Patents by Inventor Douglas B. Weber

Douglas B. Weber 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: 11927929
    Abstract: A cloud-based modeler component that generates interactive models of an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)) is presented. An interactive model facilitates remote viewing of, interaction with, troubleshooting of problems with, or optimization of industrial assets of an IAS. The modeler component polls industrial assets via cloud gateways to obtain information relating to the industrial assets to identify industrial assets of the IAS and relationships with other industrial assets or can receive information from a communication device that obtains information relating to legacy industrial assets to identify those legacy assets and their relationships. The modeler component generates an interactive model of the industrial assets of the IAS based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Patent number: 11880179
    Abstract: A cloud-based analytics engine that analyzes data relating to an industrial automation system(s) to facilitate enhancing operation of the industrial automation system(s) is presented. The analytics engine can interface with the industrial automation system(s) via a cloud gateway(s) and can analyze industrial-related data obtained from the industrial automation system(s). The analytics engine can determine correlations between respective portions or aspects of the system(s), between a portion(s) or aspect(s) of the system(s) and extrinsic events or conditions, or between an employee(s) and the system(s). The analytics engine can determine and provide recommendations or instructions in connection with the industrial automation system(s) to enhance system performance based on the determined correlations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L Hickox, Douglas B Weber
  • Patent number: 11609554
    Abstract: An industrial analytic system includes a device interface component. The device interface component is configured to collect data from a plurality of analytic appliances and transfer the data to an analytic component. Each of the plurality of analytic appliances is configured to collect data from a respective set of devices of a plurality of sets of devices. The plurality of sets of devices perform a plurality of operations in one or more industrial systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy L. Burnham, David J. Wickman, Jr., Jonathan D. Walter, Lisa D. Hughes, Douglas B. Weber
  • Publication number: 20230013700
    Abstract: A cloud-based modeler component that generates interactive models of an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)) is presented. An interactive model facilitates remote viewing of, interaction with, troubleshooting of problems with, or optimization of industrial assets of an IAS. The modeler component polls industrial assets via cloud gateways to obtain information relating to the industrial assets to identify industrial assets of the IAS and relationships with other industrial assets or can receive information from a communication device that obtains information relating to legacy industrial assets to identify those legacy assets and their relationships. The modeler component generates an interactive model of the industrial assets of the IAS based on the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Patent number: 11513477
    Abstract: A cloud-based industrial controller that controls devices, processes, and other assets of an industrial automation system via control algorithms that execute on a cloud platform is presented. A cloud-based collection component collects information from the industrial automation system via cloud gateways associated with the industrial automation system or extrinsic data sources. The cloud-based industrial controller can monitor and analyze the information, generate control instructions based on the analysis results, and communicate the control instructions to the devices, processes, and/or other assets of the industrial automation system to control operation of the industrial automation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Patent number: 11477074
    Abstract: Techniques to facilitate communication between remote industrial assets are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a computing system provides a virtual private network (VPN) service for an industrial automation network of an industrial automation enterprise. The computing system communicates with a first gateway system to establish a first connection between a first industrial asset and the VPN service for the industrial automation network. The computing system also communicates with a second gateway system to establish a second connection between a second industrial asset and the VPN service for the industrial automation network, wherein the second industrial asset is located at a disparate location than the first industrial asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Gibson, Gregory S. Wilcox, Scott N. Sandler, Douglas B. Weber, Timothy S. Biernat, Vijayant Kaura, Clifford J. Whitehead, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11409251
    Abstract: A cloud-based modeler component that generates interactive models of an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)) is presented. An interactive model facilitates remote viewing of, interaction with, troubleshooting of problems with, or optimization of industrial assets of an IAS. The modeler component polls industrial assets via cloud gateways to obtain information relating to the industrial assets to identify industrial assets of the IAS and relationships with other industrial assets or can receive information from a communication device that obtains information relating to legacy industrial assets to identify those legacy assets and their relationships. The modeler component generates an interactive model of the industrial assets of the IAS based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Publication number: 20220137582
