Abstract: An integrated configuration viewing system for use in a process plant includes a computer readable memory and a plurality of template configuration objects stored on the computer readable memory. Each of the plurality of template configuration objects includes a graphical representation of a physical entity within the process plant, a parameter storage adapted to communicate with the process plant to obtain and store device parameter information associated with the physical entity within the process plant, and a configuration storage adapted to store configuration parameters associated with the physical entity within the process plant. A first routine is stored on the computer readable memory and adapted to be executed on the processor to present a library section on a user interface. The library section is adapted to present depictions of the plurality of template configuration objects to a user via the user interface.

Abstract: A field device detects the presence of terminal leakage between a first terminal and a second terminal in the terminal block area of the field device using a voltage variation ratio that is based on variations in a terminal voltage located across output terminals of a field device and variations in a current regulation voltage located within a current regulation circuit. Preferable, the field device measures an initial voltage variation ratio ?0 and a subsequent voltage variation ratio ?t. Based on the initial voltage variation ratio ?0 and the subsequent voltage variation ratio ?t, the terminal leakage existing between the first terminal and the second terminal can be calculated.

Abstract: A field device detects the presence of terminal leakage between a first terminal and a second terminal in the terminal block area of the field device using a voltage variation ratio that is based on variations in a terminal voltage located across output terminals of a field device and variations in a current regulation voltage located within a current regulation circuit. Preferable, the field device measures an initial voltage variation ratio ?0 and a subsequent voltage variation ratio ?t. Based on the initial voltage variation ratio ?0 and the subsequent voltage variation ratio ?t, the terminal leakage existing between the first terminal and the second terminal can be calculated.

Abstract: A method and device for use with a hydraulic system is adapted to measure a position, velocity and/or acceleration of a piston of a hydraulic actuator based upon differential pressure measurement. The device of the present invention utilizes a differential pressure flow sensor to establish a flow rate of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator, from which the position, velocity and acceleration of the piston can be determined.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining a position of a piston contained within a hydraulic actuator as a function of a hydraulic fluid flow. The measuring device includes a bi-directional flow sensor positioned inline with the hydraulic fluid flow and a piston position module. The flow sensor is configured to produce a flow rate signal that is indicative flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flow into and out of a first cavity. The piston position module is configured to receive the flow rate signal from the flow sensor and produce a piston position signal that is indicative of the position of the piston within the hydraulic actuator as a function of the flow rate signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling at least one hydraulic actuator of a hydraulic system includes a flow rate measurement of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator. The flow rate is used to calculate piston information corresponding to a position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of a piston of the hydraulic actuator. The piston information can then be provided to an output device to aid in the control of the hydraulic actuator. Alternatively, the piston information can be compared to a reference signal relating to a desired position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of the piston to produce a control signal, which can be used to adjust the hydraulic fluid flow and provide the desired actuation of the piston.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bi-directional differential pressure flow sensor that is configured to establish a direction and flow rate of a fluid flow. The flow sensor includes a flow restriction member, a differential pressure sensor, and processing electronics. The flow restriction member is configured to produce a pressure drop when placed inline with the fluid flow. The differential pressure sensor is embedded or integral with the flow restriction member and produces a differential pressure signal that is indicative of the pressure drop. The processing electronics produces a flow rate signal that is indicative of the direction and flow rate of the fluid flow as a function of the differential pressure signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bi-directional differential pressure flow sensor that is configured to establish a direction and flow rate of a fluid flow. The flow sensor includes a flow restriction member, a differential pressure sensor, and processing electronics. The flow restriction member is configured to produce a pressure drop when placed inline with the fluid flow. The differential pressure sensor is embedded or integral with the flow restriction member and produces a differential pressure signal that is indicative of the pressure drop. The processing electronics produces a flow rate signal that is indicative of the direction and flow rate of the fluid flow as a function of the differential pressure signal.

Abstract: A method and device for use with a hydraulic system is adapted to measure a position, velocity and/or acceleration of a piston of a hydraulic actuator based upon differential pressure measurement. The device of the present invention utilizes a differential pressure flow sensor to establish a flow rate of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator, from which the position, velocity and acceleration of the piston can be determined.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining a position of a piston contained within a hydraulic actuator as a function of a hydraulic fluid flow. The measuring device includes a bi-directional flow sensor positioned inline with the hydraulic fluid flow and a piston position module. The flow sensor is configured to produce a flow rate signal that is indicative flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flow into and out of a first cavity. The piston position module is configured to receive the flow rate signal from the flow sensor and produce a piston position signal that is indicative of the position of the piston within the hydraulic actuator as a function of the flow rate signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling at least one hydraulic actuator of a hydraulic system includes a flow rate measurement of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator. The flow rate is used to calculate piston information corresponding to a position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of a piston of the hydraulic actuator. The piston information can then be provided to an output device to aid in the control of the hydraulic actuator. Alternatively, the piston information can be compared to a reference signal relating to a desired position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of the piston to produce a control signal, which can be used to adjust the hydraulic fluid flow and provide the desired actuation of the piston.

Abstract: A method and device for use with a hydraulic system is adapted to measure a position, velocity and/or acceleration of a piston of a hydraulic actuator based upon differential pressure measurement. The device of the present invention utilizes a differential pressure flow sensor to establish a flow rate of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator, from which the position, velocity and acceleration of the piston can be determined.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling at least one hydraulic actuator of a hydraulic system includes a flow rate measurement of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator. The flow rate is used to calculate piston information corresponding to a position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of a piston of the hydraulic actuator. The piston information can then be provided to an output device to aid in the control of the hydraulic actuator. Alternatively, the piston information can be compared to a reference signal relating to a desired position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of the piston to produce a control signal, which can be used to adjust the hydraulic fluid flow and provide the desired actuation of the piston.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter has a pressure sensor coupled to an isolator diaphragm by a fill fluid such as oil. According to the invention, means are provided for measuring the position of the isolator diaphragm and comparing the measured position with an expected position to give an indication of fill fluid leakage. Non-contact arrangements such as capacitive and ultrasonic techniques are disclosed for measuring isolator diaphragm position, as well as contacting arrangements such as switches. The fill fluid loss arrangement can be incorporated into a two-wire transmitter, which transmitter can be made to send a warning signal to a control unit when fill fluid loss is detected.

Abstract: A spring loaded seal is placed between three continuous groove walls between mating parts adjacent to a pressure transmitter isolator. The seal includes a resin ring with two ring walls conformable to two of the groove walls. A third ring wall has a continuous slot extending into the ring. A coil spring is placed in the slot such that, upon mating of the parts, the third wall presses the coil spring toward the slot. This compresses the coil spring to sealingly force the first and second outer ring walls against the first and second groove walls respectively with a controlled force. The coil spring's compression controls the sealing force to limit undesired distortion of the groove walls.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter has a pressure transducer in a transmitter housing. The transmitter housing includes a groove or a notch defining a flexure closely proximate a housing outer rim. The outer rim receives a large clamping force from a flange and is deflectable about the flexure for reducing transmission of axial and radial components of the clamping force from the housing outer rim to the transducer, which forces can cause distortions to the pressure transducer. Unevenly distributed clamping forces caused by differential thermal expansion of the flange, bolts and housing, are isolated from the transducer thereby reducing measurement errors. Further, transmission of hysteretic radial forces from the transmitter housing to the transducer caused by friction when the flange slides across the pressure transmitter housing, each having different thermal coefficients of expansion, is also reduced.