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).
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Patent number: 12160098Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2022Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Carlson, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger, Aiman Kerim, James P. Miller
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Publication number: 20240312702Abstract: The present technology relates to circuit breaker devices having current sense transformers. The current sense transformer includes a core, a secondary winding, and a primary winding coupled to the power input. The secondary winding includes a first wire wrapped around the core a number of secondary winding turns. The primary winding includes a second wire wrapped around the core a number of primary winding turns. The number of primary winding turns includes a first number of primary winding turns in a first direction and a second number of primary winding turns in an opposite direction that magnetically cancel out the second number of primary winding turns in the first direction to generate an effective number of primary winding turns. The effective number of primary winding turns and the number of secondary winding turns make up a desired turns ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2023Publication date: September 19, 2024Inventors: Andrew E. Carlson, Randall S. Langer
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Patent number: 12087529Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer
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Patent number: 11978606Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Aiman Kerim, Juerg Merki, Kyle B Adkins, Randall S. Langer, Jr., Andrew E. Carlson, David Elmiger
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Publication number: 20240063630Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2022Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Kyle B. Adkins, Aiman Kerim, Juerg Merki, Randall S. Langer, Andrew E. Carlson, David Elmiger
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Publication number: 20240063629Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2022Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Andrew E. Carlson, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger, Aiman Kerim, James P. Miller
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Patent number: 11901140Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 16, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Carlson, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger, Aiman Kerim, James P. Miller
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Publication number: 20240047161Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2022Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Aiman Kerim, Juerg Merki, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, Andrew E. Carlson, David Elmiger
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Publication number: 20240047151Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2022Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Aiman Kerim, David Elmiger, Randall S. Langer, Kyle B. Adkins
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Publication number: 20230368990Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2022Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Andrew E. Carlson, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger, Aiman Kerim, James P. Miller
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Patent number: 11756748Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
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Publication number: 20230112718Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventors: Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
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Patent number: 11555855Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Elmiger, Ahmad K. Omari, Stefan T. Dziekonski, Randall S. Langer
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Patent number: 11538640Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
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Publication number: 20220344118Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Michael C. McOlash, Stefan T. Dziekonski, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
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Publication number: 20220336176Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2022Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer
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Patent number: 11398361Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Michael C. McOlash, Stefan T. Dziekonski, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer, David Elmiger
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Patent number: 11394321Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stefan T. Dziekonski, Ahmad K. Omari, Patrick K. Duffy, Andrew E. Carlson, Randall S. Langer
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Patent number: 11380503Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Ahmad K. Omari, Andrew J. Jaap, Randall S. Langer
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Patent number: 11355292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Elmiger, Andrew J. Jaap, Kyle B. Adkins, Randall S. Langer