Patents by Inventor Kevin Retlich

Kevin Retlich 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: 10048681
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for system status visualization. In one embodiment, an operating system may comprise an expandable component tree graphic, comprising a plurality of parent icons and a plurality of child icons. In some embodiments of the present techniques, a plurality of dynamic component graphics are associated with the plurality of parent icons and the plurality of child icons, whereby the dynamic component graphics are adapted to change based on changes relating to the status of a computer resource. Additionally, a configurable sorting system may be adapted to pass a dynamic component graphic feature up the expandable component tree graphic from one of the plurality of child icons to at least one of the plurality of parent icons based on a configuration of the sorting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Retlich
  • Publication number: 20150143268
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for system status visualization. In one embodiment, an operating system may comprise an expandable component tree graphic, comprising a plurality of parent icons and a plurality of child icons. In some embodiments of the present techniques, a plurality of dynamic component graphics are associated with the plurality of parent icons and the plurality of child icons, whereby the dynamic component graphics are adapted to change based on changes relating to the status of a computer resource. Additionally, a configurable sorting system may be adapted to pass a dynamic component graphic feature up the expandable component tree graphic from one of the plurality of child icons to at least one of the plurality of parent icons based on a configuration of the sorting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Retlich
  • Patent number: 8595652
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for system status visualization. In one embodiment, an operating system may comprise an expandable component tree graphic, comprising a plurality of parent icons and a plurality of child icons. In some embodiments of the present techniques, a plurality of dynamic component graphics are associated with the plurality of parent icons and the plurality of child icons, whereby the dynamic component graphics are adapted to change based on changes relating to the status of a computer resource. Additionally, a configurable sorting system may be adapted to pass a dynamic component graphic feature up the expandable component tree graphic from one of the plurality of child icons to at least one of the plurality of parent icons based on a configuration of the sorting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Retlich
  • Patent number: 7716567
    Abstract: A control and monitoring system is adapted to collect parameter data from networked devices, and to display representations of the system or monitored data in a number of selectable languages on a monitoring station. Textual labels for the representations are stored in a system database. Component and system data may also be stored in the database for use in identifying and monitoring the components. The language used for the labels is selectable by a user via a menu, and the corresponding entries in the database are used in building the representations. The language may thus be changed in real time without interrupting the monitoring and control functions of the components or the monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Retlich
  • Patent number: 7359870
    Abstract: A technique is provided or integrating system design, sales, and manufacturing functions. Systems including networked and programmable electrical components, such as motor control centers, and other electrical power control arrangements are designed, and a database is created for the design, including component and system designation data. The database may further include configuration information, settings, and so forth. The database is used as a tool in establishing a sales solicitation proposal from which sales of the system are offered. The same database is then used to program the various components of the system, such as through a temporary network link or via a permanent data network once the system is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hadfield, Louis Kein, Erich Heberlein, Jon Simons, Rich Robb, Wayne Wielebski, Kevin Retlich
  • Publication number: 20080077268
    Abstract: A technique is provided or integrating system design, sales, and manufacturing functions. Systems including networked and programmable electrical components, such as motor control centers, and other electrical power control arrangements are designed, and a database is created for the design, including component and system designation data. The database may further include configuration information, settings, and so forth. The database is used as a tool in establishing a sales solicitation proposal from which sales of the system are offered. The same database is then used to program the various components of the system, such as through a temporary network link or via a permanent data network once the system is assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin Retlich, David Jensen, John Caspers, Wayne Wielebski, Dave Blair, David Brandt
  • Patent number: 7190382
    Abstract: A technique for generating a physical representation of networked components makes use of data stored within the individual components, which may be polled by a monitoring station. The data includes identification of the respective component, and data representative of a physical disposition of the component in the system. Based upon the data, the monitoring station builds a physical representation of the system, including approximately accurate physical representations of the individual components with identifying labels, facilitating monitoring and servicing of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Retlich, Jung-Hsiang Hu, Dave Blair, Lou Klein, Steven Fischer
  • Patent number: 7092771
    Abstract: A technique is provided for integrating human machine interfaces with control and monitoring systems. Control and monitoring systems may be integrated into a human machine interface to enable access to various systems including networked and programmable electrical components, such as components of motor control centers, and databases that including component, system designation data, configuration information, settings, and so forth. The database and components are accessed by execution of a program embedded in the human machine interface to provide desired information in response to selection of a particular physical component of the system. The information serves as the basis for an operator display through the human machine interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Retlich, Kelly J Lefler
  • Publication number: 20060069459
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method of industrial control and monitoring status visualization. In accordance with embodiments of the present techniques, a system view for a networked system may be provided comprising an expandable component tree. The expandable component tree may comprise at least one parent icon and at least one child icon, wherein the parent icon is expandable to reveal the child icon and the child icon is associated with a networked component of the networked system. A first dynamic graphic may be associated with the child icon, wherein the first dynamic graphic is adapted to change based on changes relating to a status of the networked component. Further, embodiments of the present techniques comprise a sorting system adapted to pass the first dynamic graphic up the expandable component tree based on a configuration of the sorting system, to a second dynamic graphic associated with the parent icon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin Retlich
