ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160141865 | POWER STRUCTURE DIAGNOSTIC METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED MOTOR DRIVE DIAGNOSTIC COVERAGE - Motor drive diagnostic and control methods and apparatus are provided in which rectifier and inverter switching devices are individually monitored for malfunctions, and detected malfunctions initiate implementation of a safety function to signal a drive controller to shut down non-safety-related processing, to discontinue command pulse signaling to the switching devices, and to disable optical transmitters between the drive controller and the rectifier and inverter switches, and an input contactor or other switching circuit is opened to disconnect input power from the motor drive after implementation of the safety function. | 05-19-2016 |
20160126861 | ADJUSTABLE PWM METHOD TO INCREASE LOW SPEED STARTING TORQUE AND INVERTER VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT ACCURACY - Methods, control apparatus and computer readable mediums are presented for controlling a switching inverter in which a controller selectively suspends PWM carrier signals to provide inverter switching control signals using zero vectors in response to a maximal pulse width value for a present PWM half cycle being greater than a threshold value, and accumulates a present output control value for individual output phases for use in a subsequent PWM half cycle for selective effective reduction in switching frequency for low-speed operation while maintaining high frequency control loop sampling. | 05-05-2016 |
20160120080 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MITIGATING ARC FLASH INCIDENT ENERGY IN MOTOR CONTROL DEVICES - Industrial motor control apparatus and techniques are presented for mitigating incident energy associated with an internal arcing. Interior enclosure surfaces and/or surfaces of electrical components are provided with textures and/or coatings which may be non-reflective with respect to visible and/or infrared light in order to redirect or absorb incident energy associated with internal arcing conditions. The electrical components are also arranged so as to substantially minimize the percentage of back wall exposure, and filler material and/or tile structures may be mounted within the enclosure, which may be non-reflective and/or have textured surfaces or coating layers to mitigate incident arcing energy. In addition, baffles or barriers may be provided within the enclosure to redirect or absorb incident energy from internal arcing. | 04-28-2016 |
20160111967 | POWER CELL BYPASS METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTILEVEL INVERTER - Multilevel inverters, power cells and bypass methods are presented in which a power cell switching circuit is selectively disconnected from the power cell output, and a bypass which is closed to connect first and second cell output terminals to selectively bypass a power stage of a multilevel inverter, with an optional AC input switch to selectively disconnect the AC input from the power cell switching circuit during bypass. | 04-21-2016 |
20160109875 | CUSTOM PROPERTIES IN AN APPLICATION ENVIRONMENT - The disclosed subject matter comprises a design management component that facilitates managing and storing information, including respective customized information of respective entities and/or relating to objects, projects, controllers, or industrial automation systems within a project file or controller. The design management component facilitates enabling custom data, including custom metadata, to be injected by object into a project file or in a controller associated with the project file. The design management component operates with a data management component that can allow respective entities to view, edit, or delete their respective data on objects associated with a project file or controller in accordance with their respective rules. The design management component facilitates desired library management, version management, virtualization of a system for emulation and testing, data exchange between application, and application development and management in relation to controllers, devices, or components, in connection with control of industrial automation systems. | 04-21-2016 |
20160102817 | AUXILIARY LIGHT SOURCE ASSOCIATED WITH AN INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION - Systems and techniques for providing an auxiliary light source associated with an industrial application are presented. A luminescent label is attached to an optical assembly via a pressure sensitive adhesive. The luminescent label comprises at least a fluorophore layer configured to transform light received from a light source into output light that is projected the optical assembly. | 04-14-2016 |
20160070991 | INTEGRATION OF OPTICAL AREA MONITORING WITH INDUSTRIAL MACHINE CONTROL - An industrial safety system is provided that integrates optical safety monitoring with machine control. The safety system includes an imaging sensor device supporting pixel array processing functions that allow time-of-flight (TOF) analysis to be performed on selected portions of the pixel array, while two-dimensional imaging analysis is performed on the remaining portions of the array, reducing processing load and response time relative to performing TOF analysis for all pixels of the array. The portion of the pixel array designated for TOF analysis can be pre-defined through configuration of the imaging sensor device, or can be dynamically selected based on object detection and classification by the two-dimensional imaging analysis. The imaging sensor device can also implement a number of safety and redundancy functions to achieve a high degree of safety integrity. | 03-10-2016 |
