Patents by Inventor Jeffrey T. Eker, JR.

Jeffrey T. Eker, JR. 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: 10853594
    Abstract: A manually operated disconnect maintains a machine/process in a de-energized state. The disconnect employs a sensor that automatically detects, via wireless communication, a lock affixed to the disconnect that locks the disconnect in an open state. Processing circuitry coupled to the sensor determines lockout tagout data, such as identification of a user associated with the lock, a time of application of the lock, and data identifying and/or locating the disconnect or a machine/process to which the disconnect provides power when in a closed state. Memory circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry stores the lockout tagout data, and holds it available for user review, transmission, analysis, reporting, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Valencia, Charles W. Grab, Jeffrey T. Eker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190065795
    Abstract: A manually operated disconnect maintains a machine/process in a de-energized state. The disconnect employs a sensor that automatically detects, via wireless communication, a lock affixed to the disconnect that locks the disconnect in an open state. Processing circuitry coupled to the sensor determines lockout tagout data, such as identification of a user associated with the lock, a time of application of the lock, and data identifying and/or locating the disconnect or a machine/process to which the disconnect provides power when in a closed state. Memory circuitry coupled to the processing circuitry stores the lockout tagout data, and holds it available for user review, transmission, analysis, reporting, and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph E. Valencia, Charles W. Grab, Jeffrey T. Eker, JR.