Abstract: A system and method are described that simplify defining/designing graphical display interfaces for graphically displaying related data elements. The displays provide both depictions of the data elements and the relationships between the data elements in accordance with a pre-defined data element display scheme including both element template (for particular data element types) and relationship view (spatial relationships within a display) definitions. A relationship view displays a set of provided data elements of specified type according to the element template and relationship view definitions.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating simulations for a distributed control system is disclosed herein. A programmed process model generator automatically incorporates a variety of process model data from pre-defined model libraries into descriptions of process equipment including control devices to render simulation models of various degrees of fidelity.

Abstract: A control network carries information between nodes in a control system. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a control network includes first and second nodes, each of which is associated with at least one device in a control system, such as a controller, actuator, sensor, or otherwise. The first node is configured to wirelessly transmit information for simultaneous, or substantially simultaneous, transfer to the second node over at least two pathways. Those pathways can be made up of one or more network segments that interconnect nodes in the control network. In some cases, at least one of the at least two pathways is through a third and/or further nodes. Further, the first node can employ different radio channels, e.g., using different frequencies from one another, over at least one of the at least two pathways to transmit information to the second node.

Abstract: A system management human-machine interface application for use in a process control system is described herein that enables users to view/monitor information regarding system status and performance and to initiate changes to the operation of system equipment, checkpoint control stations and execute diagnostics. A system management graphical user interface includes a number of features that enhance the accessibility of system status information to users. Such enhancements include rendering selectable diagnostic information (e.g., online/offline status) on a system component navigation view. The GUI also provides access to a variety of system information including: alarms, messages, watched system management parameters, and a legend for symbols displayed in a system management navigation tree.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object.

Abstract: A DCS protocol message addressed to a remote DCS station is generated at a local distributed control system (DCS). The DCS protocol message is received at a local tunneling device. The local tunneling device packages the DCS protocol message into a SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is transmitted from the local tunneling device to a remote tunneling device. The remote tunneling device receives the SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is unpackaged into a DCS protocol message at the remote tunneling device, and the DCS protocol message is placed on to a remote DCS such that it flows to the remote station. The DCS protocol message is received at the remote station.

Abstract: Improved control apparatus and methods transfer information between devices, such as controllers and field devices, utilizing a modulator that generates a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal containing information to be transferred by a first of the devices, e.g., the controller, to the second device. A transformer or other inductive device transfers the PWM signal across the isolation barrier, where it is demodulated to analog form for application to the second device, e.g., the field device. Information transferred from the second device to the first device can be transferred in an amplitude modulated (AM) signal that utilizes, as its carrier, a fixed duty cycle output of the modulator that generates the PWM signal.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.

Abstract: An accounting method and system is disclosed that provides for real time financial accounting of plant performance at a sub-plant level. A multiplicity of process variable transmitters is utilized to sense, in real time, the current state of the processes and process equipment used in a manufacturing plant. Sub-plant accounting modules utilize the sensed process data to calculate a plurality of sub-plant accounting measures, which are stored in one or more real time plant historian. The accounting measures are typically converted to a suitable format and subsequently stored in a production model accounting database where they are accessible to an accounting module.

Abstract: A self-evaluating process control transmitter system includes a transmitter configured to capture output data from an integral sensor, and a transmitter memory integrally disposed with the transmitter. The transmitter memory is configured to store a plurality of sets of the output data thereon, including an initial as-built data set, and at least one subsequent data set. A self evaluation module integrally disposed with the transmitter, in communication with the transmitter memory is configured to identify one or more variations between the as-built data set and at least one subsequent data set.

Abstract: A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for managing Profibus device information in a distributed control system. After receiving input parameter data originating from a Profibus device message, the I/O module assembly performs steps for processing, maintaining and providing the input parameter data to a requesting control processor. The processing step includes extracting input parameter values from a received Profibus device message. The extracted input parameters are then deposited in a repository on the I/O module assembly, such that for a primary input parameter, the I/O module assembly stores at least: (1) a measured value, and (2) a status value. Furthermore, the I/O module assembly maintains a reference linking the first status parameter to the first input parameter. The I/O module assembly provides a data status value with the measured value for the first input parameter in accordance with an I/O read operation. The data status value is based on the status value for the first status parameter.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine an individual flow rate of each phase within a multi-phase flow through the flowtube.

Abstract: A fluid conduit connector apparatus that the approximates pneumatic characteristics of a removed pneumatic system component when a fluid conduit is removed from a pneumatic system. The fluid conduit connector apparatus includes a port portion having a valve disposed therein. The valve closes to provide a reduced fluid orifice when a fluid conduit is removed from the port. The reduced fluid orifice is configured to provides pneumatic characteristics of the device being disconnected to facilitate uninterrupted operation of a timed pressure source having pneumatic sensing capability.

Abstract: An administration feeding set adapted to be loaded to a flow control apparatus is disclosed. The administration feeding set comprises tubing adapted suitably for fluid flow, a valve mechanism suitable for loading the administration feeding set to the flow control apparatus, and a mounting member adapted suitably for permitting identification of the functional configuration of the administration feeding set. Also disclosed is a method for administering fluid utilizing the administration feeding set. There are also disclosed novel valve mechanisms.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed in the at least one of said inflatable sections.

Abstract: A tympanic thermometer includes a thermally conductive nozzle extending from a distal end of the thermometer. A base of a sensor can is thermally connected to the nozzle to define a path of conductive heat transfer from the nozzle to the base of the can thereby minimizing a thermal gradient between proximal and distal ends of the sensor can when temperature is measured in the ear.

Abstract: A probe cover for a tympanic thermometer probe comprises a generally tubular body having an opening for receiving the thermometer probe and an infrared transparent window at a distal end thereof. In one embodiment, a film support extends radially inward from the distal end of the body and supports an infrared transparent film spanning the window. The film support has an inner edge that is substantially free from corners turning in the plane of the window. A plurality of end ribs are spaced apart and disposed about an inner circumference of the distal end of the body to engage a distal end of the thermometer probe and form an insulating gap by preventing contact of the film by the thermometer probe. The insulating gap also extends proximally into spaces between the end ribs, reducing thermal contact between the thermometer probe and a circumferential inner surface of the probe cover.