Patents by Inventor Kevin M. Jefferies
Kevin M. Jefferies 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).
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Patent number: 11962470Abstract: A method and system are provided to facilitate the commissioning of a distributed system. The method and system obtains a base configuration which defines an expected virtual topology for a distributed system, and identifies via a control device a physical network topology of the distributed system to commission the distributed system. The control device performs network discovery to identify a plurality of connected devices that are communicatively coupled thereto, and to collect device information for each connected device relating to its identity and relative position in the distributed system which has connected devices or associated subnetworks connected in a ring network topology. The collected device information for the plurality of connected devices is compared to the expected virtual topology from the base configuration to determine an identity and physical location of the plurality of connected devices and associated subnetworks in the physical network topology of the distributed system.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Alan Freeman, Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin Edwards, Matthew White
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Patent number: 11843704Abstract: The present application relates to ensuring data consistency between a modular device and an external system. Techniques are described for ensuring data consistency between devices at a control device using configuration signatures. A control device can receive and store a baseline configuration signature for a first modular device. Upon initialization of the first modular device, the control device can receive a current configuration signature from the first modular device. The control device can compare the current configuration signature with the baseline configuration signature and, if a mismatch is found, generate a notification indicating that data subsequently received from the first modular device is of uncertain integrity.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Daniel Martin, Surya Narayana H Govindaraju, Juergen Fiess, Christian Ringwald, Wolfgang Fien
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Patent number: 11646681Abstract: Techniques for monitoring the health of a three-phase induction motor are provided. An expected threshold value is calculated as a function of an expected ratio of current unbalance to voltage unbalance for the three-phase motor. Embodiments determine whether a measured current unbalance exceeds the expected threshold value. Responsive to the measured current unbalance exceeding the expected threshold value, a remedial action may be taken, such as generating diagnostic information or activating one or more protection operations for the three-phase induction motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin W. Edwards, Alan E. Freeman, Richard K Weiler, Matthew L. White
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Publication number: 20230102683Abstract: A method and system are provided to facilitate the commissioning of a distributed system. The method and system obtains a base configuration which defines an expected virtual topology for a distributed system, and identifies via a control device a physical network topology of the distributed system to commission the distributed system. The control device performs network discovery to identify a plurality of connected devices that are communicatively coupled thereto, and to collect device information for each connected device relating to its identity and relative position in the distributed system which has connected devices or associated subnetworks connected in a ring network topology. The collected device information for the plurality of connected devices is compared to the expected virtual topology from the base configuration to determine an identity and physical location of the plurality of connected devices and associated subnetworks in the physical network topology of the distributed system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Alan Freeman, Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin Edwards, Matthew White
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Publication number: 20220396168Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product resolve the problem of unbalanced loads in an EVSE cluster of multiple EVSE charging stations. A signal is provided to the EVSEs identifying which phase of the three-phase power source has the highest current. When one of the EVSEs in the cluster determines whether it is connected to an EV's on board charging device, determines whether it is already charging the connected EV, and determines whether the EVSE is using the phase that has the highest current, then the EVSE may transmit a cluster load balancing control signal as a control pilot signal to the EV's onboard charging device to adjust the charging rate of the current that the EV is consuming from the EVSE.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. JEFFERIES, Benjamin W. EDWARDS, Matthew L. White, Konstantin A. FILIPPENKO, Richard K. WEILER
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Publication number: 20220399837Abstract: Techniques for monitoring the health of a three-phase induction motor are provided. An expected threshold value is calculated as a function of an expected ratio of current unbalance to voltage unbalance for the three-phase motor. Embodiments determine whether a measured current unbalance exceeds the expected threshold value. Responsive to the measured current unbalance exceeding the expected threshold value, a remedial action may be taken, such as generating diagnostic information or activating one or more protection operations for the three-phase induction motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2022Publication date: December 15, 2022Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. JEFFERIES, Benjamin W. EDWARDS, Alan E. FREEMAN, Richard K WEILER, Matthew L. WHITE
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Publication number: 20220329440Abstract: The present application relates to ensuring data consistency between a modular device and an external system. Techniques are described for ensuring data consistency between devices at a control device using configuration signatures. A control device can receive and store a baseline configuration signature for a first modular device. Upon initialization of the first modular device, the control device can receive a current configuration signature from the first modular device. The control device can compare the current configuration signature with the baseline configuration signature and, if a mismatch is found, generate a notification indicating that data subsequently received from the first modular device is of uncertain integrity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Kevin M. JEFFERIES, Daniel MARTIN, Surya Narayana H GOVINDARAJU, Juergen FIESS, Christian RINGWALD, Wolfgang FIEN
