Abstract: A machine and method for attaching a plurality of preassembled connectors to a length of ribbon cable. The machine has at least one separating module in which the connectors are disposed in a selected orientation. Each connector is separated into a cover member and a connector housing member within the respective module. The modules are indexed and transferred to a press where the connector is terminated on the length of ribbon cable. A preassembled connector is disposed in a lead module and is terminated on the first end of the length of ribbon cable. The ribbon cable, with the attached spaced apart connectors, is cut to a desired length and tested electrically.

Abstract: A PGA socket (40) and a tool (132) for opening and closing the socket (40) is disclosed. The socket (40) includes a base housing (42) having contact elements (46) disposed in cavities (48). The contact elements (46) include laterally extending cantilever beams (90) which are bent out of the plane of the contact elements (40) to provide a force-free insertion of the leads (120) on the PGA (122). The socket (40) further includes a cover (44) slidably mounted on the housing (42) which when moved, drives the leads (120) into electrical engagement with the cantilever beams (90). The tool (132) includes a pair of spaced-apart jaws (154,156) with one (152) being fixed and the other (156) moveable towards the fixed jaw (154).

Abstract: A PGA socket (40) and a tool (132) for opening and closing the socket (40) is disclosed. The socket (40) includes a base housing (42) having contact elements (46) disposed in cavities (48). The contact elements (46) include laterally extending cantilever beams (90) which are bent out of the plane of the contact elements (40) to provide a force-free insertion of the leads (120) on the PGA (122). The socket (40) further includes a cover (44) slidably mounted on the housing (42) which when moved, drives the leads (120) into electrical engagement with the cantilever beams (90). The tool (132) includes a pair of spaced-apart jaws (154,516) with one (154) being fixed and the other (156) moveable towards the fixed jaw (154).

Abstract: A process control system having a plurality of process controllers each connected to a data highway to receive and send process control data is controlled by a backup director receiving input signals from each of the plurality of process controllers to sense the operability thereof. A backup controller is also connected to the data highway and has its highway address controlled by the backup director in response to a failure of one of the regular process controllers whereby the backup controller is directed by the backup director to assume the address of the failed controller. The data highway interface circuits of the failed controller are concurrently disabled whereby the backup controller provides a substitute for the full operation of the failed controller.

Abstract: A digital computer monitoring and restart circuit monitors the presence of periodic output signals from the digital computer by a missing pulse detector. When the detector senses a missing output signal from the computer, it indicates this detection operation by an output signal representation of the fact that the computer is not operating. In response to this output signal a restart pulse is generated by a restart pulse generator and is applied to the computer to restart the computer and to reset the monitoring circuit. Concurrently, a 5-second timer circuit is started. While the timer circuit is operating over its 5-second interval, if the monitoring circuit produces another output signal indicating that the computer is not operating, the 5-second timer is stopped and another restart operation is not attempted.

Abstract: The generator includes an input terminal, an output terminal, and three channels connected between the input and output terminals. The first channel contains a first amplifier and a first FET switch connected in series between the terminals. The second channel contains a second amplifier and a second FET switch connected in series between the terminals. The third channel contains an adjustable resistor and a third FET switch connected in series between the terminals. An adjustable bias signal positively offsets the output signal of the first amplifier and negatively offsets the output signal of the second amplifier to produce a signal deadband. When an applied input signal lies within the deadband, a signal from the resistor lies between the amplifier output signals, and a pair of comparators turn on the third FET and turn off the first and second FET's. This produces an output signal which follows the input signal with a gain determined by the resistor adjustment.

Abstract: A data communication system for an industrial plant includes a plurality of communication stations which are interconnected by a coaxial cable that is required to pass through one or more hazardous areas. The communication stations are energized from a source of alternating voltage of commercial frequency and are arranged to transmit over and to receive from said cable communicating signals that have frequencies which are substantially higher and that have an energy level which is substantially lower than that of the frequency and energy level, respectively, of the power source. Each of said stations is coupled to the cable by an individually associated intrinsic safety barrier each of which includes an iron core transformer. Each transformer includes a primary winding connected in circuit with the associated station and an inductively coupled secondary winding that is connected between the sheath and the internal conductor of the cable.