Abstract: An indicator device includes an indicator module, a control module, and a communications module. The indicator module is configured to emit a plurality of light signals. The control module is operationally coupled to the indicator module and is configured to operate the indicator module based on one of a plurality of logic functions stored in the control section. The communications module is operationally coupled to the control section and is configured to receive an input signal corresponding to one of the logic functions.

Abstract: A retroreflective sensor apparatus which includes a light source with a collimating lens and a photoelement with a condensing lens. The light source and the photoelement are positioned adjacent to and offset from each other. A mask is placed between the light source and the collimating lens on a side away from the photoelement to block a portion of the light from the light source from reaching the collimating lens. A method of constructing a retroreflective optical sensor including providing a light source with a collimating lens and a photoelement with a condensing lens. The light source and the photoelement are positioned adjacent to and offset from each other. An opaque mask is placed between the light source and the collimating lens on a side away from the photoelement to block a portion of the light from the light source from reaching the collimating lens. A reflector is positioned to receive light from the light source and reflect it to the photoelement.

Abstract: A method of providing Extranet security to prevent unauthorized access to an Extranet site. The method comprises transmitting an introductory web page from an Extranet server to a user requesting access to the secure Extranet site, wherein at least one user-data input field is provided on the web page prompting the user to enter their credit card number within the at least one user-data input field and transmitting the user-credit card number to an Extranet server which provides the credit card number to a security module, wherein the security module maintains a database of each of a plurality of predetermined authorized, user-credit card numbers.

Abstract: A hand operated optical touch button switch configured for insertion of a human hand into an opening. The opening having a beam of light emitted from an emitter and traveling to a photo detector. The housing includes switching circuitry for operating a controller coupled to a relay which actuates the operation of electrical machinery. The switching circuitry also includes a self check circuit adapted to continuously provide feedback regarding proper function of all components comprising the optical touch button switching circuitry. The continuous feedback provided by the self check circuitry generates data within the output signal that informs the controller of component failures which may result in unintended actuation of a machine to which the switch is coupled when the human hand is not inserted in the opening of the switch housing.

Abstract: A binary sensor has a device for detecting the presence or condition of an object. The sensor has circuitry connected to the detecting device to generate a binary output signal that represents the presence or condition of the object. The sensor also includes circuitry that generates a diagnostic signal associated with the sensor. The diagnostic signal is superimposed on the binary output signal. The binary output signal with the superimposed diagnostic signal are simultaneously transmitted to a controller such as a Programmable Logic Controller or a smart drop in a bus network. The diagnostic signal is designed so that it will not interfere with the ability of the controller to recognize the binary output. The controller may be provided with circuitry to detect and interpret the diagnostic signal.

Abstract: A binary sensor including a binary sensing circuit, a logic circuit and an adaptive interface card adapted to matingly engage the binary sensor. The binary sensing circuit and logic circuit are operatively coupled for communication with external circuits. The adaptive interface card includes bus network interface circuitry that disables the logic circuit and enables the bus network interface circuitry upon matingly engaging the interface card with the binary sensor. The bus network interface circuitry also becomes operatively coupled with the sensing circuit upon matingly engaging the adaptive interface card with the binary sensor. The bus network interface circuitry of the adaptive interface card provides a means for the binary sensor to communicate with bus networks.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor interfaces and operates directly on the power available from a standard current loop without requiring an independent power supply. The sensor includes an emitter and receiver for measuring a parameter such as the distance between a target and the sensor. The intensity of light received by the receiver controls, as an inverse function, the amount of current drawn by the emitter. As the target becomes distant and the intensity of received light decreases, the sensor directs more current to the emitter, which also serves to enhance the sensor's range. As the target becomes closer to the sensor, the intensity of received light increases and the sensor directs less current to the emitter because less current is required to produce a signal of sufficient strength for the receiver to detect. With less current directed to the emitter, sufficient current from the current loop is still available to operate the remaining circuitry in the sensor.