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Patent number: 11451171Abstract: Techniques for monitoring the health of a three-phase induction motor are provided. An expected threshold value is calculated as a function of an expected ratio of current unbalance to voltage unbalance for the three-phase motor. Embodiments determine whether a measured current unbalance exceeds the expected threshold value. Responsive to the measured current unbalance exceeding the expected threshold value, a remedial action may be taken, such as generating diagnostic information or activating one or more protection operations for the three-phase induction motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin W. Edwards, Alan E. Freeman, Richard K Weiler, Matthew L. White
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Patent number: 11447027Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product resolve the problem of unbalanced loads in an EVSE cluster of multiple EVSE charging stations. A signal is provided to the EVSEs identifying which phase of the three-phase power source has the highest current. When one of the EVSEs in the cluster determines whether it is connected to an EV's on board charging device, determines whether it is already charging the connected EV, and determines whether the EVSE is using the phase that has the highest current, then the EVSE may transmit a cluster load balancing control signal as a control pilot signal to the EV's onboard charging device to adjust the charging rate of the current that the EV is consuming from the EVSE.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin W. Edwards, Matthew L. White, Konstantin A. Filippenko, Richard K. Weiler
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Patent number: 11405217Abstract: The present application relates to ensuring data consistency between a modular device and an external system. Techniques are described for ensuring data consistency between devices at a control device using configuration signatures. A control device can receive and store a baseline configuration signature for a first modular device. Upon initialization of the first modular device, the control device can receive a current configuration signature from the first modular device. The control device can compare the current configuration signature with the baseline configuration signature and, if a mismatch is found, generate a notification indicating that data subsequently received from the first modular device is of uncertain integrity.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Daniel Martin, Surya Narayana H Govindaraju, Juergen Fiess, Christian Ringwald, Wolfgang Fien
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Patent number: 11366142Abstract: A measurement module receives crosstalk compensation factors that include distance factors based on respective distances of a current sensor of the module from respective current sensors of other measurement modules and phase difference factors based on respective differences between the phase of a source current measured by the module and respective phases of source currents measured by the other modules. The module monitors messages reporting current measurements transmitted from the other modules connected to a broadcast bus, of current measurements made by respective current sensors of the other modules measuring other respective source currents. The module determines a reported current that is computed as a function of current measurement by the module's current sensor, reported current measurements monitored from the other modules, and the received crosstalk compensation factors. The module transmits the determined reported current over the broadcast bus to the other modules and a central controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin W. Edwards, Richard K. Weiler, Alan Freeman, Konstantin Filippenko
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Patent number: 11353485Abstract: A measurement module receives a defined system topology and system component characteristics information for a system. The measurement module calculates an expected system impedance for the defined system topology. The measurement module collects one or more impedance measurements using a high frequency voltage stimulus. Finally, the measurement module compares the one or more impedance measurements with the expected system impedance to determine adequacy of protective grounding of the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Matthew L. White, Benjamin W. Edwards, Richard K. Weiler, Alan E. Freeman
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Patent number: 11333690Abstract: A measurement module uses harmonic compensation factors to minimize the effects of harmonic distortion in measurements of a source current by a current sensor of the module. The module samples at a first sampling rate, measurements of the source current to generate a first current measurement. The module samples at a second sampling rate higher than the first sampling rate, for an interval of time, measurements of the source current to generate a second current measurement. The module determines a harmonic compensation factor based, at least, on a difference between the first current measurement and the second current measurement. The module determines a reported current computed as a function of at least the first current measurement, the difference between the first current measurement and the second current measurement, and the harmonic compensation factor. The reported current represents a magnitude of the source current adjusted by the harmonic compensation factor.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin W. Edwards, Richard K. Weiler, Alan E. Freeman
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Publication number: 20220103549Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided to automatically adjust a device setting of a plurality of networked devices. The method includes performing autonomously at a device of the plurality of networked devices, receiving a request to update a device setting to a new value, comparing a characteristic of the plurality of networked devices to a corresponding characteristic of the device, determining one or more similar devices of the plurality of devices that satisfy a similarity criteria based on a result of the comparison, and accessing the one or more similar devices to change the device setting of the one or more similar devices to the new value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2020Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Matthew L. White, Richard K. Weiler, Alan E. Freeman
