Abstract: An Active Input/Output (I/O) Module forming a node of an industrial control network includes a housing for mounting a plurality of input and/or output serial data bus connectors, input and output device data connectors, and main and auxiliary power connectors, if desired. A programmed microprocessor unit is housed within the housing for controlling data and communication with a system main Programmable Logic Controller, or equivalent. A portion of the memory associated with the microprocessor for storing data specific to the node represented by the I/O module comprises a Removable Memory Unit, thus permitting the I/O module to be replaced upon failure with a new I/O module capable of receiving the Removable Memory Unit to re-constitute the I/O module without having to re-program the node-specific data on site.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The apparatus is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol.

Abstract: An electrical handlamp includes a casing molded in two sections which are secured together and cooperate to define a handle for housing a lamp socket and wire connections from a supply cord to the socket. One handle section is integrally molded to provide a closed half shell for partially surrounding and housing a lamp. A protective cage is mounted for rotation about an axis between a closed position protecting the lamp and an open position for replacing the lamp. A hook at the top of the half shell rotatably mounts the top of the protective cage, and the bottom of the cage is rotatably received on the socket. A clasp releaseably latches the cage to the half shell in the closed position of the cage.

Abstract: A field-attachable contact assembly includes a contact having a seat portion which includes a wire-receiving aperture having a generally circular portion for receiving an insulated wire and a narrowing V-shaped portion for establishing an insulation displacement connection with the wire. A pusher includes a slot for receiving the seat of the contact, and an aperture which, when aligned with the circular portion of the contact opening, receives the wire. The pusher is then pushed onto the contact to establish an IDC electrical connection between the contact and the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The apparatus is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol.

Abstract: A quick disconnect electrical connector resistant to vibration-induced disconnect includes a male connector and a female connector each having opposing segments of flexible thread which inter-engage when the male and female are assembled. The thread segments of the female connector are on a flexible wall which deflects to permit mating engagement when the two connectors are pushed together. A peripheral rim is formed in the overmold of one connector and a mating groove is formed in the overmold of the other, mating connector to form a tactile indicator that the connection is complete and to secure the two mating connectors together.

Abstract: A device for monitoring power conditions in the power leads of a communication network or power distribution bus includes a microprocessor 54 which measures the voltage on the power leads and computers a filtered bus voltage, Vbus, and a time-averaged bus voltage, Vave. From these, the microprocessor determines whether overvoltage, undervoltage or ripple conditions exist to actuate associated visual indicator intermittently (LEDs 57, 58, 59), or surge, brownout or transient conditions to actuate the associated indicators (LEDs 57, 58, 59) constantly for their associated slot times in a display cycle. The device may be in the form of a compatible terminator or a Tee for the network or power bus.

Abstract: A universal communication system (UCS) consists of a number of communication modules that connect automation devices including controllers, sensors, actuators and input/output components to various communication networks. Each module transfers data between an automation device and the network using network-specific services and protocols. All modules present the same physical, electrical and logical interface to the automation device. Configuration data that customizes the presentation of the device and its data to the network is stored in non-volatile memory in the communication module. In this way, a single device design can support multiple network types by using appropriately configured modules.

Abstract: A duplex holder for an optical loopback assembly includes a clip adapted to receive and hold an optical loopback assembly. The clip is mounted in an elongated cover which provides a handle for manipulating the holder. A release latch pivotally mounted to the clip engages release arms on the loopback assembly. An elongated member is pivotally connected to the release latch and extends beyond the rear end of the cover so that it is accessible by a user from the rear of the cover. When the elongated member is translated, it rotates the release latch to move the latch arm of the loopback assembly to a release position so that the loopback assembly can be removed from its associated mating connector by convenient manipulation of the holder.

Abstract: A portable test meter is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The meter is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol. For each network parameter of interest, a rotary switch selects a desired one for display. An auto search mode selectable by the operator, increments through selected network parameters and compares measured or calculated values against stored data representing acceptable, marginal, or unacceptable conditions, and an associated visual indicia is displayed for each unacceptable or margin condition detected.

Abstract: A field-attachable contact assembly includes a contact having a seat portion which includes a wire-receiving aperture having a generally circular portion for receiving an insulated wire and a narrowing V-shaped portion for establishing an insulation displacement connection with the wire. A pusher includes a slot for receiving the seat of the contact, and an aperture which, when aligned with the circular portion of the contact opening, receives the wire. The pusher is then pushed onto the contact to establish an IDC electrical connection between the contact and the wire.

Abstract: A height-adjustable workstation main frame includes a pair of telescoping, adjustable legs and a rigid yet efficient fixing frame carried by the upper portions of the legs to provide lateral stability, increased weight bearing capacity and functional flexibility. The same telescoping leg structure is adaptable to receive a motor drive, a manual crank lift or a manually adjusted mechanism for establishing the desired height of the table top. Fore and aft stability is increased by the shape and interengagement of the telescoping inner and outer leg weldments and the use of duplicate, laterally aligned bearing slide assemblies interconnecting the inner and outer leg weldments of each telescoping leg.

Abstract: A quick disconnect electrical connector resistant to vibration-induced disconnect includes a male connector and a female connector each having opposing segments of flexible thread which inter-engage when the male and female are assembled. The thread segments of the female connector are on a flexible wall which deflects to permit mating engagement when the two connectors are pushed together. The male and female connectors are keyed together when assembled to prevent rotation; and the flexible thread segments engage to prevent unintentional disconnect.

Abstract: A light for an industrial stringlight includes a cap having wire channels receiving insulated conductors. Non-interchangeable contact elements are placed in a screw-shell adapted to hold a lamp, and the cap and screw-shell are forced together. The cap is secured to the screw-shell, and insulation-piercing points on the contact elements establish electrical continuity with their associated conductors. The assembly is then overmolded for protection and sealing. A lamp guard is assembled to the overmold and has a bottom section hinged about a horizontal axis to permit replacing the lamp from beneath.

Abstract: Embodiments of industrial data signal connectors are disclosed. A male connector assembly includes a rigid core mold partially encompassing the housing of male data signal connectors such as the RJ45 and USB connectors, and a flexible overmold for protection and strain relief. Assemblies for the corresponding female RJ45 and USB connectors suitable for industrial applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: A field-attachable structure for an in-line electrical connector which converts the connector for industrial applications includes a premolded connector body molded to the male portion of a compression seal. The premolded connector body receives a cable in a central opening and it receives the in-line connector, after field attachment to the cable, in a receptacle formed in the molded body. A clip locks the in-line connector to the connector body. A compression nut mates to the male portion to form a seal with the cable, and a coupling nut on the connector body is adapted to screw onto exterior threads of a mating connector.

Abstract: A portable test meter is disclosed for measuring, calculating, recording and monitoring significant system parameters for a local communication network of the type used in industrial automation applications. The meter is disclosed in the context of a network employing the DeviceNet protocol. For each network parameter of interest, a rotary switch selects a desired one for display. An auto search mode selectable by the operator, increments through selected network parameters and compares measured or calculated values against stored data representing acceptable, marginal, or unacceptable conditions, and an associated visual indicia is displayed for each unacceptable or margin condition detected.