    Abstract: A cloud-based analytics engine that analyzes data relating to an industrial automation system(s) to facilitate enhancing operation of the industrial automation system(s) is presented. The analytics engine can interface with the industrial automation system(s) via a cloud gateway(s) and can analyze industrial-related data obtained from the industrial automation system(s). The analytics engine can determine correlations between respective portions or aspects of the system(s), between a portion(s) or aspect(s) of the system(s) and extrinsic events or conditions, or between an employee(s) and the system(s). The analytics engine can determine and provide recommendations or instructions in connection with the industrial automation system(s) to enhance system performance based on the determined correlations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Patent number: 11243505
    Abstract: A cloud-based analytics engine that analyzes data relating to an industrial automation system(s) to facilitate enhancing operation of the industrial automation system(s) is presented. The analytics engine can interface with the industrial automation system(s) via a cloud gateway(s) and can analyze industrial-related data obtained from the industrial automation system(s). The analytics engine can determine correlations between respective portions or aspects of the system(s), between a portion(s) or aspect(s) of the system(s) and extrinsic events or conditions, or between an employee(s) and the system(s). The analytics engine can determine and provide recommendations or instructions in connection with the industrial automation system(s) to enhance system performance based on the determined correlations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Publication number: 20210302923
    Abstract: Cloud-based backup provides a back up of an industrial plant comprising an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)). A cloud-based backup component comprising a modeler component can generate a model of industrial assets of the IAS(s) and relationships between industrial assets based on information obtained from the industrial assets via cloud gateways, a communication device associated with the IAS(s), or another source. The cloud-based backup component can store the model in a data store to be employed as a backup of the IAS(s) or to be used to configure a new IAS that is the same as or similar to the IAS(s). The model can be stored in the data store in a standardized or an agnostic format, wherein the backup component can translate the model to a format suitable to an IAS for which it is to be implemented based on characteristics associated with the IAS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Patent number: 11042131
    Abstract: Cloud-based backup provides a back up of an industrial plant comprising an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)). A cloud-based backup component comprising a modeler component can generate a model of industrial assets of the IAS(s) and relationships between industrial assets based on information obtained from the industrial assets via cloud gateways, a communication device associated with the IAS(s), or another source. The cloud-based backup component can store the model in a data store to be employed as a backup of the IAS(s) or to be used to configure a new IAS that is the same as or similar to the IAS(s). The model can be stored in the data store in a standardized or an agnostic format, wherein the backup component can translate the model to a format suitable to an IAS for which it is to be implemented based on characteristics associated with the IAS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Publication number: 20210149373
    Abstract: An industrial analytic system includes a device interface component. The device interface component is configured to collect data from a plurality of analytic appliances and transfer the data to an analytic component. Each of the plurality of analytic appliances is configured to collect data from a respective set of devices of a plurality of sets of devices. The plurality of sets of devices perform a plurality of operations in one or more industrial systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Nancy L. Burnham, David J. Wickman, JR., Jonathan D. Walter, Lisa D. Hughes, Douglas B. Weber
  • Publication number: 20200328937
    Abstract: Techniques to facilitate communication between remote industrial assets are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a computing system provides a virtual private network (VPN) service for an industrial automation network of an industrial automation enterprise. The computing system communicates with a first gateway system to establish a first connection between a first industrial asset and the VPN service for the industrial automation network. The computing system also communicates with a second gateway system to establish a second connection between a second industrial asset and the VPN service for the industrial automation network, wherein the second industrial asset is located at a disparate location than the first industrial asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: William J. Gibson, Gregory S. Wilcox, Scott N. Sandler, Douglas B. Weber, Timothy S. Biernat, Vijayant Kaura, Clifford J. Whitehead, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10700924
