Abstract: A programming system includes a graphical data entry user interface for a plurality of sequential steps displayed to a user on a monitor. The user selects outputs to be activated for each of the sequential steps and any inputs to be monitored or timer to be enabled for the sequential steps. The inputs, outputs, and timer enable commands, and timer values identified by the user are converted into data tables each having a plurality of data elements. Each data element corresponds to one of the sequential steps. A programmable logic controller directs a process by reading the data elements corresponding to a sequential step and, for that sequential step, activating the outputs identified by the output data element, monitoring any inputs identified by the input control data element, and enabling a timer for a selected time period if identified in the input control data element.

Abstract: A programming system includes a graphical data entry user interface for a plurality of sequential steps displayed to a user on a monitor. The user selects outputs to be activated for each of the sequential steps and any inputs to be monitored or timer to be enabled for the sequential steps. The inputs, outputs, and timer enable commands, and timer values identified by the user are converted into data tables each having a plurality of data elements. Each data element corresponds to one of the sequential steps. A programmable logic controller directs a process by reading the data elements corresponding to a sequential step and, for that sequential step, activating the outputs identified by the output data element, monitoring any inputs identified by the input control data element, and enabling a timer for a selected time period if identified in the input control data element.

Abstract: A method of modular manufacturing is disclosed and a modular assembly system is shown utilizing a base unit and a plurality of detachable work stations adapted to operate with the base unit. Each detachable work station includes its own work station control processor. The assembly system is preferably fully modular since each work station is capable of controlling its own operation. Work stations may be plugged into a plurality of different work station ports on the base unit in a plurality of different combinations, preferably without reprogramming either the base unit control processor or the work stations control processor.

Abstract: A method of modular manufacturing is disclosed and a modular assembly system is shown utilizing a base unit and a plurality of detachable work stations adapted to operate with the base unit. Each detachable work station includes its own work station control processor. The assembly system is preferably fully modular since each work station is capable of controlling its own operation. Work stations may be plugged into a plurality of different work station ports on the base unit in a plurality of different combinations, preferably without reprogramming either the base unit control processor or the work stations control processor.

Abstract: A method of modular manufacturing is disclosed and a modular assembly system is shown utilizing a base unit and a plurality of detachable work stations adapted to operate with the base unit. Each detachable work station includes its own work station control processor. The assembly system is preferably fully modular since each work station is capable of controlling its own operation. Work stations may be plugged into a plurality of different work station ports on the base unit in a plurality of different combinations, preferably without reprogramming either the base unit control processor or the work stations control processor.

Abstract: A programming system includes a graphical data entry user interface for a plurality of sequential steps displayed to a user on a monitor. The user selects outputs to be activated for each of the sequential steps and any inputs to be monitored or timer to be enabled for the sequential steps. The inputs, outputs, and timer enable commands, and timer values identified by the user are converted into data tables each having a plurality of data elements. Each data element corresponds to one of the sequential steps. A programmable logic controller directs a process by reading the data elements corresponding to a sequential step and, for that sequential step, activating the outputs identified by the output data element, monitoring any inputs identified by the input control data element, and enabling a timer for a selected time period if identified in the input control data element.