Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring and control of a Foundation Fieldbus process network utilizes an applet/servlet pair, the applet residing on a remote node on a wide area network such as the Internet, the servlet residing on a node communicably linked to the wide area network and to the process network. The servlet is operative to collect data via the FMS layer from one or more process devices such as field devices residing on the process network and to have translated the collected data and to transmit the translated data via the wide area network to the applet residing on the remote node. The information is displayed to the user by an appropriate interface such as the graphical interface of a browser running on the remote node. The user may initiate communications by instantiating the applet via a hyperlink in a web page or otherwise, and may input and receive information via the browser's graphical interface.

Abstract: Process variable transmitters, and method for calibrating such device, are disclosed that support calibrating, within a single transmitter device, multiple operating ranges such that a transmitter can switch from a first calibration correction definition associated with a first calibrated range, to a second calibration correction definition associated with a second calibrated range without having to perform a calibration procedure. Thus, rather than supporting only a single calibration definition, a calibration memory for the process variable transmitter comprises multiple calibration correction definition entries. Each calibration correction definition entry potentially expresses a correction relationship for one of multiple calibrated ranges represented in the calibration memory.

Abstract: A method of process, industrial, environmental or other control includes executing a first sequence of instructions in a first process (or thread) and executing a second sequence of instructions in a second process (or thread) that is loosely coupled with the first. States of the first and second processes are compared following their respective completions of the first and second instruction sequences. The comparison can cover registers, memory, flags, interrupts, tasks, and/or events in each of the respective processes. Execution of further instruction sequences by either process is delayed pending a favorable comparison of the process states. If the process achieve comparable states, the first process can take up execution of a third sequence, while the second process takes up execution of a fourth sequence.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety module for connection to a fuel-burning appliance. The safety module connects to the existing circuitry of the appliance and triggers an alarm response when certain predetermined conditions are met. The safety module includes a CO sensor and a processor and can respond not only to acutely high CO levels but also to chronically high CO levels and lack of adherence to service schedules amongst other conditions. The safety module can also be programmed/reset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor and its method of manufacture. Electrochemical gas sensors usually comprise an external housing, which acts as a reservoir for electrolyte; a wick to keep electrodes wetted with the electrolyte and external electrical terminals, for making electrical contact with the electrodes. Typically a gas permeable/microporous membrane has been used to seal a gas sensor in order to prevent leakage of electrolyte. A problem with existing sensors has been that there was a risk of electrolyte leaking through the membrane around the region where electrical connectors passed therethrough. The present invention overcomes this by providing a method of urging conductive polymer through the membrane under controlled conditions of heat and pressure, thereby ensuring the integrity of the membrane remains in tact while defining an electrically/conductive pathway therethrough.

Abstract: An essentially fully balanced plug valve is presented in which the flow control contour is interior to the moving member. The sealing edge of the moving member is at the exterior surface relative to the interior contour. This sealing edge is formed by use of matching angles on the interior of the moving member and the exterior of the stationary member. As a result, operation of the plug is fully balanced with the internal fluid pressure of the liquid therein. The sealing surface of the stationary member is positively retained therein to prevent blowout of the sealing surface. Should failure of the sealing surface occur, a secondary metal-to-metal seal will provide fluid containment albeit possibly at a reduced containment level.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a cement finishing mill, and operating the mill at an optimal point, are disclosed. To determine an optimal point of operation, values of mill power and sound are collected and compared to values predicted by a model to determine if the mill is choking. This choking determination is used in one of two processes to determine an optimal point of operation for the mill. In the first process, as long as the mill is not choking, the amount of fresh feed input to the mill is incrementally increased; when choking occurs, the amount of fresh feed is decreased until choking ceases. In the second process, the amount of fresh feed input to the mill is increased and decreased in an oscillating manner over time, to find the amount of feed that results in the mill approaching, but never reaching, a choking state.

