Patents by Inventor John P. Caspers

John P. Caspers 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: 11579597
    Abstract: Embodiments of this present disclosure may include a system that includes a first network device. The first network device may perform an operation according to a device configuration file. The system may also include a second network device that directly communicatively couples to the first network device through a peer-to-peer (P-P) communication network. The second network device may include a backup file of the device configuration file. The second network device may transmit the backup file of the device configuration file to the first network device in response to detecting that the first network device is lacking the device configuration file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dayin Xu, John P. Caspers, William H. Martin, Jeffrey S. Martin, Jes Asmussen
  • Publication number: 20210294305
    Abstract: Embodiments of this present disclosure may include a system that includes a first network device. The first network device may perform an operation according to a device configuration file. The system may also include a second network device that directly communicatively couples to the first network device through a peer-to-peer (P-P) communication network. The second network device may include a backup file of the device configuration file. The second network device may transmit the backup file of the device configuration file to the first network device in response to detecting that the first network device is lacking the device configuration file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Dayin Xu, John P. Caspers, William H. Martin, Jeffrey S. Martin, Jes Asmussen
  • Patent number: 11036209
    Abstract: Embodiments of this present disclosure may include a system that includes a first network device. The first network device may perform an operation according to a device configuration file. The system may also include a second network device that directly communicatively couples to the first network device through a peer-to-peer (P-P) communication network. The second network device may include a backup file of the device configuration file. The second network device may transmit the backup file of the device configuration file to the first network device in response to detecting that the first network device is lacking the device configuration file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dayin Xu, John P. Caspers, William H. Martin, Jeffrey S. Martin, Jes Asmussen
  • Publication number: 20210089008
    Abstract: Embodiments of this present disclosure may include a system that includes a first network device. The first network device may perform an operation according to a device configuration file. The system may also include a second network device that directly communicatively couples to the first network device through a peer-to-peer (P-P) communication network. The second network device may include a backup file of the device configuration file. The second network device may transmit the backup file of the device configuration file to the first network device in response to detecting that the first network device is lacking the device configuration file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Dayin Xu, John P. Caspers, William H. Martin, Jeffrey S. Martin, Jes Asmussen
  • Patent number: 10860075
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling a control network system coupled to an intelligent power tap are disclosed. The method includes sensing at least one of a current signal and a voltage signal, determining that the current signal or the voltage signal is not within a preset range for a predefined period of time, sending a first warning message to the control network system, determining whether to shut off the network power or the switched power, and determining whether to broadcast a second warning message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T Haensgen, John P Caspers
  • Patent number: 10747508
    Abstract: For function block framework generation, a method generates a function block framework for a hardware device. The function block framework includes function block framework source code and a function block framework description. The hardware device includes a logic engine and automation hardware. The function block framework presents a standard interface to a function block core executed by the logic engine. The method instantiates the function block framework and the function block core as an executable image for the hardware device. The method further configures the logic engine to execute the executable image using the function block framework description. The method executes the executable image with the logic engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benfeng Tang, Tao Song, LingLai Li, Zhen Wei, Bingchao Tang, David W. Siegler, David B. Berman, John P. Caspers, Jeffrey S. Martin, Liz V. Bahl Prosak
  • Publication number: 20200210154
    Abstract: For function block framework generation, a method generates a function block framework for a hardware device. The function block framework includes function block framework source code and a function block framework description. The hardware device includes a logic engine and automation hardware. The function block framework presents a standard interface to a function block core executed by the logic engine. The method instantiates the function block framework and the function block core as an executable image for the hardware device. The method further configures the logic engine to execute the executable image using the function block framework description. The method executes the executable image with the logic engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Benfeng Tang, Tao Song, LingLai Li, Zhen Wei, Bingchao Tang, David W. Siegler, David B. Berman, John P. Caspers, Jeffrey S. Martin, Liz V. Bahl Prosak
  • Patent number: 10440620
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for bidirectional network geography delivery are disclosed. The methods include receiving a reference subnet network geography from a main network device, storing the received reference subnet network geography, retrieving an actual subnet network geography of a subnet network, comparing the reference subnet network geography to the actual subnet network geography and determining if they are compatible, and commissioning the subnet network based on the received reference subnet network geography when the received reference subnet network geography is compatible with the actual subnet network geography of the subnet network. The methods also include retrieving an actual subnet network geography of a subnet and sending it a main network device, causing it to become a new reference subnet network geography and sending the new reference subnet network geography to a main network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John P Caspers, Patrick D Telljohann
  • Patent number: 10422821
    Abstract: A system to verify the identity of modules within a stack light is disclosed. A sensor is mounted to a circuit board inserted within a housing of the module, and a target is mounted to or integrally formed in the housing. The sensor detects and generates a signal corresponding to the detected target. Different targets or locations for the target are provided for each housing. The module, a base for the stack light, or a remote controller in communication with the stack light identifies the housing in which the circuit board is mounted based on the feedback signal generated by detecting the target. At power-up, a routine may initiate a verification routine by which each module in the stack light determines the type of housing in which the circuit board for that module is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Will J. Preischel, John P. Caspers, Patrick K. Duffy
  • Patent number: 10218699
