Abstract: In a method and device for monitoring speed, in particular for monitoring the rotation speed of an electric machine, two processors are employed which monitor the speed using different checking modes and cross-compare results. The first processor executes a conventional control algorithm and checks on the basis of an estimated or measured value of the speed whether a speed limit has been exceeded. The second processor determines the actual output frequency, which is also indicative of the speed, of a converter either from actual current values, which are measured anyway, or by reconstructing the voltage from control signals of transistors. Both processors thus monitor if a rotation speed limit has been exceeded and/or execute corresponding response actions. The method also recognizes faults in the power section based on the evaluation of the phase current. The system can also be designed to manage pulling loads.

Abstract: An accident point locating system locates an accident point on a power transmission line. A digital protective control system has a plurality of digital protective controllers that receive state data representing a state of an electric power system and convert the same into corresponding digital state data. An absolute time acquiring means acquires an absolute time when the state data is sampled. A state data processing decides whether any malfunction occurred in the power transmission system on the basis of the digital state and executes a protective operation when it is decided that an accident occurred in the power transmission system. A recording device adds an absolute sampling time to the digital state data and records the digital state data with the absolute time. A digital data sending device provides the digital state data with the absolute time on a communication network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing a microprocessor's power dissipation. In one embodiment a microprocessor includes a clock circuit, a core coupled to said clock circuit, and an on-die logic circuit coupled to said clock circuit to operate independent of a connection for power to said core, the on-die logic circuit includes a snoop request monitor coupled to a bus, and a snooping memory circuit.

Abstract: Even when a power switch is turned off, the controller of an injection molding machine does not shut off a power supply immediately. The controller determines whether the present state of the injection molding machine is a previously-set confirmation-requiring state, such as a lockup state of a mold clamping unit using a toggle link mechanism, or a nozzle touch state of an injection unit. When the present state is not the confirmation-requiring state, the controller shuts off the power supply. When the present state is the confirmation-requiring state, the controller displays on a display screen a confirmation window for confirmation of power shut off. The controller shuts off the power supply in accordance with a shut-off operation performed on the basis of the confirmation window.

Abstract: A control method and apparatus for a door-locking mechanism which includes an electrically-released latch, to lock the door closed. A processing unit sources first and second data streams each of a repeating string of binary data, the two strings being of the same bit length and bit rate, the processing unit also having two sensing inputs. A normally-open first switch is associated with the latch and connects the first data stream to the first sensing input other than when the latch is released, and a normally-open second switch is associated with the door and serves to connect the second data stream to the second sensing input so long as the door remains closed. A normally-closed third switch is also associated with the door and serves to link together the first and second sensing inputs when the door is not closed. The processing unit outputs a signal indicative of an error condition should the data stream which appears at either sensing input not be the expected stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating the time to failure acceleration factor of a large industrial motor includes a sensor, a clock for controlling sensor sampling times, and a memory address calculator for mapping output signals of the sensor to a memory address. A unit is provided for incrementing the content of a specified memory address by unity.

Abstract: A system and method for the rapid configuration and connection of a backup controller in a distributed data network such as an automated fuel distribution network. Each service-station site in the network has a site controller that supervises operations of the site components, such as the fuel dispenser and credit-card reader, communicating with them through an on-site router, or hub. The fuel-distribution site also communicates with the central network controller through the same hub. In the event of a site-controller outage, one of several spare controllers, usually co-located with the network controller, is loaded and configured to function as the site controller. It is then placed in communication with the site components via a data-network connection, such as through the Internet. The hub switches communications protocols from serial data to packets suitable for Internet communications.

Abstract: A method for use in a CAN device (e.g., a CAN microcontroller) that includes a processor core, for automatically transmitting an acknowledge message. The method includes the steps of receiving a frame of a multi-frame fragmented message, and automatically transmitting an acknowledgment message without requiring any intervention of the processor core, in response to the receiving step. The automatically transmitting step is preferably performed by hardware external to the processor core, e.g., a CAN/CAL module of the CAN device.

Abstract: A method for programming a failsafe control system comprises the steps of defining logical interconnections between input signals of the failsafe control system and of assigning interconnection products to output signals of the failsafe control system. The steps of defining and assigning take place on the basis of predefined function-specific program modules, which are selected from a set of such program modules.

Abstract: A method of operating a vacuum processing system including a plurality of processing units for processing wafers, a transferring unit for carrying the wafers and a control unit for controlling the processing units and the transferring unit. At least two of the plurality of processing units are connected to the transferring unit and wafers are processed using the processing units. The method includes the steps of judging whether each of the processing units is operable or inoperable, isolating inoperable ones of the processing units judged in the judging step from wafer processing, carrying wafers to operable ones of the processing units using the transferring unit and processing the wafers using only the operable processing units.