20160069750 | THERMAL WELL FOR TRANSFORMER AND METHODS - A thermal well temperature monitoring assembly with high dielectric strength capability is disclosed consisting of a low relative dielectric constant material in a continuous structure that does not have any air voids or pockets. The low relative dielectric constant structure of the thermal well has at least one internal cavity having an end region. A thermal sensor is at least partially located within the at least one internal cavity. The thermal sensor has one or more wires extending out of the end region of the internal cavity. A first low relative dielectric constant potting material encapsulates at least a portion of the thermal sensor within the internal cavity to remove air voids that decrease dielectric strength. A second low relative dielectric constant potting material fills at least a portion of the end region of the internal cavity to provide mechanical ruggedness and environmental sealing. | 03-10-2016 |
20160056740 | TRANSITION SCHEME FOR POSITION SENSORLESS CONTROL OF AC MOTOR DRIVES - Motor drive control apparatus and methods are presented for sensorless control of a driven motor using open loop current regulated control during low-speed operation and an EMF-based position observer for position estimation during higher speed operation, with zero feedback speed during low-speed open-loop operation and feedback speed estimated by the EMF-based observer during high-speed operation and with velocity mode control over the full speed range and mode control hysteresis for smooth transitions between open loop and EMF-based observer control. | 02-25-2016 |
20160006367 | METHODS AND POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM CONTROL APPARATUS TO CONTROL IGBT JUNCTION TEMPERATURE AT LOW SPEED - Methods, apparatus and computer readable mediums are presented for controlling a multiphase inverter in which third harmonic injection pulse width modulation (THIPWM) is used for generating inverter switching control signals at or above a non-zero threshold inverter output frequency, and high frequency injection discontinuous pulse width modulation (HFIDPWM) is used for inverter output frequencies below the threshold, where the threshold frequency corresponds to a threshold period less than or equal to the thermal impedance time constant of the inverter switching devices, and the injected high frequency component for HFIDPWM corresponds to a common mode period less than the thermal impedance time constant to mitigate thermal stress on the inverter switches and low speed inverter output derating. | 01-07-2016 |
20150355262 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC GROUND FAULT LOCATION DETERMINATION IN HIGH RESISTANCE GROUNDED MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM - Methods an apparatus are presented for identifying ground fault locations in multi-drive systems in which individual drives perform self-diagnosis for detected faults based on an identified fault signal frequency while the system drives continue operation, and a ground fault location system identifies suspected drives and individually confirms or exonerates individual drives by selective command speed adjustment while the drives remain operational within system tolerance ranges. | 12-10-2015 |
20150355259 | FILTER CAPACITOR DEGRADATION IDENTIFICATION USING MEASURED AND EXPECTED VOLTAGE - Methods and apparatus are presented for detecting degrading filter capacitors in motor drives or other power converters, in which an expected DC equivalent voltage and a measured DC equivalent voltage are computed according to sampled filter circuit currents and voltages, and compared to selectively identify filter capacitor degradation conditions in a power converter filter circuit. | 12-10-2015 |
20150349450 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING CONNECTIONS IN AN INDUSTRIAL ENCLOSURE - The subject matter disclosed herein describes a system for connecting devices mounted to and within an industrial enclosure. The conductors for a device having multiple electrical conductors are bundled together. A first color coded element, such as a sleeve, is slid over the bundle providing a first identifier. The ends of the conductors are terminated at a single plug for insertion into a receptacle. A second color coded element, such as a label, which corresponds to the first color coded element, identifies into which receptacle each plug is to be inserted. In addition, each pole of the plug and/or receptacle includes a key or a corresponding space to receive a key. Various combinations of keys and spaces are defined such that each plug may be inserted into a single receptacle. | 12-03-2015 |
