76 results about "Modular control system" patented technology

A modular control system for an AC motor is provided. The modular control system includes a drive module, a control module, and an intermediate module therebetween. The drive module houses an AC drive that interconnects an AC motor to a utility power source. Control structure for controlling operation of the AC drive is provided in the control module. The control structure and the control module and AC drive in the drive module are electrically coupled through the intermediate module.

A water heater has a modular control system. The water heater comprises a tank, a heating element, a first controller, and a second controller. The heating element is coupled to the tank. The first controller is mounted on the tank and has a first communication port. The second controller has a second communication port communicatively coupled to the first communication port of the first controller. The first controller is configured to control the heating element in accordance with any desired algorithm in an absence of the second controller, and the second controller is configured to perform at least one function in addition to or in lieu of the first controller.

System and method of interfacing arbitrary non-network connected devices to wireless computer networks. The invention provides an optically configurable wireless communications module, in either fixed or removable formats, with wireless (e.g. WiFi) network connectivity. The module also has a programmable arbitrary device controller, associated software, and at least the combination of the arbitrary device and the module also provides a unique ID code. A software token assisted method may be used to associate the unique ID code with appropriate control software and this association stored in network server memory. The invention also uses an internet-based service and a local optical programmer to configure the module's wireless network configuration. Once connectivity is established, the module may upload its unique ID code to the server and receive appropriate arbitrary device control code from the server. Portable version modules may be swapped between arbitrary devices at will, and will automatically configure themselves.

A system for controlling a plant process wherein the plant is over-actuated with N+1 actuators and provides N performance variables is disclosed. The system includes an outer-loop controller operable to compare N performance variable values from the plant with a reference set point and provide a desired virtual control input to an inner-loop controller. The inner-loop controller receives the desired virtual control input from the outer-loop controller and provides real control inputs to the at least N+1 actuators. The N+1 actuators receive the real control inputs and subsequently provide an actual virtual control input to the plant. Upon receiving the actual virtual control input from the N+1 actuators the plant is operable to produce N updated performance variable values in an optimized manner.

A modular system for transmitting power and data between a control processor that receives and transmits signals along a trunk of a distributed control network, and one or more field devices located in a hazardous area includes a backplane bus and a trunk module connected to the backplane and interconnecting the trunk and backplane. Intrinsically safe spur modules are removably attached to the backplane.

A modular control system (500, 510) is disclosed for providing for modular control functions within vehicles. One embodiment of the modular control system (500) includes a driver interface unit (502) for controlling one or more air control units (504) through wireless communications. The air control units (504) can control functions such as air spring pressure, air spring height and the like. Another embodiment of the modular control system (510) uses a driver interface unit (512) for controlling air control units (518) through wire applications (514, 516).

A water heater has a modular control system. The water heater comprises a tank, a heating element, a first controller, and a second controller. The heating element is coupled to the tank. The first controller is mounted on the tank and has a first communication port. The second controller has a second communication port communicatively coupled to the first communication port of the first controller. The first controller is configured to control the heating element in accordance with a first algorithm in an absence of the second controller, and the second controller is configured to control the heating element in accordance with a second algorithm.

A modular control system including a plurality of individual touch screen devices, each touch screen device including a display unit, a touch input, a computing device, a network connection, and a programming logic for controlling a remote system and displaying a status of the remote system on the touch screen device, the remote system having network connectivity to enable the remote system to exchange information with and respond to instructions from the touch screen devices, the touch screen devices configured for automatic self-synchronization based on a status of the remote system or a status of at least one of the touch screen devices.

System and method of interfacing arbitrary non-network connected devices to wireless computer networks. The invention provides an optically configurable wireless communications module, in either fixed or removable formats, with wireless (e.g. WiFi) network connectivity. The module also has a programmable arbitrary device controller, associated software, and at least the combination of the arbitrary device and the module also provides a unique ID code. A software token assisted method may be used to associate the unique ID code with appropriate control software and this association stored in network server memory. The invention also uses an internet-based service and a local optical programmer to configure the module's wireless network configuration. Once connectivity is established, the module may upload its unique ID code to the server and receive appropriate arbitrary device control code from the server. Portable version modules may be swapped between arbitrary devices at will, and will automatically configure themselves.

The invention belongs to the field of electric vehicle charging and electrical changing, and particularly provides a modular control system and method of an electric vehicle electrical changing station. The system and method aim to solve the problem that equipment of an existing electrical changing station is complex and accordingly production, wiring, debugging and upgrading of the electrical changing station are tedious. The modular control system comprises an overall control module, a parking platform control module, an electrical changing trolley control module, a battery storage charging frame control module, a battery bin elevator control module, a communication module and a man-machine interaction module. Due to collaborative operation of the control modules, full-automatic electrical changing operation of the electrical changing station can be achieved. By means of the modular control system, the control modules can be independently debugged and tested, and wiring, wire distribution, production debugging, compatible extension and optimization and upgrading maintenance of a system are convenient.

