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).

  • Patent number: 11715977
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Floresta, Peter J. Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
  • Patent number: 11643281
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. Ozimek, Oliver C. Haya, Peter M. Smit, Marc Koeppel
  • Publication number: 20220216733
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: John Floresta, Peter J. Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
  • Patent number: 11329510
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
  • Patent number: 11309737
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
  • Patent number: 11303242
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
  • Patent number: 11181393
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
  • Publication number: 20210139251
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick E. Ozimek, Oliver C. Haya, Peter M. Smit, Marc Koeppel
  • Patent number: 10906748
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. Ozimek, Oliver C. Haya, Peter M. Smit, Marc Koeppel
  • Patent number: 10876865
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
  • Patent number: 10809101
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Mark R. Cooper, Oliver C. Haya, Nanwei Yao
  • Publication number: 20200240810
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
  • Publication number: 20200244105
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao
  • Publication number: 20200232826
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
  • Publication number: 20200200570
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Mark R. Cooper, Oliver C. Haya, Nanwei Yao
  • Publication number: 20200195049
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwel Yao
  • Patent number: 10620017
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Mark R. Cooper, Oliver C. Haya, Nanwei Yao
  • Patent number: 10620014
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
  • Patent number: 10612946
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Smit, Xikai Sun, Jadav Das
  • Patent number: 10608469
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Floresta, Peter Bruder, Xikai Sun, Peter M. Smit, Oliver C. Haya, Mark R. Cooper, Nanwei Yao