Abstract: A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine, and for dynamically controlling fluid properties of a fluid that is operational in situ in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: A harmonic mitigating apparatus connected between a three phase power source and a load provides a multiple-winding reactor for reducing harmonics directed from the load to the source, the apparatus including, for each system phase, first and second line windings in series between the source and load and oriented so as to have the same polarity such that the winding fluxes add thereby increasing total reactance to harmonics directed from the load to the supply, the apparatus also including at least one trap circuit including a series inductance and capacitor for each phase and linked between the first and second line windings and a neutral point (or another phase), the trap circuit characterized by a reactance that is lower than the reactance of the first line winding such that harmonics flow into the trap circuit, for each phase, at least two of the first and second line windings and the trap winding arranged on the same core.

Abstract: A Hall-effect sensor package for sensing electrical current in an electrical conductor, is provided which includes a ferromagnetic core having an air gap, the core allowing for the electrical conductor to pass therethrough. The sensor package also includes a Hall-effect generator, at least a portion of the Hall-effect generator being located within the air gap, and a lead frame coupled to the Hall-effect generator. An insulative material is used to encapsulate the Hall-effect generator and at least a portion of the core and the lead frame. The insulative material facilitates binding of the Hall-effect generator, the lead frame and the core. The insulative material also facilitates protecting the Hall-effect generator from contaminants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restricting rotation of a threaded fastener, the apparatus including a bracket member having a securing segment and an extending segment that are integrally linked wherein the securing segment forms a recess and the extending segment forms at least one restraining surface wherein a bonding material that solidifies and remains flexible upon curing is provided within the recess and, with the threaded fastener received within an aperture, the bracket member is positionable such that one end of the threaded member is receivable within the recess and within the bonding material prior to curing and the restraining surface contacts a surface of a receiving member to restrict motion of the bracket member about the aperture.

Abstract: A system to facilitate the use of an automation control disposed within an enclosure. An automation control, such as a distributed motor starter, is disposed within an enclosure. The control is coupled to modules, such as I/O modules, mounted to a glandplate. The glandplate is mounted to the enclosure over an appropriate opening. Furthermore, the glandplate is designed to accommodate a variety of module arrangements and to facilitate the connection of various data and power lines without individually wiring the lines to a separate terminal block.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for eliminating greater than twice motor overvoltage by altering modulating signals provided to a PWM controller which in turn provides firing pulses to a PWM inverter. The modulating waves are altered by either tying them to positive or negative DC buses or limiting the maximum magnitudes to a maximum magnitude value above which modulating waveforms are known to cause greater than twice overvoltage. Pass through modulating waveform angles at which waveforms have to be modified are determined as a function of modulating waveform symmetries and the first pass through angle within a waveform cycle.

Abstract: Local clocks used for coordinating events in an industrial control system may be synchronized using time messages transmitted on standard communication networks. A master industrial controller incorporates a time values in a time messages transmitted to the other controllers, the time value indicating the tie of occurrence of an independent global synchronizing pulse. All controllers also capture the local time of the global synchronizing pulse and these times may be compared to the time message from the master industrial controller to deduce a time error value independent of network messaging delays. The error value is used to correct the local clocks.

Abstract: A gear reducer housing includes rotating assembly supports in a housing shell, and fixturing pads disposed about the periphery of the housing shell. The fixturing supports are formed in the casting blank from which the housing shell is machined. The pads permit the shell blank to be fixtured once for machining of various features of the final shell. The pads may be formed in a peripheral flange and the flange may be machined around the pads to form a sealing surface. Apertures may be provided in the flange to facilitate assembly of the gear reducer. The apertures and fixturing pads may be provided in mirror image locations about a centerline of the housing. The apertures may be slotted, with major axes of mirror image-located apertures having transverse major axes, such that inherent tolerance is provided for positioning fasteners used to assemble the product.

Abstract: A stack assembly comprising a housing into which an alternating sequence of elements such as heat sinks and printed circuit boards (PCBs) carrying press-packaged semiconductor devices may be mounted and placed under pressure by a clamping device for use in a variety of power system applications. The PCBs are mounted to the heat sinks by a bracket which axially aligns the press-packaged devices with a longitudinal axis defined by the clamping device. Heat sink compartments in the housing are sized slightly larger than the heat sinks to allow the heat sinks some horizontal play within the compartment when the clamping device is loosened. This is further achieved by using floating anchors to connect the heat sinks to the housing and a flexible connector to connect the heat sinks to a power source. The heat sinks may thus be easily shifted to remove a malfunctioning PCB whilst the bulk of the stack remains in the assembled state, thereby facilitating the rapid re-assembly of the stack.

