Patents by Inventor Russell W. Brandes

Russell W. Brandes 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: 10545470
    Abstract: An industrial control device allows end users to customize the mode model that defines rules for arbitrating between program and operator control. The industrial control device includes configuration tools that allow the user to define which set of states or modes are to be used for arbitrating between program control and operator control in accordance with the usages and standards of a given industrial facility or enterprise. The configuration tools also allow the commands for transitioning between the selected ownership states to be modified to conform to a desired ownership mode model. Using the mode model configuration tools, users can adapt the ownership mode model to conform to their own customer-specific or industry-specific standards of operator/program arbitration. In some scenarios, the customized mode model can be applied to defined multilevel equipment groupings such that control ownership is cascaded to all devices of a defined ownership chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell W. Brandes, Dale E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20190146435
    Abstract: An industrial control device allows end users to customize the mode model that defines rules for arbitrating between program and operator control. The industrial control device includes configuration tools that allow the user to define which set of states or modes are to be used for arbitrating between program control and operator control in accordance with the usages and standards of a given industrial facility or enterprise. The configuration tools also allow the commands for transitioning between the selected ownership states to be modified to conform to a desired ownership mode model. Using the mode model configuration tools, users can adapt the ownership mode model to conform to their own customer-specific or industry-specific standards of operator/program arbitration. In some scenarios, the customized mode model can be applied to defined multilevel equipment groupings such that control ownership is cascaded to all devices of a defined ownership chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Russell W. Brandes, Dale E. Reed
  • Patent number: 9310788
    Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, David A Pasela
  • Patent number: 9250897
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate display, selection, and management of context associated with execution of add-on instructions. The systems and methods track add-on instruction calls and provide a user with call and data context, wherein the user can select a particular add-on instruction context from a plurality of contexts in order to observe values and/or edit parameters associated with the add-on instruction. The add-on instruction context can include information such as instances of data for particular lines of execution, the add-on instruction called, a caller of the instruction, a location of the instruction call, references to complex data types and objects, etc. The systems and methods further provide a technique for automatic routine selection based on the add-on instruction state information such that the add-on instruction executed corresponds to a current state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Jarrett, John E. Belcher, Russell W. Brandes, Jeffery W. Brooks, Bruce A. Christensen, Keith M. Hogan, Michael D. Kalan, Douglas J. Reichard, Diane N. Ritchie, Thomas G. Rodano, Mark E. Taylor, Rae M. White
  • Patent number: 8898099
    Abstract: In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Weber, Gregory J. Shuler, Joseph T. Bronikowski, Todd A. Vance, Jeffrey Foley, Russell W. Brandes, Adam B. Maki
  • Publication number: 20140237141
    Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, David A. Pasela
  • Patent number: 8762588
    Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, David A. Pasela, Duwayne D. Mulhall, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Anthony Sorbello, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
  • Publication number: 20130282153
    Abstract: In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Weber, Gregory J. Shuler, Joseph T. Bronikowski, Todd A. Vance, Jeffrey Foley, Russell W. Brandes, Adam B. Maki
  • Patent number: 8489535
    Abstract: In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Weber, Gregory J. Shuler, Joseph T. Bronikowski, Todd A. Vance, Jeffrey Foley, Russell W. Brandes, Adam B. Maki
  • Patent number: 8441766
    Abstract: An output termination board for a safety system is disclosed herein. The termination board provides simplified wiring between the output modules and the remote devices operated by the controller in the system. Redundant output signals are generated within each pair of output modules and combined such that one control signal is sent to each remote device. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety system performs a test to determine if each output module is operating normally. If the program detects a fault in either output module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur P. Pietrzyk, Peter M. Delic, William E. Waltz, Russell W. Brandes, Dennis G. Schneider, Louis L. Smet
  • Patent number: 8365145
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate display, selection, and management of context associated with execution of add-on instructions. The systems and methods track add-on instruction calls provide a user with call and data context, wherein the user can select a particular add-on instruction context from a plurality of contexts in order to observe values and/or edit parameters associated with the add-on instruction. The add-on instruction context can include information such as instances of data for particular lines of execution, the add-on instruction called, a caller of the instruction, a location of the instruction call, references to complex data types and objects, etc. The systems and methods further provide a technique for automatic routine selection based on the add-on instruction state information such that the add-on instruction executed corresponds to a current state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Jarrett, John E. Belcher, Russell W. Brandes, Jeffery W. Brooks, Bruce A. Christensen, Keith M. Hogan, Michael D. Kalan, Douglas J. Reichard, Diane N. Ritchie, Thomas G. Rodano, Mark E. Taylor, Rae M. Varga
  • Publication number: 20120271435
