Abstract: A system is provided that includes a controller configured to control an industrial automation system. The system also includes a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller. The sensor is configured to measure at least one operating parameter of the industrial automation system, and the sensor, the controller, or a combination thereof, is configured to derive an indication that the at least one operating parameter surpasses a process limit. The system also includes a memory configured to store the indication as an item included in a start checklist. Moreover, the controller is configured to disable a start of the industrial automation system based on the start checklist.

Abstract: A numerical controller for a machine tool has a component inspection timing notification function for notifying a user of the timing for inspection of each individual component used in the machine tool. The numerical controller reads an inspection cycle, acquires the date of inspection and state quantity of the component, and calculates an amount of change in state quantity. If the amount of change in state quantity is larger than a predetermined threshold, the inspection cycle is changed. If not, the next inspection date is calculated based on the last inspection date and the inspection cycle. Then, the next inspection date is notified.

Abstract: In a method and system, a device tag allows automatic configuration of a process control system to download and cache device diagnostic data associated with one or more process control field devices. The device diagnostic data are downloaded and cached using bandwidth not otherwise required for real-time process control communications. The device diagnostic data may be polled asynchronously and/or according to a low priority, background task. The device diagnostic data include one or more non-static parameter values. The cached parameter values may be used in display routines, control routines, or any routine for which the update frequency is sufficient. Each cached parameter value may also have associated with it a status.

Abstract: An independently based diagnostic system tests the execution of a processor. The processor is arranged to provide a diagnostic output that provides a pre-determined time-variant signal. The independently based diagnostic system has an independent basis from which to evaluate the pre-determined time-variant signal. The independent basis can be, for example, an independent time base that is separately generated from the processor time base used to clock the processor and/or an independent voltage source that is separate from the processor power supply. The independently based diagnostic system provides progressive notifications of the results of successive evaluations of the pre-determined time-variant signal.

Abstract: A device for controlling an actuator includes an input interface that receives a plurality of input signals including a setpoint command signal and a feedback signal. An output interface provides a drive signal to the actuator. First, second, and third redundant loop controllers processes the setpoint command signal and the feedback signal to generate respective actuator control signals. A primary controller compares the actuator control signals to determine whether at least two are substantially similar. The device outputs the drive signal to the actuator according to an actuator control signals that has been determined by the primary controller to be substantially similar to another. Any one of the redundant loop controllers is hot swappable with a replacement loop controller such that loop controller redundancy is operatively maintained by the device in controlling the actuator while one of the redundant loop controllers is hot swapped.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. In one embodiment, a system includes an industrial controller configured to control a first field device. The first field device includes an actuator and a positioner coupled to the actuator. The positioner is configured to position the actuator. The first field device is configured to detect an undesired condition and to communicate the undesired condition to the industrial controller by using a ReadBack facility of the first field device.

Abstract: The present invention provides with a power saving method for the electrical heating food processing device of temperature-controlled, which applied the thermal sensor dynamic senses the temperature of the heater; and the microprocessor judges that whether the real-time sensed temperature signal is within the corresponding temperature interval, then deals with the data. The microprocessor judges that whether the continuous-time length of the corresponding temperature interval exceeds the preset time threshold on the basis of the judgment of the temperature interval. If does, reduce the temperature or shutdown the power, otherwise return to the normal working mode. It realizes automatically temperature reduction and automatically shutdown when the food processing device is unused.

Abstract: A configuration system uses process plant items that may represent, or be capable of representing, entities in a process plant to assist in configuring, organizing, and changing the control and display activities within the process plant. Access to the items may be controlled by associating access control data with the items. The configuration system may also use objects that represent, or may be capable of representing, one or more steps to be performed by entities in the process plant. Access to these objects may be controlled by associating access control data with the objects. The access control data may indicate whether users or certain users may be able to, for example, view or modify all or some data associated with the process plant items or the objects.

