at least two I/O modules supported on the I/O base, and a duplex terminal block assembly supported on the I/O base. The at least two I/O modules include a first I/O module and a second I/O module coupled to the duplex terminal block assembly in parallel. The duplex terminal block assembly can include connectors for connecting to a field device. The duplex terminal block assembly can include conductive structures for coupling the connectors with each of the first and second I/O modules. The duplex terminal block can be installed in a pair of ports in an I/O base to connect two I/O modules in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Doug A. Lostoski, Daniel E. Killian
  • Publication number: 20210096522
    Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device for a distributed modular I/O system includes a base adapted to be connected to an associated support structure. A terminal block is connected to the base and includes a plurality of wiring connections adapted to be connected to field wiring of an associated controlled system. The I/O device further includes first and second I/O modules each including a plurality of removable single-channel I/O submodules that are each releasably connected to the base and each configured for a select I/O operation for input and output of data relative to the associated controlled system. One or more pairs of the single-channel I/O submodules can be configured to be redundant within or between the first and second I/O modules. Each of the single-channel I/O submodules is operatively connected to wiring connections of the terminal block through the base. The I/O device further includes first and second network switches connected to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Douglas A. Lostoski, Daniel E. Killian
  • Publication number: 20210100125
    Abstract: A modular I/O system for an industrial automation network includes a network adapter including first and second adapter modules, wherein each adapter module is configured for connection with an industrial network. The I/O system further includes a first I/O device with first and second I/O modules each configured for operative connection to a controlled system for input/output of data with respect to the controlled system. The I/O system further includes first and second independent backplane data networks that connect each of the first and second adapter modules to each of the first and second I/O modules. The network adapter includes first and second removable backplane network switches and the first I/O device includes third and fourth removable backplane network switches that establish the backplane networks. The backplane network switches can be Ethernet gigabit switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Killian, Sivaram Balasubramanian, Kendal R. Harris, Chandresh R. Chaudhari
  • Patent number: 10838386
    Abstract: An input/output (I/O) device for a distributed modular I/O system includes a base adapted to be connected to an associated support structure. A terminal block is connected to the base and includes a plurality of wiring connections adapted to be connected to field wiring of an associated controlled system. The I/O device further includes first and second I/O modules each including a plurality of removable single-channel I/O submodules that are each releasably connected to the base and each configured for a select I/O operation for input and output of data relative to the associated controlled system. One or more pairs of the single-channel I/O submodules can be configured to be redundant within or between the first and second I/O modules. Each of the single-channel I/O submodules is operatively connected to wiring connections of the terminal block through the base. The I/O device further includes first and second network switches connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam M. Wrobel, Douglas A. Lostoski, Daniel E. Killian
  • Publication number: 20150120009
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein describes an improved system for self-monitoring of an industrial controller. Two processors are provided on a control board for the industrial controller. One of the processors is designated the control processor and executes the control program for the industrial control system. The other processor is designated the monitoring processor and verifies proper operation of the controller. The monitoring processor verifies proper operation of the industrial controller and is in communication with the control processor. The control processor periodically verifies that the monitoring processor is operational. If the monitoring processor ceases operation, the control processor generates a warning message and provides for a delayed shutdown of the industrial controller. The control processor may copy the current state of the industrial controller to memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Killian
  • Patent number: 8001419
    Abstract: An industrial automation controller module includes a main module and an energy storage module (ESM) releasably connected to the main module. The ESM includes a back-up electrical power source such as a battery or a capacitor that is electrically connected to processor circuitry of the main module when the ESM is physically connected to the main module. In case of interruption of operating power to the processor circuitry of the main module, the back-up power source of the ESM supplies back-up power to the main module to allow for completion of an emergency save operation to save data to non-volatile memory in the main module. If the ESM includes a capacitor back-up power source, it is charged by the main module and the capacitor charge is dissipated if the ESM is separated from the main module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Killian, Douglas R. Bodmann, Dale R. Terdan, Ronald E. Schultz, James J. Kay
  • Publication number: 20090125156
    Abstract: An industrial automation controller module includes a main module and an energy storage module (ESM) releasably connected to the main module. The ESM includes a back-up electrical power source such as a battery or a capacitor that is electrically connected to processor circuitry of the main module when the ESM is physically connected to the main module. In case of interruption of operating power to the processor circuitry of the main module, the back-up power source of the ESM supplies back-up power to the main module to allow for completion of an emergency save operation to save data to non-volatile memory in the main module. If the ESM includes a capacitor back-up power source, it is charged by the main module and the capacitor charge is dissipated if the ESM is separated from the main module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC.,
    Inventors: Daniel E. Killian, Douglas R. Bodmann, Dale R. Terdan, Ronald E. Schultz, James J. Kay