Patents by Inventor Mark R. Cooper
Mark R. Cooper 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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Publication number: 20240082997Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems an impact wrench having dynamically tuned drive components, such as an anvil/socket combination, and related methodology for dynamically tuning the drive components in view of inertia displacement, as well as stiffness between coupled components, and with regard to impact timing associated with clearance gaps between the component parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Mark T. McClung, Timothy R. Cooper, Warren A. Seith
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Patent number: 11851093Abstract: An independent cart system with safety functions prevents unintended motion independently within different sections of the track while permitting motion along other sections of the track. A safety controller receives one or more input signals corresponding to operating conditions along the track. A safety program executing in the safety controller monitors the state of the input signals to determine whether a safety function is to be executed. When a safety program is executed, the safety controller transmits an output signal to one or more segment controllers present in one section along the track. Each segment controller is responsible for regulating current flow to the coils mounted to the corresponding track segment. In response to the signal from the safety controller, each segment controller in the section controls the power output to the coils along that section of track to achieve the safe operation desired in that segment.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Sawyer J. Desotelle, Patrick E. Ozimek, Mark R. Cooper, David D. Van Dorpe
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Patent number: 11715977Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Peter J. Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Patent number: 11643120Abstract: A method and system for motion control of movers in an independent cart system is disclosed. In one implementation, the independent cart system includes a plurality of track segments, each section having a respective controller. One of the controllers receives a motion command for a plurality of carts, respectively. The controller generates a force command for each of the plurality of carts and transmits the respective commands to the track segments commutating the plurality of carts.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Cooper, David D. Van Dorpe, Patrick E. Ozimek, Shankernarayan Ramanarayanan
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Publication number: 20220216733Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2022Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: John Floresta, Peter J. Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Patent number: 11329510Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Patent number: 11309737Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Patent number: 11303242Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly providing power to independent movers traveling along a track includes a sliding transformer to transfer power between the track and each mover. The sliding transformer includes a primary winding extending along the track and a secondary winding mounted to each mover. Each of the primary and secondary windings may be formed of a single coil or multiple coils. The primary and secondary windings are generally aligned with each other and extend along the track and along the mover in the direction of travel with an air gap present between the windings. A power converter on the mover may regulate the power supplied to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Publication number: 20220073115Abstract: An independent cart system with safety functions that prevent unintended motion independently within different sections of the track while permitting motion along other sections of the track is disclosed. A safety controller receives one or more input signals corresponding to operating conditions along the track. A safety program executing in the safety controller monitors the state of the input signals to determine whether a safety function is to be executed. When a safety program is executed, the safety controller transmits an output signal to one or more segment controllers present in one section along the track. Each segment controller is responsible for regulating current flow to the coils mounted to the corresponding track segment. In response to the signal from the safety controller, each segment controller in the section controls the power output to the coils along that section of track to achieve the safe operation desired in that segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Sawyer J. Desotelle, Patrick E. Ozimek, Mark R. Cooper, David D. Van Dorpe
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Patent number: 11186302Abstract: An independent cart system with safety functions prevents unintended motion independently within different sections of the track while permitting motion along other sections of the track. A safety controller receives one or more input signals corresponding to operating conditions along the track. A safety program executing in the safety controller monitors the state of the input signals to determine whether a safety function is to be executed. When a safety program is executed, the safety controller transmits an output signal to one or more segment controllers present in one section along the track. Each segment controller is responsible for regulating current flow to the coils mounted to the corresponding track segment. In response to the signal from the safety controller, each segment controller in the section controls the power output to the coils along that section of track to achieve the safe operation desired in that segment.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Sawyer J. Desotelle, Patrick E. Ozimek, Mark R. Cooper, David D. Van Dorpe
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Patent number: 11070153Abstract: A mover is configured to be electromagnetically propelled along a track in a linear motor track system with a force that is calculated to include compensation for gravity. A multi-axis accelerometer arranged in each segment of the track can detect an orientation or angle of the track segment for determining gravity with respect to the particular section. As a result, if the track is at an incline, such as a ramp, a desired force for moving a mover along the track can be compensated to include gravity due to the incline for achieving a desired motion result. In addition, the detected orientation of the track can be compared to an expected orientation stored by a control program to avoid a loss of performance due to physical changes in the track not matching an expected/programmed configuration of the track.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David D. Van Dorpe, Mark R. Cooper, Shankernarayan Ramanarayanan, Patrick E. Ozimek, Jadav Das