Abstract: A field device resident algorithm receives one or more diagnostic inputs and generates actionable service information. The algorithm(s) can be changed or updated after the manufacture of the field device. The actionable service information can be displayed locally or sent over a process control loop. A prediction engine can be employed to determine a period within which such service should be completed.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process includes a first connection configured to couple to a first side of a two wire process control loop, a second connection configured to couple to a second side of the two wire process control loop and in series with a first connection to a process control transmitter, and a third connection configured to couple to a second connection of the process control transmitter. Wireless communication circuitry is coupled to at least the third connection and is configured to provide wireless communication for the process control transmitter. Intrinsic safety circuitry coupled to at least one of the first, second and third connections is configured to limit transfer of electrical energy to a value which is less than an intrinsic safety value.

Abstract: A safety control device for safely controlling a hazardous installation has a first and a second calculation unit and an output unit for driving at least one actuator. The control device acquires an input signal and determines a floating point value depending on the input signal. The first and second calculation units each determine an input interval as a function of the floating point value. The first and second calculation units each further determine a result interval as a function of the input interval by applying a first calculation algorithm to the input interval. The first calculation algorithm is based on interval arithmetic. The result intervals from the first and second calculation units are compared and an output value is determined as a function of the result intervals. An output signal is determined as a function of the output value. The output signal drives the at least one actuator.

Abstract: A power distribution system (that can detect an unsafe fault condition where an individual or object has come in contact with the power conductors) regulates the transfer of energy from a source to a load. Periodically, the source controller opens an S1 disconnect switch, a and load controller opens an S2 disconnect switch. A capacitor represents the capacitance across the load terminals. If the capacitor discharges at a rate higher or lower than predetermined values after the S1 and S2 disconnect switches are opened, then a fault condition is registered, and the S1 and S2 switches will not be commanded to return to a closed position, thus isolating the fault from both the source and the load.

Abstract: A system and method of managing therapy provided to patients in an institution. The system monitors all aspects of the medication delivery to a patient, as well as other information related to the patient, such as values of vital signs, laboratory results and patient factors such as history, diagnosis, allergies and the like. The system includes one or more databases of information, including institutionally developed rules, guidelines and protocol representing the best medical practices of the institution. The system provides alerts and/or recommendations based on the application of the rules to the information being monitored, and alerts care givers accordingly, providing for dynamic adjustment of the patient's therapy. The system also monitors the status of the alerts, and if no action is taken in a selected period of time, may escalate the priority of the alert and/or halt the delivery of medication to the patient until the alert is resolved.

Abstract: To obtain a safety control device capable of shortening a response time without using a high-speed CPU, command judging units judge whether an output command that has been input is an ON command or an OFF command; comparing units transmit a judgment result of their command judging units to each other and compare the judgment results of the command judging units with each other. Output units output an output signal to turn off a switch if the judgment result of the command judging units is the OFF command or if the comparison result of the comparing units indicates disagreement.

Abstract: An integrated monitoring, control and equipment maintenance and tracking system and method is provided for managing a plurality of field devices. The integrated and coordinated system includes the monitoring and control system that uses safety subsystem field device data and process control subsystem field device data. When a compromised field device is determined, e.g., by the safety system and/or the process control system, information about testing, maintenance, repair or replacement is conveyed to the monitoring and control system. This information is used to modify the work orders created by the equipment maintenance and tracking system processor such that the compromised field device, or a field device at a location of the compromised field device, is not subject to unnecessary or excessively redundant testing.

Abstract: A retrofit kit for a turbine system is provided that includes a safety instrumented system (SIS) controller having a first plurality of functions and the SIS controller is configured to be coupled to a turbine-generator controller, wherein the SIS controller permits a startup function of the turbine-generator controller based on a plurality of inputs from a turbine.

