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 fault router method and system for use in a parallel redundant network environment provide additional safeguards over traditional redundant networks. Where multiple connection faults on multiple machines would ordinarily stifle communications between two or more network entities, the fault router passes packets between redundant networks to bypass connection faults. Compatibility and timing improvements allow for the extension of the parallel network environment, and provide for time-synchronized network operation.

Abstract: A centralized diagnostics management tool is disclosed that facilitates centralized monitoring of distributed components of a supervisory process control and manufacturing information application. The centralized diagnostics management tool includes a diagnostics management console shell that is customized according to a set of software modules that interface to data sources to populate views supported by the console shell. The console shell includes a set of view templates including controls for manipulating graphically displayed representations of data rendered by the distributed components. The console shell also includes an interface for exchanging requests and data with an extensible set of software modules that provide data links to ones of the set of distributed components. The software modules also define the customizable portions of the view rendered by the console shell.

Abstract: A fault router method and system for use in a parallel redundant network environment provide additional safeguards over traditional redundant networks. Where multiple connection faults on multiple machines would ordinarily stifle communications between two or more network entities, the fault router passes packets between redundant networks to bypass connection faults. Compatibility and timing improvements allow for the extension of the parallel network environment, and provide for time-synchronized network operation.

Abstract: A fault router method and system for use in a parallel redundant network environment provide additional safeguards over traditional redundant networks. Where multiple connection faults on multiple machines would ordinarily stifle communications between two or more network entities, the fault router passes packets between redundant networks to bypass connection faults. Compatibility and timing improvements allow for the extension of the parallel network environment, and provide for time-synchronized network operation.

Abstract: A system and method of providing floating actuator control is provided. This system and method receives input command signals from an actuator controller, and effectively integrates these signals until the controller has requested a large enough movement of the actuator that the actuator can actually effectuate. At this point, the system and method drive the actuator to the commanded position. As a result, excessive mechanical wear in the actuator caused by small command signal perturbations and dither is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Electromagnetic pump with oscillating core, connected to a hydraulic device, to transfer a fluid into the hydraulic device. The pump includes a containing body, a tubular element of amagnetic material, a core of ferromagnetic material sliding coaxially to the tubular element, an electromagnetic unit arranged around the core and coaxial to the tubular element to generate an alternating magnetic field and cause the core to slide axially and alternately with respect to the tubular element. The tubular element includes, in one piece, a first part, projecting outside both the containing body and the electromagnetic unit and having an attachment configured to be selectively associated, directly or indirectly, with mating attachment elements of the hydraulic device, and a second part disposed inside both the containing body and the electromagnetic unit and having an axial cavity in which the core slides.

Abstract: A switched mode power supply which uses a shieldless transformer (11) in the dc to dc converter. Common mode switching noise is reduced by connecting two capacitors (17, 18) in series between the transformer primary (12) and secondary (13) circuits and connecting an inductor (19) between the junction of the two capacitors (17, 18) and chassis earth. The values of the capacitors (17, 18) and inductor (19) are selected such that the capacitors (17, 18) present a low impedance to noise signals and the inductor (19) presents a high impedance to noise signals.

Abstract: The system and method disclosed herein allow a user to retrieve data from various process control loops and organize that data in dynamic manner to allow for multiple types of data analysis. A user may associate individual process control loops into groups and analyze the data and impact of select process control loops in those groups. Since the associations of process control loops into groups can be done dynamically, the user is able to easily reconfigure groups (i.e. add or remove process control loops) and redo the analysis. Another feature is the storage of both the data retrieved and the results of the analysis so that comparisons can be performed and reports can be generated.

Abstract: A signal processor, for use with a zero crossing module of a vortex flow meter, includes a peak amplitude detector, a comparator, and a filter module. The filter module is enabled when the comparator determines that the amplitude is less than a low flow rate threshold. The filter module filters a vortex signal and the filtered signal is provided to a frequency estimator that uses a zero crossing algorithm. The signal processor may increase the signal-to-noise ratio at low flow rates for which the frequency estimator may not otherwise be able to accurately estimate the flow rate. Low flow rates may be measured by determining that there is a low flow rate using amplitude detection of a vortex signal, filtering the vortex signal based on the amplitude detection, and using a zero crossing algorithm on the filtered vortex signal.

