Rockwell Automation Technologies Incorporated

Rockwell Automation Germany Gmbh & Co Kg

Rockwell Automation Switzerland Gmbh

Rockwell Automation Ag

Anatoly G Grinberg

Wayne R Foster

Patrick Joseph Delaney, Iii

Barbara Janina Byczkiewicz

Derek William Jones

Carl Meinherz

Martin Hardegger

Michael N Burdenko

Dennis C Mackey

Simon Eggenberger

Dirk Lorenz

The subject matter disclosed herein describes an optical sensor used in a safety system. The sensor includes two pixel matrices on a single substrate. Each of the pixel matrices are arranged in a row and column format, and pixels from one matrix are interspersed with pixels from the other matrix such that alternating pixels in each row and column belong to separate matrices. Two sets of selection logic allow each matrix to be enabled separately. Additional monitoring logic is included to detect shorted pixels and/or shorted selection lines. In addition, the frames generated by each pixel array may be compared to detect variation in performance between arrays.

Method and apparatus for enabling sensors in a dual matrix sensor array

Systems and methods are provided relating to utilizing a plurality of RFID tags in conjunction with a circuit comprising at least one reed switch to facilitate determination of operational states and actions based thereon. A magnet can activate the reed switch causing a first RFID tag to be activated and transmit an associated RFID identifier from which a position/operation associated with the first RFID can be determined. The magnet can be removed to activate a second RFID tag whereupon a second RFID identifier is transmitted from which a second position/operation can be determined. The circuit comprising the reed switch and RFID tags can have an induction coil enabling the circuit to be activated when the induction coil is brought into proximity of a second induction coil and inductively coupled.

Determining operational state with tags

A system to test operation of an optical sensor is disclosed. The optical sensor includes one or more photosensitive devices configured to convert light to electrical signals. A test light source is included within the housing of the optical sensor. The test light source is periodically pulsed on to emit radiation at a sufficient intensity to saturate each of the photosensitive devices. Each of the photosensitive devices generates a signal corresponding to the intensity of light detected at that device. A logic circuit uses the signals corresponding to the intensity of light to identify whether each of the photosensitive devices is performing at an acceptable level.

System to detect failed pixels in a sensor array

Systems and methods for extending the range of radio frequency identification (RFID) signal communications, including related sensing systems, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system facilitates wireless communications between a RFID reader device and RFID transponder device and includes an extender circuit. The extender circuit includes a first tank circuit including a first inductor connected in parallel with a first capacitor between first and second nodes, and a second tank circuit including a second inductor connected in parallel with a second capacitor between third and fourth nodes. The extender circuit includes a first connection including a resistor, the first connection linking the first and third nodes, and a second connection between the second and fourth nodes, where the second and fourth nodes are at or substantially at a common voltage. In at least some additional systems, the extender circuit is implemented in combination with an RFID reader or transponder device.

System and method for extending range of radio frequency identification (RFID) signal communications

Method and apparatus for detecting failures of a dual matrix sensor array

A system to test operation of an optical sensor is disclosed. The optical sensor includes one or more photosensitive devices configured to convert light to electrical signals. A test light source and a reference target are included within the housing of the optical sensor. The test light source is mounted proximate to the photosensitive devices and the reference target is positioned opposite from the test light source. The test light source is periodically pulsed on to emit light at a known wavelength. The light is reflected from the reference target back to at least a portion of the photosensitive devices. A logic circuit uses the reflected light which is received at the portion of the photosensitive devices to determine the distance between the light source and the reference target. This calculated distance is compared against the known distance to verify correct operation of the optical sensor.

System to test performance of pixels in a sensor array

A method, system, and a control device are provided for reducing RFID reaction times. A control unit receives a data signal, which comprises a code signal if a passive RFID transponder is located in the carrier field of an RFID reader. The code represents the identification code of the passive RFID transponder. The carrier field is disabled to reset the data signal, and thereafter enabled to receive a first portion of the code signal only. The code of the passive RFID transponder is then validated on the basis of said first portion of the code signal only.

RFID reaction time reduction

Systems and/or methods are provided for a dual-channel inductive proximity sensor. The sensor can include a sensing element which includes a core having a first cavity and a second cavity, a first coil accommodated within the first cavity of the core, and a second coil housed within the second cavity of the core. Each coil can be independently driven by oscillators to generate respective magnetic fields. The magnetic fields can be monitored to determine whether detection of a target object occurs.

Double-coil inductive proximity sensor apparatus

The present invention relates to conveyor control system and methodology that may be operatively coupled with other such systems in order to implement a control strategy for a modular conveyor system. A module and/or series of modules are provided that clamp to a cable, the modules having associated logic and inter-module communications for control. This includes relatively inexpensive power distribution, interconnection and motion logic for industrial conveyor systems.

Growing community of inventors

Brighton, MA, United States of America

Anatoly G Grinberg