Abstract: A system software solution for controlling an enterprise comprising one or more components for controlling one or more aspects of an industrial environment with code that creates a database of components, each of the components containing control, diagnostic and resource information pertaining to enterprise resources utilized in the industrial environment. The system also generates code that controls resources comprising cognitive and timing information that synchronizes events throughout the enterprise. The database of components includes code that updates the database to reflect changes in the enterprise and integrates the new design, simulation, implementation and maintenance changes to optimize the manufacturing enterprise utilizing the database of components.

Abstract: An electromechanical machine includes a stator fixed with respect to a housing structure and a rotor fixed with respect to a shaft. The shaft is rotatably supported by a pair of bearing assemblies maintained in the housing structure. A pair of coilheads extend from respective sides of the stator core axially external of the rotor. Shaft shields, preferably configured as tubular members, radially interpose the shaft and the respective coilhead. The shaft shields may be constructed of a magnetically permeable material to divert flux that would otherwise cut through the shaft. As a result, errant currents that could be induced in the shaft by such flux are desirably reduced.

Abstract: A speed reducer apparatus includes an auxiliary seal assembly to inhibit ingress of particulate matter. Preferably, the seal assembly is located axially outboard of a primary seal, such as a land riding seal. The seal assembly includes a plate defining a hole through which a rotatable member extends. The hole is sized to provide a predetermined gap between the inside surface of the plate and the outside surface of the rotatable member. An annular bead member is set in place from a viscous state about the rotatable member. In particular, the annular bead member extends across the gap between the plate and the rotatable member, functioning as a dam. Methods of forming the auxiliary seal assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling is provided having a first shaft and a second shaft. A plurality of first magnets is in rotationally driving engagement with the first shaft and defines alternating polarity magnetic surfaces. A plurality of second magnets is in rotationally driving engagement with the second shaft and defines alternating polarity magnetic surfaces. The first and second magnet surfaces are separated by a gap so that rotation of one of the first magnets and second magnets urges synchronous rotation of the other. An electrically conductive member is in rotationally driving engagement with the second shaft and is disposed proximate to the first magnet surfaces so that rotation of the conductive member or the first magnets relative to the other induces electric current in the conductive member and urges asynchronous rotation of the other of the conductive member and the first magnets in the same rotational direction.

Abstract: A method of transferring firmware to a non-volatile memory of a programmable controller system comprises the steps of establishing a remote network connection and transferring the firmware to the non-volatile memory of the programmable controller system by way of the remote network connection. The remote network connection is established between a first computer system utilized by a firmware provider and the programmable controller system. The first computer system is located remotely from the programmable controller system. Alternatively, the remote network connection may also be established between the first computer system and a second computer system utilized by a user of the programmable controller system and located locally with the programmable controller system. Advantageously, using a network link, firmware upgrade can be downloaded into a processor module of a programmable controller system from a firmware provider, without any transportation delays and without any significant hardware intervention.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing magnetically-permeable cores for use in electromechanical machines, such as electric motors. The apparatus includes a plurality of welding arbors adapted to support a stack of core laminations. A storage structure defines a plurality of arbor storage locations at which respective welding arbors are maintained. A transporter device is operative to individually move the welding arbors to and from a respective arbor storage location. A welding device is operative to weld the stack of core laminations together. A conveyor assembly is also provided for moving the welding arbors between the welding device and the transporter device.

Abstract: An end turn phase insulator for a stator assembly including a stator core having a plurality of slots and a stator winding composed of at least two different phase coils wound on the stator core through the slots. The phase coils form radially disposed end turns extending from ends of the stator core. The end turn phase insulator includes an elongated body formed of a flexible insulation material and is inserted between the radially disposed end turns. The elongated body has an elongated tab member which bends in a hook-shaped configuration about a lower portion of one of the end turns. A method of inserting and securing the insulator to the stator assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication protocol employing dummy input and output values is used in communicating blocks of data between an industrial controller and its I/O modules while preventing premature use of partially transmitted data by the I/O modules yet without the need for special handshaking type circuitry or the continuous overhead of such handshaking protocols.