    Abstract: Techniques to facilitate communication between remote industrial assets are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a computing system provides a virtual private network (VPN) service for an industrial automation network of an industrial automation enterprise. The computing system communicates with a first gateway system to establish a first connection between a first industrial asset and the VPN service for the industrial automation network. The computing system also communicates with a second gateway system to establish a second connection between a second industrial asset and the VPN service for the industrial automation network, wherein the second industrial asset is located at a disparate location than the first industrial asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Gibson, Gregory S. Wilcox, Scott N. Sandler, Douglas B. Weber, Timothy S. Biernat, Vijayant Kaura, Clifford J. Whitehead, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200041969
    Abstract: A cloud-based modeler component that generates interactive models of an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)) is presented. An interactive model facilitates remote viewing of, interaction with, troubleshooting of problems with, or optimization of industrial assets of an IAS. The modeler component polls industrial assets via cloud gateways to obtain information relating to the industrial assets to identify industrial assets of the IAS and relationships with other industrial assets or can receive information from a communication device that obtains information relating to legacy industrial assets to identify those legacy assets and their relationships. The modeler component generates an interactive model of the industrial assets of the IAS based on the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Patent number: 10496061
    Abstract: A cloud-based modeler component that generates interactive models of an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)) is presented. An interactive model facilitates remote viewing of, interaction with, troubleshooting of problems with, or optimization of industrial assets of an IAS. The modeler component polls industrial assets via cloud gateways to obtain information relating to the industrial assets to identify industrial assets of the IAS and relationships with other industrial assets or can receive information from a communication device that obtains information relating to legacy industrial assets to identify those legacy assets and their relationships. The modeler component generates an interactive model of the industrial assets of the IAS based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Publication number: 20190182106
    Abstract: Techniques to facilitate communication between remote industrial assets are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a computing system provides a virtual private network (VPN) service for an industrial automation network of an industrial automation enterprise. The computing system communicates with a first gateway system to establish a first connection between a first industrial asset and the VPN service for the industrial automation network. The computing system also communicates with a second gateway system to establish a second connection between a second industrial asset and the VPN service for the industrial automation network, wherein the second industrial asset is located at a disparate location than the first industrial asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: William J. Gibson, Gregory S. Wilcox, Scott N. Sandler, Douglas B. Weber, Timothy S. Biernat, Vijayant Kaura, Clifford J. Whitehead, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9787213
    Abstract: Multilevel inverters, power cells and bypass methods are presented in which a power cell switching circuit is selectively disconnected from the power cell output, and a bypass which is closed to connect first and second cell output terminals to selectively bypass a power stage of a multilevel inverter, with an optional AC input switch to selectively disconnect the AC input from the power cell switching circuit during bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lixiang Wei, Yuan Xiao, Haihui Lu, Douglas B. Weber
  • Publication number: 20160274978
    Abstract: Cloud-based backup provides a back up of an industrial plant comprising an industrial automation system(s) (IAS(s)). A cloud-based backup component comprising a modeler component can generate a model of industrial assets of the IAS(s) and relationships between industrial assets based on information obtained from the industrial assets via cloud gateways, a communication device associated with the IAS(s), or another source. The cloud-based backup component can store the model in a data store to be employed as a backup of the IAS(s) or to be used to configure a new IAS that is the same as or similar to the IAS(s). The model can be stored in the data store in a standardized or an agnostic format, wherein the backup component can translate the model to a format suitable to an IAS for which it is to be implemented based on characteristics associated with the IAS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber
  • Publication number: 20160274558
    Abstract: A cloud-based analytics engine that analyzes data relating to an industrial automation system(s) to facilitate enhancing operation of the industrial automation system(s) is presented. The analytics engine can interface with the industrial automation system(s) via a cloud gateway(s) and can analyze industrial-related data obtained from the industrial automation system(s). The analytics engine can determine correlations between respective portions or aspects of the system(s), between a portion(s) or aspect(s) of the system(s) and extrinsic events or conditions, or between an employee(s) and the system(s). The analytics engine can determine and provide recommendations or instructions in connection with the industrial automation system(s) to enhance system performance based on the determined correlations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: John Strohmenger, Jessica L. Korpela, Matthew W. Fordenwalt, Jan Pingel, Stephen L. Hickox, Douglas B. Weber