Abstract: A method for executing mechanical overload protection to prevent commanding a control signal to a linear actuator that may mechanically overload the linear actuator when an overload condition of the linear actuator is detected, the linear actuator utilized for controlling a movable element associated with the linear actuator responsive to the control signal, includes monitoring an overload condition based on position change of the movable element associated with the linear actuator during an integration period and excess energy during the integration period, de-energizing the linear actuator when an overload condition has been detected, monitoring an overload retry counter based on the number of cycles the overload condition is detected, comparing the overload retry counter to an overload retry threshold, an reenergizing the linear actuator when the overload retry counter is less than the overload retry threshold and maintaining de-energizing of the linear actuator when the overload retry counter is at least

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a field device in a process plant is provided. The diagnostic apparatus includes a processor operatively connected to the field device and a calendar having a proscribed period stored in memory. A diagnostic check is executed on the field device if an occurrence of a diagnostic event is detected and execution of the diagnostic check does not coincide with the proscribed period.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a fault condition in a climate system is disclosed and a computer program product for doing the same. The climate system may be an HVAC system. The method comprises receiving current data from a climate system in a fault condition, calculating an anomaly score for the climate system from a first set of transition probabilities based on the current data and a second set of transition probabilities based on the climate system operating in a normal condition, and generating automatically a diagnosis of a first problem causing the fault condition when the anomaly score is above a predefined threshold. In an embodiment, the current data may include a plurality of operational Parameters of the climate system.

Abstract: A system may include a dynamic risk calculation engine (DRCE) system. The DRCE includes a model library configured to model a system, wherein the model library comprises a plurality of subsystem models, and each of the plurality of subsystem models is configured to derive a reliability measure. The DRCE further includes a fault tolerance input and a maintenance policy input. The DRCE additionally includes a run-time risk calculation engine configured to use a user-defined set of the plurality of subsystem models, the fault tolerance input, and the maintenance policy input, to derive a system risk for an apparatus.

Abstract: A safety critical apparatus comprises a set of safety relevant modules; one or more comfort modules having one or more user interfaces; and a distraction controlling device arranged to adapt at least one of the one or more user interfaces to a current situation of operation of the safety critical apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for recording operating parameters of an intelligent electronic device (IED). A system may include a parameter acquisition module, a parameter storage module, and a memory management module. The parameter acquisition module may be configured to periodically obtain operating parameters of an IED at a first interval. The first interval may have a first time length to provide a first resolution of operation of the IED. The parameter storage module may be configured to store the operating parameters. The memory management module may be configured to delete, outside a first resolution period, a first portion of the operating parameters while maintaining a second portion of the operating parameters. The second portion may include operating parameters for each of a second interval. The second interval may have a second time length to provide a reduced second resolution of the operation of the IED.

Abstract: Techniques are described for monitoring the performance of advanced process control (APC) systems used to control complex industrial processes. By correlating an alarm status of the APC system with an alarm status associated with the service factor (or service factor thresholds), a plant operator can understand how well the APC system performs over time, as well as identify when operator intervention may be required (or alternatively, may be the source of poor plant performance). Accordingly, embodiments of the invention can significantly impact both the reliability and efficiency of complex industrial process, e.g., the production of industrial gases using air separation units (ASUs) and steam methane reformer (SMR) furnaces.

Abstract: A safety system includes a safety unit and at least one safety related participant which comprises a protective device and a first and a second interruptible signal transmission path which can be interrupted together on the occurrence of a non-secure state of the protective device. The safety system includes at least one test signal path which runs through the safety related participant to a safety input of the safety unit starting from an output of the safety unit and comprises at least one of the first and the second interruptible signal transmission paths. The safety related participant comprises an interruption switch arranged in the test signal path and an evaluation unit which is connected to the first signal transmission path and/or to a first switching signal output of the protective device and to the second signal transmission path and/or to a second switching signal output of the protective device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an execution period specifying unit, a first calculation unit, and a second calculation unit. The execution period specifying unit specifies an execution period of each of plural image processing operations executed by plural image processing apparatuses within a given period of time in the past. The first calculation unit calculates an amount of power estimated to be consumed by a replaceable image processing apparatus executing the plural image processing operations if it is assumed that the plural image processing apparatuses have been replaced by the replaceable image processing apparatus within the given period of time. The second calculation unit calculates a total amount of power estimated to be consumed by the replaceable image processing apparatus if it is assumed that the plural image processing apparatuses have been replaced by the replaceable image processing apparatus within the given period of time.

