Abstract: A modular power unit (2; 200) for use with a power tool (1; 101; 102; 103) is provided. The modular power unit comprises a housing (3, 5, 7; 201); a motor (24); and a controller (23) arranged to control an operation of the motor (24), wherein the motor and the controller are at least partially enclosed by the housing. A power tool comprising the modular power unit is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of MAX-phase ceramic-based composites, specifically to a short-fiber-reinforced oriented MAX-phase ceramic-based composite and a preparation method therefor. By using a new process with a fiber, a nano lamellar MAX-phase ceramic powder, other additives, etc., for preparing a fiber-reinforced MAX-phase ceramic-based composite, a novel ternary composite is prepared, wherein a matrix is composed of a highly oriented lamellar MAX-phase ceramic, the fiber is distributed parallel to the lamellar MAX-phase ceramic in an axial direction, and a granulate ceramic phase enhancement phase is dispersed in the matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a health status of a contactor includes a processor coupled to a computer readable media. The processor is coupled to the contactor to instruct the contactor to open and close. A database stored in the computer readable media includes operation count variables for the contactor, closing time variables for the contactor, and health status rules for the contactor. The operation count variables and the closing time variables may be inputs to the health status rules to identify the health status of the contactor. A customization program may also be stored in the computer readable media. The customization program enables an operator to modify at least one of the operation count variables, the closing time variables, and the health status rules to affect the identified health status of the contactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for automatically binding device parameters to an input and output interface. Doing so enables dynamic parameters to be available to the core firmware engine. More specifically, there is no input and output data in the configuration software domain required for mapping the parameters. Rather, the configuration software may directly access the device parameters during the logic execution. This is achieved in a library by representing the parameter repository and the EPATH pointing to each parameter from the configuration software domain.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for encapsulating device-level embedded logic into user-defined instructions using configuration software. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments enable add-on instructions for device configuration embedded logic. Programming interfaces specific to an application or device may be combined into a single instruction as a reusable Macro component that may be reused in the same or different applications or devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a health status of a contactor includes a processor coupled to a computer readable media. The processor is coupled to the contactor to instruct the contactor to open and close. A database stored in the computer readable media includes operation count variables for the contactor, closing time variables for the contactor, and health status rules for the contactor. The operation count variables and the closing time variables may be inputs to the health status rules to identify the health status of the contactor. A customization program may also be stored in the computer readable media. The customization program enables an operator to modify at least one of the operation count variables, the closing time variables, and the health status rules to affect the identified health status of the contactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying the health status of a contactor include the steps of counting the number of operations performed by the contactor, identifying a closing time of the contactor, using the number of operations and the closing time to assess the health status of the contactor and, where the health of the contactor is a first health status, reporting the health status of the contactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for encapsulating device-level embedded logic into user-defined instructions using configuration software. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments enable add-on instructions for device configuration embedded logic. Programming interfaces specific to an application or device may be combined into a single instruction as a reusable Macro component that may be reused in the same or different applications or devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques for automatically binding device parameters to an input and output interface. Doing so enables dynamic parameters to be available to the core firmware engine. More specifically, there is no input and output data in the configuration software domain required for mapping the parameters. Rather, the configuration software may directly access the device parameters during the logic execution. This is achieved in a library by representing the parameter repository and the EPATH pointing to each parameter from the configuration software domain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying the health status of a contactor, the method comprising the steps of counting the number of operations performed by the contactor, identifying a closing time of the contactor, using the number of operations and the closing time to assess the health status of the contactor and, where the health of the contactor is a first health status, reporting the health status of the contactor.

Abstract: A distributed modular input/output system includes a primary wireless device adapted to be operatively connected to an associated industrial controller. A secondary wireless device is physically disconnected from the primary wireless device. The secondary wireless device is operatively connected to the primary wireless device by a primary wireless backplane link. At least one input/output module is operatively connected the secondary wireless device. An associated field device can be connected to the at least one input/output module for communication with the associated industrial controller via the secondary wireless device, the primary wireless backplane link, and the primary wireless device. Typically, a plurality of the secondary wireless devices are physically disconnected from the primary wireless device and each includes one or more of the input/output modules operably connected thereto.

Abstract: A distributed modular input/output system includes a primary wireless device adapted to be operatively connected to an associated industrial controller. A secondary wireless device is physically disconnected from the primary wireless device. The secondary wireless device is operatively connected to the primary wireless device by a primary wireless backplane link. At least one input/output module is operatively connected the secondary wireless device. An associated field device can be connected to the at least one input/output module for communication with the associated industrial controller via the secondary wireless device, the primary wireless backplane link, and the primary wireless device. Typically, a plurality of the secondary wireless devices are physically disconnected from the primary wireless device and each includes one or more of the input/output modules operably connected thereto.