Abstract: Exemplified methods and systems are disclosed that provide a control IO device comprising a head unit and a plurality of IO slices coupled to a common backplane in which two or more adjacent IO slices are functionally connected to one another over an independent IO bus to form a functional IO slice group.

Abstract: Exemplified methods and systems are disclosed that provide a control IO device comprising a head unit and a plurality of IO slices coupled to a common backplane in which two or more adjacent IO slices are functionally connected to one another over an independent IO bus to form a functional IO slice group.

Abstract: Approaches for redundant control for at least one active controller configured to perform a plurality of functions and communicate with a plurality of components over a communications network in a multi-controller system is provided. The redundant controller is configured to perform a plurality of functions which are identical to the plurality of functions being performed at the active controller and determine whether a failure of the active controller has occurred. Upon determining that a failure of the active controller has occurred, the redundant controller assumes assuming the role of the active controller such that it performs the functions that are identical to the functions being performed at the active controller and communicates with the components over the communications network.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding methods are provided for transmitting secure communications. The apparatus includes a transmitter and a receiver having an interface, a processor, and a memory. The processor instances a secure transmission function, links program data to the secure transmission function, and determines a transmission channel that does not have to satisfy security requirements to transmit the program data and the secure transmission functions. The transmitter transmits the program data and the secure transmission function across the transmission channel to the receiver, where the receiver processor instances a secure reception function corresponding to the secure transmission function and specifies a connection between a communication receiver path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods method of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. The method comprises determining a first rotational speed of a shaft using an overspeed system. The overspeed system comprises a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft. The method further comprises determining a second rotational speed of the shaft using a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft. The method further comprises comparing the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system.

Abstract: A system includes a risk assessment system. The risk assessment system includes a risk calculation system configured to calculate a risk based on one or more static inputs and one or more dynamic inputs. The one or more dynamic inputs includes a location of a human resource, a mobile resource, or a combination thereof. The risk assessment system further includes a decision support system (DSS) configured to use the risk to derive one or more decisions based on the risk, the one or more static inputs, and the one or more dynamic inputs. The one or more decisions are configured to aid in operating an industrial facility.

Abstract: A fault detection system for an over-speed protection system of a rotating machine includes a first speed sensor, second speed sensor, and third speed sensor sensing a speed of a shaft of the rotating machine. The system includes a first input configured to receive a first pulse train from the first speed sensor, a second input configured to receive a second pulse train from the second speed sensor, a third input configured to receive a third pulse train from the third speed sensor, and a processor configured to generate a shutdown signal for the rotating machine based on the first pulse train, the second pulse train, and the third pulse train.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for fault detection are disclosed. At least one controller may identify a plurality of values where each value corresponds to a monitored parameter or a measured parameter. The at least one controller may determine a respective deviation between each of the plurality of values and an expected value, and may further determine whether at least one of the respective deviations exceeds a threshold. Upon a determination that at least one of the respective deviations exceeds the threshold, a fault may be detected. Each of the plurality of values may be associated with a respective device that monitors or measures the value. A detected fault may be associated with the device that monitors or measures the value determined to deviate from the expected value by more than the threshold.

Abstract: A system includes a risk assessment system. The risk assessment system includes a risk calculation system configured to calculate a risk based on one or more static inputs and one or more dynamic inputs. The one or more dynamic inputs includes a location of a human resource, a mobile resource, or a combination thereof. The risk assessment system further includes a decision support system (DSS) configured to use the risk to derive one or more decisions based on the risk, the one or more static inputs, and the one or more dynamic inputs. The one or more decisions are configured to aid in operating an industrial facility.

Abstract: A fault detection system for an over-speed protection system of a rotating machine includes a first speed sensor, second speed sensor, and third speed sensor sensing a speed of a shaft of the rotating machine. The system includes a first input configured to receive a first pulse train from the first speed sensor, a second input configured to receive a second pulse train from the second speed sensor, a third input configured to receive a third pulse train from the third speed sensor, and a processor configured to generate a shutdown signal for the rotating machine based on the first pulse train, the second pulse train, and the third pulse train.