Abstract: In order to flexibly identify the current operating state of control elements which are used to control a process installation, the invention provides a method for identifying the operating state of at least one control element, which is designed for an active and a passive operating state, for a control apparatus, wherein, in the active operating state, the control element controls a process function of an area of a process installation, comprising the following steps: the control apparatus is connected to the process installation, the control element is functionally associated with the process function, and the operating state of the control element is identified as active on the basis of successful functional association of the control element with the process function.

Abstract: A remote lock-out, tag-out system for controlling multiple buckets in a motor control center employs a safety network providing serial communication between one or more remote lock-out, tag-out stations and individual buckets of the control center permitting remote disconnection of power without the need for protective gear.

Abstract: A consistency analysis system provides consistency analysis for a control system that includes sensors for monitoring a number of different physical parameters. The analysis system uses a rules set and overlapping or redundant sensor data to determine alterations in system behavior or parameters even in the presence of subversion designed to alter or hide sensor trace data. Specific embodiments deliberate perturb the system or alters sensor data in order to detect whether other system or sensor data responds consistently to the perturbation. Specific embodiments also comprise associated methods performed by logic apparatus.

Abstract: A spa control system designed to reduce maintenance cost by providing modular construction for major control functions, with built-in diagnostic capabilities for isolating defective spa components. Multi-colored LEDs on the spaside panel constantly report the status of each component of the spa as well as the status of the functional modules themselves. Each time a component is activated, measurements of operational parameters, such as load currents, are instantly made and evaluated so that the proper LED color can be presented at the spaside. Since major functions such as audio, LED control, wireless, and spa logic are separated into removable modules, repair of the control system requires less time and less skilled personnel. Other design improvements, such as direct monitoring of heater element temperature and the purging of pumps on an as required-basis, enhance the spa's overall reliability and thus reduce the need for maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed are a movable device allowing instantaneous correction of error in a moving state and an error correction method thereof. The movable device includes a drive unit that is previously set up with an allowable error and has a moving path along which detection units are installed in a line. Precise measurements are taken in advance to obtain position data of each of the detection units. Comparison is then made by the controller between instantaneous data and corresponding comparison data. When the controller determines the instantaneous data exceed the comparison data, an instantaneous correction operation is made to make the instantaneous data not exceeding the comparison data. Acceleration or deceleration may be made by the drive unit to effect such a control that when the movable piece reaches the next detection unit, the instantaneous data do not exceed the comparison data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for a control device (SG). The circuit arrangement serves to implement a fail-silent function/a fail-safe function, particularly with a hardware-realized detection of a fault/fault state in a microcontroller (MC) of the circuit arrangement, as well as to interrupt the communication of the control device (SG) with a communications network (BN) in the event of a fault.

Abstract: An error detection device and method for a programming language is provided, the device including a program preparation unit configured to prepare a program by using a programming language, a logic converter configured to convert the prepared program to a sequence, a hash code calculator configured to detect a same logic relative to a sequence by dividing the converted sequence to a minimum unit of a plurality of program languages, calculating each hash code by the divided minimum unit of the plurality of program languages and comparing each calculated hash code, and an LCS (Longest Common Subsequence) calculator calculating an LCS relative to the sequence divided by the minimum unit of the plurality of program languages, and detecting a similar logic relative to the sequence by applying the calculated LCS to an LCS algorithm

