Patents by Inventor Randall S. Langer

Randall S. Langer 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).

  • Publication number: 20240063630
    Abstract: A method may include receiving, via at least one processor, a first set of data indicative of a fault being present and send a first signal to a breaker based on the first set of data. The first signal may cause the breaker to open a plurality of poles of the breaker. The method may then involve receiving a second set of data indicative of the fault being cleared and sending a second signal to the breaker based on the second set of data. The second signal may cause the breaker to close a first pole of the plurality of poles at a first time and close a second pole of the plurality of poles at a second time different from the first time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Kyle B. Adkins, Aiman Kerim, Juerg Merki, Randall S. Langer, Andrew E. Carlson, David Elmiger
  • Publication number: 20240063629
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a hybrid circuit breaker for an industrial automation system including a mechanical switch and solid-state switching circuit. The hybrid circuit breaker may receive control signals to open and close a current path based on moving a spanner of the mechanical switch. In some cases, moving the spanner of the mechanical switch may generate electrical arcs when the hybrid circuit breaker is conducting electrical current. In such cases, the hybrid circuit breaker may remove the electrical arcs based on operations of the solid-state switching circuit. The solid-state switching circuit may draw arc currents of the electrical arcs by providing a second current path between the spanner and a fixed conductor of the mechanical switch. Moreover, the solid-state switching circuit may open the second current path and absorb electrical power of the electrical arc by one or more solid-state switches, a parallel voltage suppressor, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew E. Carlson, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger, Aiman Kerim, James P. Miller
  • Patent number: 11901140
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a hybrid circuit breaker for an industrial automation system. The hybrid circuit breaker may include a mechanical switch and solid-state switches. The hybrid circuit breaker may receive control signals to open and close a current path based on moving a spanner of the mechanical switch. In some cases, moving the spanner of the mechanical switch may generate electrical arcs when the hybrid circuit breaker is conducting electrical current. In such cases, the hybrid circuit breaker may remove the electrical arcs by drawing the electrical arcs to a conductive bar and away from the spanner. Moreover, the hybrid circuit breaker may dissipate the electrical arcs on the conductive bar by opening one or multiple solid-state switches disposed on the conductive bar. In some cases, one or multiple voltage suppressors may receive (e.g., suppress or ground) an electrical power of the electrical arcs when the solid-state switches are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Carlson, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger, Aiman Kerim, James P. Miller
  • Publication number: 20240047161
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first set of operational parameters that correspond to one or more semiconductor devices of a solid-state circuit breaker and sending a first command to the solid-state circuit breaker to turn off the one or more semiconductors in response to the first set of operational parameters exceeding a first set of thresholds. The method includes sending a second command to the solid-state circuit breaker to turn on the one or more semiconductors in response to the first set of operational parameters being equal to or less than the first set of thresholds. The method includes receiving a second set of operational parameters that correspond to one or more electrical properties associated with an operation of the solid-state circuit breaker coupled to a load device and generating a baseline profile representative of the first set of operational parameters and the second operational parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Aiman Kerim, Juerg Merki, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, Andrew E. Carlson, David Elmiger
  • Publication number: 20240047151
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a hybrid circuit breaker for an industrial automation system. The hybrid circuit breaker may include a breaker switch and a solid-state switching circuit coupled in parallel. Moreover, the hybrid circuit breaker may include a disconnector switch coupled in series with the breaker switch. For example, the solid-state switching circuit may include a number of solid-state devices. A control system may provide control signals to the disconnector switch, the breaker switch, and the solid-state switching circuit to switch on and switch off the hybrid circuit breaker. The hybrid circuit breaker may enable or reduce (e.g., halt) electrical current flow based on receiving the control signals. Operation of the breaker circuit and the solid-state switching circuit that are coupled in parallel may provide reduced heat generation while providing safe switching of the hybrid circuit breaker. Moreover, operation of the disconnector switch may provide galvanic isolation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Aiman Kerim, David Elmiger, Randall S. Langer, Kyle B. Adkins
  • Publication number: 20230368990
