Abstract: A sideband communication system has been developed for a conveyor system. A controller card controls the operation of a conveyor zone and communicates information about each conveyor in the conveyor zone. The controller card is assigned to control and monitor the operation of one or more of these zones of conveyors. The cards of adjacent zones are daisy-chained together to facilitate communication with one another and with other systems like a programmable logic controller (PLC). In addition to the standard controller area network (CAN) communication protocol, the controller cards further communicate amongst themselves using a sideband communication protocol that is outside the realm of the standard CAN communication protocol. The sideband communication protocol allows the cards to communicate with each other without interfering with normal network communications which provides additional capabilities such as automatic card self-identification.

Abstract: A data analytics system has been developed for conveyor systems that helps to monitor items along conveyors as well as assist in monitoring the status or health of equipment of the conveyor. Tracking items in conveying systems within a facility can be difficult. Conveyed items can become jammed, lost, or even fall off the conveyor. Based on input from motors and sensors along the conveyor, the data analytics system is able to detect lost or jammed items. With input from the sensors, the data analytics system is also configured to detect equipment wear and damage. The data analytic system further aggregates data from the various conveyor systems to generate statistics as well as other information that can be used for modeling and simulating the conveyor system. The aggregate data can be used to generate measures such as travel efficiency analytics for reporting purposes.

Abstract: A roller detection system has been developed in which a controller card is configured to automatically detect the type of motorized drive roller being used in the conveyor system. With this automatic detection capability, the controller card is able to automatically control the motorized drive roller without the need for manual reprogramming or reconfiguration. For instance, the controller card can detect whether the motorized drive roller is controlled through an analog or digital signal as well as the voltage required to control or power the motorized drive roller, and based on this roller type detection, the controller card is automatically configured to control the motorized drive roller. The system is further adapted to facilitate a sensor-less or photoeye-less zero pressure (ZP) conveyor system. The controller card is configured to support a secondary power source that allows the motorized drive roller settings during e-stop and other power loss conditions.

Abstract: An example device includes a physical interface to connect to a system. The device also includes a power source to deliver power to a diagnostic portion of the system via the physical interface. The diagnostic portion draws a small amount of power. The power source delivers the power based on the system not receiving power from an internal source. The device also includes a reporting engine to communicatively couple to the system via the physical interface. The reporting engine retrieves an indication of whether a cable in the system is connected.

Abstract: In one implementation, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a plurality of pads that form a pad pattern on the PCB. In that implementation, the plurality of pads include a group of load pads, a dummy pad, and a false pad. The group of load pads act as contact points to establish an electrical path between a first circuitry and a second circuitry. The dummy pad is coupled to a via that floats electrically and the false pad is coupled to a third circuitry.

Abstract: An example device includes a physical interface to connect to a system. The device also includes a power source to deliver power to a diagnostic portion of the system via the physical interface. The diagnostic portion draws a small amount of power. The power source delivers the power based on the system not receiving power from an internal source. The device also includes a reporting engine to communicatively couple to the system via the physical interface. The reporting engine retrieves an indication of whether a cable in the system is connected.

Abstract: In one implementation, a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a plurality of pads that form a pad pattern on the PCB. In that implementation, the plurality of pads include a group of load pads, a dummy pad, and a false pad. The group of load pads act as contact points to establish an electrical path between a first circuitry and a second circuitry. The dummy pad is coupled to a via that floats electrically and the false pad is coupled to a third circuitry.

Abstract: A turbocharger control system for an internal combustion engine having first and second turbochargers connected in series includes first and second pressure sensors, and a controller. The first and second pressure sensors are disposed in an air intake of the engine, and are configured to sense boost pressure of the first and second turbochargers, respectively. The controller is configured to receive pressure signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to control operation of at least one of the first and second turbochargers to maintain a desired boost pressure ratio.

Abstract: A turbocharger control system for an internal combustion engine having first and second turbochargers connected in series includes first and second pressure sensors, and a controller. The first and second pressure sensors are disposed in an air intake of the engine, and are configured to sense boost pressure of the first and second turbochargers, respectively. The controller is configured to receive pressure signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to control operation of at least one of the first and second turbochargers to maintain a desired boost pressure ratio.