Abstract: The present invention is a computerized inspection and maintenance system for an industrial plant or other facility.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a data collection system configured to collect a data from a control system. The system further includes a configuration management system configured to manage a hardware configuration and a software configuration for the control system based on the data. The system additionally includes a rule engine configured to use the data as input and to output a health assessment by using a rule database, and a report generator configured to provide a health assessment for the control system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes system includes a data collection system configured to collect a data from a control system. The system further includes a configuration management system configured to manage a hardware configuration and a software configuration for the control system based on the data. The system additionally includes a rule engine configured to use the data as input and to output a health assessment by using a rule database configured to store at least one rule, and a report generator configured to provide a health assessment for the control system. The system also includes a rule editor configured to create the at least one rule, update the at least one rule, delete the at least one rule, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the collection and storage of information related to the operation of a chip module. The disclosed technology provides a chip data collection and storage controller. In one embodiment, a chip module is provided with a stand-alone memory that records information relevant to potential debugging operations. The stand-alone memory is on the same chip module as the chip die but is not part of the chip die. A data bus is provided between the chip module and the memory. In addition, the memory has I/O access so that information can be accessed in the event that the chip module cannot be accessed. Stored information includes, but is not limited to, environmental conditions, performance information, errors, time usage, run time, number of power on cycles, the highest temperature experience by the chip, wafer and x, y data, manufacturing info, FIR errors, and PRSO, SRAM PSRO values.

Abstract: A method for safely parameterizing an electrical device, wherein a parameter input by a user on a control unit is transmitted to the electrical device and stored therein with write protection, the stored parameter is transmitted back to the control unit and displayed at the control unit for confirmation by the user, and the user confirmation is transmitted to the electrical device. In accordance with the invention, the stored parameter is transmitted back together with the name of the parameter, with a code generated by the device and in a data format which cannot be processed by the control unit. The returned parameter, the name of the returned parameter and the code are displayed for the user on the control unit, and the confirmation is checked in the electrical device to determine whether the confirmation contains the code.

Abstract: A system and method of managing therapy provided to patients in an institution. The system monitors all aspects of the medication delivery to a patient, as well as other information related to the patient, such as values of vital signs, laboratory results and patient factors such as history, diagnosis, allergies and the like. The system includes one or more databases of information, including institutionally developed rules, guidelines and protocol representing the best medical practices of the institution. The system provides alerts and/or recommendations based on the application of the rules to the information being monitored, and alerts care givers accordingly, providing for dynamic adjustment of the patient's therapy. The system also monitors the status of the alerts, and if no action is taken in a selected period of time, may escalate the priority of the alert and/or halt the delivery of medication to the patient until the alert is resolved.

Abstract: A safety apparatus has a configurable safety controller (10) and a configuration means, wherein the safety controller (10) has at least one input (18) for the connection of a sensor (20a-c), at least one output (22) for the connection of an actuator (24a-b), and a control unit (14) configured to carry out a control program which generates a control signal at the outputs (22) in a dependence on input signals at the inputs (18) by means of logic rules. The logic rules are settable by means of the configuration means. A number code representing the logic rules can be generated in the configuration means, and the safety controller (10) includes an interface (30) for the input of the number code. The control unit (14) is configured to carry out a control program with the logic rules represented by the number code.

Abstract: A code bit level redundancy method for a computer interlocking system is provided. The method includes: (1) controlling the output in parallel, and (2) sharing the collected information.