Abstract: The use of radio technology for transmission of EMERGENCY-OFF, START-, STOP- and process and confirmation signals from industrial processing machines, such as numerically controlled machine tools and robots, by radio is described. There is no need for any additional safety measures for the START and process signals by means of a confirmation signal, provided the control functions satisfy appropriate safety requirements. To this end, safety-relevant signals are physically detected on at least two channels at the transmitter end, the detected data are logically transmitted by at least two channels using a safety technique by radio to a receiver end, and the received data are likewise physically processed and monitored on at least two channels at the receiver end.

Abstract: A highly reliable industrial control system is produced such as may use a standard network for configuration by symmetrically transmitting configuration data to intercommunicating controller components. The configuration data provides a unique identification to each component to reduce the possibility of misdirected messages and provides the protocols to be used by the components reducing the chance of garbled messages. The two components trade configuration data prior to communicating to ensure that they have the correct party.

Abstract: An alarm event generation method and apparatus for signaling an alarm (436, 1400) for a process control system (100). The process control system (100) monitors a production run using a computer system (108). The computer system (108) collects process data corresponding to the production run from operator workstations (104, 106) and stores the process data in a process data database (110). The process data includes a plurality of process parameter counts (430) each corresponding to a process parameter type (428). The process parameter counts (430) are polled from the computer system (108). Each process parameter count (430) has a corresponding manufacturing limit (434) to which it is compared. When a polled process parameter count (430) exceeds its corresponding manufacturing limit (434), an alarm (436, 1400) is signaled. While an alarm (436, 1400) is being signaled, the computer system (108) is prevented from collecting and storing process data.

Abstract: An apparatus for power failure identification in a programmable household appliance includes an electronic program control apparatus having a first device disposed upstream of the mains switch on the power supply system side and a second device disposed downstream from the mains switch on the appliance side for identifying an electrical variable of the external power supply system or of the supply system in the household appliance. The program control apparatus compares the signals produced by each of the devices from the electrical variables to decide whether the failure or the change in the electrical variable of the household appliance is due to a failure of the external power supply system, or due to the household appliance being switched off deliberately.

Abstract: A system for the secure physical attachment of a second device to a first device is disclosed comprising a first and second inter-connection attachment means in physical association with each device. The second inter-connection attachment means physically mates with its corresponding first inter-connection attachment means. Additionally, means for detecting the physical mating of each of the first and second inter-connection attachment means is provided. The detecting means is preferably associated with at least one of the devices and in communication with each of it's associated device's inter-connection attachment means. Means are provided for determining that the first and second inter-connection attachment means have been securely mated and, if not, means are provided for indicating the status of the completion of the secure attachment there between.

Abstract: Within both a method for operating a plurality of fabrication facilities and a system for operating the plurality of fabrication facilities there is providing within each of the plurality of fabrication facilities a corresponding plurality of backup control systems. Within the method and the system, each backup control system is connected with the remaining backup control systems within the remaining fabrication facilities within the plurality of fabrication facilities, and each backup control system is programmed to forward a request for fabrication in a remote fabrication facility within the plurality of fabrication facilities and receive a request for fabrication from a remote fabrication facility within the plurality of fabrication facilities. The method and the system are particularly useful for fabricating semiconductor integrated circuit microelectronic fabrications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring a microcontroller having at least one normal operating state and one state with a reduced power consumption and to a circuit configuration for carrying out the method. The method enables the functionality of the microcontroller to be monitored even in the state with the reduced power consumption. The method includes steps of: during the normal operating state, receiving a status signal having pulses from the microcontroller and resetting the microcontroller if the pulses are not received within a predefined time pattern; and during the state with the reduced power consumption, transmitting a wakeup signal having a sequence of pulses to the microcontroller, and resetting the microcontroller if there is no confirmation by the microcontroller within a predefined time interval after a pulse of the wakeup signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing early fault detection and alert generation in a multi-parameter process is provided. The method comprises defining a multi-dimensional space, each dimension representing a parameter of the process; applying an analysis of the process to the space in order to define regions of high and low probability of occurrence; measuring and mapping parameter values onto the space; and generating an alert whenever a parameter value is mapped into a region of low probability. The method and apparatus are also useful for identifying the cause of faults, adjusting the process to avoid faults and predicting a process-specific maintenance schedule.

