Abstract: A state machine management component that executes on an edge device within an industrial facility is capable of discovering state machines defined on industrial controllers and translating the state machine definitions to information models that allow the state machines to be discovered and utilized by remote client applications. The edge-level information models allow the client applications to render or consume the state machine data generated by the controller, graphically render the state machines, submit commands, or set values, to the controller as state machine commands via the edge device. The edge-level system thus allows client applications with no prior knowledge of the control-level state machines to discover, retrieve, and interact with state machines defined on the industrial controllers.

Abstract: An industrial control system hardened against malicious activity monitors highly dynamic control data to develop a dynamic thumbprint that can be evaluated to detect deviations from normal behavior of a type that suggest tampering or other attacks. Evaluation of the dynamic thumbprint may employ a set of ranges defining normal operation and reflecting known patterns of interrelationship between dynamic variables.

Abstract: An industrial controller resistant to malicious attacks may provide a graduated response employing the elements of the control system to reduce access to the control system, log data, and announce intrusion based on a dynamically evolving assessment of the severity of any detected security issues.

Abstract: An industrial control system providing security against tampering or modification generates periodic state thumbprints defining a state of control elements that may be forwarded to a security or safety appliance for comparison to a benchmark thumbprint indicating no tampering. The transmitted state thumbprint may capture not only programs but also configuration and environmental states of the control element.

Abstract: An industrial control system providing security against tampering or modification generates periodic state thumbprints defining a state of control elements that may be forwarded to a security or safety appliance for comparison to a benchmark thumbprint indicating no tampering. The transmitted state thumbprint may capture not only programs but also configuration and environmental states of the control element.

Abstract: An industrial control system hardened against malicious activity monitors highly dynamic control data to develop a dynamic thumbprint that can be evaluated to detect deviations from normal behavior of a type that suggest tampering or other attacks. Evaluation of the dynamic thumbprint may employ a set of ranges defining normal operation and reflecting known patterns of interrelationship between dynamic variables.

Abstract: An industrial controller resistant to malicious attacks may provide a graduated response employing the elements of the control system to reduce access to the control system, log data, and announce intrusion based on a dynamically evolving assessment of the severity of any detected security issues.

Abstract: A palletizer comprising a main hoist for raising and lowering a pallet, a feed conveyor for moving a layer of patterned objects on to the pallet, a pallet dispenser including a base, a generally horizontally extending pallet supporting member, scissors structure for moving the supporting member vertically relative to the base, a motor having an output shaft, and structure for operably connecting the output shaft to the scissors structure such that the supporting member moves upward at a generally constant velocity in response to rotation of the output shaft at a generally constant rotational velocity, and structure for conveying pallets from the pallet dispenser to the main hoist.