7210 results about "Programmable logic controller" patented technology

The present invention contemplates a choke control system that provides for local and off-site monitoring and control of the annulus flow pressure of a well. The choke control system includes a choke manifold connected to at least one choke and its associated actuator; a variety of instrumental drilling sensors, pump stroke counter switches, and choke position indicators; a local choke and hydraulic pressure control console; and a programmable controller in communication with the local choke and hydraulic pressure control console. The programmable controller handles the logical operations of the choke control system, including processing instrument measurements and operator input data to produce control signals for operating the choke, the choke actuator and the various valves associated with the choke manifold. The programmable controller is typically either an electronic digital computer and/or a programmable logic controller (PLC). The present invention further contemplates the two-way communication between the choke control system and the Internet via a satellite linkage.

A configurable operator panel that uses a tactile sensor with electrically conductive elastomer and appropriate electronics is disclosed herein. The device relies on a robust and inexpensive tactile sensor that senses the touch position (and may or may not sense touch pressure as well). The physical interface is easily configurable along with the electronics, which execute the desired function based on touch location and pressure. The configurable operator panel is designed to communicate with most industrial automation equipment, including but not limited to, motion control equipment, programmable logic controllers (PLC), personal computers, and can be made to control other types of machines requiring external analog or digital input.

The present invention provides a system and method for implementing logic control in programmable controllers in distributed control systems using a wired or wireless network. A software application is used to define the configuration of the network. Based on the network configuration, a compiler engine automatically assigns each statement of the control program to at least one programmable logic controller in the network. Each statement is then transmitted over a data transmission medium to the programmable logic controller assigned to the statement.

A dimmer circuit applicable for LED device and control method thereof is disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. The dimmer circuit is applicable for controlling at least a LED device. The dimmer circuit includes a rectifier, a bleeder, a phase angle detect circuit, a constant current circuit and a programmable micro controller. The phase angle detect circuit couples to the programmable micro controller. The constant current circuit couples to the LED device The programmable micro controller generates a PWM signal according to the output signal of the phase angle detect circuit to adjust current of the constant current circuit.

An apparatus having a programmable processor and a memory for performing a plurality of user-selectable control functions includes a database for storing a plurality of items associated with each of the control functions. The items include, for each function, at least one procedure for performing an action associated with the control function and a specification of at least one state associated with the control function. The apparatus further includes software routines stored on the memory and adapted to be executed by the processor that facilitate selection of a procedure in the database, that access the database and cause performance of the selected procedure to achieve the state specified therein, and that monitor at least one resource associated with the action of the procedure and, based thereon, determine whether the specified state has been achieved.

The invention relates to a device for managing battery packs by measuring and monitoring the operating capacity of individual battery modules in a battery pack. A programmable logic controller directs the selective closing of relays to allow individual battery modules to be load-tested using a variable discharge load unit, without compromising useful battery pack capacity. A battery module whose useful capacity falls below a predefined threshold may be connected to a battery charger for replenishment and then electrically realigned with the remaining modules in the pack for continued operation. Alternatively, an alarm may be triggered which alerts the user that the module is due for replacement. This sequence of events is performed on all cells in the pack at a predetermined interval.

An apparatus is provided for accessing, controlling and monitoring a programable logic controller with a network client having a conventional web browser. The apparatus includes an archive, an interface, and a library. The archive provides for compiling an application written in code supported by the web browser. The interface is responsive to the application for establishing a connection between the controller and the network client. Further, the library is responsive to the application for supporting communication between the controller and the network client upon establishing a connection therebetween.

Embodiments of an integrated node, such as a programmable logic controller, are provided for process automation and seamless, flexible subsystem communications, allowing a remote host to interface with a plurality of remote and in-plant subsystems and services using a wired or wireless network interface and having a database server and a protocol translator or translation server to convert and manipulate various industrial interfaces and protocols. Embodiments of the integrated node time-synchronize the plurality of remote subsystems, acquire and archive time-stamped process data, report exceptions therein to the remote host, and extract and transmit time-stamped process data to the remote host. Embodiments of computer program products and computer implemented methods also are provided to detect a time of communication failure and a time of a corresponding recovery between a node and either a remote subsystem or a remote host.

