Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool includes a training mode. The handheld field maintenance tool has a process communication module operably coupleable to a field device, a user interface, and a controller coupled to the process communication module and the user interface. The controller is configured to interact with a user through the user interface, and is configured to provide a simulation function where at least one characteristic of the field device, indicated through the user interface, is generated by the controller instead of the field device.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool is provided with a removable memory module. The module is preferably adapted to be removable in the presence of a hazardous environment. Further, the handheld field maintenance tool is adapted, via hardware, software, or both to automatically detect the presence of the removable memory module and to copy, or otherwise install, data from the module to the tool. Data can be placed on a removable memory module in any suitable manner including flashing flash memory within the removable memory module, or, in embodiments where the removable memory module includes both storage and input/output capability, transmitting software and/or data to the storage media through the input/output capability.

Abstract: An intrinsically-safe handheld field maintenance tool is provided. The tool includes a process communication module configured to communicate with a field device in accordance with a process industry communication protocol. A controller is coupled to the process communication module and is configured to provide at least one function related to maintenance of the field device. Program instructions embodied on a computer readable medium coupled to the controller, the program instructions causing the controller, when executed by the controller, to provide operator rounds functionality, CMMS/EAM functionality and/or ERP functionality.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool with improved diagnostic functions is provided. The tool includes a process communication module configured to interact with a field device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module. The controller is configured to execute a number of improved diagnostic functions relative to the field device. The controller may obtain contextual information relative to a current field maintenance operation and preload at least one resource relative to a next field operation step. The controller may obtain process alarm information through a wireless communication module, and field device alert information through the process communication module and provide an indication on a display relative to both process alarm information and field device alert information. The controller may execute a sequence of field device maintenance operations on the field device in response to a signal from a user input device.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool is provided. The handheld field maintenance tool includes a process communication module configured to communicate with a field device. The handheld field maintenance tool also includes a display and a user input device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module, the user input device and the display and is configured to generate a listing of task-based field maintenance operations on the display and receive a user input selecting a task-based field maintenance operation. The controller is configured to automatically traverse a menu of the field device using a fast-key sequence relative to the selected task. A method of creating a task-based field maintenance operation is provided. A method of interacting with a field device menu is also provided.

Abstract: An intrinsically-safe handheld field maintenance tool includes a process communication module configured communicatively couple to a field device. A camera is configured to obtain at least one image relative to the field device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module and operably coupled to the camera. The controller is configured to store the at least one image relative to the field device. The handheld field maintenance tool may also include or employ an audio input device to capture audio files.

Abstract: Removable memory card handling for handheld field maintenance devices is provided. In one aspect, a memory card is attached to an extension tab that is larger than the card to facilitate handling and provide a larger printable surface than the card. In another aspect, a removable memory module includes a memory card permanently affixed therein. The removable module includes a locking mechanism to lock the module into the tool to maintain the environmental rating of the tool.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool is provided. The tool includes, among other things, a wireless process communication protocol module configured to communicate in accordance with a wireless process communication protocol. The tool also includes a display and an input device. A controller is coupled to the wireless process communication protocol module, the display, and the input device. The controller is configured to generate a map on the display indicating a position of the handheld field maintenance device relative to at least one asset, such as a field device. The controller is further configured to determine a position of the handheld field maintenance device by triangulating using wireless process communication with a number of known, fixed-position wireless field devices.

Abstract: A wireless process communication adapter is provided. The adapter includes a plurality of plugs that are coupleable to a handheld field maintenance tool. A loop communication module is operably coupled to the plurality of plugs. The loop communication module is configured to communicate digitally in accordance with a process loop communication standard protocol. A controller is coupled to the loop communication module, and is configured to transform at least one message received from the loop communication module to at least one corresponding wireless protocol packet. A wireless communication module is coupled to the controller and configured to receive the at least one corresponding wireless protocol packet and generate a wireless signal based upon the at least one wireless protocol packet.

Abstract: A temperature regulating cover for use on an electrical energy storage cell that may produce heat at a hot spot during a short circuit condition. The cover includes a first layer of thermally conductive material that is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the electrical energy storage cell and spreads heat from the hot spot over surface area that is larger than the hot spot. The cover also includes a second layer of thermally insulating material that is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the first layer and that retards heat flow to an outer surface of the second layer.

