Patents by Inventor Michael G. McLaughlin

Michael G. McLaughlin 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).

  • Generic control systems using a virtual rack module
    Patent number: 5867382
    Abstract: A Virtual Rack module for a programmable logic controller. The Virtual Rack module comprises a subroutine written using a programming language understandable to the programmable logic controller, preferably using the relay ladder logic programming language. The main control program and the Virtual Rack module are compiled on the programming terminal connected to the programmable logic controller and then downloaded into the memory of the programmable logic controller. Once downloaded, the programmer can use configuration screens generated by the Virtual Rack module and displayed on the programming terminal to configure various input and output devices independent of when and where the input and output devices are connected to the programmable logic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Michael G. McLaughlin