Abstract: An improved photoelectric sensor assembly has a one-piece threaded barrel housing, preferably with focus lenses formed therein. An aperture piece fits within the barrel housing, and a printed circuit board carrying the scanner electronics fits in behind it with the optoelectronic elements aligned with the aperture piece and the lenses. A power and signal cable from the circuit board extends out the back end of the sensor housing. A foam compression ring fits against the PC board and is backed by a washer, second compression ring and second washer, all of which have apertures for the cable to pass through. An end cap threads onto the rear of the threaded barrel and compresses the washers and compression rings.

Abstract: A DC circuit for a sensor or control device is disclosed which has a primary output, and a secondary output which, at the option of the user, is either the complement of the primary output or an unrelated output signal such as an alarm signal. The user selects the mode of operation of the secondary output terminal by selecting the polarity of a supply voltage applied to the control device at two input terminals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an output signal comprising a sourcing or sinking current for a sensor or control device. The type of output generated by the sensor or control device depends upon the polarity of the power supply. The DC circuit of the present invention is comprised of two input terminals for supplying voltage to the circuit. The DC circuit is also comprised of output means for delivering either a current sinking signal or a current sourcing signal. The present invention is further comprised of a control circuit having a connection to an externally supplied drive signal, the input terminals, and the output means. A current sourcing signal is produced in response to an occurrence of the drive signal when the first input terminal is positive with respect to the second input terminal. A current sinking signal is produced in response to an occurrence of the drive signal when the second input terminal is positive with respect to the first input terminal.

Abstract: An LED bar graph display is disclosed, which can simultaneously display signal strength and diagnostic information. When an input signal is received, the indicators are selectively operated to display a strength value of the input signal. When a diagnostic condition occurs, the indicators are selectively operated to display the diagnostic condition. Thus, the LED bar graph display performs the dual functions of displaying signal strength and diagnostic information.

Abstract: A sensing device constructed of two or more modules which can be connected together in different possible orientations to form a complete sensor. The modules have patterns of electrical contacts on adjacent faces such that different relative orientations of the modules effect interconnection of different contacts to program and select the mode of operation of the sensing device, from a plurality of available modes. In a preferred embodiment, a programming module having a connector bar is positionable between sense and control modules of the device in a plurality of different orientations to effect both programming mode selection and device orientation for mounting convenience.

Abstract: A pulsed light emitting diode used as the light source in a photoelectric scanner is operated from a secondary power source which automatically adjusts the power to the LED approximately inversely proportional to frequency as the modulating frequency of the scanner is adjusted over a range, so that the average power of the LED remains approximately constant, within safe operating limits and close to optimum, over the range of adjustment. In the preferred embodiment this is accomplished by operating the LED from a capacitor used as a secondary power source without a series current limiting resistor for the LED. Peak current is determined by the forward characteristics of the diode and the voltage on the capacitor, and an impedance controls the recharging of the capacitor during the off time such that the desired average power characteristics are achieved as operating frequency varies.

Abstract: A valve position monitoring and control system incorporates a proximity sensor positioned near a movable valve element to detect the operational position of the valve and includes circuit means coupled to a valve actuating solenoid for deactivating the solenoid in the event the valve fails to respond to command signals for positioning the valve in a predetermined position. In one embodiment, the system incorporates a pair of series connected valves used in presses which valves in turn are operated by solenoid actuated pilot valves. In the event either one of the valves do not operate either by opening within a predetermined time after actuation or closing within a predetermined time after their deactuation, the system of the present invention will not permit further operation of the valves until the system has been manually reset.

Abstract: A valve position monitoring and control system incorporates a proximity sensor positioned near a movable valve element to detect the operational position of the valve and includes circuit means coupled to a valve actuating solenoid for deactivating the solenoid in the event the valve fails to respond to command signals for positioning the valve in a predetermined position. In one embodiment, the system incorporates a pair of series connected valves used in presses which valves in turn are operated by solenoid actuated pilot valves. In the event either one of the valves do not operate either by opening within a predetermined time after actuation or closing within a predetermined time after their deactuation, the system of the present invention will not permit further operation of the valves until the system has been manually reset.