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Publication number: 20210213984Abstract: A method and system for motion control of movers in an independent cart system is disclosed. In one implementation, the independent cart system includes a plurality of track segments, each section having a respective controller. One of the controllers receives a motion command for a plurality of carts, respectively. The controller generates a force command for each of the plurality of carts and transmits the respective commands to the track segments commutating the plurality of carts.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2021Publication date: July 15, 2021Inventors: Mark R. Cooper, David D. Van Dorpe, Patrick E. Ozimek, Sshankernarayan Ramanarayanan
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Patent number: 10967892Abstract: A method and system for motion control of movers in an independent cart system is disclosed. In one implementation, the independent cart system includes a plurality of track segments, each section having a respective controller. One of the controllers receives a motion command for a plurality of carts, respectively. The controller generates a force command for each of the plurality of carts and transmits the respective commands to the track segments commutating the plurality of carts.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Cooper, David D. Van Dorpe, Patrick E. Ozimek, Shankernarayan Ramanarayanan
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Patent number: 10809101Abstract: A curvilinear encoder is provided in which an incremental or absolute position for a cart can be detected on a track by applying one or more excitation signals and receiving one or more pick up signals. Analogous to a transformer arrangement, an encoder mover can be placed on the cart moving along the track, and an encoder stator can be placed on the track separated by a gap. The one or more excitation signals can be applied to the one or more excitation coils on the mover or the stator to generate one or more magnetic fields, and the one or more pick up signals can be received by one or more pick up coils on the mover or the stator for sensing changes in the magnetic fields produced by motion of the mover on the track.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Mark R. Cooper, Oliver C. Haya, Nanwei Yao
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Publication number: 20200244105Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
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Publication number: 20200200570Abstract: A curvilinear encoder is provided in which an incremental or absolute position for a cart can be detected on a track by applying one or more excitation signals and receiving one or more pick up signals. Analogous to a transformer arrangement, an encoder mover can be placed on the cart moving along the track, and an encoder stator can be placed on the track separated by a gap. The one or more excitation signals can be applied to the one or more excitation coils on the mover or the stator to generate one or more magnetic fields, and the one or more pick up signals can be received by one or more pick up coils on the mover or the stator for sensing changes in the magnetic fields produced by motion of the mover on the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Mark R. Cooper, Oliver C. Haya, Nanwei Yao
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Publication number: 20200195049Abstract: A system and method for providing power to independent movers traveling along a track in a motion control system without requiring a fixed connection between the mover and a power source external to the mover. In one embodiment, a sliding transformer transfers power between the track and each mover. In another embodiment, an optical transmitter transfers power between the track and an optical receiver mounted on each mover. In yet another embodiment, a generator includes a drive wheel engaging the track as each mover travels along the track. A power converter on the mover receives the power generated on and/or transmitted to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwel Yao
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Publication number: 20200186063Abstract: A mover is configured to be electromagnetically propelled along a track in a linear motor track system with a force that is calculated to include compensation for gravity. A multi-axis accelerometer arranged in each segment of the track can detect an orientation or angle of the track segment for determining gravity with respect to the particular section. As a result, if the track is at an incline, such as a ramp, a desired force for moving a mover along the track can be compensated to include gravity due to the incline for achieving a desired motion result. In addition, the detected orientation of the track can be compared to an expected orientation stored by a control program to avoid a loss of performance due to physical changes in the track not matching an expected/programmed configuration of the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: David D. Van Dorpe, Mark R. Cooper, Shankemarayan Ramanarayanan, Patrick E. Ozimek, Jadav Das
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Publication number: 20200148239Abstract: A method and system for motion control of movers in an independent cart system is disclosed. In one implementation, the independent cart system includes a plurality of track segments, each section having a respective controller. One of the controllers receives a motion command for a plurality of carts, respectively. The controller generates a force command for each of the plurality of carts and transmits the respective commands to the track segments commutating the plurality of carts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2018Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Mark R. Cooper, David D. Van Dorpe, Patrick E. Ozimek, Shankernarayan Ramanarayanan
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Publication number: 20200148240Abstract: An independent cart system with safety functions that prevent unintended motion independently within different sections of the track while permitting motion along other sections of the track is disclosed. A safety controller receives one or more input signals corresponding to operating conditions along the track. A safety program executing in the safety controller monitors the state of the input signals to determine whether a safety function is to be executed. When a safety program is executed, the safety controller transmits an output signal to one or more segment controllers present in one section along the track. Each segment controller is responsible for regulating current flow to the coils mounted to the corresponding track segment. In response to the signal from the safety controller, each segment controller in the section controls the power output to the coils along that section of track to achieve the safe operation desired in that segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Sawyer J. Desotelle, Patrick E. Ozimek, Mark R. Cooper, David D. Van Dorpe