Abstract: Systems for using metered services for health care monitoring are disclosed. In one embodiment, a health monitoring system for a service location includes: a utility meter communicatively connected to the service location; and at least one computing device communicatively connected to the utility meter, the at least one computing device adapted to monitor a health condition of an animal located at the service location by performing actions comprising: obtaining service consumption data about the service location from the utility meter; comparing the service consumption data with a pattern of service consumption for the service location; and determining a health condition of the animal based upon the comparison of the service consumption data with the pattern of service consumption for the service location.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring consumer dependency on services are disclosed. In one embodiment, a service dependency notification system includes: at least one computing device adapted to identify a dependency aware device by performing actions comprising: determining whether a service dependency exists; and providing a service dependency status indicator configured to be communicated via a utility network, the service dependency status indicator indicating whether the service dependency exists.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, and devices for controlling a machine. In one embodiment, the invention provides a system for a machine, the system comprising: a device including: a module adapted to perform a support function associated with a machine; and a power cable for connecting the module to an electrical supply, the power cable including an identifier operable to be read by the device; and a host computer operable to: receive from the device a request for a network identifier for the device, the request including information from the identifier; and obtain the network identifier using the information from the identifier.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring consumer dependency on services are disclosed. In one embodiment, a service dependency notification system includes: at least one computing device adapted to identify a dependency aware device by performing actions comprising: determining whether a service dependency exists; and providing a service dependency status indicator configured to be communicated via a utility network, the service dependency status indicator indicating whether the service dependency exists.

Abstract: Fast detection of contact status with an AC wetting voltage using a ratiometric approach is described herein. In one embodiment, a voltage source wets the contact with a wetting voltage. A contact voltage monitor receives voltage obtained from the contact and converts the voltage to a first frequency output. A wetting voltage monitor receives wetting voltage provided from the voltage source to the contact and converts the sensed wetting voltage to a second frequency output. A processor generates a ratio between the first frequency output and the second frequency output and determines the status of the contact and the field wires associated with the contact in accordance with the generated ratio.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing time synchronization in a local network are provided. A time source may be configured to determine a current time and a designated time at which a reference signal will be output, and to output the reference signal when the designated time is reached. A network host communicatively coupled to the time source may be configured to (i) identify the designated time and (ii) communicate the identified designated time to one or more network devices via a local network. The one or more network devices may be respectively configured to (i) initiate an internal clock, (ii) receive the designated time from the network host, (iii) receive the reference signal output be the time source subsequent to receiving the designated time, and (iv) set a value of the internal clock to the designated time upon receipt of the reference signal.

Abstract: A control system having a host computer and one or more control computers connected to an interface for control of a process or machinery. The control computers are capable of automatically initiated network address assignment and configuration when powered up after installation. The network address is based on a location identifier situated in the interface that corresponds to a specific connection thereof to the control computer. The control computer reads the location identifier from the interface and requests a network address. The host computer assigns the network address based on the location identifier. Configuration of the control computer then proceeds. The procedure applies to newly installed control computers, whether first time installment or a replacement for a failed control computer.

Abstract: Fast detection of contact status with an AC wetting voltage using a ratiometric approach is described herein. In one embodiment, a voltage source wets the contact with a wetting voltage. A contact voltage monitor receives voltage obtained from the contact and converts the voltage to a first frequency output. A wetting voltage monitor receives wetting voltage provided from the voltage source to the contact and converts the sensed wetting voltage to a second frequency output. A processor generates a ratio between the first frequency output and the second frequency output and determines the status of the contact and the field wires associated with the contact in accordance with the generated ratio.

Abstract: A redundant control system for controlling an electromechanical system is provided. The control system includes a first processor, a second processor, an input-output node, a first communication channel, a second communication channel, and a signal selector. The first and second processors have a control algorithm and state variables resident thereon. The first and second processors each generate an output signal based on the control algorithm, the state variables, and an input signal from the electromechanical system. The first communication channel communicates the input signal and the output signal between the first processor and the input-output node, while the second communication channel communicates the input signal and the output signal between the second processor and the input-output node. The signal selector communicates either the output signal from the first processor or the output signal from the second processor to the electromechanical system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying a turbine control system may be provided for. A method may include replacing at least one legacy main controller processor communicating in a first communication protocol with a current main control processor communicating in a second communication protocol, retaining at least one legacy IO processor in communication with at least one turbine monitoring device communicating in the first communication protocol, and providing at least one converter in communication with the current main controller processor or processors and in communication with the legacy IO processor or processors. The converter may translate communications between the current main controller processor or processors and the legacy IO processor or processors by translating between the second communication protocol and the first communication protocol.