Abstract: Methods and system for minor loop feedback fallback are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a minor loop feedback having a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is to output a first value used to control a process control device in a normal operation. The second mode is to output a second value used to control the process control device during a failure condition. The apparatus includes a controller to transition between the first mode and the second mode based on an identification of the failure condition.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for determining and visualizing reliability data for industrial automation equipment are provided herein. In one example, anon-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions executable by a computing device is presented. When executed by the computing device, the program instructions direct the computing device to at least present a graphical user interface configured to receive a user input indicative of a reliability target applicable to an industrial automation environment. In response to the graphical user interface receiving the user input, the program instructions direct the computing device to select from a plurality industrial automation devices at least one industrial automation device that satisfies at least the reliability target, and present a representation of the at least one industrial automation device via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for process control has two operating modes: normal mode and active procedure mode, with automatic transition between them. In normal mode, the operating system, firewall and anti-virus are fully operational. When entering a time-critical phase of a process, a process control application signals the operating system and utilities, whereupon transition to active procedure mode automatically occurs, in which access by the system services and by other applications to the resources of the computer is selectively limited in favor of the process control application. Upon completion of the procedure, the system automatically returns to normal mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing real-time packet-level quality assurance of digital data that controls an electromechanical device transmitted through a network between a transmitting computer and at least one terminal computer. Specifically, all data packets transmitted between the transmitting computer and the at least one terminal computer are passively monitored, and those data packets containing digitized data that controls an electromechanical device of a pre-determined format are selectively recorded to a database. The selectively recorded data packets are then analyzed for determining whether a current set of digitized data that controls an electromechanical device transmitted between the transmitting computer and the at least one terminal computer during a current session would lead to a harmful or undesirable outcome by the electromechanical device being controlled.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods of employing a first subnet controller in an HVAC network. The method comprises conveying a fixed parameter from a first networked device in the HVAC system to the first subnet controller, conveying a variable parameter from the first networked device in the HVAC system to the first subnet controller, and providing an option to a user to modify the variable parameter.

Abstract: A platform apparatus for an agricultural environment control system includes an application support layer unit configured to generate and execute an environment task for supporting an application corresponding to an environment to which the agricultural environment control system is applied, a service layer unit configured to provide service libraries used in the application, a function layer unit configured to perform functions necessary to execute the application, a dynamic adaptation layer unit configured to define the environment task in an application layer irrespective of the number of sensors and actuators installed within the environment to which the agricultural environment control system is applied, and a physical abstraction layer unit configured to generate a mapping table using abstraction results of the sensors and the actuators and enable the agricultural environment control system to access the sensors and the actuators through the mapping table.

Abstract: A safety controller for controlling an automated installation has a control unit to which a plurality of control input signals are supplied from the sensors of the installation. The control unit produces a plurality of control output signals on the basis of the control input signals in accordance with a user program running in said control unit in an automatic mode. The plurality of control output signals actuate the actuators. The safety controller also has a diagnosis evaluation unit that ascertains which one of a plurality of operating states is present at a defined instant of time and produces an operating state signal which represents the ascertained operating state. A diagnosis selection unit generates a diagnosis report as a function of the operating state signal and as a function of a user access authorization signal and/or a special operating mode signal.

Abstract: An exemplary mechanical parking system includes platforms for parking vehicles, a switch electrically connected to the platforms, cameras mounted on the platforms, a data processing device electrically connected to the cameras and the switch, and an alarm electrically connected to the data processing device. When any one of the platforms is switched to move, the cameras capture photos/videos for an environment of the mechanical parking system and send the photos/videos to the data processing device continuously. The data processing device analyzes whether there is a person appearing in the photos/videos and decides whether the movement of the platform should be stopped via the switch. After the danger is precluded, the movement of the platform is restored and the cameras start to work again, until the parking of the car is finished.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus comprising a sensor and a context engine module. The sensor is configured to generate a sensor output signal representative of a value for one or more context aspects of the data processing apparatus and a confidence factor associated with each of the values for the one or more context aspects. The context engine module is configured to process the sensor output signal to generate and make available a final value for one or more context aspects of the data processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for monitoring shipments of a plurality of components and enabling assembly of the plurality of components. The method can include the steps of encoding a unique identifier and specification information on each component into a data storage of a GPS device; encoding assembly instructions for each component; attaching the GPS device to the component; actuating each GPS device to provide a longitude and latitude signal to a network; tracking the location of each component; shipping the components while tracking the location of the components until the components reach a designated location; and retrieving from each component assembly instructions, specification information, and inspection information. The method can include assembling the components using the assembly instructions at the designated location, and forming a record of each route used by each component.