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a hybrid circuit breaker for an industrial automation system. The hybrid circuit breaker may include a mechanical switch and solid-state switches. The hybrid circuit breaker may receive control signals to open and close a current path based on moving a spanner of the mechanical switch. In some cases, moving the spanner of the mechanical switch may generate electrical arcs when the hybrid circuit breaker is conducting electrical current. In such cases, the hybrid circuit breaker may remove the electrical arcs by drawing the electrical arcs to a conductive bar and away from the spanner. Moreover, the hybrid circuit breaker may dissipate the electrical arcs on the conductive bar by opening one or multiple solid-state switches disposed on the conductive bar. In some cases, one or multiple voltage suppressors may receive (e.g., suppress or ground) an electrical power of the electrical arcs when the solid-state switches are opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew E. Carlson, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger, Aiman Kerim, James P. Miller
  • Patent number: 11756748
    Abstract: Systems and methods for contact erosion mitigation are provided. To perform contact erosion mitigation, an order of opening/closing poles and/or contact relays of particular poles is altered, resulting in a sharing of potential arcing conditions amongst the poles/contact relays of these poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
  • Publication number: 20230112718
    Abstract: Systems and methods for contact erosion mitigation are provided. To perform contact erosion mitigation, an order of opening/closing poles and/or contact relays of particular poles is altered, resulting in a sharing of potential arcing conditions amongst the poles/contact relays of these poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
  • Patent number: 11555855
    Abstract: A control system may include a processor that may receive a first dataset associated with power properties of a rotating load device coupled to a relay device. The processor may also determine frequency properties based on the power properties and determine a switching profile to control moving a first armature of three armatures in the relay device based on the frequency properties. The switching profile is configured to control movement of the first armature between a first position and a second position, and wherein the switching profile comprises a firing angle for moving the first armature with respect to an electrical waveform, a second armature, and a third armature. The processor may then control a current provided to a relay coil of the relay device based on the switching profile, such that the relay coil causes the first armature to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Elmiger, Ahmad K. Omari, Stefan T. Dziekonski, Randall S. Langer
  • Patent number: 11538640
    Abstract: Systems and methods for contact erosion mitigation are provided. To perform contact erosion mitigation, an order of opening/closing poles and/or contact relays of particular poles is altered, resulting in a sharing of potential arcing conditions amongst the poles/contact relays of these poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
  • Publication number: 20220344118
    Abstract: A control system may include a processor that may receive a first dataset associated with a type of load device coupled to a relay device. The processor may then receive a second dataset associated with one or more operations of the load device over a period of time. The processor may also determine a switching profile to control moving an armature of the relay device between a first position and a second position based on the first dataset and the second dataset, such that the switching profile comprises a firing angle for moving the armature with respect to an electrical waveform. The processor may then control a current provided to a relay coil of the relay device based on the switching profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Michael C. McOlash, Stefan T. Dziekonski, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
  • Publication number: 20220336176
    Abstract: A control system may include a processor that may receive a first dataset associated with a current received at a load device coupled to a relay device. The processor may also determine harmonics data associated with the current and determine a switching profile to control moving a first armature of three armatures in the relay device based on the harmonics data. The switching profile is configured to control movement of the first armature between a first position and a second position, and wherein the switching profile comprises a firing angle for moving the first armature with respect to an electrical waveform, a second armature, and a third armature. The processor may then control a current provided to a relay coil of the relay device based on the switching profile, such that the relay coil causes the first armature to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer
  • Patent number: 11398361
    Abstract: A control system may include a processor that may receive a first dataset associated with a type of load device coupled to a relay device. The processor may then receive a second dataset associated with one or more operations of the load device over a period of time. The processor may also determine a switching profile to control moving an armature of the relay device between a first position and a second position based on the first dataset and the second dataset, such that the switching profile comprises a firing angle for moving the armature with respect to an electrical waveform. The processor may then control a current provided to a relay coil of the relay device based on the switching profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Michael C. McOlash, Stefan T. Dziekonski, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