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for adding a non-inherent component to a device key of a networked device are disclosed. The methods include receiving a device key of the networked device, where the device key comprises one or more device identifying attributes of the networked device in the nodal geographic network, identifying location information of the networked device in the nodal geographic network, and where the location information represents a geographic relationship between the networked device and other network nodes of the nodal geographic network, assigning a position attribute to the networked device according to the identified location information of the networked device in the nodal geographic network, and adding the position attribute to the device key as the non-inherent component for the networked device, and storing the device key independently from the networked device or in the networked device, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John P Caspers, Patrick D Telljohann
  • Publication number: 20190050038
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling a control network system coupled to an intelligent power tap are disclosed. The method includes sensing at least one of a current signal and a voltage signal, determining that the current signal or the voltage signal is not within a preset range for a predefined period of time, sending a first warning message to the control network system, determining whether to shut off the network power or the switched power, and determining whether to broadcast a second warning message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: STEVEN T HAENSGEN, JOHN P. CASPERS
  • Patent number: 10154006
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for multiple network addressing modes are disclosed. The method includes selecting one of an automap full mode, an automap-by-type full mode, an automap light mode, an automap-by-type light mode and a manual node commissioning mode for determining and assigning the node addresses for the network devices, determining and assigning the node addresses for the network devices based on the automap full mode, determining and assigning the node addresses for the network devices based on the automap-by-type full mode, determining and assigning the node addresses for newly added network devices to an existing network based on the automap light mode, determining and assigning the node addresses for the newly added network devices to the existing network based on the automap-by-type light mode, and determining and assigning the node addresses for the network devices based on the manual node commissioning mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven T Haensgen, John P Caspers, Yutao Wang, Jeffrey A Kilburn, Darryl E Whitley
  • Patent number: 10126799
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing diagnostic information by an intelligent power tap is disclosed. The intelligent power tap includes a circuit board. The intelligent power tap includes a microcontroller disposed on the circuit board, where the microcontroller is configured to report the geographical location of the intelligent power tap. The intelligent power tap includes a physical layer network interface connected to the microcontroller and the physical network. The intelligent power tap includes a switch controlled by the microcontroller, where the switch is capable of shutting off a network power to be injected into the network system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T Haensgen, John P Caspers
  • Patent number: 10108216
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a power tap with adjustable configuration. The power tap includes a circuit board that acts on the adjustable configuration to define the function of the power tap in the system. The power tap may include a microcontroller or a set of discrete logic disposed on a circuit board connected to an adjustable configuration mechanism, which defines the intelligent power tap's function in the network system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven T Haensgen, John P Caspers, Yutao T Wang, Jeffrey A Kilburn, Darryl E Whitley
  • Patent number: 10108238
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing diagnostic information by an intelligent power tap is disclosed. The power tap includes a circuit board and a microcontroller disposed on the circuit board. The microcontroller is configured to provide a status report of the intelligent power tap. The power tap further includes a physical layer network interface connected to the microcontroller and the physical network. The intelligent power tap is configured to inject at least one of a network power and a switched power into the network system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven T Haensgen, John P Caspers, Yutao Wang, Jeffrey A Kilburn, Darryl E Whitley
  • Publication number: 20180299370
    Abstract: A system to verify the identity of modules within a stack light is disclosed. A sensor is mounted to a circuit board inserted within a housing of the module, and a target is mounted to or integrally formed in the housing. The sensor detects and generates a signal corresponding to the detected target. Different targets or locations for the target are provided for each housing. The module, a base for the stack light, or a remote controller in communication with the stack light identifies the housing in which the circuit board is mounted based on the feedback signal generated by detecting the target. At power-up, a routine may initiate a verification routine by which each module in the stack light determines the type of housing in which the circuit board for that module is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Will J. Preischel, John P. Caspers, Patrick K. Duffy
  • Patent number: 9954296
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a modular connector for a multi-conductor ribbon cable provided for power and data transmission to a network of devices. The modular connector is coupled to the conductors in the ribbon cable by insulation displacement members. The connector contains both fixed and movable conductor punches used to configure a network interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Haensgen, John P. Caspers, Yutao Wang, Jeffrey A. Kilburn, Darryl E. Whitley
  • Publication number: 20180026941
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for multiple network addressing modes are disclosed. The method includes selecting one of an automap full mode, an automap-by-type full mode, an automap light mode, an automap-by-type light mode and a manual node commissioning mode for determining and assigning the node addresses for the network devices, determining and assigning the node addresses for the network devices based on the automap full mode, determining and assigning the node addresses for the network devices based on the automap-by-type full mode, determining and assigning the node addresses for newly added network devices to an existing network based on the automap light mode, determining and assigning the node addresses for the newly added network devices to the existing network based on the automap-by-type light mode, and determining and assigning the node addresses for the network devices based on the manual node commissioning mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Steven T. Haensgen, John P. Caspers, Yutao Wang, Jeffrey A. Kilburn, Darryl E. Whitley
  • Publication number: 20180024583
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a power tap with adjustable configuration. The power tap includes a circuit board that acts on the adjustable configuration to define the function of the power tap in the system. The power tap may include a microcontroller or a set of discrete logic disposed on a circuit board connected to an adjustable configuration mechanism, which defines the intelligent power tap's function in the network system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Steven T. Haensgen, John P. Caspers, Yutao T. Wang, Jeffrey A. Kilburn, Darryl E. Whitley
  • Publication number: 20180024604
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing diagnostic information by an intelligent power tap is disclosed. The power tap includes a circuit board and a microcontroller disposed on the circuit board. The microcontroller is configured to provide a status report of the intelligent power tap. The power tap further includes a physical layer network interface connected to the microcontroller and the physical network. The intelligent power tap is configured to inject at least one of a network power and a switched power into the network system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Steven T. Haensgen, John P. Caspers, Yutao Wang, Jeffrey A Kilburn, Darryl E. Whitley