Abstract: The system tests front panel lights, such as LEDs, on an electronic instrument, the front panel lights being normally used to indicate the status of selected output conditions of the instrument. The system also uses the LEDs to communicate additional information concerning the instrument, in particular the operation of the clock system for the instrument. The system includes a plurality of timers, each timer being associated with one front panel LED. The user sets the timers a specific amount of time (e.g. one second) apart, with each LED being programmed with a different timer. The LEDs light in succession in response to the clock reaching a preselected time. If one or more of the LEDs do not light, failure of the LEDs is indicated. If the LEDs do not light in proper order or at the expected time, investigation of the clock system is indicated.

Abstract: A process control system receiving input signals from a controlled apparatus and using the input signals in determining at least one output signal modifying the characteristics of at least one respective control device in the controlled apparatus where the source code for the general control of the apparatus and the source code for the safety shutdown system of the apparatus are compiled to control code in a unified compilation.

Abstract: Safety level error detection comparable to that provided by redundant wired safety relays is obtained on a backplane of a programmable logic controller or the like by a combination of error detection methods that in sum provide the requisite level of error detection required without necessitating a particular hardware requirement or duplicative message transmissions.

Abstract: A programmable field measuring instrument includes a control unit, and a connector terminal, and a software protection device. The control unit executes a control program. The connector terminal is connected to the software protection device such that the software protection device may be released from the connector terminal. The software protection device includes a connector mating element with an integrated electronic component which allow authorization examination by the control unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses system and method for analyzing continuous parameter data from a malfunctioning locomotive or other large land-based, self-powered transport equipment. The method allows for receiving new continuous parameter data comprising a plurality of anomaly definitions from the malfunctioning equipment. The method further allows for selecting a plurality of distinct anomaly definitions from the new continuous parameter data. Respective generating steps allow for generating at least one distinct anomaly definition cluster from the plurality of distinct anomaly definitions and for generating a plurality of weighted repair and distinct anomaly definition cluster combinations. An identifying step allows for identifying at least one repair for the at least one distinct anomaly definition cluster using the plurality of weighted repair and distinct anomaly definition cluster combinations.

Abstract: Using a personal digital assistant (PDA) to collect operational data for analysis on computers from systems including engine-generator controllers and the downloading of operational parameters to engine-generator controllers is described. The engine-generator controllers control at least one engine-generator set. A method for using the PDA includes the steps of configuring the controller with a communications service manager to enable communications with the PDA and configuring the PDA to display engine-generator operational data. The method of collection and downloading continues by transferring operational parameters from the computer to the PDA, downloading the operational parameters from the PDA to the controller, uploading operational data from the controller to the PDA and transferring operational parameters from the PDA to the computer.

Abstract: A device for reliably generating signals, which includes a control means (10) that is supplied a control signal (12). The control means (10) generates a trigger signal (13, 14) as a function of the control signal (12), in order to trigger a load (50). Emergency operating means (30, 32) are provided, which, in an emergency operation, generate the trigger signal (34, 14) as a function of the control signal (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for verifying capture by a selected pacing electrode in a multi-site pacemaker. A switching circuit switches the input of an evoked response sensing channel to an unselected electrode. A pacing pulse is then output by the selected electrode, and the presence or absence of capture is determined from the output of the evoked response sensing channel. In one embodiment, a backup pacing pulse is output by an unselected electrode if a loss of capture is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for run monitoring of processes in a digital computer. In accordance with the present invention, time-stamped analysis data are manipulated such that the analysis data can be output in a freely selectable time sequence and at a freely selectable rate. This enables user-friendly run monitoring of backup operations.

Abstract: A modular architecture for electronic equipment. Data-concentration modules, processing modules and display devices are interconnected by data-transmitters with sensors, measuring instruments and detectors. The data-concentration modules concentrate only the data which is not critical for the industrial process. This data is transmitted to other modules by a multi-receiver serial bus. The other modules directly receive the critical data which is routed by separate, respective serial digital links between, on the one hand, display devices and functions controlling the processes which are distributed in the process modules, and, on the other hand, sensors, measuring instruments and actuators.

Abstract: An event detector and associated methods of protecting systems provide convenient and economical safety features. In a described embodiment, an ignition sequence detector for a boiler system has a microprocessor which is programmed so that an ignition control module of the boiler system is deprived of primary power when an improper sequence of events occurs. The ignition sequence detector includes multiple event detectors interconnected to the microprocessor, and is configured so that it is usable in high RFI environments.