An apparatus is disclosed for the micro-organism surface sterilization of foods using, a "germicidal" such as light waves (e.g., ultraviolet), and in some cases in combination with (or replaced by) one or more of sound waves and ozone. The surface sterilizer apparatus may include a plurality of germicidal (e.g., ultraviolet) emitters for surface sterilization of foods that are, e.g., rotated in a drum or rotated via a screw auger. Assemblies of emitters for the germicidal may be constructed to be watertight (i.e., withstand a high pressure, heated water spray), and movable relative to the drum or screw conveyor for easy cleaning and maintenance. The apparatus may also include a controller (e.g., programmable logic controller) for controlling the sterilization process so that the apparatus does not endanger personnel nearby, and so that the food is properly sterilized. The controller may vary the amount of germicidal used, the rate that food traverses the apparatus, the inclination of the apparatus, and terminate sterilization processing when an unsafe condition is detected. The apparatus may be used in-line with other food processing equipment for the real-time sterilization of food. The controller may also communicate with food processing components upstream of the apparatus for controlling the flow of food to the surface sterilizer

A fluid processor, suitable for the production of sterile water for injection, having a processor assembly and a process control system comprising a pump, a flow splitter, flow restrictors and a pressure relief valve. In a preferred embodiment, the processor assembly comprises a heat exchanger, a reactor and a heater arranged in a nested configuration. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also include a treatment assembly having a combination of filter, reverse osmosis and ion exchange devices and further incorporates an assembly and method allowing for the in situ sanitization of the fluid processor during cold start and shutdown to prevent bacteria growth during storage of the fluid processor. The fluid processor may include an electronic control system comprising a touch screen operator interface, a programmable logic controller and sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, flow rate, conductivity and endotoxin level.

This invention is directed towards a waste enclosure device (“device”) comprising a waste enclosure employing operational functions including collection and monitoring capacity wherein said device includes one or more programmable logic controllers. Operational functions are performed by electrical components including sensors to determine waste deposits characteristics and contents. Said device operational functions are further adapted to send and receive data, optionally wirelessly, and configured and adapted to utilize solar derived electric power and, optionally, electric power from other sources.

A device to compress the limb of a living being comprising a user interface, a programmable logic controller, a power source, a source of fluidic pressure, valves with ports in fluidic connection with the source of fluidic pressure, other valves, and a first and second inflatable bladders, wherein the programmable logic controller is programmed to cause the repeating sequence of inflating the first inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves, after a first preset period of time, deflating the first inflatable bladder and allowing the pressure within the first inflatable bladder to inflate partially the second inflatable bladder by manipulating the ports of the valves. The source of fluidic pressure can be a self-contained pump, a connection to fluidic pressure in a health care facility, or a pressurized canister. The power source can be a battery. The device has means to extend the life of the power source.

A multimedia controller, based on a general purpose computer, which is capable of interfacing with, controlling or managing a wide variety of audio, video, telecommunications, data communications or other devices. A configuration tool, based on a graphical user interface, provides a simple, schematic way to configure even highly complex systems having numerous components or devices which are to be interconnected with or interfaced to the multimedia controller. A user interface programming tool enables a user to customize the appearance and functionality of a graphical user interface to the multimedia controller. A metadata manager automatically collects metadata that is available within the multimedia controller, automatically detects the presence of new media and collects metadata from it, and may also access web resources to locate additional pertinent metadata.

An automated closed loop flowback and separation system that allows automated control and remote operation of a flowback operation from a safe distance without any fluid or gas release to the atmosphere. Four-phase separation tanks allow the transport gas, well bore cuttings, produced oil, and produced water to be automatically separated and transported through process piping for reuse or sale, eliminating the need for auxiliary equipment. Flow measurement instruments, pressure transmitters, and level transmitters work in conjunction with an automated blast choke to send data to a programmable logic controller for use in calculating the erosion status of the choke restriction and adjusting the choke to compensate. The programmable logic controller works with a touch-screen or similar human-machine interface to allow remote monitoring and control or automated control of the system. The automated blast choke can vary the choke restriction opening based on the pressure differential and flow rate conditions.

The invention relates to a full-automatic bulk cargo storage yard stacking and taking method applied to large port wharfs, truck stations and open storages. According to the method, when a stacking and taking machine works, an operating driver for operating and monitoring is not needed in a cab of the stacking and taking machine and a person for control and operation of the whole process is also not needed in a field industrial personal computer on the basis of fully ensuring the utilization rate of a stock yard and exerting the stacking and taking capacity and other functions of the stacking and taking machine. After the field industrial personal computer acquires an operation task from a management system, optimal calculation and security inspection are performed according to the condition of the stock yard and the state of the stacking and taking machine, and related stacking or taking mode information is automatically generated; and then the system automatically sends related control instructions to a programmable logic controller (PLC) corresponding to the local stacking and taking machine, and the stacking and taking machine performs unmanned automatic stacking and taking operation of the whole process. Therefore, the method overcomes the defects of low automation degree of the conventional bulk cargo storage yard, high labor intensity of operators, low working efficiency and low field utilization rate.

Safety level error detection comparable to that provided by redundant wired safety relays is obtained on a backplane of a programmable logic controller or the like by a combination of error detection methods that in sum provide the requisite level of error detection required without necessitating a particular hardware requirement or duplicative message transmissions.

