Patents by Inventor Peter M. Smit
Peter M. Smit 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: 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: 11643281Abstract: An improved system for determining the identification of movers in a motion control system is disclosed, where the motion control system includes multiple movers traveling on a track. The physical construction of at least one element of one of the movers is different on one mover than on each of the other movers. The control system for the movers detects the difference in construction and identifies the unique mover as a first mover. Each of the other movers along the track are assigned an identifier based on their relative position to the first mover. According to one embodiment, a position sensing system is utilized to identify the first mover. According to another embodiment, the drive system for the movers is utilized to identify the first mover. In still another embodiment, a combination of the position sensing system and the drive system is utilized to identify the first mover.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Patrick E. Ozimek, Oliver C. Haya, Peter M. Smit, Marc Koeppel
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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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Patent number: 11181393Abstract: By configuring an encoder scale as a varying scale with successively increasing or decreasing pitch, sensors in a travel path of the scale can detect a phase difference to determine an absolute position of the scale for use in an industrial control system. Due to the successively increasing or decreasing pitch, each sensor can detect successively increasing or decreasing properties (such as magnetic fields) from the scale in a uniquely identifiable pattern. By taking the difference between readings of adjacent sensors, each sensor detecting properties of the scale, an absolute position of the scale between the sensors can be determined. The principle for feedback for the encoder system is analogous to a Nonius or Vernier principle to determine absolute position.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
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Publication number: 20210139251Abstract: An improved system for determining the identification of movers in a motion control system is disclosed, where the motion control system includes multiple movers traveling on a track. The physical construction of at least one element of one of the movers is different on one mover than on each of the other movers. The control system for the movers detects the difference in construction and identifies the unique mover as a first mover. Each of the other movers along the track are assigned an identifier based on their relative position to the first mover. According to one embodiment, a position sensing system is utilized to identify the first mover. According to another embodiment, the drive system for the movers is utilized to identify the first mover. In still another embodiment, a combination of the position sensing system and the drive system is utilized to identify the first mover.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2021Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Patrick E. Ozimek, Oliver C. Haya, Peter M. Smit, Marc Koeppel
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Patent number: 10906748Abstract: An improved system for determining the identification of movers in a motion control system is disclosed, where the motion control system includes multiple movers traveling on a closed track. The physical construction of at least one element of one of the movers is different on one mover than on each of the other movers. The control system for the movers detects the difference in construction and identifies the unique mover as a first mover. Each of the other movers along the track are assigned an identifier based on their relative position to the first mover. According to one embodiment, a position sensing system is utilized to identify the first mover. According to another embodiment, the drive system for the movers is utilized to identify the first mover. In still another embodiment, a combination of the position sensing system and the drive system is utilized to identify the first mover.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Patrick E. Ozimek, Oliver C. Haya, Peter M. Smit, Marc Koeppel
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Patent number: 10876865Abstract: By configuring an encoder scale as an angled or inclined magnet or pair of oppositely arranged, adjacent magnets, a magnetic field sensor in a travel path of the scale can detect an absolute position of the scale for use in an industrial control system. Due to the angle or incline, when a first side of the scale is proximal to the sensor, the sensor can detect an angle of ?180°. As the scale moves to center with respect to the sensor, the sensor can detect an increasing angle to 0°. Then, as a second side of the scale becomes proximal to the sensor, the sensor can detect an increasing angle to +180°. The angle changes linearly with position. In one aspect, the pair of oppositely arranged magnets can be rotated with respect to the travel path to provide the angle. In another aspect, the pair of oppositely arranged magnets can be magnetized diagonally to provide the angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2020Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
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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: 20200240810Abstract: By configuring an encoder scale as a varying scale with successively increasing or decreasing pitch, sensors in a travel path of the scale can detect a phase difference to determine an absolute position of the scale for use in an industrial control system. Due to the successively increasing or decreasing pitch, each sensor can detect successively increasing or decreasing properties (such as magnetic fields) from the scale in a uniquely identifiable pattern. By taking the difference between readings of adjacent sensors, each sensor detecting properties of the scale, an absolute position of the scale between the sensors can be determined. The principle for feedback for the encoder system is analogous to a Nonius or Vernier principle to determine absolute position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
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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: 20200232826Abstract: By configuring an encoder scale as an angled or inclined magnet or pair of oppositely arranged, adjacent magnets, a magnetic field sensor in a travel path of the scale can detect an absolute position of the scale for use in an industrial control system. Due to the angle or incline, when a first side of the scale is proximal to the sensor, the sensor can detect an angle of ?180°. As the scale moves to center with respect to the sensor, the sensor can detect an increasing angle to 0°. Then, as a second side of the scale becomes proximal to the sensor, the sensor can detect an increasing angle to +180°. The angle changes linearly with position. In one aspect, the pair of oppositely arranged magnets can be rotated with respect to the travel path to provide the angle. In another aspect, the pair of oppositely arranged magnets can be magnetized diagonally to provide the angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
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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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Patent number: 10620017Abstract: 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: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Mark R. Cooper, Oliver C. Haya, Nanwei Yao
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Patent number: 10620014Abstract: By configuring an encoder scale as a varying scale with successively increasing or decreasing pitch, sensors in a travel path of the scale can detect a phase difference to determine an absolute position of the scale for use in an industrial control system. Due to the successively increasing or decreasing pitch, each sensor can detect successively increasing or decreasing properties (such as magnetic fields) from the scale in a uniquely identifiable pattern. By taking the difference between readings of adjacent sensors, each sensor detecting properties of the scale, an absolute position of the scale between the sensors can be determined. The principle for feedback for the encoder system is analogous to a Nonius or Vernier principle to determine absolute position.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
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Patent number: 10612946Abstract: By configuring an encoder scale as an angled or inclined magnet or pair of oppositely arranged, adjacent magnets, a magnetic field sensor in a travel path of the scale can detect an absolute position of the scale for use in an industrial control system. Due to the angle or incline, when a first side of the scale is proximal to the sensor, the sensor can detect an angle of ?180°. As the scale moves to center with respect to the sensor, the sensor can detect an increasing angle to 0°. Then, as a second side of the scale becomes proximal to the sensor, the sensor can detect an increasing angle to +180°. The angle changes linearly with position. In one aspect, the pair of oppositely arranged magnets can be rotated with respect to the travel path to provide the angle. In another aspect, the pair of oppositely arranged magnets can be magnetized diagonally to provide the angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
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Patent number: 10608469Abstract: 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: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao