Abstract: A proximity sensor with integrated control features includes a sensing circuit that detects a target feature in proximity thereto and generates a sensor signal responsive to detection of the target feature, an interface circuit that receives inputs from an external device and conditions the inputs to provide digital logic outputs, output electronics that selectively provide actuation signals for driving a load operatively connected to the proximity sensor, and a microcontroller unit in communication with the sensing circuit, the interface circuit, and the output electronics. The microcontroller unit receives sensor signals and digital logic outputs from the sensing circuit and the interface circuit, samples the sensor signals and digital logic outputs, and selectively provides activation signals to the output electronics based on the state of the digital logic outputs and/or the sensor signals, wherein the activation signals cause the output electronics to output the actuation signals to drive the load.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting faults in an apparatus, such as a ski lift, employs a communication network onto which a sensor bus controller periodically transmits a safety message and receives a echo of each safety message. Different sensors are coupled to sensor adapter modules that in turn are connected in a series to the communication network. After the last sensor adapter module in the series, each safety message is echoed back along the communication network. Each sensor adapter module, upon receiving a safety message, increments a count in that message and transmits the resultant safety message to another module. When a sensor indicates a fault condition, the associated sensor adapter module blocks propagation of safety messages along the communication network. The sensor bus controller determines, in response to a failure to receive the echo and to the count in the echo, whether a fault occurred.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting faults in an apparatus, such as a ski lift, employs a communication network onto which a sensor bus controller periodically transmits a safety message and receives a echo of each safety message. Different sensors are coupled to sensor adapter modules that in turn are connected in a series to the communication network. After the last sensor adapter module in the series, each safety message is echoed back along the communication network. Each sensor adapter module, upon receiving a safety message, increments a count in that message and transmits the resultant safety message to another module. When a sensor indicates a fault condition, the associated sensor adapter module blocks propagation of safety messages along the communication network. The sensor bus controller determines, in response to a failure to receive the echo and to the count in the echo, whether a fault occurred.