Patents by Inventor Merrill W. Harriman

Merrill W. Harriman 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: 7033179
    Abstract: System and method for training a user how to use software for programming a programmable logic controller (PLC). When the user encounters difficulties with programming the PLC, a training hyperlink option is provided to the user. Then, if the user selects the training hyperlink option, information is communicated automatically over a communications network, including information pertaining to the difficulties encountered by the user. The user is then linked to customized training resources which address the difficulties based upon the information that was automatically communicated when the user selected the training hyperlink option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Merrill W. Harriman
  • Patent number: 6640140
    Abstract: A programmable logic controller for use as part of an industrial control system or as part of an automated system and a corresponding method, the controller including an interface to the Internet, and including a web server allowing a remote computer to access web pages maintained by the controller providing information relevant to the control function of the controller such as control sensor readings and, optionally, information about the status of the control system. The web server is implemented as part of the controller in such a way that the controller scan rate (the rate at which the ladder logic for all associated control system devices is repeated) is unaffected by execution of the web server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Lindner, Andrew G. Swales, Merrill W. Harriman, James W. McGlaughlin, III
  • Publication number: 20020142269
    Abstract: System and method for training a user how to use software for programming a programmable logic controller (PLC). When the user encounters difficulties with programming the PLC, a training hyperlink option is provided to the user. Then, if the user selects the training hyperlink option, information is communicated automatically over a communications network, including information pertaining to the difficulties encountered by the user. The user is then linked to customized training resources which address the difficulties based upon the information that was automatically communicated when the user selected the training hyperlink option.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Merrill W. Harriman