Patents Assigned to Invensys
  • Publication number: 20120216626
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Michael S. Tombs
  • Publication number: 20120214430
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Koukol, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120210199
    Abstract: A dual redundant process controller is provided. The controller comprises a process control application that executes on a first and a second module. When executed by the first module, a first application instance writes a first synchronization information to the second module, reads a second synchronization information from the first module, and, when the second disagrees with the first synchronization information after passage of a time-out interval, performs a resynchronization function; and wherein, when executed by the second module, the second application instance writes the second synchronization information to the first module, reads the first synchronization information from the second module, and, when the first disagrees with the second synchronization information after passage of the time-out interval, performs the resynchronization function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan A. Gale, Andrew L. Kling, Mark E. Timperley, Lawrence T. Bass, John J. Lavallee, George W. Cranshaw, Alan M. Foskett
  • Patent number: 8239055
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that simplifies configuring an MES entity corresponding to a SCADA system object representing plant equipment. The system includes an equipment model builder (EMB) that receives a set of configured UCO information for a modeled piece of plant equipment in a SCADA system. The EMB extracts relevant MES information from the utilization capability object and invokes an application interface on an MES database to create a corresponding entity (e.g., a database element). Another aspect of the disclosed system and methods involves the enhancement of a SCADA system object, through a new MES facet, to support acquiring and reporting equipment status received via the SCADA system to a corresponding MES entity. A raw reason code configuration interface is provided by UCO configurator computer software executed on a computer. Each raw reason code is associated with a prioritized logical expression defining circumstances under which the reason code becomes true.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Paul Grove, Steven M. Weinrich, Christopher Justin Miller
  • Patent number: 8229579
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Eldridge, Brian Mackay, Mark Johnson, Scott Volk, Kenneth A. Burke, Paul Meskonis, Robert Hall, Steven Dardinski
  • Patent number: 8230443
    Abstract: A supervisory process control and manufacturing information system application is disclosed. The components of the application are distributable to a plurality of networked computer devices in a multi-layered hierarchical manner wherein lower layers host higher installed layers of application components. Application objects reside at a relatively high level of the distributed application architecture and model entities within a process control system. Engine objects host execution of the application objects in a run-time environment. Thus, application objects are not deployed until a host engine object with which they are associated have been deployed. Engine objects are hosted by platform objects. The platform objects correspond to a physical computer system component for executing the engine objects and associated application objects. A configuration facility presents a variety of views including deployment and model views of the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Resnick, Laurence G. Leblanc, Timothy Sowell, Pankaj H. Mody
  • Patent number: 8224593
    Abstract: Startup and operational techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The techniques select an optimal mode of operation for the digital flowmeter, depending on a current environment of the flowmeter. For example, during a startup operation of the flowmeter, the mode of operation might include a random sequence mode, in which filtered, random frequencies are applied as a drive signal to a flowtube associated with the digital flowmeter. Once the flowtube reaches a resonant mode of vibration, the digital flowmeter may transition to a positive feedback mode, in which a sensor signal representing a motion of the flowtube is fed back to the flowtube as a drive signal, as part of a feedback loop. Once an oscillation of the flowtube is achieved and analyzed, a digital synthesis mode of operation may be implemented, in which the analyzed sensor signals are used to synthesize the drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Mayela E. Zamora
  • Patent number: 8225271
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Eldridge, Brian Mackay, Mark Johnson, Scott Volk, Kenneth A. Burke, Paul Meskonis, Robert Hall, Steven Dardinski
  • Patent number: 8219698
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Johnson, Chris J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8211706
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Marcus Trygstad, Russell Jackson, Bruce A. Keen
  • Patent number: 8208577
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Calvin
  • Patent number: 8201459
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Maria Jesus De La Fuente
  • Patent number: 8196552
    Abstract: A system to reduce standby losses in a hot water heater is presented. The system utilizes a safety relay valve between the combination gas controller and the burner. The safety relay valve bypasses gas to a damper actuator valve to position a flapper valve located over the flue pipe. Once the flapper valve has opened to ensure combustion, the gas is allowed to flow back to the safety relay valve. Some of the bypass gas may be diverted to boost the pilot or to supply a booster. The safety relay valve is then opened to allow the gas supply to the burner. Once the burner is turned off by the combination gas controller, the small amount of bypass gas bleeds out of the damper actuator valve to close the flapper valve to reduce standby losses through the flue pipe, and to allow the safety relay valve to close tightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Controls Australia Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Mervyn Whitford, Brendon John Ruwoldt