Abstract: Energy-aware software control in a computer system requires a display capable of supporting control of individual portions thereof so at to reduce its energy consumption. The energy-aware software control involves profiling screen usage patterns and their impact on the energy consumption by the display. The profiling results in an energy model. A determination is made when to prompt the energy-aware software control of the display. As well, a determination is made as to which screen portions of the display and what display parameters to control based on the energy model. Then, for each portion of the display to be controlled, controlling its display parameters, wherein the screen portions are controlled to attain energy conservation.

Abstract: A method of abstracting information through object interfaces is described. The object interfaces are used to present platform device information in a pre-boot service environment. Firmware tables such as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface and System Management Basic Input/Output System may be used to auto-configure diagnostic test suites through an abstracted software interface.

Abstract: A computer system and method for distributing, decisions in a network. The network is partitioned into multiple levels including a user interface level, a gateway level and a domain level. All attached devices in the network communicate either directly or indirectly with user interface unit. Several gateway systems are attached to the user interface level. Each gateway system has decision-making capability. Each gateway system has connected to it multiple domains. Each domain level again has a set of decision-making capabilities. When the domain level receives an input, the domain level decides whether or not it may react based upon its decision-making capabilities. The domain system may react to the input and provide the gateway with a report of the event and the domain system's reaction to it. Once the gateway system receives the event and domain system status, the gateway determines whether to react to this event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically shutting down an engine on a machine in during an operators absence in order to prevent potential damage to the machine. A determination is made regarding if the machine is running, and an if an operator is not present. In the preferred embodiment a plurality of predetermined shutdown values, which correspond with at least one of a plurality of critical parameters, are stored in the controller. The machine will shutdown if the critical parameters are determined to be beyond the shutdown values. Additionally, a cool down feature, if enabled, will cause the machine to cool down prior to the machine being shutdown.

Abstract: A computer temperature control system installed in a host computer and adapted for controlling the inside temperature of the host computer, the system including cooling fans mounted in the host computer at different locations, a MPU, temperature sensors adapted for detecting the ambient temperature around each cooling fan, an analog-to-digital converter adapted for converting analog temperature signal from each temperature sensor into a corresponding digital temperature signal for comparison with the corresponding pre-set temperature level for enabling the main processing unit to control the revolving speed of the respective cooling fan subject to the respective comparison result.

Abstract: An integrated monitoring, control and shut-down (IMCS) system for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machinery is provided. The IMCS system includes: input ports for receiving sensor signals indicative of conditions of the machinery, output ports for outputting control signals to actuators of the machinery, signal conversion means coupled to the input and output ports, for converting the input sensor signals into data samples and for converting control data into control signals. The IMCS system also includes a data processor for controlling the signal conversion means, for processing the data samples into calculated values, for sending selected calculated values to be stored into a memory and for calculating control data. A communication bus couples the hardware elements of the IMCS system.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides a fire prevention automation commanding control system using satellite-location/geography-information, which uses a central processing computer to integrate radio transmission, satellite location, geography information, facility control, image monitoring, underground piping control, piping monitoring, mobile/stationary communication, and a fire detection alarm device into an integrated fire prevention system performing automatic command, control, communication, information processing and on-site evidence collection, i.e., so-called C31 system, so that it is possible to rapidly detect fire and effectively command and control the rescue operation.

Abstract: In order to improve the reliability of a system, sub-system or component, a method for controlling the operation of a system, sub-system or component, comprises the steps of

Abstract: A computer system for detecting alteration of programs in which a plurality of check program portions are read from a storage medium which carries computer programs including the check program portions. Each check program portion is executed to detect alteration of at least one other check program portion.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring processing equipment includes a controller which emits control signals to control the processing equipment. A computer is coupled to the controller. The computer records the control signals emitted by the controller and records status signals received from sensors mounted on the processing equipment. The computer represents the processing equipment as a number of individual cyclical units. Each cyclical unit has an identical sequence of operations during every cycle. The computer also records, for each cycle of every unit, information corresponding to whether the unit has started and completed the cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a computer system can be used to reduce power consumption of one or more processors in response to a failure condition such as an overtemperature condition affecting the processor or processors. A signal is provided which indicates a failure condition affecting the processor such as an overtemperature condition or a failure or reduction in performance of a cooling mechanism. In response to the signal, a power consumption of the processor is periodically reduced. This can be accomplished by providing a periodic signal to an input of the processor (e.g., a stop clock input or a processor enable input). The processor reduces power consumption by stopping an internal clock of the processor, for example. The periodic signal can be provided to the input of the processor to periodically reduce power consumption.