20150332463 | INTEGRATION OF OPTICAL AREA MONITORING WITH INDUSTRIAL MACHINE CONTROL - An industrial safety system is provided that integrates optical safety monitoring with machine control. The safety system includes an imaging sensor device supporting pixel array processing functions that allow time-of-flight (TOF) analysis to be performed on selected portions of the pixel array, while two-dimensional imaging analysis is performed on the remaining portions of the array, reducing processing load and response time relative to performing TOF analysis for all pixels of the array. The portion of the pixel array designated for TOF analysis can be pre-defined through configuration of the imaging sensor device, or can be dynamically selected based on object detection and classification by the two-dimensional imaging analysis. The imaging sensor device can also implement a number of safety and redundancy functions to achieve a high degree of safety integrity. | 11-19-2015 |
20150331107 | OPTICAL AREA MONITORING WITH SPOT MATRIX ILLUMINATION - An imaging sensor device is configured to illuminate a viewing field using an array of focused light spots spaced across the viewing field rather than uniformly illuminating the viewing field, thereby reducing the amount of illumination energy required to produce a given intensity of light reflected from the spots. In some embodiments, the imaging sensor device can project an array of focused light spots at two different intensities or brightness levels, such that high intensity and low intensity light spots are interlaced across the viewing field. This ensures that both relatively dark and relatively bright or reflective objects can be reliably detected within the viewing field. The intensities of the light spots can be modulated based on measured conditions of the viewing field, including but not limited to the measured ambient light or a determined dynamic range of reflectivity of objects within the viewing field. | 11-19-2015 |
20150331035 | POWER QUALITY EVENT LOCALIZATION BY MULTIPLE INDEXES - An apparatus includes an upstream/downstream probability module that determines, for each measurement point in an electrical power system, an upstream/downstream probability. The apparatus includes a zone module that identifies a plurality of zones within the power system and an upstream/downstream module that identifies, for each measurement point and for each zone, if a power quality event in a zone is upstream or downstream of a measurement point. The apparatus includes a zone probability module that determines a zone probability for each zone by multiplying the upstream probability or the downstream probability for each measurement point. The zone probability is a probability that the event happened in a zone. The zone probability module uses the upstream probability of a measurement point when the zone is upstream of the measurement point and uses the downstream probability when the zone is downstream of the measurement point. | 11-19-2015 |
20150323914 | Method and Apparatus to Track Changes in an Industrial Controller - A method and apparatus for tracking changes in an industrial controller is disclosed. A project for the industrial controller is developed that includes multiple components. Each of the components may be arranged at varying levels. Authorized personnel are able to access the components, or a portion thereof, within the industrial controller to change settings and or programming of the industrial controller. As each change is made, the industrial controller maintains a log of the changes. The change may initially be recorded in each module and/or at each level of the project. The change is then rolled up to a top level of the project. A revision log at the top level of the project stores each of the changes within the industrial controller. The industrial controller may then access the revision log to determine whether any action needs to be taken within the industrial controller. | 11-12-2015 |
20150318791 | MOTOR DRIVE WITH SILICON CARBIDE MOSFET SWITCHES - Motor drive power conversion systems are provided including a rectifier and a switching inverter, wherein the switching devices of the rectifier, the inverter and/or of a DC/DC converter are silicon carbide switches, such as silicon carbide MOSFETs. Driver circuits are provided for providing bipolar gate drive signals to the silicon carbide MOSFETs, including providing negative gate-source voltage for controlling the off state of enhancement mode low side drivers and positive gate-source voltage for controlling the off state of enhancement mode high side drivers. | 11-05-2015 |
20150317591 | MOBILE COMPUTING APPLICATION FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION MANUFACTURING DATA - Systems, methods, and software to facilitate visualization of an application associated with an industrial automation environment are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a graphical user interface to the application having a plurality of key performance indicators (KPIs) is rendered. A selection of at least one KPI of the plurality of KPIs is received along with instructions to link the at least one KPI to a home screen of an operating system. Dynamic KPI data associated with the at least one KPI is fed to the operating system for visualization of the at least one KPI on the home screen. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316922 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BROADCASTING DATA AND DATA TAGS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEM - An industrial control system may receive data associated with at least one component within an industrial automation system. The industrial control system may then determine whether the data is associated with at least one of a plurality of data tags, such that the at least one of the plurality of data tags describes at least one characteristic of the data. The industrial control system may then broadcast the data and the at least one of the plurality of data tags in a data feed channel when the data is associated with the at least one of the plurality of data tags. