Abstract: In order to design and implement industrial processes in an efficient manner, an apparatus (1) is provided which can simulate a process to be implemented. The processing of the simulation is controlled by a modelling module (17) and is arranged to cause the constraints on scheduling batches in the simulation to correspond to the constraints in actual processing where mixing of batches initiated at different times is avoided. This is achieved by the modelling module (17), whenever a batch is initiated in the simulation, scheduling the following batch to be initiated, the greatest of either the maximum time items of equipment require to process the batch initiated if no delays occur within the system or the greatest time for processing batches of items equipment currently in use.

Abstract: A programming language for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder logic language, the programming language including both extensions to standard RLL rung form itself and extensions wholly independent of the standard form. The language uses a plurality of templates, each template including truly reusable relay ladder language sections. Most templates also include specifications identifying other templates which provide additional language logic required to define job-specific aspects of the referencing template. Using the templates a machine tree can be provided which mirrors an industrial process. By compiling all of the templates, a relay ladder language program can be provided.

Abstract: An editor apparatus for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder language, the apparatus used to provide RLL logic to control a machine axis. The apparatus includes a display for creating an axis behavior profile that represents input devices, output devices, actuators, and required movements. The apparatus gleans information from the profile and, based on the information, creates modules that include logic required to provide a program section for controlling the axis. A compiler then compiles the modules to provide an RLL program section to control the axis.

Abstract: An editor apparatus and method for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder language, the apparatus or method used to provide RLL logic to control machine tool movements in a desired sequence. The apparatus includes a display for creating a bar chart image that represents all functions in a cycle and graphically illustrates all function contingencies. The apparatus gleans function, cycle and contingency information from the image and, based on the information, creates modules that include logic required to make each function contingent upon illustrated conditions. A compiler then compiles the modules to provide an RLL program section to control the cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides a large shuttlecock which can be used with a variety of bats or racquets for a game resembling badminton or a game combining the pleasure of badminton and tennis in that the spherical head portion has a size comparable to a standard tennis ball and is designed to bounce, the shuttlecock having a spherical or partially spherical head portion made from at least an outer layer of closed cell polymeric material of predetermined parameters relating to cell size, density, tensile strength and an elongation at break and having a skirt formation attached to it in association with a core unit which increases the average density of the spherical head portion to a predetermined value.