Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first programmable logic controller and a second programmable logic controller, each controller having an operating state. A sub-network is formed by operably connecting the programmable logic controllers to an IO module with a fiber optic cable and a network connector. Data is transmitted over the sub-network at a rate of at least 100 Mb/s. A network identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol or Media Access Control address, is associated with each programmable logic controller. The network identifier of each controller is determined in response to the operating state of the respective programmable logic controller. The network connector can be a switch or a hub to assist in avoiding signal collisions and maintaining determinism on the sub-network.

Abstract: A mobile testing apparatus, method, and computer product that performs high speed testing of mobile pressure devices using high speed totalization, where testing of multiple devices may be done concurrently. Test results are communicated to a central console using a variety of communication methods, including wireless, and the testing apparatus and method is robust and reliable despite the occurrence of transient communication failures, because the test apparatus and method may operate independently of central control.

Abstract: High-speed programmable logic controller (PLC) signal processing is accomplished using a programmable signal processing arrangement that is capable of altering characteristics of signal processing in response to one or more signal processing coefficients. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a PLC-based arrangement includes a PLC controller and a signal processing arrangement that oversamples and processes a signal at a frequency that is greater than a maximum input-process-output scan rate of the PLC controller. In one implementation, the signal processing arrangement is programmable with complex high-speed signal processing parameters that can be downloaded, for example, via the Internet in response to an end-user request. With these approaches, signal sampling and processing is achieved with a PLC-based system at a rate that can be much higher than previously-available signal processing rates with PLC controllers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first and second controller, each controller having an operating state. Each controller is operably connected to a network. Assigning a network identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol, Media Access Control address, etc., to each controller and sensing the operating state of each controller. The network identifier of each controller is determined by the operating state of each respective controller.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a factory automation product via a communications network. The factory automation product is installed at an installation site having an installation site address and includes identifiable information such as a product number, a version number, a serial number and a MAC address. By obtaining the installation site address and the identifiable information, it is possible to associate the installation site address to the factory automation product based on the identifiable information. Based on the installation site address, it is possible to determine whether the factory automation product is used in violation of licenses.

Abstract: A method for adapting a computer-to-computer communication protocol, and especially TCP/IP, or any protocol implemented in a general purpose off-the-shelf network like Ethernet, for use in providing communication needed in an industrial control system, and especially an industrial control system using a programmable logic controller (PLC), where there is frequent communication between the PLC and control or monitoring elements, the method aimed at allowing the PLC to perform scanning of its ladder logic at a rate adequate for effective industrial control. The method includes making permanent-type TCP connections between the PLC and a control element or a monitoring element, use of a protocol for communication with a control or monitoring element in which both a read register and a write register instruction is included in a single communication transaction, such as a MODBUS command, and tuning communication between the PLC and a control element or a monitoring element.

Abstract: A CANOpen network including a bus master and an I/O module are disclosed. Each are communicatively coupled to a common bus. The I/O module is subject to a state change. The bus master collects state information from the I/O module by sending a state signal from the I/O module to the bus master in response to a state change of the I/O module, sending a trigger signal from the bus master to the I/O module, and sending a state signal from the I/O module to the bus master in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a factory process is disclosed. The factory process comprises a plurality of tasks. The method comprises displaying the factory process in real-time as a three-dimensional, free-camera, computer generated representation of the process as a whole, selectively displaying each of the tasks in real-time as a three-dimensional, free-camera, computer generated representation of the respective task.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accessing, controlling and monitoring a programable logic controller with a network client having a conventional web browser. The apparatus includes an archive, an interface, and a library. The archive provides for compiling an application written in code supported by the web browser. The interface is responsive to the application for establishing a connection between the controller and the network client. Further, the library is responsive to the application for supporting communication between the controller and the network client upon establishing a connection therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storage of applications symbols, graphics, web pages, and other data within a server coupled to a programable logic controller. The server is operably connected to a network and the programable logic controller and includes a memory, an FTP server, and a HTTP server. The FTP server is operably connected to the memory and the network for transferring files into the memory. The HTTP is operably connected to the memory and the network for transferring web pages onto the network. Also, the programable logic controller is provided access to the memory within the server for downloading files into the memory of the controller.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus including a base configured to be fitted to a holding rail with opposing coplanar arms, and configured to accommodate a component member of the apparatus and fitted with a locking device having two opposing catches each intended to hook onto a respective arm of the rail. Further, at least one of the two catches is joined to a slide configured to slide in a direction and can be moved by a manual unlocking member. In addition, he manual unlocking member includes a lever pivoted around at least one bearing pin having an axis perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slide, and the lever cooperates with the slide bar via a cam device guiding through a slide track having an axis parallel to the axis of the bearing pin.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for communicating information over a communications network from a sending device to a target device is disclosed. The sending device determines a network location of a target device to which a first frame of information is to be sent. The first frame of information is formatted for a first communications protocol and includes a device address field configured to store a device identifier that corresponds to the target device. Then the sending device selects, based on the network location of the target device, an addressing scheme from among plural different addressing schemes. The device identifier is generated for the first frame on the basis of the selected addressing scheme. The sending device encapsulates the first frame of information in a second frame of information formatted for a second communications protocol and including a destination address field.