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316911 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BALANCING LOADS IN AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEM - An industrial control system may receive processing information from at least two control systems associated with at least two components within an industrial automation system. The processing information may include a processing load value for each of the at least two control systems. The industrial control system may then distribute processing loads associated with the at least two control systems when a total processing load between the at least two control systems is unbalanced. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316910 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION DEVICES BASED ON HIERARCHICAL LEVEL AWARENESS - An industrial automation component may be configured to receive an input that corresponds to at least one of a plurality of hierarchical levels associated with an industrial automation system. The industrial automation component may also receive data from a first set of industrial automation components associated with the at least one of the plurality of hierarchical levels. After receiving the data, the industrial automation component may send one or more commands to the first set of industrial automation components, wherein the commands are configured to control one or more operations of at least one of the first set of industrial automation components. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316909 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION DEVICE AWARENESS - An industrial automation component that may receive data associated with at least one other industrial automation component in an industrial automation system. The industrial automation component may contextualize the data with respect to the industrial automation system and recognize a relationship between the industrial automation component and the at least one other industrial automation component based on the contextualized data. The industrial automation component may then store the relationship between the industrial automation component and the at least one other industrial automation component in a memory. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316904 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING OPERATIONS OF AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEM BASED ON MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES - An industrial automation component may receive a first set of data associated with the industrial automation component, such that the industrial automation component is associated with a first industrial automation system. The industrial automation component may then receive a second set of data associated with one or more other industrial automation components, such that the one or more other industrial automation components are associated with one or more other industrial automation systems. The industrial automation component may then identify one or more similar patterns in the first set of data and the second set of data and adjust one or more operations of the industrial automation component based on the similar patterns. | 11-05-2015 |
20150309085 | CALCULATING LINE-TO-NEUTRAL VOLTAGES WITHOUT A CONNECTION TO A SYSTEM NEUTRAL OR EARTH GROUND - A method measures three line-to-line voltages and constructs a phasor triangle with the voltages phasors. V | 10-29-2015 |
20150291982 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS ENZYME ADDITION TO A FERMENTATION PROCESS - A method for controlling a fermentation process includes injecting a mash into a fermenter and injecting an enzymatic additive into the fermenter on a continuous basis. The enzymatic additive is injected on a continuous basis during at least two time periods: during a batch fill and after the batch fill. The method may be used to control the fermentation processes of one or more fermenters operating in parallel. | 10-15-2015 |
20150288257 | System and Method for Detection of Motor Vibration - An improved system for monitoring vibration of an electric machine is disclosed. According to one embodiment, sensors are positioned in a plane orthogonal to the motor shaft and each sensor detects vibration along at least one axis of the motor. The sensors are oriented such that the polarity of each sensor is reversed. The pairs of sensors may be used to isolate specific vibrations within the motor. According to another embodiment, a sensor may be mounted directly to the motor shaft. The sensor on the motor shaft directly detects vibrations along the motor shaft. Optionally, a second sensor may be mounted to a fixed location within the motor housing, and the combination of the sensor on the motor shaft and the sensor at a fixed location may be used to isolate specific vibrations within the motor. A motor controller may adjust operation of the motor to reduce the isolated vibration. | 10-08-2015 |