  • Patent number: 11394321
    Abstract: A point-on-wave relay device includes a first contact relay and a second contact relay in series with the first contact relay. A first state of the first contact relay in conjunction with a first state of the second contact relay causes a point-on-wave open operation and second state of the first contact relay in conjunction with a second state of the second contact relay causes a point-on-wave close operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan T. Dziekonski, Ahmad K. Omari, Patrick K. Duffy, Andrew E. Carlson, Randall S. Langer
  • Patent number: 11380503
    Abstract: A control system may include a processor that may receive a first dataset associated with a current received at a load device coupled to a relay device. The processor may also determine harmonics data associated with the current and determine a switching profile to control moving a first armature of three armatures in the relay device based on the harmonics data. The switching profile is configured to control movement of the first armature between a first position and a second position, and wherein the switching profile comprises a firing angle for moving the first armature with respect to an electrical waveform, a second armature, and a third armature. The processor may then control a current provided to a relay coil of the relay device based on the switching profile, such that the relay coil causes the first armature to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer
  • Patent number: 11355292
    Abstract: A system may include a relay device that includes armatures associated with phases of voltage signals. The system may also include relay coils, such that each relay coil may receive a respective voltage that magnetizes a respective relay coil, thereby causing the respective armature to move from a respective first position to a respective second position. The system may also include a control system that receive an indication that a fault condition is present, identify a first phase of the phases of voltage signals that is expected to be the next phase of the phases to cross zero, and send a signal to the relay device in response to identifying the first phase. The signal is configured to cause a first relay coil of the relay coils to energize or deenergize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Elmiger, Andrew J. Jaap, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer
  • Patent number: 11215666
    Abstract: A method may include receiving, via one or more processors, back electromotive force (EMF) data associated with each motor electrically coupled to a printed circuit board and determining, via the processors, a corresponding motor controller associated with each motor based on the EMF data. The motor controllers may be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The method may also include automatically adjusting, via the processors, circuit connections associated with the printed circuit board to route wiring that controls each motor to the corresponding motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer
  • Publication number: 20210096187
    Abstract: A method may include receiving, via one or more processors, back electromotive force (EMF) data associated with each motor electrically coupled to a printed circuit board and determining, via the processors, a corresponding motor controller associated with each motor based on the EMF data. The motor controllers may be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The method may also include automatically adjusting, via the processors, circuit connections associated with the printed circuit board to route wiring that controls each motor to the corresponding motor controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer
  • Publication number: 20210098207
    Abstract: A system may include a relay device that includes armatures associated with phases of voltage signals. The system may also include relay coils, such that each relay coil may receive a respective voltage that magnetizes a respective relay coil, thereby causing the respective armature to move from a respective first position to a respective second position. The system may also include a control system that receive an indication that a fault condition is present, identify a first phase of the phases of voltage signals that is expected to be the next phase of the phases to cross zero, and send a signal to the relay device in response to identifying the first phase. The signal is configured to cause a first relay coil of the relay coils to energize or deenergize.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: David Elmiger, Andrew J. Jaap, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer
  • Publication number: 20210098217
    Abstract: A control system may include a processor that may receive a first dataset associated with a current received at a load device coupled to a relay device. The processor may also determine harmonics data associated with the current and determine a switching profile to control moving a first armature of three armatures in the relay device based on the harmonics data. The switching profile is configured to control movement of the first armature between a first position and a second position, and wherein the switching profile comprises a firing angle for moving the first armature with respect to an electrical waveform, a second armature, and a third armature. The processor may then control a current provided to a relay coil of the relay device based on the switching profile, such that the relay coil causes the first armature to move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer