Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm David Barron
  • Patent number: 7024956
    Abstract: An interlocked valve sensor insertion assembly for use in a manufacturing process is shown and described. The assembly includes a ball valve configured to alternately couple and decouple a retraction chamber with the process. An insertion assembly is coupled to the retraction chamber, and includes an axially slidable insertion tube with a sensor supported on one end. The tube has a range of motion capable of extending the sensor into the valve. A fastener releasably couples the tube to the insertion assembly, and an actuator is configured for engagement with both the valve and the fastener. The actuator is configured to alternately engage and disengage the fastener when the valve is respectively disposed in open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen B. Talutis
  • Patent number: 6895813
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring flow rates is disclosed. At least one of a non-vortex based low-flow measurement and a vortex based flow measurement is taken. The measurement or measurements are communicated to a central processor. The processor analyzes the data provided and makes a determination as to the more accurate measurement, if there is more than one measurement. The flow rate is calculated by the processor and is based on either the singular or the more accurate measurement. Further enhancements include diagnosis of meter performance, redundancy of measurements, and re-calibration of either measurement device based on information from the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Fox Boro Company
    Inventor: Wade M. Mattar
  • Patent number: 6799148
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for updating a historian with data captured by a process variable transmitter, in which the process variable transmitter incorporates the data into an electronic mail message and a historian host receives the electronic mail message, extracts the data and incorporates it into the historian. The system includes a process variable transmitter configured as an electronic mail client, and includes a remote historian.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Ling, Radha Jaldu
  • Patent number: 6687761
    Abstract: The invention provides improved digital data processing systems with distributed object management for use, e.g., in process control. These systems are of the type having servers and, more particularly, object request brokers (ORB's) that route requests generated by one or more clients to implementation objects maintained by a server application. Routing is based on a binding table (or other such store) that identifies dispatching procedures, or “skeletons,” that invoke requested services on implementation objects specified in the requests. Such systems may be CORBA-compatible, though the improvements provided by o the invention are applicable to distributed object management systems having other architectures, as well. The improvements are characterized by the utilization of a single entry in the binding table (or other such store) to route requests to a plurality of different implementation objects, e.g., representing process control blocks and parameters, maintained by the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Collins, Bruce S. Canna
  • Patent number: 6612022
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a Personal Computer Memory Common Interface Architecture (“PCMCIA”) printed circuit board (“PCB”) includes providing a PCB having a PCMCIA area and an auxiliary area. The PCMCIA area has multiple locations adapted to receive electronic components. The auxiliary area has multiple test points disposed thereon. The method also includes populating the PCMCIA area with electronic components. Testing of the PCMCIA area is next performed by electrically contacting at least some of the multiple test points within said auxiliary area. If the testing produces unsatisfactory results, diagnostics and repair are performed. After the testing produces satisfactory results, the auxiliary area is separated from the PCMCIA area to produce a populated, tested, PCMCIA PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Andrew Gale, Thomas Alden Fiske, Simon Korowitz
  • Patent number: 6579440
    Abstract: A reference junction for a reference half-cell, the reference junction including an ion-barrier membrane and being sized and shaped for removable receipt within a receptacle of a reference half-cell housing. The reference junction may be included in an electrochemical potential measurement sensor for use in making pH, other selective ion activity, oxidation-reduction potential, and other electrochemical potential measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Connelly, Michael M. Bower
  • Patent number: 6496892
    Abstract: An I/O device in the form of an internal dongle includes a body having connective structure being arranged to removably attach the body to a housing of an electronic device. The dongle also includes a circuit assembly that has an exterior connector on the body for electrically connecting to a second electronic device, a dongle circuit being electrically coupled to the external connector through the body, an electronic cable having a first end electrically coupled to the dongle circuit, and a second end being structured and arranged to connect to an electronic component of the first mentioned electronic device within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Harold Lake, Charles Piper, David P. Prentice, Simon Korowitz
  • Patent number: 6490892
    Abstract: A barrel lock padlock is provided which can be used to engage the hasp-and-staple fitted to an enclosure such as a gas or electricity meter box. The housing of the barrel lock has a slot into which the staple can be passed to align with the bore in the housing in which the plunger of the barrel lock is movable, so that when the plunger is moved to the locking position by its spring it passes through the staple to lock the box. A key is passed through a key hole in a cap of the lock to engage the plunger and retract it, allowing the padlock to be removed from the staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Highfield Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Glen Freiman
  • Patent number: 6478048
    Abstract: A binary voting solenoid arrangement 10 is provided which operates in a “2 out of 3” manner to provide relatively high safety, low spurious tripping and a relatively low installation cost, while also enabling on-line testing of each solenoid individually without process interruption. Solenoid arrangements 10, 10′ and 10″ are preferably used in a three-way configuration, while solenoid 10′″ may be used in a two-way configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Triconex, Incorporated
    Inventor: Bart A. Hays
  • Patent number: 6435202
    Abstract: A binary voting solenoid arrangement 10 is provided which operates in a “2 out of 3” manner to provide relatively high safety, low spurious tripping and a relatively low installation cost, while also enabling on-line testing of each solenoid individually without process interruption. Solenoid arrangements 10, 10′ and 10″ are preferably used in a three-way configuration, while solenoid 10′″ may be used in a two-way configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Triconix Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Zachary, Angela E. Summers
  • Patent number: 6418499
    Abstract: A field controller for use in a distributed control system including an area controller and at least one field controller. The field controller manages at least one controlled device in an industrial process operation. The field controller comprises a processor module segment through which it can control a selected number of devices, and it may also include one or more expansion module segments to enable it to control a larger number of controlled devices. The processor module segment includes a processor module and at least one local interface module for interfacing to a controlled device, and the expansion module segment includes interface modules for interfacing to other controlled devices. In the processor module segment, the processor module and said local interface module are interconnected by a bus segment, which is also connected to an upstream off-module connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Simon Korowitz, Harris D. Kagan, Harold Lake
