Abstract: A field device for use in a process control system includes a scheduling module configured to receive a time input which specifies a scheduled time for performing a scheduled action or a scheduled sequence of actions and to receive an action input which specifies the scheduled action or the scheduled sequence of actions. At the scheduled time, the scheduling module automatically initiates the scheduled action or the scheduled sequence of actions. After initiating the action or the sequence of actions, the scheduling module causes an initiation status indicating that the action or the sequence of actions has been initiated to be sent to a host and/or causes the initiation status to be stored in a local memory of the field device.

Abstract: A control technique controls a process in a manner that reduces the number of controller changes provided to a controlled device, and so reduces the power consumption of the controlled device along with the loading of a process control communications network disposed between the controller and the controlled device. This technique is very useful in a control system having wirelessly connected field devices, such as sensors and valves which, in many cases, operate off of battery power. Moreover, the control technique is useful in implementing a control system in which control signals are subject to intermittent, non-synchronized or significantly delayed communications and/or in a control system that receives intermittent, non-synchronized or significantly delayed process variable measurements to be used as feedback signals in the performance of closed-loop control.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a target operating device of a process control system. The method comprises: detecting activation of one or more parts of the target operating device with a sensor of a wireless latching unit; latching a switch of the wireless latching unit from an active state to an inactive state upon detecting the activation of the one or more parts; transmitting one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to abuse station upon latching the switch to the active state; detecting deactivation of the one or more parts of the target operating device with the sensor of the wireless latching unit; ignoring the detected deactivation at the wireless latching unit; and continuing to transmit the one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to the base station. A wireless monitoring and control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a target operating device of a process control system. The method comprises: detecting activation of one or more parts of the target operating device with a sensor of a wireless latching unit; latching a switch of the wireless latching unit from an active state to an inactive state upon detecting the activation of the one or more parts; transmitting one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to abuse station upon latching the switch to the active state; detecting deactivation of the one or more parts of the target operating device with the sensor of the wireless latching unit; ignoring the detected deactivation at the wireless latching unit; and continuing to transmit the one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to the base station. A wireless monitoring and control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A field device for use in a process control system includes a scheduling module configured to receive a time input which specifies a scheduled time for performing a scheduled action or a scheduled sequence of actions and to receive an action input which specifies the scheduled action or the scheduled sequence of actions. At the scheduled time, the scheduling module automatically initiates the scheduled action or the scheduled sequence of actions. After initiating the action or the sequence of actions, the scheduling module causes an initiation status indicating that the action or the sequence of actions has been initiated to be sent to a host and/or causes the initiation status to be stored in a local memory of the field device.

Abstract: The claimed method and system provide a process control device monitoring system and a process control valve assembly with a process control device monitoring system to measure one or more operating states of a process control device. The process control device monitoring system may also associate a time-stamp with the one or more measured operating states of the process control device in response to a trigger generated based on the one or more measured operating states. The process control device monitoring system may also transmit the time-stamp and an indication of the one or more operating states to a monitoring device.