Abstract: In order to measure the roughness of the surface of a material, in particular of a paper web, the surface of the material is illuminated with a parallel bundle of light beams and the scattering ellipse of the reflected light is evaluated. According to the invention, on optically rough surfaces the evaluation with respect to the scattering ellipse is done in a direction deviating from the major axis of the scattering ellipse.

Abstract: A pipeline system of a process facility has a plurality of equipments, the equipments including at least one pipeline for providing a channel for a fluid of a process to flow. The process of the process facility is controlled by a process control system. The equipments also include at least one device for measuring a process variable of the fluid. The device comprises a sensor element for sensing a predetermined process variable of the fluid flowing in the pipeline to output a signal containing information about the process variable being measured and containing information about the fluid flowing in the pipeline. The device further includes a first filter to pass a first component of the signal containing the information of the process variable and a second filter to pass a second component of the signal containing the information about the fluid flowing in the pipeline.

Abstract: A module of a distributed process control system has a prior art kernel submodule, a peripheral submodule, and an interface circuit to provide for communications between the two submodules. The kernel submodule communicates with the interface circuit over a module BUS which includes a data BUS and an address BUS. The peripheral submodule communicates with the interface circuit over a peripheral component interface (PCI) BUS, a single thirty two bit BUS which is incompatible with the module BUS. The interface circuit permits such communications between the two submodules without requiring any hardware or software changes to the kernel submodule and the module BUS, nor to components of the peripheral submodule or its PCI BUS. The interface circuit includes interface registers, a control circuit which determines which submodule is permitted to write or read data and/or address into or from a given register of the interface registers.

Abstract: A card cage assembly (CCA) houses printed wire boards (PWB) by a securing mechanism which attaches to the PWB, and is one of a plurality of different types. The CCA has a rectangular, box-like configuration, which comprises a top plate, bottom plate, and a first or second side plate for providing tracks. Each track provides a front-to-back path for an edge of the PWB. Further, each side plate has a mounting plate perpendicular to the surface of the side plate along an edge of the side plate which forms a periphery of an opening of the CCA. Each mounting plate also includes a plurality of fastener receivers corresponding to each track of the side plate, and spaced apart such that a PWB having a face plate with an attaching screw mates with a corresponding fastener receiver.

Abstract: In a process control system, having a controller, a display unit, and a console, an integrated keyboard is mounted with the console. The integrated keyboard provides an interface between an operator and the process control system. The integrated keyboard comprises a frame, configured to mount with the console. A full-travel keyboard is also mounted on the frame. A wrist-rest plate is mounted on the frame between the full-travel keyboard and the operator. An operator control panel, having individual keys, is located in a recess between the wrist-rest plate and the operator, such that the individual keys are not accidentally activated by the operator. Lastly, a cursor control unit is mounted in the wrist-rest plate.

Abstract: A control circuit for the interface circuit of a module of a distributed process control system permits its kernel submodule and peripheral submodule to communicate through the interface circuit notwithstanding that the structure and protocol of module BUS of the kernel submodules is incompatible with the structure and protocol of the PCI BUS of the peripheral submodule. The control circuit includes a module BUS state machine (MBSM), a PCI target state machine (PTSM), an arbiter state machine (ARSM), and an address decode logic (ADL) circuit. In response to control signals from the kernel and peripheral submodules applied to the control circuit over their respective buses, and control signals produced by the MBSM, the PTSM, the ARSM, and the ADL circuit. Which one of the two submodules is granted access to the registers of the interface circuit is determined by the control circuit which also grants the peripheral submodule access through the interface circuit to the memory of the kernel submodule.

Abstract: A method of controlling a computer window display of a display system having a display surface of one or more physical screens, provides an integrated workspace wherein multiple applications are displayed, by category, in a coordinated, predetermined area of the display surface. In response to a request inputted to the display system, the requested application display is created. A category of the requested display is ascertained. A lookup is performed in a configuration file to find a match between the category of the requested display and an entry in the configuration file. When a match of categories is found, the display characteristic data is obtained to get the position and size of the display. A pointer points to the next available area of the display area for the category of interest, and the display is created to be positioned within the selected available window.

Abstract: A manifold which mounts a transmitter to a pipeline comprises a body of rectangular-like shape. The body has a first surface and a second surface at right angles to the first surface. The second surface of the body includes a first and second input port, and the first surface of the body includes corresponding first and second output ports. The body also includes a first and second channel internal to the body such that fluid is conducted between the first input port and the first output port, and fluid is conducted between the second input port and the second output port. The body further includes an internal crossover channel between the first channel and the second channel. A third channel is provided internal to the body for permitting steam to flow therein, thereby providing heat to the manifold. A first and second valve is included for controlling the conducting of fluid in the first channel and the second channel, respectively.

Abstract: In a process control system, having a controller for providing robust control of a process, the controller utilizes a predetermined range control procedure the results being a control solution. The process has at least one manipulated variable and at least one controlled variable. A method of providing dynamic optimization comprises the steps of calculating an optimized set of steady state values of the manipulated variables and the controlled variables. An augmented range control procedure is created to harmonize the set of steady state values with the control solution. The augmented range control procedure is solved, the manipulated variables generated thereby being compatible with the set of steady state values and with the control solution. The process is controlled in accordance with the manipulated variables generated by the augmented range control procedure, thereby providing optimal control of the process.

Abstract: In a display system having a display surface of one or more physical surfaces, a method controls the presentation of application displays in a multi-window computer environment wherein multiple application displays are displayed. Further, any application display requested to be displayed is caused to be displayed by the method in one of the multi-windows in response to an operator select action. The method comprises the steps of outputting selectable options for each window as specified in a configuration file. The configuration file defines window properties for each window of the multi-window display. The selectable options provide indications of where application displays are to be presented. The option selected is read by the Workspace Management System. The application display is outputted to conform with the option selected, the option indicating the replacement of current application displays with subsequent application displays.

