Patents by Inventor Scott A. Pierce

Scott A. Pierce 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: 20180248799
    Abstract: A method and system for interacting with data frames passing through a module connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each module includes an aggregation unit located on the network interface above the physical layer. To transmit data, the aggregation unit reads a header from a dynamic data packet to determine if the module is a participant module for the packet. If so, the aggregation unit inserts data from the module into the data packet and transmits the packet to another module. To receive data, the aggregation unit reads a header from the data packet to determine whether the data. packet includes data for the module. If so, the aggregation unit reads the data and passes the data packet to another module. If the aggregation unit determines that a data packet is not intended for the module, the data packet is passed to another module with no further interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Sivaram Balasubramanian, Jonathan D. Bradford, Anthony G. Gibart, Kenwood H. Hall, Kendal R. Harris, Raymond R. Husted, Edward C. Korsberg, Gregory A. Majcher, Scott A. Pierce, Gregg M. Sichner, Patrick D. Telljohann, Robert J. Kretschmann
  • Patent number: 10031497
    Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Kenwood H. Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
  • Publication number: 20180189119
    Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
  • Patent number: 9960997
    Abstract: A method and system for interacting with data frames passing through a module connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each module includes an aggregation unit located on the network interface above the physical layer. To transmit data, the aggregation unit reads a header from a dynamic data packet to determine if the module is a participant module for the packet. If so, the aggregation unit inserts data from the module into the data packet and transmits the packet to another module. To receive data, the aggregation unit reads a header from the data packet to determine whether the data packet includes data for the module. If so, the aggregation unit reads the data and passes the data packet to another module. If the aggregation unit determines that a data packet is not intended for the module, the data packet is passed to another module with no further interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sivaram Balasubramanian, Jonathan D. Bradford, Anthony G. Gibart, Kenwood H. Hall, Kendal R. Harris, Raymond R. Husted, Edward C. Korsberg, Gregory A. Majcher, Scott A. Pierce, Gregg M. Sichner, Patrick D. Telljohann, Robert J. Kretschmann
  • Patent number: 9921890
    Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
  • Patent number: 9857781
    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: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Duwayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Charmaine J. Van Minnen, Kenwood Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Robert J. Kretschmann, Mark A. Chaffee, Terence S. Tenorio, David A. Pasela
  • Patent number: 9645572
    Abstract: A system for defining information for multi-option devices connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each device has a single electronic data sheet (EDS) defining options associated with the device as well as each of the choices associated with those options. An option data sheet (ODS) is included for each option defining the device information corresponding to that option. A programmer interface may allow a programmer to select devices as well as the options for each of those devices associated with a control system. Each device is also configured to store the EDS and each ODS corresponding to that device within memory in the device. The programmer interface generates a controller configuration file defining the connections between each device and the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Telljohann, Scott A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 9513617
    Abstract: An industrial control system provides for distributed processing of position related signals by remote I/O modules to correct for spatial offsets of sensors or actuators associated with the I/O modules, the latter which may receive position data and may correct timing signals detected at the I/O modules according to a stored position offset within the I/O modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Pierce
  • Publication number: 20160294692
    Abstract: A method and system for interacting with data frames passing through a module connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each module includes an aggregation unit located on the network interface above the physical layer. To transmit data, the aggregation unit reads a header from a dynamic data packet to determine if the module is a participant module for the packet. If so, the aggregation unit inserts data from the module into the data packet and transmits the packet to another module. To receive data, the aggregation unit reads a header from the data packet to determine whether the data packet includes data for the module. If so, the aggregation unit reads the data and passes the data packet to another module. If the aggregation unit determines that a data packet is not intended for the module, the data packet is passed to another module with no further interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Sivaram Balasubramanian, Jonathan D. Bradford, Anthony G. Gibart, Kenwood H. Hall, Kendal R. Harris, Raymond R. Husted, Edward C. Korsberg, Gregory A. Majcher, Scott A. Pierce, Gregg M. Sichner, Patrick D. Telljohann, Robert J. Kretschmann
  • Publication number: 20160147579
    Abstract: An improved system for handling events in an industrial control system is disclosed. A module in an industrial controller is configured to generate an event responsive to a predefined signal or combination of signals occurring. The event is transferred to an event queue for subsequent execution. The event queue may also be configured to store a copy of the state of the module at the time the event is generated. The event queue may hold multiple events and each event is configured to trigger at least one event task. Subsequent events that occur during execution of the event task are stored in the event queue for later execution. An event, or combination of events, may trigger execution of an event task within the module, within the controller to which the module is connected, or within multiple controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Kenwood H. Hall, Robert J. Kretschmann, Terence S. Tenorio, Scott A. Pierce, Bret S. Hildebran, Raymond R. Husted, Gregg Sichner, David M. Fort
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20160026165
    Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Kenwood H. Hall, Richard O. Ruggeri, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio, Gregory J. Svetina
  • Patent number: 9152136
    Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood H. Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
  • Publication number: 20150127120
    Abstract: A system for defining information for multi-option devices connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each device has a single electronic data sheet (EDS) defining options associated with the device as well as each of the choices associated with those options. An option data sheet (ODS) is included for each option defining the device information corresponding to that option. A programmer interface may allow a programmer to select devices as well as the options for each of those devices associated with a control system. Each device is also configured to store the EDS and each ODS corresponding to that device within memory in the device. The programmer interface generates a controller configuration file defining the connections between each device and the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Telljohann, Scott A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 8996754
    Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Richard O. Ruggeri, Kenwood H. Hall, Gregory J. Svetina, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
  • Patent number: 8996745
    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: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Decker, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood Hall, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce
  • Patent number: 8942834
    Abstract: An industrial control system includes an industrial controller and a programming interface. The programming interface is operable to communicate a plurality of operations for modifying a control program maintained by the industrial controller followed by a commit transaction command. The industrial controller is configured to designate the plurality of operations with a pending status and preprocess the plurality of operations. The industrial controller is further configured to commit the operations and clear the pending status responsive to receiving the commit transaction command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Johnston, Jacob S. Baker, Luis A. Capriles, Raymond R. Husted, Scott A. Pierce, Douglas W. Reid, Robert R. Sepsi, Douglas B. Sumerauer
  • Publication number: 20140371877
    Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Robert J. Kretschmann, Kenwood H. Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
  • Publication number: 20140365015
    Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, DuWayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Richard O. Ruggeri, Kenwood H. Hall, Gregory J. Svetina, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio
  • Patent number: 8850092
    Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret S. Hildebran, Eric D. Decker, Duwayne D. Mulhall, Peter M. Delic, Kenwood Hall, Harsh Shah, Andreas P. Frischknecht, Mark Chaffee, Scott A. Pierce, Terence S. Tenorio