Patents by Inventor Randall J. McDonald

Randall J. McDonald 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).

  • Cryopump network
    Patent number: 8874274
    Abstract: A vacuum network control system includes a plurality of nodes configured for control over operational processes of the system. The plural nodes are configured, in a network ring or other topology, as a selectable master node for controlling the operational processes. Control can be distributed among, and passed between, each of the nodes. Each node on the network monitors adjacent network connectors to detect a fault in the network. In response to a detected fault, a disconnect is mapped to the fault, and the network topology is reconfigured for continued communication among the nodes and with external devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall J. McDonald, Oliver J. Dumas, Robert P. Sullivan, John J. Varone, Joseph Chopy, Jr., Daniel R. Jankins
  • Cryopump Network
    Publication number: 20110016891
    Abstract: A vacuum network control system includes a plurality of nodes configured for control over operational processes of the system. The plural nodes are configured, in a network ring or other topology, as a selectable master node for controlling the operational processes. Control can be distributed among, and passed between, each of the nodes. Each node on the network monitors adjacent network connectors to detect a fault in the network. In response to a detected fault, a disconnect is mapped to the fault, and the network topology is reconfigured for continued communication among the nodes and with external devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Randall J. McDonald, Oliver J. Dumas, Robert P. Sullivan, John J. Varone, Joseph Chopy, JR., Daniel R. Jankins