20150287318 | INDUSTRIAL-ENABLED MOBILE DEVICE - An industrial-enabled mobile electronic device, such as a personal mobile phone or tablet computer, allows a user to wirelessly interact with industrial devices for a variety of purposes. The mobile electronic device can communicate with an industrial device to read and write configuration settings, read and view log data, send commands to the industrial device, and other such functions. The mobile electronic device can perform various types of analysis on images and video of the industrial device captured by the mobile electronic device, including identifying and translating a model or device number printed on the device, or translating error codes displayed by the industrial device. The mobile electronic device can also retrieve additional information about the industrial device or the device's stored data via interaction with a remote technical support service, and can be used to facilitate dialog with a remote technical support person. | 10-08-2015 |
20150286193 | SYSTEM FOR GENERATING OR MODIFYING CAMS - A system for generating electronic cam profiles mimicking the action of mechanical cams operates on a variety of different cam profile inputs and converts them into a common form, for example, expressed as a polynomial spline and modifies that common form by predetermined adjustment relationships, for example by scaling coefficients of the common form cam profile according to desired changes in cam function and/or limitations in dynamic cam values input by a user. The common form of the cam profile may be obtained from a table of cam values by spline interpolation of those data values. | 10-08-2015 |
20150280527 | RADIATION HEAT TRANSFER OF INTERNAL MOTOR COMPONENTS BY ELECTRO-MAGNETIC WAVES - A motor assembly including a housing with a motor portion having an opening for receiving a motor housing/stator assembly, rotor assembly, front and rear end caps and bearings, an encoder coupled to the motor, and an rear cover for enclosing the opening of the motor portion of the housing, the rear cover at least partially surrounding the encoder. At least one of an interior surface of the rear cover or an exterior surface of the encoder comprise a material having an emissivity greater than 0.9. | 10-01-2015 |
20150277406 | MULTIPLE CONTROLLERS CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT INTERFACE FOR SYSTEM CONNECTIVITY - A configuration management interface system is provided for standardizing communication between an external application and one or more hardware or emulated industrial controllers. The interface system reads one or more industrial control programs and presents available data tags defined by the control programs to a user via an interface screen. The user can select a subset of the available data tags that are to be exposed to the external application for data communication. Based on the selected data tags, controller configuration information read from the control programs, and additional configuration information provided by the user, the interface system generates a control unit file that acts as a communication bridge between the external application and the selected data tags residing on the industrial controllers. The control unit file can be used to interface the application (e.g., an industrial simulation or another type of application) with either hardware controllers or emulated controllers. | 10-01-2015 |
20150276498 | THERMOCOUPLE MODULE WITH WIRE RESISTANCE COMPENSATION - An interface circuit is provided for an Input/Output (I/O) module in an industrial controller to compensate for voltage generated by a bias current in a thermocouple. During a calibration routine, the interface circuit supplies two known bias currents to a thermocouple and measures a voltage generated across the thermocouple as a result of each bias current. The measured voltages and known current values are used to determine the resistance value of the thermocouple leads. Using two known bias currents provides for an accurate measurement of the resistance value of the thermocouple leads when the thermocouple is generating a voltage corresponding to the measured temperature. Either the I/O module or the industrial controller may determine a voltage resulting from the bias current applied to the thermocouple during operation as a function of the measured resistance and compensate the voltage measured at the thermocouple leads to accurately determine the measured temperature. | 10-01-2015 |
20150270652 | CONTROL SYSTEM COMPONENTS WITH KEY - A system including a base mountable to a rail, the base including a receptacle for receiving an input/output (I/O) module, and an (I/O) module attachable to the base, the I/O module including communication circuitry disposed within a housing of the I/O module configured to communicate, via a terminal block, with one or more field devices configured to monitor and/or control an industrial automation process. The base and I/O module include mating male and female components, and the mating male and female components have a cross-sectional shape having a wedge portion and a radius portion, the wedge portion extending along a major portion of a midpoint axis bisecting the wedge portion and the radius portion. | 09-24-2015 |