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 signal processor, for use with a zero crossing module of a vortex flow meter, includes a peak amplitude detector, a comparator, and a filter module. The filter module is enabled when the comparator determines that the amplitude is less than a low flow rate threshold. The filter module filters a vortex signal and the filtered signal is provided to a frequency estimator that uses a zero crossing algorithm. The signal processor may increase the signal-to-noise ratio at low flow rates for which the frequency estimator may not otherwise be able to accurately estimate the flow rate. Low flow rates may be measured by determining that there is a low flow rate using amplitude detection of a vortex signal, filtering the vortex signal based on the amplitude detection, and using a zero crossing algorithm on the filtered,vortex signal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an edge detector, a memory and a pulse-input engine. The edge detector is configured to receive an input signal and a counter signal. The edge detector is further configured to send a set of time values based on the input signal and the counter signal. Each time value from the set of time values is uniquely associated with a detected edge transition from the input signal. The memory is coupled to the edge detector. The memory is configured to receive from the edge detector the set of time values. The memory is configured to store the set of time values. The pulse-input engine is coupled to the memory. The pulse-input engine is configured to measure a set of pulse-to-pulse delays based on the set of the time values stored in the memory.

Abstract: A system for process control comprises a server digital data processor and a client digital data processor that are coupled by a network, such as the Internet or an Intranet. The server digital data processor, which is additionally coupled to a control/sensing device and any associated interface equipment (collectively, referred to as “process control apparatus”), includes a command processor that transfers information between the network and the process control apparatus. The client digital data processor includes an information client (e.g., a so-called Internet web browser) capable of requesting and receiving an applet from the server digital data processor. The information client, further, defines a hardware-independent and operating system-independent virtual machine environment within the client digital data processor.

Abstract: Self-validating (SEVA) sensors implemented in a control process provide various metrics regarding sensed variables to a central control unit. Specifically, SEVA sensors provide measurements of the variables and validity information about the measurements, which may include fault information about the sensors themselves. A control unit utilizes the various SEVA metrics even when large numbers of SEVA sensors are used, a situation that is otherwise problematic due to difficulties in assimilating data from multiple SEVA sensors. Accordingly, the control unit distinguishes sensor faults from actual process changes, and responds as needed, even when large numbers of SEVA sensors are implemented together.

Abstract: A system and method of providing floating actuator control is provided. This system and method receives input command signals from an actuator controller, and effectively integrates these signals until the controller has requested a large enough movement of the actuator that the actuator can actually effectuate. At this point, the system and method drive the actuator to the commanded position. As a result, excessive mechanical wear in the actuator caused by small command signal perturbations and dither is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A thermal isolator assembly that provides rigid construction, linearly and rotationally, is presented. The thermal isolator assembly includes a collar and a sleeve that are thermally isolated one from another but held in rigid mechanical relation. When constructed for actuated valves, the collar forms an actuator arm coupling member while the sleeve forms a valve stem coupling member. A pair of thermal isolators provide thermal isolation between these members. A polyphenylene sulfide compound, and preferably a fiberglass reinforced polyphenylene sulfide compound is used because of its high mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity for these thermal isolators.

Abstract: A centralized diagnostics management tool is disclosed that facilitates centralized monitoring of distributed components of a supervisory process control and manufacturing information application. The centralized diagnostics management tool includes a diagnostics management console shell that is customized according to a set of software modules that interface to data sources to populate views supported by the console shell. The console shell includes a set of view templates including controls for manipulating graphically displayed representations of data rendered by the distributed components. The console shell also includes an interface for exchanging requests and data with an extensible set of software modules that provide data links to ones of the set of distributed components. The software modules also define the customizable portions of the view rendered by the console shell.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing associative relationships between properties of a contained object and corresponding parameters of a container application. The system contemplates establishment of mutual and unilateral associative relationships, with a particular relationship being specified via a user interface created upon instantiation of the contained object. Such associative relationships may be advantageously established without modification of the code comprising the contained object. In one aspect the system facilitates implementation of selected functionality of a container application prescribed by an event script. In this context an association is created between an event arising within a contained object instantiated in a computing environment and a script associated with the container application. An event indication is generated in response to occurrence of a particular event within the contained object.

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.