  • Publication number: 20120118077
    Abstract: A multi-phase fluid is passed through a Coriolis flowmeter and a watercut meter. The multi-phase fluid includes two phases during a first time period and three phases during a second time period. It is determined that the multi-phase fluid includes two phases during the first time period, and a first value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the Coriolis flowmeter during the first time period. A second value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the watercut meter during the first time period. The first value is compared to the second value, and it is determined, based on the comparison, that the first value and the second value are inconsistent with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Manus P. Henry
  • Patent number: 8165828
    Abstract: Motion is induced in a conduit that contains a fluid. The motion is induced such that the conduit oscillates in a first mode of vibration and a second mode of vibration. The first mode of vibration has a corresponding first frequency of vibration and the second mode of vibration has a corresponding second frequency of vibration. At least one of the first frequency of vibration or the second frequency of vibration is determined. A phase difference between the motion of the conduit at a first point of the conduit and the motion of the conduit at a second point of the conduit is determined. A quantity based on the phase difference and the determined frequency is determined. The quantity includes a ratio between the first frequency during a zero-flow condition and the second frequency during the zero-flow condition. A property of the fluid is determined based on the quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Tombs
  • Patent number: 8165860
    Abstract: A system for thermodynamic modeling is provided. The system comprises a computer having a processor, a thermodynamic process simulation application, and a thermodynamic equation of state application. When executed by the processor, the thermodynamic equation of state application determines a density root based on a first and second point of departure from an equation of state and based on a first and a second extrapolation equation. The first departure point satisfies the equation ? P ? ? = ? ? P ? + ? . The second departure point satisfies the equation ? ? ( ? P ? ? - R ) + ( 1 - ? ) ? ( ? P ? ? ) ? | dp ? ? 1 = 0. The density root is determined as a pseudo-density in a phase two when the specified pressure is greater than the second departure point pressure and in a phase one when the specified pressure is less than the first departure point pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Gang Xu, David Bluck, David J. Van Peursem, Ian H. Boys
  • Patent number: 8159804
    Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting heating to prevent explosions in a gaseous environment containing an industrial control system are described. A method may include controlling heating in an electrical circuit component in response to a circuit failure so as to avoid reaching a temperature at or above a flash point of a gaseous component of the gaseous environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt J. Otto
  • Patent number: 8161200
    Abstract: In one general aspect, methods and devices for use with multiple communications protocols automatically determine which communications protocol to use when connected to a system bus. Signals transmitted on the system bus are monitored to determine what communications protocol the system bus is using. After determining which communications protocol the system is using, a compatible communications protocol is selected from one of several communications protocols stored in a device's memory. As a result, a user may connect a device to the system bus without having to determine which communications protocol is used by the system bus. Furthermore, suppliers may stock a single type of device that is compatible with multiple communications protocols reducing overhead associated with stocking devices. In addition, a device may be switched between systems without regard to the communications protocol of the device or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Kostadinov
  • Patent number: 8155791
    Abstract: Methods and systems for creating dynamic performance measures (DPMs) for an IBA manufacturing process. Included is a method for monitoring an Isobutyl Alcohol (IBA) recovery system that includes computing at least one of an amount of IBA recovered from the IBA recovery system and an amount of waste material produced from the IBA recovery system, and displaying at least one of the recovered IBA and the waste material produced based on time. The method also includes computing a cost saved based on a cost of virgin IBA and the amount of IBA recovered. Computing an amount of waste material includes measuring waste material flow, and computing a cost of waste material management based on the measured waste material flow and a cost per unit volume to dispose of waste material. The IBA recovery system can include an evaporation IBA recovery system and/or a distillation IBA recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Barr
  • Patent number: 8151813
    Abstract: A voting solenoid system and method is configured to selectively apply fluid pressure above and below a threshold value, to a fluid node. The voting solenoid arrangement includes first and second solenoid valve pairs, each pair including first and second solenoid valves. The valve pairs are located in parallel fluid communication with a fluid pressure source, each of the first and second solenoid valves being alternately actuatable between energized and de-energized states. The solenoid arrangement is configured so that a change of state of the first and second valves of either of the valve pairs alternately applies fluid pressure above and below the threshold value, to the fluid node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Jacoby, W Brian Piercy