20150264157 | INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEM WEB APPLICATION PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - System and method for enhancing the performance of an industrial automation system web application are disclosed. The industrial automation system web application may access a plurality of generated server-client application pairs with a range of varying capabilities. The plurality of server-client application pairs may be loaded to a serving device or external source. At the start of the industrial automation system web application and/or when client device make requests to the serving device, the capabilities (e.g., resources) of the serving device and requesting client device may be determined and a server-client application pair may be selected and deployed that reflects the determined capabilities. Additionally, if the capabilities of the serving device and/or client device change during runtime, the web application may detect the change and select and deploy a different server-client application pair accordingly. | 09-17-2015 |
20150263600 | FILTER CAPACITOR DEGRADATION IDENTIFICATION USING COMPUTED POWER - Methods and apparatus are presented for detecting filter capacitor degradation in a power converter in which filter circuit branch currents and voltages are concurrently measured, nominal and measured power values are automatically computed according to the measured voltages, the operating frequency and nominal capacitance values, and power change values are calculated based on the difference between the measured and calculated nominal power values, and the change values are evaluated to selectively identify filter capacitor degradation conditions in the filter circuit. | 09-17-2015 |
20150253381 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TESTING MOTOR DRIVES - Systems and methods for testing a motor drive are disclosed. The techniques enhance motor drive testing by not using a dyne-unit, thereby reducing the initial installation costs, maintenance costs, and size of the setup. The setup may include a rectifier and an inverter configured to operate in an active-reactive power control mode during testing under a simulated load by generating the corresponding active (P) and reactive (Q) power (e.g., torque and flux, respectively). The active-reactive power control mode may receive a desired P and Q and determine one or more gate drive signals to provide to switches in the rectifier and/or the inverter based on the desired P and Q, where the gate drive signals are configured to operate the rectifier and/or the inverter under a simulated load. The gate drive signals may be transmitted to the rectifier and/or the inverter accordingly. | 09-10-2015 |
20150248115 | CONFIGURATION-ENABLED MOTOR DRIVE SAFETY - A safety-rated industrial device, such as a motor drive, is provided with a safety subsystem that is initially bypassed as a factory default mode. While the safety subsystem is disabled, the device operates as a standard non-safety device, allowing users to perform operations with the device (e.g., turning a motor in the case of motor drives) without requiring safety input devices or a safety controller to be connected to the device. The device continues to operate as a standard non-safety device until a proper safety configuration is applied to the device, whereby the device's safety subsystem is retentatively enabled and the device begins operating as a safety-rated device. While the safety subsystem is enabled, certain device operations that were permitted during standard mode independently of an attached safety controller or safety input devices are made contingent on the monitored status of an associated safety system. | 09-03-2015 |
20150244107 | INPUT/OUTPUT MODULE - An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system may include a terminal base configured to physically and communicatively connect with an I/O module. The I/O module may include I/O communication circuitry and a latching mechanism that may allow the securing or releasing of the I/O module from the terminal base. The latching mechanism may include a release lever urged to a biased latched position by integral springs and a latch element with latching extensions configured to interact with the terminal base. | 08-27-2015 |
20150241503 | FILTER CAPACITOR DEGRADATION IDENTIFICATION USING COMPUTED CURRENT - Methods and apparatus are presented for detecting filter capacitor degradation in a power converter in which filter circuit branch currents and voltages are concurrently measured, nominal current values are automatically computed according to the measured voltages, the operating frequency and nominal capacitance values, and current change values are calculated based on the difference between the measured currents and the calculated nominal currents, and the change values are evaluated to selectively identify filter capacitor degradation conditions in the filter circuit. | 08-27-2015 |
20150229257 | DOUBLE FED INDUCTION GENERATOR (DFIG) CONVERTER AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED GRID FAULT RIDETHROUGH - A double fed induction generator (DFIG) converter, methods and computer readable mediums are presented in which rotor side current spikes are attenuated by selectively activating at least one series damping circuit to conduct current through a series damping circuit resistance coupled in series between one or more DFIG rotor leads and a grid side converter in response to a grid fault occurrence or a grid fault clearance, and selectively bypassing the series damping circuit resistance after activating the series damping circuit. | 08-13-2015 |