Abstract: A system for providing voice input to a subcomponent of an automation system. The system comprises an apparatus for receiving vocal transmissions from an operator of the subcomponent and converting the vocal transmissions to an electrical vocal signal. The system further comprises a PLC operatively associated with the subcomponent. The PLC is configured to receive the electrical vocal signal and convert the electrical vocal signal into an input signal associated with operation of the subcomponent.

Abstract: A system for providing access to a PLC controlled subcomponent of an automation system. The system comprises a biometric identification device coupled to an I/O device of the automation system. The I/O device is configured to process input from the biometric identification device and provide an identification code for a user of the biometric identification device. The system further comprises a PLC based server configured to receive the identification code generated by the I/O device and process the identification code to determine whether to provide access to a PLC controlled subcomponent of the automation system to the user.

Abstract: A voice output system for providing a voice output to a user of a subcomponent of an automation system. A PLC associated with monitoring or controlling an operation of the subcomponent determines if voice output is needed and generates a signal to provide the requisite speech output. The output may be computer generated or a pre-recorded taped message.

Abstract: A network tap system and method are disclosed. The system includes a housing, a first connection block, a second connection block, a third connection block, a device switch, and a communication port. The housing has a thermoplastic composition resin housing. The first connection block is configured to accept a first portion of a network trunk cable. The second connection block is configured to accept a second portion of a network trunk cable. The third connection is configured for connection to a network device. The device switch is configured to short the network trunk cable when the network device is not connected to the third connection. The device switch is configured to operate without the need for manual selection. The communication port is configured to accept a programming cable from a computer. The communication port is also configured for access while the housing is mounted on the DIN rail.

Abstract: The disclosure presents a system and method for transmitting data from Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The system may be implemented in a variety of ways, including as a method for transmitting data between a first and a second programmable logic controller, the method comprising the steps of: inputting data into a first register of a first programmable logic controller; inputting the data to a first management information table; transmitting the data from the first programmable logic controller to an external network; inputting the data from the external network into a second programmable logic controller; inputting the data into a second management information table; and, introducing the data into a second register of the second programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A method of producing documents in a legal proceeding that comprises the steps of converting the documents to a common file type and then electronically placing bates stamps on each file. The method of placing the bates stamps on the file comprises the placement of bates stamps on each page of each file, incrementing the bates stamp number for each page across the multiple documents. In addition, a computer program for electronically placing bates stamps on each page of a document wherein the bates stamps are incremented through each successive pages and each successive document.

Abstract: A system for providing remote configuration management for an industrial control system (ICS) over a wide area network (such as the Internet), including keeping track of each application used by each device of the ICS, the system including: a configuration database, for keeping track of past and present configurations (which devices are or were in use by the ICS in each configuration); a remote sensing module, for determining information about the ICS devices and about applications used by the ICS devices; a configuration manager, for providing over the wide area network a restored copy of an application used by an ICS device; and utilities for enabling communication over a wide area network. The system optionally includes a billing manager that receives from the configuration manager information about each service performed by the configuration manager.

Abstract: A system, method and program for calculating a fluid flow volume within a conduit having an operably connected flow meter is disclosed. The system includes a controller having a backplane. A flow meter module is operably connected to the backplane of the controller and to the flow meter. A program embedded within the controller is also operably connected to the flow meter. The program includes a plurality of segments for sensing a characteristic of the fluid for determining the flow volume of the fluid. The controller, in cooperation with the flow meter module, monitors the dynamic fluid density of the fluid in the conduit. The controller utilizes the dynamic density to determine a correction factor to more accurately calculate the fluid flow volume through the conduit.