Abstract: A sealing system for a gear reducer includes a compound sealing arrangement disposed in a bore of the reducer housing through which a rotating member extends. The sealing arrangement includes an outboard shielding seal and a inboard lip seal disposed adjacent to one another. The shielding seal includes an annular metallic shield and forms a labyrinth with the rotating member. An elastomeric sealing member is bonded to the shield. The inboard seal provides at least two additional points of contact for sealing the rotating member. The arrangement defined multiple barriers to liquid and solid contaminants and seals lubricant within the reducer housing. Similar arrangements may be provided about several rotating members, and about ends of members extending through the reducer housing, such as an output hub.

Abstract: The method and system for an industrial control system network jog control of the present invention provides responsive jogging of a machine for a consistent, fixed duration that minimizes the effects of network and processor delays. A jog message is input at a human machine interface by an operator directly observing the operation the machine. The jog message includes an address indicator corresponding to a network location of the controlled equipment and a jog duration period. The jog message is sent along the network directly to an output device attached to the controlled equipment. A jog pulse is then transmitted for the proper duration by the output device. Clock circuitry within the output device is used to limit the jog pulse to the jog pulse duration period of the jog message.

Abstract: A system and method for programming a Hall effect sensor while the sensor is connected into the circuitry for a given application. The system includes a fixture for receiving the printed circuit board to which the sensor is mounted. A plurality of contacts, such as pogo pins, are arranged to contact the circuit board at desired pads that permit programming of the sensor, reduction of the voltage applied to the overall circuit during programming, and measurement of the sensor and circuit output. The system includes a voltage limiting circuitry that is electrically connected, via appropriate pogo pins, to the circuitry intermediate the subject sensor and potentially damaged circuit components.

Abstract: A method and control system are provided for controlling a modular conveyor system, which may be networked together with other such systems in order to implement a control strategy for a modular conveyor system. The control system comprises a communications port for interconnection of the control system with a network for sending outgoing addressed data to other devices on the address-based network and for receiving incoming addressed data from other devices. The control system further comprises a logic system, which may receive a signal from an object sensor and provide a control signal or output adapted to control activation of a motorized roller assembly, based on an input signal from the object sensor or the communications port. The logic system may provide for single step operation whereby system troubleshooting may be facilitated, and in addition may provide situation aware and output value source selection functionality.

Abstract: A three phase linear motor system includes a forcer having three pole pairs, which are moveable relative to a platen. The pole pairs are arranged to oppose associated teeth of the platen. The platen teeth are spaced apart from each other in a travel direction according to a predefined tooth pitch. Each of the pole pairs includes a set of teeth that extend from magnetically coupled poles toward the platen. The set of teeth of one of the pole pairs is spaced from the sets of teeth for the other two poles by distances functionally related to about 120 degrees and 240 degrees, respectively, of the tooth pitch.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement facilitates mounting and removal of an article, such as an elongated housing for a proximity sensor. A bracket and a coupling each have an aperture extending therethrough for receiving the article. A central axis extends through the apertures. The coupling includes a plurality of spaced apart flexures located adjacent the coupling aperture. Each flexure includes an axially extending arm portion for engaging a respective part of an inner sidewall portion of the bracket aperture. Upon rotation of the coupling about the central axis, the bracket sidewall portion engages or releases the arms of the coupling to effect radial movement of the arms. In particular, rotation of the coupling in one direction about the central axis relative to the bracket urges the arms radially inward and rotation of the coupling in the other direction permits a radially outward movement thereof.

Abstract: A methodology of sleeving at least one lead of a stator is provided. The methodology includes the steps of robotically selecting at least one of the stator leads, and robotically positioning an insulating sleeve over the stator lead.

Abstract: A switch comprises a first and second contacts, a plunger, a toggle bar, and a spanner. A preferred trip lever arrangement is used in which a trip lever transfers an actuating force from the plunger to the toggle bar, and the toggle bar is caused to move farther than the plunger to provide a short trip point. Swing arms that are acted upon through a series of rigid body force transfers allow an operator to manually force welded contacts to be broken in the event that the contacts become welded to a spanner or other components of the switch assembly.

Abstract: A technique for computing RMS values for sampled waveforms. More specifically, a technique for computing RMS values for periodic waveforms, using data taken from a full waveform, a half waveform or some other portion of a waveform is described. Each RMS calculation is based on a different algorithm and provides accurate, real time data.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller (PLC) assembly. The PLC assembly has a PLC and a protective enclosure having a through-panel connector. The PLC is housed within the protective enclosure and electrically coupleable to the through-panel connector. The through-panel connector has a connector portion. The connector portion is configured for mating engagement with an electrical cable. The electrical cable is electrically coupleable to a PLC input device or a PLC output device.

Abstract: A computer numerical control system for controlling and monitoring machine motion. The CNC system combines a CNC executive and a logic engine for controlling execution of a part program. The logic engine is capable of executing under an operating system of a personal computer. The logic engine is coupled to the CNC executive such that the logic application can be executed in synchronization with the CNC executive.