    Abstract: In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Weber, Gregory J. Shuler, Joseph T. Bronikowski, Todd A. Vance, Jeffrey Foley, Russell W. Brandes, Adam B. Maki
  • Publication number: 20120260002
    Abstract: An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Dave A. Pasela, Duwayne D. Mulhall, John J. Kolat, Antoon Laane, Russell W. Brandes, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Anthony Sorbello, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Anthony G. Gibart, Mark A. Chaffee, Scott A. Pierce, Gregg Sichner, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
  • Patent number: 8239339
    Abstract: In an industrial control configuration, various instances can exist that are based upon a definition. A definition can be changed and thus it can be appropriate to alter related instances in accordance with the change. However, changing an instance can cause disruption in other actions even when the change is minor. Therefore, various standards can be used to determine if a change to an instance should be propagated automatically or at another time, such as after an operation. The determination can be based on artificial intelligence techniques, user preference, a defined rule set, user instruction, as well as other standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Weber, Gregory J. Shuler, Joseph T. Bronikowski, Todd A. Vance, Jeffrey Foley, Russell W. Brandes, Adam B. Maki
  • Patent number: 8184417
    Abstract: An input termination board for use with an industrial controller in a safety system is disclosed herein. The industrial controller may be populated with standard analog input modules according to the requirements of the application. The termination board may selectively receive a single analog input signal from a remote device and transmit the signal to corresponding channels on two analog input modules or, alternately, receive two analog input signals and transmit each signal to one of the two corresponding channels. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety module monitors and tests each of the analog input channels on the input modules, verifying proper operation of the modules. If the program detects a fault in either input module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur P. Pietrzyk, Peter M. Delic, William E. Waltz, Russell W. Brandes, Dennis G. Schneider, Louis L. Smet
  • Patent number: 8149554
    Abstract: An input termination board for use with an industrial controller in a safety system is disclosed herein. The industrial controller may be populated with standard input modules according to the application. The termination board, in conjunction with the controller allows the standard input modules to be used as safety inputs. The termination board provides simplified wiring between the input modules and the remote devices by splitting each of the signals generated by the remote device into separate inputs for two different input modules. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety system monitors and tests each of the inputs in both input modules to verify proper operation of the inputs. If the program detects a fault in either input module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur P. Pietrzyk, Peter M. Delic, William E. Waltz, Russell W. Brandes, Dennis G. Schneider, Louis L. Smet
  • Publication number: 20100125345
    Abstract: An input termination board for use with an industrial controller in a safety system is disclosed herein. The industrial controller may be populated with standard analog input modules according to the requirements of the application. The termination board may selectively receive a single analog input signal from a remote device and transmit the signal to corresponding channels on two analog input modules or, alternately, receive two analog input signals and transmit each signal to one of the two corresponding channels. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety module monitors and tests each of the analog input channels on the input modules, verifying proper operation of the modules. If the program detects a fault in either input module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Arthur P. Pietrzyk, Peter M. Delic, William E. Waltz, Russell W. Brandes, Dennis G. Schneider, Louis L. Smet
  • Publication number: 20100125372
    Abstract: An input termination board for use with an industrial controller in a safety system is disclosed herein. The industrial controller may be populated with standard input modules according to the application. The termination board, in conjunction with the controller allows the standard input modules to be used as safety inputs. The termination board provides simplified wiring between the input modules and the remote devices by splitting each of the signals generated by the remote device into separate inputs for two different input modules. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety system monitors and tests each of the inputs in both input modules to verify proper operation of the inputs. If the program detects a fault in either input module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Arthur P. Pietrzyk, Peter M. Delic, William E. Waltz, Russell W. Brandes, Dennis G. Schneider, Louis L. Smet
  • Publication number: 20100123987
    Abstract: An output termination board for a safety system is disclosed herein. The termination board provides simplified wiring between the output modules and the remote devices operated by the controller in the system. Redundant output signals are generated within each pair of output modules and combined such that one control signal is sent to each remote device. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety system performs a test to determine if each output module is operating normally. If the program detects a fault in either output module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Arthur P. Pietrzyk, Peter M. Delic, William E. Waltz, Russell W. Brandes, Dennis G. Schneider, Louis L. Smet
  • Publication number: 20090271721
    Abstract: Information related to an industrial control system can be disclosed graphically on a visual display. To traverse through different system portions, an organizational hierarchy can be used to enable a user to roll down into deeper level or roll up into a higher level. A user can input a choice of a level to view and the level can be disclosed to the user, assuming that the user has appropriate authorization to view the level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Weber, Gregory J. Shuler, Joseph T. Bronikowski, Todd A. Vance, Jeffrey Foley, Russell W. Brandes, Adam B. Maki