A water heater having a modular control system. The water heater includes a tank, a heating element, a first controller, and a second controller. The heating element is coupled to the tank. The first controller is supported by the tank and includes a housing, a first communication port, a processor, and a first memory storing executable instructions that are executed by the processor. The first controller determines whether the first controller is connected to the second controller through the communication port. The first controller controls an operation of the water heater according to a first algorithm when the first controller is not connected to the second controller. The operation of the water heater is controlled based on an algorithm stored on the second controller when the first controller is connected to the second controller.

A water heater has a modular control system. The water heater comprises a tank, a heating element, a first controller, and a second controller. The heating element is coupled to the tank. The first controller is mounted on the tank and has a first communication port. The second controller has a second communication port communicatively coupled to the first communication port of the first controller. The first controller is configured to control the heating element in accordance with any desired algorithm in an absence of the second controller, and the second controller is configured to perform at least one function in addition to or in lieu of the first controller.

A modular control system includes a modular controller that implements control logic of the modular control system, where the controller is built natively on a platform of a distributed control system, equipment configured to perform a physical function in a process plant according to the control logic, and a configuration database storing configuration parameters of the modular control system. In a first mode of operation, the modular control system operates as a standalone module, and in a second mode of operation, the modular control system operates natively as one or several nodes of a distributed control system.

A modular control system, which is constructed from terminal modules and function modules to fit these, for use in industrial automation in particular is provided. With the known embodiments, which comprise different terminal modules for different functionalities, subsequent system extensions can often only be achieved with significant outlay. With the inventive modular control system this problem is resolved by the use of novel terminal modules of identical structure, with the different functionalities being provided by additional function units. Additional advantages, in addition to simpler modification of the system configuration, are lower planning and assembly outlays, simpler and error-free pre-assembly of the standard terminal modules, simpler stocking of spare parts, clear transparency in respect of the supply of supply voltages, potential forwarding and separation and specialist functions such as simple and transparent handling during gradual commissioning.

This invention provides a standard method of interfacing an arbitrary non-network connected device to computer networks such as the Internet. The invention modularizes the communications interface by providing a plug-in communications module, which may be compatible with a standard solid-state memory card interface and form factor, thus removing the burden of wireless approvals testing (the module is tested vs. the whole product). The invention also integrates a programmable arbitrary device controller and associated software into this same communications module, thus removing the burden of the majority of the software development for most arbitrary non-network connected devices. The invention further provides a unified internet-based service that can help configure the module's network configuration, and download appropriate control code for whatever arbitrary device the module is currently connected to.

A modular system for transmitting power and data between a control processor that receives and transmits signals along a trunk of a distributed control network, and one or more field devices located in a hazardous area includes a backplane bus and a trunk module connected to the backplane and interconnecting the trunk and backplane. Intrinsically safe spur modules are removably attached to the backplane.

System and method of interfacing arbitrary non-network connected devices to wireless computer networks. The invention provides an optically configurable wireless communications module, in either fixed or removable formats, with wireless (e.g. WiFi) network connectivity. The module also has a programmable arbitrary device controller, associated software, and at least the combination of the arbitrary device and the module also provides a unique ID code. A software token assisted method may be used to associate the unique ID code with appropriate control software and this association stored in network server memory. The invention may also use an internet-based service and a local optical programmer to configure the module's wireless network configuration. Once connectivity is established, the module may upload its unique ID code to the server and receive appropriate arbitrary device control code from the server. Portable version modules may be swapped between arbitrary devices at will, and will automatically configure themselves.

The invention discloses a modularized control system for large desulfurization equipment, and belongs to the technical field of environmental protection control. The control system is applicable to a wet-process flue gas desulfurization system. The modularized control system for large desulfurization equipment is divided into four main parts, namely, a desulfurization process control module, a process monitoring module, a flue gas detection module and an upper computer control module, according to the characteristics of desulfurization device and the principle of configuration; the desulfurization process control module is used for controlling an induced draft fan, an oxidation compressor, a lime milk pump, a slurry circulation pump and the like; the process monitoring module is used for monitoring an analogue quantity detection module, a switch quantity detection module and a site video equivalent; the flue gas detection module is used for measuring sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, temperature and pressure equivalent; and the upper computer control module is used for controlling a lower computer by a server, an industrial personal computer and the like. The modularized control system for large desulfurization equipment disclosed by the invention is beneficial to research and development for an electric control device for large desulfurization equipment, thus achieving management for sulfur dioxide and protecting environment.

A modular controlling system for controlling and / or interfacing sophisticated power, communication, monitoring, lighting, ventilation and / or other services systems in complex environments such as underground mines, pharmaceutical laboratories and production facilities and nuclear plants comprises a main processing unit, several communication interface units, several equipment interface units, and a user interface unit. The modular controlling system is configured to be installed in a complex environment such as an underground mine and connected to various mining equipment, including ventilation equipment and environmental sensors. The modular controlling system is generally preprogrammed and preconfigured with all the necessary operating programs, control algorithms and equipment drivers such as to required minimal customization upon installation.

