Abstract: A method and system for providing information related to a set of automated resources that may cooperate in an environment to perform an automated process, the method comprising the steps of associating a specific environment location with the automated process, determining the locations of resources with respect to the specific location and, where resources are proximate the specific location, providing information related to the automated process. Also a method for facility communication between distributed resources where location or an attribute akin thereto is used to tag data and to monitor network data for specific required data.

Abstract: Thermographic imaging equipment is incorporated directly into cabinets housing electrical switchgear to provide for dedicated, nearly continuous monitoring of the contained equipment. A mechanical scanning technique may allow low-cost sensors to provide essentially continuous thermographic monitoring. Dedicated thermal imaging equipment allows automatic analysis through predefined temperature threshold maps.

Abstract: The invention includes a method including the steps of specifying access control information for resources, for each first protocol packet transmitted on the network, intercepting the first protocol packet prior to a first protocol destination resource, examining embedded packet information to identify at least one of the intermediate path resources and the final destination resource, identifying the access control information associated with the identified at least one of the intermediate path resources and the final destination resource and restricting transmission of the first protocol packet as a function of the identified access control information.

Abstract: An energy object extension to an industrial protocol having a comprehensive suite of attributes, messages and services utilized for the monitoring and control of energy consuming or producing resources by a manufacturing automation application is provided. The energy object includes an identifier associated with an energy resource that is associated with a manufacturing automation application and an energy type associated with the energy resource. This includes a measurement characteristic associated with the energy resource to facilitate energy management by the manufacturing automation application.

Abstract: A system that facilitates enhanced security with respect to an industrial automation environment comprises a legacy device that is existent within an industrial automation system and a central access authority that provides access rules to a proxy. The proxy receives an access request directed to the legacy device and determines whether the access request is permitted based at least in part upon characteristics of the access request and the access rules provided by the central access authority.

Abstract: Architecture that utilizes RFID technology in product manufacturing and lifecycle management to track the depletion of inventory, verify the correctness of a part, monitor the completeness of an assembled product, and check a returned product to determine warranty procedure. An RFID reader, or reader/writer, can sense information of an RFID tag associated with an item at various stages of product life. The information can be compared with data associated with the RFID-tagged item, and appropriate action can be taken based on the comparison. A machine learning and reasoning component can be utilized to generate automatic action based on the information.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a user interface system for controlling a process, where the process is implemented in a machine system. The user interface system includes a user interface configured to receive user input to control the process of the machine system. The user interface system also includes a first transceiver coupled to the user interface and configured to provide user power to the user interface, where the first transceiver is configured to wirelessly receive input power from a second transceiver. The user interface system also includes a processing system configured to monitor a performance factor of the first transceiver, process the performance factor to determine when a power transfer problem exists between the second transceiver and the first transceiver, and transfer an alert in response to the power transfer problem.

Abstract: The present technique relates to the distribution of power and data signals throughout a networked system. For example, three-phase power may be conducted to a device over a set of conductors. One of the conductors, however, may be configured to conduct, in conjunction with a neutral conductor, both one phase of three-phase power as well as data signals in accordance with a predetermined data communications protocol. As an alternate example, the present technique may comprise a set of a first power conductors configured to conduct three-phase power and a secondary power conductor which works in conjunction with an auxiliary conductor to conduct power and data-signals. Additionally, the present technique provides for the maintenance data communications and a level of power upon the interruption of three-phase power to a particular component or device.

Abstract: A security system for disconnected automation devices comprises a central access control authority that provides access regulations that are received by a portable unit. An analysis component that determines whether access should be provided to a disconnected system based at least in part upon the access regulations. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, for example, the access regulations can restrict access to a disconnected device for a particular timeframe.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system for controlling a process, where the process is implemented by a machine system. The system includes a user interface device and a first transceiver coupled to the user interface device. The first transceiver is configured to receive communications from the user interface device and transfer the communications. The system also includes a second transceiver in communication with the first transceiver and configured to transfer power to the first transceiver, receive the communications from the first transceiver, and transfer the communications to control the process implemented by the machine system.

