Abstract: A method and system for automated temperature measurement is described. The system includes a programmable logic controller, a temperature measurement diode, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the diode and the programmable logic controller, a current source coupled to the diode and configured to generate a first current and a second current different from said first current, and a processor coupled to the current source and to the analog-to-digital converter. The processor controls the current source such that the current source sequentially applies the first current to the diode at a first point in time and applies the second current to the diode at a second point in time. The processor also receives a first voltage across the diode measured when the first current is applied to the diode and a second voltage across the diode measured when the second current is applied to the diode. Based on the first and second voltages, the processor determines the temperature proximate the diode.

Abstract: A method and system for forwarding a message from a communication device on the ground to a passenger traveling in an airplane, is disclosed. The method and system include creating the message using a first communication device, transmitting the message to a messaging router, transmitting from the message router to the passenger through a second communication device a notification that the message is available for receipt by the passenger, requesting receipt of the message by the passenger through the second communication device, transmitting the message from the message router to the second communication device on the airplane, and receiving the message through the second communication device on the airplane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for packing an order of parts. An operator is prompted to select an indicated part. The part is read by the system to verify the selection of the part. An array of indicators directs the operator to where the part should be placed in a shipping tote. An array of sensors confirms the packing of the part.

Abstract: A communications adapter is provided for interfacing between a master device and an I/O device (body) having an output and/or an input. In the case of the I/O body having an output, the adapter has a TCP port for coupling to the master device via a transmission path for receiving a request message. The adapter also has a connector for operable coupling to the I/O device for receiving the output of the I/O device. The adapter further has an interface circuit operably connected to the TCP port and the connector for transmitting a response message over the transmission path in response to the request message, the response message correlating to the output received from the I/O device. The request message and the response message is limited to a length that is less than a TCP transaction length and/or a maximum transmission unit limit, or both, depending on the embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a resource in a network is disclosed. The system is accessible by a web tool and includes a configuration database being capable of storing a plurality of parameters for configuring the resource. A configuration page also accessible via the web tool, includes a form to facilitate configuration of the resource. The form is capable of receiving a resource parameter entry and a configuration option selection. The configuration option selection and the resource parameter entry compose a magic-URL. A configuration agent is responsive to the magic-URL wherein the agent and the magic-URL cooperate to manage the configuration database.

Abstract: A communications adapter and method are provided for interfacing between a master device and an I/O device (body) having an output and/or an input. In the case of the I/O body having an output, the adapter has a TCP port for coupling to the master device via a transmission path for receiving a request message. The adapter also has a connector for operable coupling to the I/O device for receiving the output of the I/O device. The adapter further has an interface circuit operably connected to the TCP port and the connector for transmitting a response message over the transmission path in response to the request message, the response message correlating to the output received from the I/O device. The request message and the response message is limited to a length that is less than a TCP transaction length and/or a maximum transmission unit limit, or both, depending on the embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A first system is provided having a plurality of analog input signals for a plurality of analog input devices. Each analog input signal has an analog input signal value. The first system converts each analog input signal value to an ultimate digital input value. The first system has an input converter for converting each analog input signal to a digital input signal having a digital input value. The digital input value directly corresponds to the analog input signal value. The first system also has a conveying means for conveying the analog input signal value as an ultimate digital input value without performing any additional conversion. A second system is also provided having a plurality of analog output signals for a plurality of analog output devices. Each analog output signal has an analog output signal value, and each analog output signal value is converted from an initial digital output signal value.

Abstract: A method and a device for high-speed scale conversion wherein a value N within a range of N1 and N2 is converted into a small value M within a range of M1 and M2. The method includes the step of obtaining an approximate value of M by loading the value (N−N1+2p−1) into a multi-bit shift register and right-shifting p bits. A binary search process is then used to determine the error value between the actual value of M and the approximate value of M. By avoiding actual multiplication processes, the conversion can be carried out using low-cost electronic hardware such as a microprocessor or a PROM to carry out the binary search process, a shift-register to obtain the approximate value of M, a multiplexer to receive an analog input data N and an A/D converter to convert the analog input data N into a digital data N.