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Publication number: 20220006407Abstract: Techniques for managing a distributed control system for a motor control switch are described. A request to implement a first controller for a motor control switch is received. Embodiments determine a plurality of functional modules for the first controller. Each of the plurality of functional modules comprises an instance of computer logic configured to perform a respective function. A respective Motor Control Function Set (MCFS) for performing the respective function of each of the plurality of functional modules is determined. One or more of a plurality of configurable hardware blocks are allocated to each of the plurality of functional modules. Embodiments configure each of the plurality of configurable hardware blocks based on the MCFS of the functional module to which the respective configurable hardware block is allocated. The configured plurality of configurable hardware blocks is executed as a distributed system to control the motor control switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2019Publication date: January 6, 2022Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin W. EDWARDS, Kevin M. JEFFERIES, Gerald B. CARSON, Konstantin A. FILIPPENKO, Christian PILLOT
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Publication number: 20210247429Abstract: A measurement module receives a defined system topology and system component characteristics information for a system. The measurement module calculates an expected system impedance for the defined system topology. The measurement module collects one or more impedance measurements using a high frequency voltage stimulus. Finally, the measurement module compares the one or more impedance measurements with the expected system impedance to determine adequacy of protective grounding of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. JEFFERIES, Matthew L. WHITE, Benjamin W. EDWARDS, Richard K. WEILER, Alan E. FREEMAN
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Publication number: 20210181243Abstract: A measurement module uses harmonic compensation factors to minimize the effects of harmonic distortion in measurements of a source current by a current sensor of the module. The module samples at a first sampling rate, measurements of the source current to generate a first current measurement. The module samples at a second sampling rate higher than the first sampling rate, for an interval of time, measurements of the source current to generate a second current measurement. The module determines a harmonic compensation factor based, at least, on a difference between the first current measurement and the second current measurement. The module determines a reported current computed as a function of at least the first current measurement, the difference between the first current measurement and the second current measurement, and the harmonic compensation factor. The reported current represents a magnitude of the source current adjusted by the harmonic compensation factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2019Publication date: June 17, 2021Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. JEFFERIES, Benjamin W. EDWARDS, Richard K. WEILER, Alan E. FREEMAN
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Publication number: 20210156895Abstract: A measurement module receives crosstalk compensation factors that include distance factors based on respective distances of a current sensor of the module from respective current sensors of other measurement modules and phase difference factors based on respective differences between the phase of a source current measured by the module and respective phases of source currents measured by the other modules. The module monitors messages reporting current measurements transmitted from the other modules connected to a broadcast bus, of current measurements made by respective current sensors of the other modules measuring other respective source currents. The module determines a reported current that is computed as a function of current measurement by the module's current sensor, reported current measurements monitored from the other modules, and the received crosstalk compensation factors. The module transmits the determined reported current over the broadcast bus to the other modules and a central controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. JEFFERIES, Benjamin W. EDWARDS, Richard K. WEILER, Alan FREEMAN, Konstantin FILIPPENKO
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Publication number: 20210135942Abstract: Techniques for automatically configuring a computing device in a computing environment are provided. One embodiment includes determining that the computing device has been added to a computing environment and that at least one feature of the computing device is unconfigured. Device name data specifying at least two potential device identifiers for the computing device is received from a plurality of endpoint devices communicatively coupled to the computing device. A first device identifier is selected from the at least two potential device identifiers and device configuration data associated with the first device identifier is requested from a device configuration server. The at least one feature of the computing device can then be configured using the device configuration data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Matthew L. White, Alan E. Freeman, Richard Karl Weiler
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Publication number: 20210119441Abstract: A progressive protection method automatically adapts a protection trip delay or fault timeout for a motor that is a member of a group of motors performing mutually similar or related tasks, based on the occurrence of a fault in another motor within the group, without requiring manual intervention. If the user requires stringent protection of the motors in a particular application, then the trip delay time for all of the motors in the group, may be shortened in response to recently-detected similar trips of other motors within the group. Alternatively, if the user prefers continuity of service for a particular application, then the trip delay time for all of the motors in the group, may be increased in response to recently-detected similar trips of other motors within the group, based on past experience with the occurrence of fault self-clearing for the motors in the group.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: April 22, 2021Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. JEFFERIES, Benjamin W. EDWARDS, Matthew L. WHITE, Alan E. FREEMAN, Richard K. WEILER