A method for efficiently managing configuration of modular control systems includes Detecting a communicative coupling between a workstation and a modular control system, determining whether an active project stored in a memory of the workstation matches a saved project stored in a memory of the modular control system, where each of the active project and the saved project includes a respective coordinated set of data for controlling operation of the modular control system, and when the active project and the saved project do not match, (i) determining whether the active project is correct for the modular control system, and (ii) when the active project is incorrect the modular control system, automatically providing, via an interactive user interface, a control for transferring at least a portion of the saved project from the memory of the modular control system to the active project in the memory of the workstation.

A modular control system is adapted to adjust an aftermarket system in a vehicle via the vehicle head unit. The head unit includes a user interface operable by the user to control the aftermarket system. An aftermarket control unit is in communication with the user interface of the vehicle head unit, the aftermarket control unit receiving an aftermarket control signal from the vehicle head unit as a results of an input by the user at the head unit. The aftermarket control unit is in communication with the aftermarket system, wherein the aftermarket control unit may operate the aftermarket system in response to the user input. The aftermarket system may be an air suspension system.

A control system for a refrigeration unit is disclosed. The control system may include a user interface, an interface bus, a power control module, a first module, and a second module. The interface bus may communicatively couple the user interface, the power control module, the first module, and the second module. The user interface may be capable of receiving and dispatching information. The power control module may be capable of distributing and monitoring power to the control system. The second module may have at least one connector with flexible input and output configuration capabilities. The first module may have a controller and at least one connector with flexible input and output configuration capabilities.

A cleaning apparatus for cleaning items to be cleaned is provided. The cleaning apparatus comprises at least two loads. The cleaning apparatus has a modular control system, which comprises a machine control system and at least one contactless control element. The machine control system is set up to perform at least one cleaning program. The contactless control element is set up to supply at least one of the loads with energy on a variable basis. The machine control system is set up to provide at least two different actuation strategies for the cleaning apparatus. Each actuation strategy comprises information about required energies for the loads. The machine control system is set up to transmit information about the required energies for the associated loads to the contactless control element via at least one bus system in line with a selected actuation strategy. The contactless control element is set up to apply the respective required energy to at least one associated load.

A modular control system including a plurality of individual touch screen devices, each touch screen device including a display unit, a touch input, a computing device, a network connection, and a programming logic for controlling a remote system and displaying a status of the remote system on the touch screen device, the remote system having network connectivity to enable the remote system to exchange information with and respond to instructions from the touch screen devices, the touch screen devices configured for automatic self-synchronization based on a status of the remote system or a status of at least one of the touch screen devices.

This invention provides a standard method of interfacing an arbitrary non-network connected device to computer networks such as the Internet. The invention modularizes the communications interface by providing a plug-in communications module, which may be compatible with a standard solid-state memory card interface and form factor, thus removing the burden of wireless approvals testing (the module is tested vs. the whole product). The invention also integrates a programmable arbitrary device controller and associated software into this same communications module, thus removing the burden of the majority of the software development for most arbitrary non-network connected devices. The invention further provides a unified internet-based service that can help configure the module's network configuration, and download appropriate control code for whatever arbitrary device the module is currently connected to.

The invention relates to a head-reconfigurable modular control system for flat knitting machines. The system is characterized by comprising a group or plural groups of control units, each group of control units comprises four triangular needle-selecting stitch circuit modules and a yarn-feeder sinker circuit module which are subjected to communication connection through a CAN (controller area network) bus. The technical scheme of the invention is as follows: a modular reconfigurable system is composed of triangular needle-selecting stitch circuit modules and a yarn-feeder sinker circuit module based on a looping mechanism for the flat knitting machines, so that the function modular control and reconfiguration of the control system according to the looping number of a head are realized, and thus the head-reconfigurable modular control system has extremely good scalability. A circuit module board is connected with the main control board of a flat knitting machine through a CAN bus network, so that the real-time performance, stability and reliability of communication under the condition that a head is running at a high speed are improved, and the yield and production efficiency of fabrics woven by the flat knitting machine are improved.

A modular control system, which is constructed from terminal modules and function modules to fit these, for use in industrial automation in particular is provided. With the known embodiments, which comprise different terminal modules for different functionalities, subsequent system extensions can often only be achieved with significant outlay. With the inventive modular control system this problem is resolved by the use of novel terminal modules of identical structure, with the different functionalities being provided by additional function units. Additional advantages, in addition to simpler modification of the system configuration, are lower planning and assembly outlays, simpler and error-free pre-assembly of the standard terminal modules, simpler stocking of spare parts, clear transparency in respect of the supply of supply voltages, potential forwarding and separation and specialist functions such as simple and transparent handling during gradual commissioning.