Abstract: A thermal efficiency diagnostic of a combined power generation plant is performed by using measurement data relative to energy input/output of the respective equipment of the combined power generation plant, recording the design values of heat balance, using measurement data having high measuring accuracy as standard parameters, conducting an optimum state estimation by adjusting the key parameters, which largely affect the diagnostic results so as to be consistent with the standard parameters, so that each deviation of the reference parameters becomes minimum and the probability of the heat balance becomes maximum in a whole plant, comparing the heat balance thus determined with the heat balance based on a design value, analyzing the degree of contribution of performance of each equipment to the thermal efficiency and specifying the equipment which causes the thermal efficiency deterioration in accordance with the degree of contribution.

Abstract: A coding method for coding control commands for actuators includes a system that is sensitive to data transmission errors and has the following steps: (a) detecting a degree of danger for the system by using a system control unit, whereby the degree pertains to a current transmission control command; coding the current transmission control command to form a control command code word, by using the system control device, whereby the redundancy of the control command code word depends on the degree of danger, the degree pertaining to the control command for the system; (c) transmitting the control command code word from the system control device to an actuator control unit; (d) decoding the transmitted control command code word to form a receiving control command, by using the actuator control unit; (e) checking the receiving control command for transmission errors; and (f) controlling at least one actuator for carrying out the receiving control command when no transmission error is detected.

Abstract: A plurality of autonomously controlled valves and pumps in a fluid distribution system are interconnected by a data communication network. The system also includes fluid flow sensors which report to the system by way of the network. The autonomous controllers include information as to their neighbors or environment sufficient to determine malfunctions such as a leak or break in an associated path, or flow-related problems, and can take autonomous action. The actions are established by the autonomous controllers regardless of the existence of a connection to the network, so that even if the network connection fails or is damaged, the valve or pump can still respond with predetermined “intelligent” actions.

Abstract: An event detector and associated methods of protecting systems provide convenient and economical safety features. In a described embodiment, an ignition sequence detector for a boiler system has a microprocessor which is programmed so that an ignition control module of the boiler system is deprived of primary power when an improper sequence of events occurs. The ignition sequence detector includes multiple event detectors interconnected to the microprocessor, and is configured so that it is usable in high RFI environments.

Abstract: A method for the dependable operation of a spatially separated input device of a numerical control that includes inputting at an input device so as to generate output signals, supplying the output signals to at least two processors and checking the output signals or signals based on the output signals for conformity in a comparator device. The method further includes transmitting a first shut-off signal to a control unit if there is no conformity.

Abstract: A memory-programmable controller used, in particular, in a larger automation system and a method for operation of a memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn). The memory programmable controller (S1-Sn) is linked to a central computer (R) of the automation system over a network (2). All of the user data (3), application programs (4), configuration data (5) and the operating systems (6) of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn) are stored on a central computer. However, only working copies of the data are stored in the memory of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn). In the case of a failure of the memory-programmable controller (S1-Sn) or components therein, the user data (3), application programs (4), configuration data (5) and/or the operating system (6) are loaded in the memory of the memory-programmable controller from a central computer (R) by way of the network (2). Because of this, updates to the operating system can be carried out centrally and very easily.

Abstract: A hot swappable electronic component or module is provided that has non-staggered connectors (i.e., of equal length or depth), but which is configured to ensure that power, signal or other connectors are electrically coupled in a desired order. The electronic component includes a switch (e.g., a field effect transistor) having a gate coupled to a ground line that is configured for coupling to a ground reference of the interface with which the component is mated. A source of the switch is coupled to a voltage input (e.g., power, Vcc) and a drain is coupled to an internal component load or circuit. Until the gate is coupled to ground, the switch remains open, thereby preventing spurious signals or feedback of damaging current to the interface. When the gate is coupled to ground, the switch is closed and the internal load or circuit is energized.

Abstract: An electronic digital device for controlling or adjusting processes in a motor vehicle has several components, of which at least one arithmetic unit and a bus connecting the components are redundant. At least one component is not redundant. The electronic device can exhibit a preferably redundant monitoring device which compares the data arising in the redundant systems and outputs an error signal when the data deviate from one another.

Abstract: The sensor signals relating to the equipment are input from the sensors. The scalar distances of the recognition spaces of every combination of the sensor signals are computed. The flag signals of every combination of the sensor signals are outputted according to whether or not the scalar distances are included in the normal ranges of the recognition spaces. The failures of the equipment are determined according to the flag signals.

Abstract: A method for controlling energy systems such as multiple boiler systems to meet an energy need includes a controller configured as a sequencer with the remaining controllers act as individual boiler controllers which periodically send status messages to the sequencer. The energy need is determined by measurements at the sequencer which maintains runtimes of the boilers. The sequencer periodically sends control commands to the boiler controllers to add or delete boilers. The control commands give consideration to the run times of the boilers.