Abstract: An RFID reader and/or writer module in an industrial controller (e.g., PLC). The RFID module interfaces internally to the controller for tight integration therewith. The RFID module can also be part of a controller communications framework and as a standalone module with the PLC as a master device, and interact with the RFID module in the same manner as it interacts with other I/O devices connected to the controller. In another aspect, RFID read/write tag technology is incorporated into some or all major PLC and rack components, and utilized for wireless communication both between PLC system components and between the PLC and other devices, locations, and media. The RFID tag can be used to store and exchange electronic keying data, security information, module diagnostics and warranty information, series and revision levels code, I/O configuration data, and, replacement data. Artificial intelligence is also employed.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) component receives a data stream from at least one RFID tag. A controller can integrate and/or embed at least one of the following, 1) middleware that filters the data stream associated with the RFID component, 2) RFID software that provides RFID component software functionality, and 3) a smart component that connects to the RFID component.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates utilizing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with an object. An RFID component can receive extended data from the RFID tag that identifies an operation. An automation device can then manipulate the object based at least in part upon the extended data and the identified operation. Moreover, a controller can be utilized to control the automation device, wherein the controller utilizes an internal database and/or data store to provide efficient access to specific information.

Abstract: A portable RFID reader (or reader/writer) that also employs a location determination subsystem that facilitates determination of the reader (or reader/writer) location. The location subsystem can employ a satellite-based GPS (Global Positioning System) location technology where such signals are unimpeded by structures. Additionally, the location subsystem can employ other terrestrial location technologies that operate inside structures such as warehouses and the factory automation environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods that support object oriented access to information at multiple levels in a control architecture, for example. Such data access can be facilitated as a layer adjacent to or part of an MES system or as a white box cooperating to encapsulate data such as in the controller or the MES layer, for example. In addition, such object oriented data access can be built into a controller as a standard behavior of controller data types and tags of those data types. In this manner, data can be encapsulated as a data object to expose properties and/or methods related to the data utilizing a common interface with each data consumer. Thus, the data consumer can employ object oriented concepts, such as properties, methods, scope qualifiers, access qualifiers (private, protected, public enterprise), polymorphism, inheritance and the like directly with their automation system components.

Abstract: A security system that relates to industrial automation security comprises a component that receives a request to modify security relating to a zone of a factory floor, the zone being less than an entirety of the factory floor. A zonal security component generates security procedures for the zone, the security procedures differ from security procedures implemented on the factory floor outside the zone.

Abstract: The invention employs systems and methods to provide addressing for appropriate access to data in automation devices. Data attributes can be related to a number of various factors in a data driven architecture such as the source of the data, the data subscriber and/or the path employed to convey the data from the source to the subscriber. In addition, data attributes can refer to the format, scale, units, length, visualization and transactional capabilities of the data. The subject invention can point to the appropriate address of the requested data wherein the data can have desired attributes associated therewith. In this manner, data can be selected based on the requirements of the requestor and/or the loading demands of network communication.

Abstract: A guide rail for a roller system having a conveyor frame formed by parallel sidebars, the guide rail includes an elongate member and a plurality of clips welded to a lower edge of the elongate member. Each clip has a U-shaped configuration which is sized for snapping over an upper horizontal edge of the sidebar. The U-shaped clip has an inner flange for positioning adjacent the rollers and an outer flange for positioning along the exterior of the conveyor frame. The outer flange has an angled end directed toward the inner flange to provide stability to the guide rail.

Abstract: A lockable storage assembly, or lockbox container, is disclosed, with programmable opening utility, for providing access to the contents of the storage assembly at a time chosen by a user to suit an occasion. The lockbox includes non-volatile memory for holding current time and date, and opening time and date, and is assembled of integrated circuits and display, requiring very low power, such that the lockbox may retain function over extended periods of time, while locking mechanisms with higher power requirements are powered by a replaceable, externally accessible battery. The lockbox is assembled and programmed so that the interior is accessible only upon reaching a match date, whereupon the lockbox unlocks automatically, or upon entry of a password chosen by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program.

Abstract: A lockable storage assembly, or lockbox container, is disclosed, with programmable opening utility, for providing access to the contents of the storage assembly at a time chosen by a user to suit an occasion. The lockbox includes non-volatile memory for holding current time and date, and opening time and date, and is assembled of integrated circuits and display, requiring very low power, such that the lockbox may retain function over extended periods of time, while locking mechanisms with higher power requirements are powered by a replaceable, externally accessible battery. The lockbox is assembled and programmed so that the interior is accessible only upon reaching a match date, whereupon the lockbox unlocks automatically, or upon entry of a password chosen by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and navigating linear hypermedia resource programs are disclosed. The system includes a distributed hypermedia resource network having a plurality of hypermedia resources residing on one or more remote information nodes. A common remote information node is in communication with a subscriber station and the remote information nodes in the distributed network. The common remote information node contains at least one linear hypermedia resource program consisting of pre-selected media elements from one or more hypermedia resources linked with exclusive linear links, each media element in the linear program having only one forward link to the next media element. The method includes the steps of downloading and displaying a media element in the linear program and responding to user commands to download and display the next media element in the linear program.

Abstract: A control system and method including an integrator coupled with a rate-varying multiplier which operate in parallel with a conventional controller. Because the integration is rate-variable, the resulting control system has the benefits of an integral position control without the problems of integral windup and subsequent overshoot. The system and method have less following and steady state error, faster settling time and better tolerance to noise than traditional PD and PID controls in controlling dynamic manipulators such as robots. Also, because the integrations are performed in a rate-variable manner, errors due to mechanical static friction, i.e. "sticktion", are substantially reduced without sacrificing dynamic performance of the system.

Abstract: A throat formed between jaws of a rigid bifurcate gripper can be moved horizontally to receive an edge portion of sheet structure. The gripper is freely tiltable so that application of a lifting force to it will effect tilting of the gripper relative to the sheet structure to bind such structure between the jaws. Normally the gripper is positioned by a counterweight with its elongated throat horizontal. The lower jaw is of reflex angle shape and is positioned relative to the upper jaw so that downward tilting of the jaws will cause them to bind the sheet structure in the gripper throat.

Abstract: Pipe-gripping heads are movable along a pipe-spanning frame to grip opposite ends of a pipe. The length of the pipe-spanning frame extends transversely of the length of a boom which is carried and movable elevationally by a lift truck. The pipe-spanning frame is carried by and can be moved longitudinally of the boom or swung about an upright axis relative to the boom or tilted by swiveling the boom. The boom can be shortened by swinging upward an outboard draw section.