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.

Abstract: A bridge is disclosed for providing a connection between a MODBUS Plus network and an Ethernet network. The bridge includes a MODBUS circuit board, an Ethernet circuit board, and a CPU. The MODBUS circuit board is operably coupled to the local area network for receiving a message from an originating node having a five-byte routing path field. The CPU is operably connected to the circuit board for extracting a table location in response to a third byte within the routing path field. The Ethernet circuit board is operably connected to the CPU and the Ethernet network for forwarding the message to an IP destination in response to the table location.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a task in an intrinsically safe environment using an intrinsically safe, integrated module located on the safe side to convey signals to and from a field device on the hazardous side. The integrated module is configurable in order to suit the electrical characteristics and requirements of the field device. Preferably, the integrated module is software configurable, in that the module can be configured by a command signal without using switches. Furthermore, the integrated module is configurable in order to control the field device in performing the task. The integrated module includes an input/output module which is electrically connected to the field device through a Zener barrier or a galvanic isolation barrier, and a power supply to power the field device through a Zener barrier.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for facilitating communication throughout a master/slave network. The network topology includes a transmission cable being operably connected between the network modules. A master module includes a master terminating resistor operably connected to the transmission cable. A slave module includes a slave terminating resistor and a slave switch. The slave terminating resistor is operably connected to the slave switch. A load resistor is operably connected to the transmission cable. The slave switch is operably responsive to the load resistor to generate a terminate enable. The slave switch inserts the slave terminating resistor onto the transmission cable in response to the terminate enable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for communication with at least one device which resides on a standard communications network using a standard communications protocol. The apparatus has a scanner for scanning the device, a device scan table for storing data relating to the device, and a standard communications interface for interfacing between the device scanner and the standard communications network using the standard communication protocol. The present invention is also directed to a device scanner for a first device located on a first node of a standard communications network. The device scanner is provided for scanning devices on the standard communications network, and for identifying a second device on a second node of the standard communications network.

Abstract: An interface allows for the transfer of real time control data with guaranteed delivery times between devices on a general purpose network and an industrial control system. A proxy server takes the role of a TCP/IP router and is configured to control the rate at which messages are forwarded from the non-real time to the real time portion of the network, keeping the loading of the real time portion stable regardless of the external non-real-time communication demand. Real time data is preconfigured and exchanged in a regular sequence, with the cyclic update period known. The length of any communication message necessary to transmit this information, plus any sequencing and acknowledgment overhead, is calculated in advance and aggregated. Each device with authority to transmit on the shared medium is given a time budget, calculated so that the total transmission quantity in unit time is deliberately limited to some fraction of the maximum transmission capability of the network.

Abstract: A communications adapter is provided for interfacing between a master device and an I/O device (body) having an output and/or an input. In the case of the I/O body having an output, the adapter has a TCP port for coupling to the master device via a transmission path for receiving a request message. The adapter also has a connector for operable coupling to the I/O device for receiving the output of the I/O device. The adapter further has an interface circuit operably connected to the TCP port and the connector for transmitting a response message over the transmission path in response to the request message, the response message correlating to the output received from the I/O device. The request message and the response message is limited to a length that is less than a TCP transaction length and/or a maximum transmission unit limit, or both, depending on the embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Abstract: A communications adapter is provided for interfacing between a master device and an I/O device (body) having an output and/or an input. In the case of the I/O body having an output, the adapter has a TCP port for coupling to the master device via a transmission path for receiving a request message. The adapter also has a connector for operable coupling to the I/O device for receiving the output of the I/O device. The adapter further has an interface circuit operably connected to the TCP port and the connector for transmitting a response message over the transmission path in response to the request message, the response message correlating to the output received from the I/O device. The request message and the response message is limited to a length that is less than a TCP transaction length and/or a maximum transmission unit limit, or both, depending on the embodiment of the present invention.