Abstract: A process control system (PCS) includes a control network and a plurality of nodes coupled thereto, the PCS controlling a process. A monitoring system, operatively connected to the PCS, obtains predetermined data of the PCS to monitor the performance of the PCS. The monitoring system comprises a first computer system operatively connected to the control network of the PCS. The first computer system continually accesses the predetermined data of the PCS on a predetermined periodic basis in accordance with a predetermined protocol of the control network. The first computer system is located in physical proximity with the PCS. A second computer system is located remotely from the PCS. The second computer system receives the predetermined data of the PCS transferred from the first computer system, the transfer being initiated by the first computer system when an alarm condition of the PCS is indicated by the predetermined data.

Abstract: A manifold which mounts a transmitter to a pipeline comprises a body of rectangular-like shape. The body has a first surface and a second surface at right angles to the first surface. The second surface of the body includes a first and second input port, and the first surface of the body includes corresponding first and second output ports. The body also includes a first and second channel internal to the body such that fluid is conducted between the first input port and the first output port, and fluid is conducted between the second input port and the second output port. The body further includes an internal crossover channel between the first channel and the second channel. A first and second valve is included for controlling the conducting of fluid in the first channel and the second channel, respectively. A third valve is included which controls the flow of fluid in the internal crossover channel.

Abstract: A compact controller controls a control valve, wherein the control valve is actuated by a pneumatic actuator. The controller comprises control electronics for generating a control deviation signal. The control deviation signal is derived from the difference between an electrical standard set value signal and a converted electrically measured value signal. The converted electrically measured value signal is a measured value signal, the measured valve signal being a signal corresponding to a value of a predetermined process variable. An electropneumatic (E/P) signal transducer converts the control deviation signal into a pneumatic pressure signal for the pneumatic actuator. Thus, the controller provides control to the control valve, and further the controller is directly flanged to the pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: The apparatus detects error in transceivers of individual modules connected to a communication network, the network being a two-line network. The apparatus comprises a reference voltage source to output a first and second reference voltage value in response to a control signal. A controller controls a predefined sequence of steps in performing a test to detect the errors of the transceivers. A first and second comparator compares a voltage of the corresponding first and second line to a select first and second reference voltage as commanded by the sequence of steps of the test sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus evaluates measuring values from a laminar material, wherein the laminar material is moving in a single plane in a predetermined direction, the laminar material being moved also being under test. The apparatus comprises a measuring platform which is being moved traverse to a direction of movement of the laminar material. Further, the measuring platform is tiltable about an axis which is normal to a plane of the laminar material, an angle of tilt (a) being determined by a traversing velocity (v.sub.t) of the measuring platform and velocity (v.sub.b) of the predetermined direction of the laminar material. A plurality of separated sensors and radiation emitters are mounted on the measuring platform, and in conjunction with the angle of tilt cause, the measuring valves acquired from the different sensors to be from the same measuring spot of the laminar material.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting errors in information read from a memory unit, comprises a first and second memory, where primary and backup information are stored in predetermined addressable locations. The primary information and the backup information in corresponding locations are the same. A processor, commands a read of information stored in the memory unit, the read being a simultaneous read of the primary information and the corresponding backup information. A multiplexer, couples the output ports to the processor. The primary information read from the first and second memory and the backup information read from the first and second memory are coupled to the multiplexer. The first and second memory each indicate via a respective first and second error signal if an error is detected on the information just read from the first and second memory, respectively.

Abstract: In a display for a process control system, the display can be generated by one of two different sources, but is controlled by only one of them. A process control system network provides a first source of display, while a windowing system provides a second source. The control system network provides crucial information to the display regarding the operation of the process control system. Alternatively, the windowing system allows displays to be generated from a variety of sources including external computer systems. The windowing system controls the display by opening and maintaining windows. One specific window to be opened is a window in which the control system network can display information. To allow the control system network to communicate information, a window is opened by the windowing system, and then the process control network is allowed to overwrite information into this newly opened window. Also, should the windowing system fail, control of the display is given to the control system network.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter comprises a first housing having a first and second diaphragm for receiving a first and second process fluid under a first and second pressure, respectively. The first and second diaphragm is deflected in response to the first and second pressure of the process fluid. A second housing includes a printed wire board. A first and second capillary tube is included, the first capillary tube being operatively coupled to the first diaphragm and the second capillary tube being operatively coupled to the second diaphragm, each corresponding capillary tube having an internal fluid therein. A sensor package, having a sensor element, is mounted internally within the second housing, and is coupled to the first and second capillary tubes such that the sensor element provides a first signal which is coupled to electrical circuit components mounted on the printed wire board to output a signal representative of the differential pressure of the process fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the basis weight of a web-shaped material under test comprises a radioactive .beta. radiation source on one side of the material under test and a .beta. radiation detector on the other side of the material under test. For focusing the electrons emitted by the radioactive .beta. radiation source, a magnetic field is provided, such that for the same source activity, significantly more .beta. particle intensity is available on the material under test for measuring the transmission.

Abstract: A process control system which includes at least one manipulated variable and at least one controlled variable, provides a method for robust control of a process. Predetermined constraints of the manipulated variables and the controlled variables, and the present values of the manipulated variables are obtained. A set of scale factors for the manipulated variables and the process variables are calculated. The controller is initialized with the set of scale factors, the scale factors determining the relative importance of the manipulated variables and the process variables to the process. New values are calculated for the controlled variables for a predetermined number of points in the future, such that the values of the controlled variables are within the predetermined range thereby obtaining an optimal robustness of the resultant controller.