The invention discloses a machine vision automatic detection system for rivets. The machine vision automatic detection system for rivets comprises a PLC (programmable logic controller), two industrial cameras, a storage bin, a vibration feed plate, a linear rail, a mechanical rotary plate, a waste product blowing pipe, a waste product discharging trough, a salable product blowing pipe, a salable product discharging trough, discharging baffles, an image acquisition card, an industrial personal computer, a touch screen, an electromagnet, a pneumatic electromagnetic valve, an upper sensor, a lower sensor, a hole sensor, a count sensor, a stepping motor drive and a stepping motor. The detection precision of the machine vision automatic detection system for rivets is within +/-0.03mm, and the electromagnetic valve is controlled by the PLC to complete precise waste product blowing and realize separation of salable products from waste products. The final number of the salable products is accurately recorded by a counter, and a discharging port is closed according to time difference to prepare for a subsequent packaging procedure. In addition, all data are recorded in a database, and various production, client, analysis and CPK (complex processing capability index) report forms can be generated by one key.

A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Using this interface, the user can retrieve all pertinent data regarding the operation of the programmable logic controller system.

Devices and methods of use of a non-traditionally powered environmental remediation device and, more particularly, to devices utilizing programmable logic controllers for remote operation, monitoring and data collection.

An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The controller is programmed for the reduction of fan speed in the heating and cooling modes. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time. The fan speed may be further reduced upon a reduction in sensed occupancy levels of the space, such as with a CO₂ sensor. Additionally, the fan speed may be reduced in the heating and/or cooling mode to further reduce energy consumption. The controller may also be programmed and equipped with sensors to allow simultaneous mechanical compressor cooling and economizer free cooling operation, for the operation of the economizer in response to the monitoring of outside air and return air to determine the preferred source for cooling operations, to keep the outside air damper closed during the unoccupied heating modes such as morning warm-up, and/or to provide fault detection. The retrofit method and apparatus may be employed in a stand-alone or networked version.

The invention relates to a greenhouse suspended self-propelled target-oriented sprayer system and an operation method thereof. The greenhouse suspended self-propelled target-oriented sprayer system is characterized by comprising a guide way, a self-propelled mobile platform, a hall sensor, a spraying manipulator device, a binocular vision system and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), wherein a plurality of magnetic positioning marks are preinstalled on the guide way; the self-propelled mobile platform is arranged on the guide way through a walking mechanism and provided with the hall sensor; the spraying manipulator device comprises a Z direction cross-shear hanger which is arranged on a rack; a spray rod is horizontally arranged below the hanger through a rotary positioning mechanism; a spray pipe is fixedly arranged on the spray rod; a plurality of spray heads are arranged on the spray pipe at intervals and independently controlled by electromagnetic valves; the hanger has the functions of extension and retraction; the binocular vision system comprises two CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) video cameras; the two CCD video cameras are fixedly installed on both ends of the spray rod respectively and connected with an upper computer in which control software is prearranged; and the PLC is electrically connected with the upper computer, the hall sensor, a frequency converter, a drive controller, the electromagnetic valves and the CCD video cameras respectively.

The subject invention pertains to a system and method of interacting with industrial automation devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs). A client computer can include a browser and one or more application components such as applets that are executed by the browser. The application components retrieve and receive data from automation devices in their native protocol and present such data to a browser for display to a user. The application components, as well as other browser data, can be stored locally on a computer readable medium associated with the client computer to facilitate expeditious access thereto, among other things. Furthermore, the application components can implement and apply digital rights management technology to increase control and security with respect to execution of the application components.

A system for monitoring an individual includes a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of the individual at a location. A programmable logic controller is coupled to the sensor and configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicating the presence or absence of the individual. The programmable logic controller is configured to send an alarm signal to an alarm generating device if the individual is absent from the location at a first preset time, if the individual is present in the location at a second preset time, or if the individual is absent from the location for more than a selected interval of time between the first preset time and the second preset time. A user may place the system in a standby mode to prevent an alarm signal from being sent.

The invention discloses a remote monitored maintenance method and system based on 3G and a cloud computing technology, which belong to 3GInternet network remote monitored maintenance in the industrial automation industry. Field data and video signals of control systems such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable automation controller (PAC), a human-machine interface (HMI), a frequency converter, a host computer and the like of a remote cloud field station are acquired in real time by using a 3G Internet network and a cloud server platform, so that practical difficulties in remote online diagnosis, debugging, online program modification and program uploading and downloading in an enterprise are eliminated, wireless monitored maintenance of the remote cloud field station is realized, and field attention of a field operating engineer is not required. The remote monitored maintenance system can be applied to any place covered by the 3G network, is operated very conveniently and flexibly, is easy for remote management, debugging and maintenance, and has the characteristics of online instantaneity, safety, high speed, easiness in operation and introduction and the like.