Abstract: A steam measurement system includes a Coriolis flowmeter associated with a vibratable flowtube to receive a flow of wet steam. A first sensor is associated with the flowtube to relay information about a motion of the flowtube by way of a first sensor signal. A second sensor determines a property of the flow and relays the property by way of a second sensor signal. A computing device receives the first and second sensor signals and is configured to calculate a steam quality of the flow from the first and second sensor signals. The computing device also may calculate the total heat energy flow rate of the flow. Other implementations may include a full or partial separator to separate the flow of wet steam into a substantially gas flow and a substantially liquid flow and a second Coriolis meter.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved network and methods of operation thereof for use in or with process control systems, computer-based manufacturing or production control systems, environmental control systems, industrial control system, and the like (collectively, “control systems”). Those networks utilize a unique combination of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, intrusion protection devices and/or other devices for hardening (e.g., security against hacking, intrusion or other mischievous conduct) and/or intrusion detection. The networks and methods have application, by way of example, in plants, sites and other facilities in which networks that support control systems interface with corporate, business or other networks.

Abstract: An essentially fully balanced plug valve is presented in which the flow control contour is interior to the moving member. The sealing edge of the moving member is at the exterior surface relative to the interior contour. This sealing edge is formed by use of matching angles on the interior of the moving member and the exterior of the stationary member. As a result, operation of the plug is fully balanced with the internal fluid pressure of the liquid therein. The sealing surface of the stationary member is positively retained therein to prevent blowout of the sealing surface. Should failure of the sealing surface occur, a secondary metal-to-metal seal will provide fluid containment albeit possibly at a reduced containment level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operatively connecting a controller to an external circuit, by connecting the external circuit to a circuit card mounted for slidable movement into operative engagement with a connection element disposed on a side surface of the controller. The circuit card is slidably supported in a receiver adapted for positioning the controller with respect to the circuit card.

Abstract: Process variable transmitters, and method for calibrating such device, are disclosed that support calibrating, within a single transmitter device, multiple operating ranges such that a transmitter can switch from a first calibration correction definition associated with a first calibrated range, to a second calibration correction definition associated with a second calibrated range without having to perform a calibration procedure. Thus, rather than supporting only a single calibration definition, a calibration memory for the process variable transmitter comprises multiple calibration correction definition entries. Each calibration correction definition entry potentially expresses a correction relationship for one of multiple calibrated ranges represented in the calibration memory.

Abstract: Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zeroing techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, if not properly calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. By determining a magnitude of such erroneous measurements, calibration values may be determined, which may later be used to adjust a measurement that is output by the flowmeter and thereby improve an accuracy of the flowmeter. Such calibration values may be determined for a plurality of operational conditions associated with the flowmeter, such as densities of materials being measured, and/or configurations of flow elements associated with transporting material to the flowmeter. Then, the calibration values may be correlated with the relevant operational conditions, and stored for later use.

Abstract: A sensor includes primary and secondary toroids disposed in spaced, coaxial relation to one another with a process flow path extending therethrough. Electrically conductive and non-metallic connectors are located at opposite ends of the flow path to physically contact the process fluid flowing therethrough. The primary toroid is configured to induce an electric current in the process fluid as the process fluid passes through the flow path, wherein the current varies with conductivity of the process fluid. The secondary toroid is configured to detect the electric current in the process fluid as the process fluid passes through the flow path, the current being proportional to the conductivity of the process fluid.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for an energy conversion appliance, which may be a heating, ventilating or air conditioning appliance, includes a sound receiving transducer (1) coupled to output elements (5) to identify, discriminate and log the acoustic signatures of a sequence of events within an operating sequence of an appliance. Individual event occurrences are identified by comparison of a received acoustic signature with stored data to determine whether an event occurrence has occurred in a proper manner and at a correct position in the sequence of a plurality of event occurrences.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter, implemented in a dual PLL structure, includes a first PLL having a first bandwidth producing a first output signal, and a second PLL having a second bandwidth narrower than the first bandwidth of the first PLL. The first and second PLLs are operable to lock into a frequency of an input signal and produce first and second output signals, respectively. The second PLL is operable to lock into the frequency of the input signal with greater accuracy and greater immunity to noise than the first PLL. A switch is operable to switch an output signal of the process variable transmitter between the first output signal and the second output signal.