Abstract: One or more infrared transmitting ports are placed in the insulating housing of standard switchgear components to allow far infrared viewing of internal conductive components permitting earlier and more precise location of possible thermal failure through thermographic monitoring.

Abstract: Thermographic imaging equipment is incorporated directly into cabinets housing electrical switchgear to provide for dedicated, nearly continuous monitoring of the contained equipment. A mechanical scanning technique may allow low-cost sensors to provide essentially continuous thermographic monitoring. Dedicated thermal imaging equipment allows automatic analysis through predefined temperature threshold maps.

Abstract: A backplane configuration is described for supporting a range of modular components mechanically and for making electrical connections between the components. The backplane is particularly well-suited to power distribution and control applications, such as in industrial motor drives, and so forth. The backplane includes a number of bays or slots for modular components, as well as a bus topography that allows for switched or common connections between the various components.

Abstract: A distributed modular input/output system includes a primary wireless device adapted to be operatively connected to an associated industrial controller. A secondary wireless device is physically disconnected from the primary wireless device. The secondary wireless device is operatively connected to the primary wireless device by a primary wireless backplane link. At least one input/output module is operatively connected the secondary wireless device. An associated field device can be connected to the at least one input/output module for communication with the associated industrial controller via the secondary wireless device, the primary wireless backplane link, and the primary wireless device. Typically, a plurality of the secondary wireless devices are physically disconnected from the primary wireless device and each includes one or more of the input/output modules operably connected thereto.

Abstract: The present technique relates to the distribution of power and data signals throughout a networked system. For example, three-phase power may be conducted to a device over a set of conductors. One of the conductors, however, may be configured to conduct, in conjunction with a neutral conductor, both one phase of three-phase power as well as data signals in accordance with a predetermined data communications protocol. As an alternate example, the present technique may comprise a set of a first power conductors configured to conduct three-phase power and a secondary power conductor which works in conjunction with an auxiliary conductor to conduct power and data signals. Additionally, the present technique provides for the maintenance data communications and a level of power upon the interruption of three-phase power to a particular component or device.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a power distribution center having an enclosure with an access door configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The system also includes a monitoring system configured to monitor operational parameters inside the enclosure. Also, the system includes an entry control system coupled to the monitoring system, wherein the entry control system is configured to lock the access door if the operation parameters are indicative of a potentially hazardous condition inside the enclosure.

Abstract: A system, in one embodiment, includes a power distribution center having an enclosure with an access door configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The power distribution center includes a non-contact sensor disposed inside the enclosure, wherein the non-contact sensor includes a non-contact voltage sensor, or a non-contact temperature sensor, or a combination thereof. The power distribution center also includes an indicator viewable outside of the enclosure while the door is in the closed position, wherein the indicator is coupled to the non-contact sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information related to a set of automated resources that may cooperate in an environment to perform an automated process, the method comprising the steps of associating a specific environment location with the automated process, determining the locations of resources with respect to the specific location and, where resources are proximate the specific location, providing information related to the automated process. Also a method for facility communication between distributed resources where location or an attribute akin thereto is used to tag data and to monitor network data for specific required data.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information related to a set of automated resources that may cooperate in an environment to perform an automated process, the method comprising the steps of associating a specific environment location with the automated process, determining the locations of resources with respect to the specific location and, where resources are proximate the specific location, providing information related to the automated process. Also a method for facility communication between distributed resources where location or an attribute akin thereto is used to tag data and to monitor network data for specific required data.

Abstract: A motor control center (MCC) is provided. The MCC includes a power and data distribution bus comprising a plurality of conductive bars for distributing power and data signals within the MCC. In one embodiment, the plurality of conductive bars is configured to receive and distribute three-phase power from an external power source. The MCC may also include a device configured to receive power and data from the plurality of conductive bars. Devices and methods for distributing power and data to such devices within an MCC are also disclosed.