A method and apparatus for providing an active standby control system comprising the steps of providing a first and second programmable logic controller (PLC), each controller having an operating state. Each controller further including a network module board operably connected to a network; a control unit, a remote I/O head; and, a hot standby module, each hot standby module is operably connected together. Operably connecting each programmable logic controller to a network. Assigning a network address identifier, i.e., Internet Protocol or Media Access Control address, to each programmable logic controller and sensing the operating state of each programmable logic controller. The network address identifier of each programmable logic controller is determined by the operating state of each respective programmable logic controller. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus for communication with at least one device which resides on a standard communications network using a standard communications protocol. The apparatus has a scanner for scanning the device, a device scan table for storing data relating to the device, and a standard communications interface for interfacing between the device scanner and the standard communications network using the standard communication protocol.

The present invention provides a system and method for graphically generating logic for a cause and effects matrix. The present invention includes creating a matrix for defining the elements of the system that require monitoring, the responses to changes in the monitored elements and the relationship between the elements and the responses and automatically creating logic to implement the matrix. The system includes a general purpose digital computer that incorporates a matrix programming tool to input data defining the matrix and generate a matrix database. The tool also transfers the matrix database to a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller includes a matrix functional unit. The matrix functional unit includes several predefined, configurable functional units for establishing the logic pathways to implement the matrix. The predefined, configurable functional units include a cause functional unit, an effects functional unit and an intersection functional unit. Once the predefined functional units receives the matrix database information from the computer the logic pathways to implement the matrix are automatically established.

Light emitting artwork that includes a printed circuit board, at least one least one LED disposed on the printed circuit board, a surface material disposed on the printed circuit board and having an image thereon that together with the at least one LED produce customized light emitting artwork, and a backboard displaced from the printed circuit board. The at least one LED is at least one tri-color LED connected in parallel with each other and with a programmable logic control circuit and with a DC power source having a polarity, with a current limiting resister connected in series with each of the at least one tri-color LED. The programmable logic control circuit allows the at least one tri-color LED to achieve one of three states, the three states being: the at least one tri-color LED is illuminated one of red and green by maintaining the polarity of the DC power source as is; the at least one tri-color LED is illuminated one of green and red by reversing the polarity of the DC power source; and the at least one tri-color LED is illuminated orange by converting the DC power source to AC so as to cause the at least one tri-color LED to oscillate fast enough from red to green and vise versa.

The invention is concerned with the monitoring method and system for the intelligence material matching. It is: sets the RFID label on the hanger, the card reader can get the information of the label and sends to the epigyny of the terminal unit of the station; when the hanger passes the reader of any working station; estimates the hanger whether or not enters the station to process manufacture after the epigyny receives the signal of the hanger, the programmable logic controller controls the pulling-in switch of the corresponding station according to the instruction from the epigyny. The invention uses radio frequency technology to real-time trace the processof the matching, which can achieve the informationization and quick identification of the material, in order that the matching process of the material can be high efficiency and intelligent management.

The invention relates to a multi-channel data collection unit, belonging to the technical field of data collection in testing and measurement. The collection unit consists of a plurality of collection channels, a testing channel and a collection unit control module, wherein each collection channel comprises a conditioning circuit which consists of a conventional filter circuit and a voltage protective circuit, an electric switch and a delta sigma analog to digital converter; the testing channel is formed by a delta sigma digital to analog converter; the collection unit control module is realized on the basis of a programmable logic controller; the plurality of collection channels are connected with the collection unit control module; the input end of the delta sigma digital to analog converter is connected with the output end of the collection unit control module; and the output end of the delta sigma digital to analog converter is connected with each electric switch and each delta sigma analog to digital converter of the collection channel respectively. By the multi-channel data collection unit, high dynamic range, low input nose, low harmonic distortion, low crosstalk and high common mode rejection ratio can be realized, and the requirement of low power consumption and low cost can be fulfilled.

A power trailer support structure and leveling system continuously monitors the levelness a trailer containing the machinery train of a mobile power system. The invention can level the power trailer automatically while the gas turbine and electrical generator in the trailer are shut down, and can monitor and provide alarm and shut down protection when the gas turbine and electrical generator are operating. The invention includes a plurality of jacks and level sensors mounted to a power trailer, a programmable logic controller interconnected with the jacks and level sensors, and an interface for displaying jack positions and the output of the level sensors. A plurality of actuator mechanisms provide for automatic and manual control and a plurality of power systems between the actuator mechanisms and the jacks extend and retract the jacks in response to operation of the actuator mechanisms.