  • Publication number: 20060070010
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for system status visualization. In one embodiment in accordance with the present techniques, an operating system may comprise an expandable component tree graphic. The expandable component tree graphic may comprise a plurality of parent icons and a plurality of child icons, wherein the plurality of parent icons are expandable to reveal respective child icons and at least one of the plurality of child icons is associated with a computer resource. Further, in some embodiments of the present techniques, a plurality of dynamic component graphics are associated with the plurality of parent icons and the plurality of child icons, wherein a set of related dynamic component graphics in the plurality of dynamic component graphics are adapted to change based on changes relating to a status of the computer resource.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin Retlich
  • Patent number: 6978225
    Abstract: A technique for monitoring operational parameters of networked components includes storing data within each component descriptive of the component. The data is polled by a monitoring station and provides a basis for monitor views compiled in real time. The monitor views provide a view of current levels of parameters controlled or monitored by each device, such as on virtual meters. Historical levels of operational parameters may be presented in virtual strip chart output. Textual descriptions of the components are provided, along with listings of key settings. More detailed data may be accessed by links between the monitor views and other user viewable representations for the system and the specific components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Retlich, Jinghui Luo, Dave Blair
  • Patent number: 6901316
    Abstract: A technique for configuring programmable, networked electrical components of a system includes downloading data into each component from a configurator, based upon a database for the system. The components include memory objects which are designed to store data descriptive of the system, the component, the component location in the system, and the component configuration. The configurator may load the information prior to, during or following assembly of the components in the system. The configurator may also modify system and component configurations following installation of the system by modifying the data downloaded into the individual components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Jensen, Kevin Retlich, Lou Klein
  • Publication number: 20050021291
    Abstract: A technique for monitoring operational parameters of networked components includes storing data within each component descriptive of the component. The data is polled by a monitoring station and provides a basis for monitor views compiled in real time. The monitor views provide a view of current levels of parameters controlled or monitored by each device, such as on virtual meters. Historical levels of operational parameters may be presented in virtual strip chart output. Textual descriptions of the components are provided, along with listings of key settings. More detailed data may be accessed by links between the monitor views and other user viewable representations for the system and the specific components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Kevin Retlich, Jinghui Luo, Dave Blair
  • Patent number: 6832118
    Abstract: Components designed for use in networked control and monitoring systems including dedicated memory objects which store data representative of the system, the component and the function of the component in the system. The component-specific information may include data indicating the physical location of the component in the system. The objects are reprogrammable to adapt to system changes. A system comprising the components allows the objects to be accessed via a data network. Controlled or monitored parameters of the components may thus be collected in association with the other data stored in the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Erich Heberlein, Jon W. Simons, Louis K Kein, Kevin A Retlich, Wayne H. Wielebski, Kevin Baumann
  • Patent number: 6825860
    Abstract: A technique is provided for generating, resizing and rescaling an image. The image may be of a physical system, and may be based upon data collected from components via a data network. Elements in the image are associated into logical groups. The image is displayed in a display area, the dimensions of which may be changed by a user. Upon a change in a first dimension of the display area, the image is rescaled so as to maintain an original aspect ratio of the image. Resizing of the display area in a second direction does not rescale the image, but changes the number of logical groups displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jung-Hsiang Hu, Steve Fischer, Lou Klein, Kevin Retlich
  • Patent number: 6816817
    Abstract: A technique for monitoring operational parameters of networked components includes storing data within each component descriptive of the component. The data is polled by a monitoring station and provides a basis for monitor views compiled in real time. The monitor views provide a view of current levels of parameters controlled or monitored by each device, such as on virtual meters. Historical levels of operational parameters may be presented in virtual strip chart output. Textual descriptions of the components are provided, along with listings of key settings. More detailed data may be accessed by links between the monitor views and other user viewable representations for the system and the specific components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Retlich, Jinghui Luo, Dave Blair
  • Publication number: 20040098148
    Abstract: A technique is provided for integrating human machine interfaces with control and monitoring systems. Control and monitoring systems may be integrated into a human machine interface to enable access to various systems including networked and programmable electrical components, such as components of motor control centers, and databases that including component, system designation data, configuration information, settings, and so forth. The database and components are accessed by execution of a program embedded in the human machine interface to provide desired information in response to selection of a particular physical component of the system. The information serves as the basis for an operator display through the human machine interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin A. Retlich, Kelly J. Lefler
  • Patent number: 6651110
    Abstract: A dedicated memory object for networked, programmable electrical components is designed to be embedded in the components to receive system and component-specific data. The memory object is preferably resident and includes dedicated blocks for system designation data, component designation data, component location data, and data descriptive of the function of the component. The object may also include dedicated blocks for input and output configuration where interface circuitry is provided in the component. The memory object may be initially programmed via a network and subsequently reprogrammed as the system is modified or designations change. The object may be polled to reconstruct system representations and for monitoring and control operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Caspers, Kevin Retlich