Abstract: An equipment controller includes an actuator control module configured for connection to an actuator that provides operational control of a piece of monitored equipment; a sensing module configured to monitor a state of a parameter of the monitored equipment; an optional local control interface for the actuator control module and the sensing module; and a secondary power system to provide operational power for the actuator control modules, the sensing modules and the control interface when primary power to the equipment controller is not available. Where desired, a communications interface to permit communications with a remote operations center may be included. Some or all of the modules may be contained in water tight housings, permitting operation of the equipment controller even when fully submerged in water.

Abstract: A SCADA communication apparatus is made up of a set of modules, a first one of which is adapted for communication with a remote terminal unit (RTU), a second one of which is adapted for communication with a communications transceiver, and a third one of which is adapted for routing messages between and to physically house the first and second ones of the modules. Optionally, encryption and/or data compression can be provided by the operating system associated with the communication apparatus; or, these features may be provided in the form of application programs.

Abstract: A SCADA communication apparatus is made up of a set of modules, a first one of which is adapted for communication with a remote terminal unit (RTU), a second one of which is adapted for communication with a communications transceiver, and a third one of which is adapted for routing messages between and to physically house the first and second ones of the modules. Optionally, encryption and/or data compression can be provided by the operating system associated with the communication apparatus.; or, these features may be provided in the form of application programs.

Abstract: Bar code data may be automatically inserted into an associated data field by first determining whether bar code data has been received, and, if so, matching a field code included with the bar code data to the associated data field. Subsequently, the bar code data may be inserted into the associated data field.