Abstract: An intrinsically-safe handheld field maintenance tool is provided. The tool includes a process communication module configured to communicate with a field device in accordance with a process industry communication protocol. A controller is coupled to the process communication module and is configured to provide at least one function related to maintenance of the field device. Program instructions embodied on a computer readable medium coupled to the controller, the program instructions causing the controller, when executed by the controller, to provide operator rounds functionality, CMMS/EAM functionality and/or ERP functionality.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool is provided. The handheld field maintenance tool includes a process communication module configured to communicate with a field device. The handheld field maintenance tool also includes a display and a user input device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module, the user input device and the display and is configured to generate a listing of task-based field maintenance operations on the display and receive a user input selecting a task-based field maintenance operation. The controller is configured to automatically traverse a menu of the field device using a fast-key sequence relative to the selected task. A method of creating a task-based field maintenance operation is provided. A method of interacting with a field device menu is also provided.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool includes a training mode. The handheld field maintenance tool has a process communication module operably coupleable to a field device, a user interface, and a controller coupled to the process communication module and the user interface. The controller is configured to interact with a user through the user interface, and is configured to provide a simulation function where at least one characteristic of the field device, indicated through the user interface, is generated by the controller instead of the field device.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool and associated method are provided. The handheld field maintenance tool includes a process communication module configured to communicate in accordance with a process industry communication standard. A controller is coupled to the process communication module and is configured to access a device description relative to a selected simulated field device. A user interface is configured to receive a user input relative to a parameter of the simulated field device. The controller generates communication through the process communication module to simulate the selected field device based on the user input.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool with improved diagnostic functions is provided. The tool includes a process communication module configured to interact with a field device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module. The controller is configured to execute a number of improved diagnostic functions relative to the field device. The controller may obtain contextual information relative to a current field maintenance operation and preload at least one resource relative to a next field operation step. The controller may obtain process alarm information through a wireless communication module, and field device alert information through the process communication module and provide an indication on a display relative to both process alarm information and field device alert information. The controller may execute a sequence of field device maintenance operations on the field device in response to a signal from a user input device.

Abstract: An intrinsically-safe handheld field maintenance tool includes a process communication module configured communicatively couple to a field device. A camera is configured to obtain at least one image relative to the field device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module and operably coupled to the camera. The controller is configured to store the at least one image relative to the field device. The handheld field maintenance tool may also include or employ an audio input device to capture audio files.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance tool is provided. The tool includes, among other things, a wireless process communication protocol module configured to communicate in accordance with a wireless process communication protocol. The tool also includes a display and an input device. A controller is coupled to the wireless process communication protocol module, the display, and the input device. The controller is configured to generate a map on the display indicating a position of the handheld field maintenance device relative to at least one asset, such as a field device. The controller is further configured to determine a position of the handheld field maintenance device by triangulating using wireless process communication with a number of known, fixed-position wireless field devices.

Abstract: A memory authentication technique for field maintenance tools is provided. A non-volatile electronic memory includes a unique software identifier. A non-reversible algorithm is applied to the unique software identifier to obtain a result. The result is then encrypted and compared with a stored encrypted result previously stored on the electronic memory. Based upon this comparison, the tool can be fully enabled, fully disabled, or selectively enabled.

Abstract: Improved functionality of handheld field maintenance tools is provided. A user may interact with the handheld field maintenance tool using a software application that communicates with the tool and with a manufacturer server. Tool information, including a unique tool identifier, is uploaded from the tool and associated with at least some user information. The user is able to view additional and/or updated functionality information relative to one or more tools with which the user is associated and obtain additional functionality electronically. The user also is provided with the ability to provide a tool name that is stored and displayed on the tool.

Abstract: A wireless process communication adapter is provided. The adapter includes a plurality of plugs that are coupleable to a handheld field maintenance tool. A loop communication module is operably coupled to the plurality of plugs. The loop communication module is configured to communicate digitally in accordance with a process loop communication standard protocol. A controller is coupled to the loop communication module, and is configured to transform at least one message received from the loop communication module to at least one corresponding wireless protocol packet. A wireless communication module is coupled to the controller and configured to receive the at least one corresponding wireless protocol packet and generate a wireless signal based upon the at least one wireless protocol packet.