Abstract: A method of electronically representing manufacturing flow is provided. The method allows a manufacturer to electronically track an infinite number of attributes related to components used in the production of a finished product. Using these attributes, the manufacturer can perform product recalls based upon information pertinent to a malfunctioning part, rather than a statistical recall. This allows a manufacturer to perform a recall without having to recall substantially more products than necessary.

Abstract: A method for configuring a programmable logic controller (PLC) having a protocol is provided. The method includes providing an extensible markup language (XML) schema for the protocol of the PLC. In another aspect, a method for configuring a programmable logic controller (PLC) having a protocol includes utilizing the schema to validate at least one XML file parsed from a comma separated variable (CSV) file created by a configuration tool for a protocol different than the protocol of the PLC. In another aspect, a method for configuring a programmable logic controller (PLC) having a protocol includes utilizing the schema to validate at least one XML file parsed from a comma separated variable (CSV) file created by a configuration tool.

Abstract: A web-enabled automation control module (ACM) system includes at least one network module configured to receive a request for a file from the network, a web server and database module located outside the network module and including a database configured to store the file, and an ACM central processing unit (CPU) configured to send ACM data to the web server and database module to embed ACM data in the file.

Abstract: A web-enabled automation control module (ACM) includes an ACM central processing unit (CPU) and a web and file transfer system electrically connected to the ACM CPU, and embedded within the ACM. The system is configured to process hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests from a network.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a plurality of devices is provided. The system includes a user interface for controlling a plurality of devices configured as a network. The plurality of devices have corresponding device drivers to configure each of the plurality of devices to allow queuing operations to be performed in connection with the plurality of devices. The user interface is configured to communicate with the plurality of devices to identify and control jobs in a queue relating to each of the devices. The system also includes a monitoring system for monitoring the plurality of devices. The monitoring system is configured to provide notification to the user interface when a predetermined queue limit for at least one of the plurality of devices is exceeded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing wireless communication for a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The PLC includes a central processing unit (CPU) card mounted on the backplane of the PLC, a CPU mounted on the CPU card and a means for wireless radio frequency communication coupled to the CPU so that the means for radio frequency communication and CPU communicate without using the PLC module bus.

Abstract: An automation control module (ACM) includes an ACM central processing unit (CPU), a backplane electrically coupled to the ACM CPU, and a web system embedded within the ACM and electrically coupled to the ACM CPU and backplane. The web system includes a secure web server and is configured to process hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests from a network to program and configure the ACM through the network. The HTTP requests are received by the secure web server and transmitted by the secure web server directly the ACM CPU without using the backplane.

Abstract: An automation control module (ACM) is provided that includes an ACM central processing unit (CPU), a backplane and a SOAP/XML and web server system electrically coupled to the backplane and to the ACM CPU. The SOAP/XML and web server system is embedded within the automation control module (ACM) and is configured to process simple object access protocol (SOAP)/extensible markup language (XML) requests from a network.

Abstract: An automation control module (ACM) including an ACM central processing unit (CPU) and a web system electrically connected to the ACM CPU. The web system is configured to process security layer encrypted hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests from a network.

Abstract: An automation control module (ACM) includes an ACM central processing unit (CPU) and a file transfer system electrically connected to the ACM CPU. The file transfer system is embedded within the ACM, and is configured to receive at least one update for at least one module from a network and transfer the at least one update to the at least one module.

Abstract: An e-mail-enabled automation control module (ACM) includes an ACM and an e-mail subsystem electrically connected to the ACM. The e-mail subsystem is configured to perform at least one of sending e-mail messages from the ACM through a network and receiving e-mail messages from the network.

Abstract: A method for configuring a programmable logic controller (PLC) having a protocol is provided. The method includes providing an extensible markup language (XML) schema for the protocol of the PLC. In another aspect, a method for configuring a programmable logic controller (PLC) having a protocol includes utilizing the schema to validate at least one XML file parsed from a comma separated variable (CSV) file created by a configuration tool for a protocol different than the protocol of the PLC. In another aspect, a method for configuring a programmable logic controller (PLC) having a protocol includes utilizing the schema to validate at least one XML file parsed from a comma separated variable (CSV) file created by a configuration tool.

Abstract: A method for forming a network is disclosed with the network including a plurality of communication devices, a wire network for allowing a plurality of communication transmissions between the communications devices, and at least one connectivity device connected to the wire network,. The method includes utilizing the connectivity device to bring segments of the wire network together such that the communication devices are interconnected, utilizing the connectivity device to provide communication transmissions to the communications devices with independent paths through the wire network such that communication collisions are reduced, utilizing the connectivity device to regenerate a communication signal such that the distance between the communications device is extended, and utilizing the connectivity device to route communication transmissions by the communications devices through the wire network.

Abstract: A memory module for a computer-based system. The memory module includes at least one memory device that requires periodic refresh signals to maintain data and is mounted on the memory module, and a circuit mounted on the memory module and configured to retain data stored on the memory device when the computer-based system loses power. In a separate embodiment, a control circuit is configured to logically detach at least one memory device from at least one memory controller when a computer-based system loses power, and retain data stored on the memory device when the computer-based system loses power.

Abstract: A Power Builder for a power management control system facilitates automated addition and configuration of devices to a system project. By invoking the Power Builder as an option to the system, device selection becomes automated and points associated with the selected devices are automatically created. Main menu screens are generated which contain pre-configured wizards and screens for the selected devices. A configuration update is performed on the system and the project is restarted.

Abstract: A method for reducing thermal dissipation in a single PLC package includes implementing a pulse width modulated current regulator including a field effect transistor (FET) switch, and utilizing a turn on delay of the FET to provide a wide operating range of current. The FET has an inherent turn-on time delay that can be exploited such that, as the duty cycle is reduced, the FET's drain to source impedance dominates an inductive path of an output filter and increases output filtering.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring an industrial controller using a portable wireless device. The system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC), a local server for exchanging communication with the PLC, a Internet Service Provider (ISP) server for exchanging communication with the local server using the Internet, and a wireless user communication device for exchanging communication with the ISP server. A user utilizes the Internet to monitor the operation of the PLC and input control commands to the PLC using the wireless user communication device.

Abstract: A method for compensating for torque ripple in pulse width modulated machines including providing damping for transient disturbances utilizing a fixed feedback controller and rejecting steady disturbances utilizing an adaptive controller.

Abstract: A control circuit for configuring at least one I/O module connector pin is provided. The circuit includes at least one port controlling a configuration of the at least one pin.

Abstract: A servomechanism having an actuator configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and a controller configured for electrical connection to a power source. A power cable electrically connects the actuator and the controller. The power cable is configured to transmit electrical current from the controller to the actuator. At least one transducer is coupled to the actuator. The transducer is electrically connected to the power cable and is configured to transmit data over the power cable.