  • Patent number: 6324607
    Abstract: A field controller for use in a distributed control system including an area controller and at least one field controller. The field controller manages at least one controlled device in an industrial process operation. The field controller comprises a processor module segment through which it can control a selected number of devices, and it may also include one or more expansion module segments to enable it to control a larger number of controlled devices. The processor module segment includes a processor module and at least one local interface module for interfacing to a controlled device, and the expansion module segment includes interface modules for interfacing to other controlled devices. In the processor module segment, the processor module and said local interface module are interconnected by a bus segment, which is also connected to an upstream off-module connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Simon Korowitz, Harris D. Kagan, Harold Lake
  • Patent number: 6226324
    Abstract: A pulse width modulation (“PWM”) generation circuit is described. The circuit includes a main PWM generator, a trimming signal generator, and a summer. The main PWM signal generator generates a main PWM output which is modified by the summer in accordance with a trimming signal produced by the trimming signal generator. In particular, the main PWM signal may be lengthened, shortened, or preserved by the summer circuit. Accordingly, the main PWM signal is trimmable, without direct modification thereof by using the trimming signal generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventor: Peter Edward Allstrom
  • Patent number: 6213577
    Abstract: Equipment storage apparatus, such as equipment racks and cabinets, according to the invention have a vertical load bearing member with a stepped cross-section. Thus, for example, a load bearing member of a frame according to one aspect of the invention can have two faces on its front: one with a frontward directed normal for accommodating equipment mounts, and one with a frontward directed normal for accommodating front door mounts. A pair of such load bearing members can be provided, along with one or more horizontal cross-pieces or other such structural elements, to form a frame defining a generally rectangular central region in which mounted equipment is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Albert Rooyakkers, John M. Porter
  • Patent number: 6201388
    Abstract: An angular position sensor is couplable to an actuator for angular positional sensing of a shaft thereof. The sensor includes a base for mounting to the actuator. A diametrically magnetized permanent magnet ring is coupled to, and axially aligned with, the shaft. Further, a magnetic material cylindrical sleeve is coupled to the said base and disposed circumferentially around the magnet ring such that the sleeve is separated from said magnet ring by an air gap. A pair of diametrically opposing cylindrical segments are coupled to the sleeve by a circular support member and extend through the magnet ring. The cylindrical segments having a slot between them in which a hall effect transducer is disposed. The transducer senses the magnetic field flux of the magnet ring in the slot and thereby produces a signal indicative of the shaft's angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Invensys Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Pecheny, George H. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6183289
    Abstract: An article adapted to pass a cable through a housing includes a substantially solid body, including front and rear ends. A side surface of the body provides a groove extending into the body from the front to the rear end. The groove is sized to carry a selected size electric cable. The body also includes connective structure adapted to removably connect the body to the housing. The article also includes a sheet of nonconductive material extending across the groove at the front end of the body. The sheet provides a circular opening sized to allow the cable to pass therethrough. The sheet also has a slit extending from the side surface to the circular opening. The sheet is fabricated of a resilient material and is structured to allow the cable to be inserted through the slit and into the circular opening such that the cable extends along the groove and extends into the housing from the rear end of the body when the body is connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Harold Lake, Charles Piper, David P. Prentice, Simon Korowitz
  • Patent number: 6173411
    Abstract: A computer is connected to redundant network switches by primary and secondary connections, respectively. Test messages are sent across each connection to the attached switches. A break in a connection, or a faulty connection, is detected upon a failed response to one of the test messages. In response to this failure, traffic is routed across the remaining good connection. To facilitate fast protocol rerouting, a test message is sent across the now active connection bound for the switch connected to the failed connection. This message therefor traverses both switches causing each to learn the new routing. Rerouting is therefor accomplished quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Hirst, Alan A. Gale, Gene A. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6164140
    Abstract: A solid state transducer is provided for a Coriolis flow meter having a flow tube adapted to vibrate at a predetermined resonance frequency to determine mass flow rate of a fluid passing therethrough. The driver includes a strain element, such as an elongated piezoelectric or magnetostrictive element fastened axially along the wall of the tube. The strain element is adapted to oscillate in the axial direction along with the tube wall to generate and/or sense vibration of the tube in response to. The transducer may be utilized as a driver or alternatively, as a sensor wherein the transducer is oscillated along with oscillation of tube wall in the axial direction to generate an output signal responsive thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Richard W. Kalinoski
  • Patent number: 6078488
    Abstract: A current source circuit includes a variable impedance circuit coupling the returns of dual-floating power sources, and is configured to limit maximum current output in the event of fault and facilitate detection thereof. The first power source powers the current loop using its source, with the current loop returning through the second power source's return. Control circuitry detects an increase in current beyond the predetermined maximum and appropriately increases the impedance between the first and second power sources returns to limit current provided to the current output to the predetermined maximum. This amount of current is detected by, for example, analog to digital conversion and the fault can thereby be appropriately signaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventor: Allan R. Gunion
  • Patent number: 6076124
    Abstract: A field controller for use in a distributed control system including an area controller and at least one field controller. The field controller manages at least one controlled device in an industrial process operation. The field controller comprises a processor module segment through which it can control a selected number of devices, and it may also include one or more expansion module segments to enable it to control a larger number of controlled devices. The processor module segment includes a processor module and at least one local interface module for interfacing to a controlled device, and the expansion module segment includes interface modules for interfacing to other controlled devices. In the processor module segment, the processor module and said local interface module are interconnected by a bus segment, which is also connected to an upstream off-module connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Simon Korowitz, Harris D. Kagan, Harold Lake