Abstract: A process interface device for a process facility running a physical process includes a multi-loop current junction box including an analog front end (AFE) having a signal path including an input node, an output node, and an internal current sensor for each current loop. Respective input nodes receive analog current sensing signals (sensing signals) originating from each field devices within the process facility. An analog to digital converter (ADC) has inputs coupled across an output of the internal current sensor device. A wireless single hop device (WSH device) includes a processor and a wireless transmitter, wherein an input of the WSH device is coupled by a communications bus to receive respective outputs generated by the ADC being digitized versions of sensed ones of the sensing signals (sensed sensing signals). The WSH device is for wirelessly multiplex transmitting the sensed sensing signals for remote monitoring of the current loops.

Abstract: A process interface device for a process facility running a physical process includes a multi-loop current junction box including an analog front end (AFE) having a signal path including an input node, an output node, and an internal current sensor for each current loop. Respective input nodes receive analog current sensing signals (sensing signals) originating from each field devices within the process facility. An analog to digital converter (ADC) has inputs coupled across an output of the internal current sensor device. A wireless single hop device (WSH device) includes a processor and a wireless transmitter, wherein an input of the WSH device is coupled by a communications bus to receive respective outputs generated by the ADC being digitized versions of sensed ones of the sensing signals (sensed sensing signals). The WSH device is for wirelessly multiplex transmitting the sensed sensing signals for remote monitoring of the current loops.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling processing equipment. The system includes a control computer communicatively coupled to a terminal computer. Voice data for each of several authorized operators at a plant is stored. The control computer is programmed to implement a voice recognition and authenticated voice-activated control program. The control computer, responsive to receiving a voice-derived input, analyzes the voice-derived input to determine if the voice-derived input matches the voice data for any of the authorized operators. Provided the voice-derived input matches the voice data, the control computer determines at least one command from the voice-derived input for controlling the processing equipment to modify an operation at the plant. The control computer executes the command to control the processing equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling processing equipment. The system includes a control computer communicatively coupled to a terminal computer. Voice data for each of several authorized operators at a plant is stored. The control computer is programmed to implement a voice recognition and authenticated voice-activated control program. The control computer, responsive to receiving a voice-derived input, analyzes the voice-derived input to determine if the voice-derived input matches the voice data for any of the authorized operators. Provided the voice-derived input matches the voice data, the control computer determines at least one command from the voice-derived input for controlling the processing equipment to modify an operation at the plant. The control computer executes the command to control the processing equipment.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a request associated with loading or unloading of cargo at a terminal. The method also includes determining a recommended slot in response to the request, where the recommended slot includes a time slot for loading the cargo onto a cargo vehicle or unloading the cargo from the cargo vehicle. In addition, the method includes transmitting the recommended slot for delivery to a mobile device of an operator of the cargo vehicle. The method may also include receiving a signal from the mobile device to open an entrance of the terminal when the cargo vehicle arrives at the terminal and, in response to the signal, opening the entrance of the terminal to allow the cargo vehicle to enter the terminal. The method may further include, upon completion of the loading or unloading of the cargo at the terminal, wirelessly transmitting a digitally-signed document to the mobile device.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention takes advantage of the information of expected time of availability of an unavailable component to meet a desired criteria (e.g., minimize the aggregate cost of components). An intermediate product properties combination, which can be attained from an initial heel volume by mixing the available components, may be determined. The combination further permits the target product properties also to be attained from the intermediate product properties combination, while meeting various constraints and desired criteria. The flow controls of the individual components are accordingly controlled to blend the components and produce the desired product. Such features may be useful in environments such as oil refineries.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention takes advantage of the information of expected time of availability of an unavailable component to meet a desired criteria (e.g., minimize the aggregate cost of components). An intermediate product properties combination, which can be attained from an initial heel volume by mixing the available components, may be determined. The combination further permits the target product properties also to be attained from the intermediate product properties combination, while meeting various constraints and desired criteria. The flow controls of the individual components are accordingly controlled to blend the components and produce the desired product. Such features may be useful in environments such as oil refineries.