20150213369 | SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY PROVIDING AUTOMATION SECURITY ANALYSIS AND NETWORK INTRUSION PROTECTION IN AN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT - Automation security in a networked-based industrial controller environment is implemented. Various components, systems and methodologies are provided to facilitate varying levels of automation security in accordance with security analysis tools, security validation tools and/or security learning systems. The security analysis tool receives abstract factory models or descriptions for input and generates an output that can include security guidelines, components, topologies, procedures, rules, policies, and the like for deployment in an automation security network. The validation tools are operative in the automation security network, wherein the tools perform security checking and/or auditing functions, for example, to determine if security components are in place and/or in suitable working order. The security learning system monitors/learns network traffic patterns during a learning phase, fires alarms or events based upon detected deviations from the learned patterns, and/or causes other automated actions to occur. | 07-30-2015 |
20150201261 | Stack Light with In-Line Sound Module - An in-line sound module for a modular stack light system provides electrical and mechanical connectors to allow it to be placed anywhere in the stack. Axial orientation of the audio transducer and a flexible jumpering system allow preservation of central connectors between modules. In-line configuration permits multiple sound modules to be used in a stack light and to be teamed with different beacon modules. In one embodiment the in-line sound module may also include lamps to provide beacon functionality. | 07-16-2015 |
20150200602 | MULTILEVEL CONVERTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH REDUCED COMMON MODE VOLTAGE - Sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) control techniques, computer readable mediums, and apparatus are presented for operating a multilevel converter, in which a desired AC node voltage level is determined through comparison of a plurality of carrier signals or values to at least one reference signal or value, and a switching state is selected from a plurality of redundant switching states corresponding to the desired AC node voltage level for generating switching control signals based at least partially on a switched capacitor voltage balancing goal or other control objective. | 07-16-2015 |
20150198317 | Stack Light with Modular Power Converter - A power converter is introduced into a stack light in the form of a compatible modular element that fits between the base and a light module. By converting multiple input voltages to a common core voltage in a module distinct from the base and light modules, proliferation of different varieties of base modules and light modules may be reduced without impact on customer selection. | 07-16-2015 |
20150198316 | Stack Light with Modular Function Generator - A function generator is introduced into a stack light in the form of a compatible modular element that fits between the base and a light module. By centralizing the operation of the function generator, fewer components must be separately stocked and a cost savings may be realized through the centralized function generator. | 07-16-2015 |
20150194902 | MULTILEVEL CONVERTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH REDUCED COMMON MODE VOLTAGE - Multilevel converters and space vector modulation operating methods are presented in which fewer than all possible switching states are employed for space vector modulation of rectifier and inverter circuits to promote common mode voltage contribution cancellation or reduction therebetween and by using subsets of possible space vector modulation switching states associated with minimal positive or negative common mode voltages and in some cases using virtual vectors which have zero common mode voltages to eliminate the 3rd order harmonic components in common mode voltage as well as to reduce common mode voltage affects associated with multilevel inverter stages. | 07-09-2015 |
20150194901 | POSITION SENSORLESS OPEN LOOP CONTROL FOR MOTOR DRIVES WITH OUTPUT FILTER AND TRANSFORMER - A power converter, control apparatus and methods are presented for driving a permanent magnet motor or other load through a sine wave filter and a transformer, in which inverter output current is controlled using a current-frequency relationship to convert a desired frequency or speed value to a current setpoint, and the inverter output current is regulated to the current setpoint using a control algorithm with a bandwidth below the resonant frequency of the sine wave filter. | 07-09-2015 |
20150187524 | SAFETY RELAY CONFIGURATION SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE TEST PULSE SCHEMES - A safety relay configuration system for configuring safety functions to be carried out by a safety relay is provided. The configuration system comprises a number of features that facilitate intuitive and simplified configuration of an industrial safety relay, including but not limited to features that guide the user through the configuration process using an intuitive sequential procedure that provides feedback and prompts based on user interaction, enforce design consistency throughout the configuration project by intelligently limiting user selections, and visually organize configuration and status information in a manner that efficiently utilizes display space and allows the user to quickly evaluate available configuration options. | 07-02-2015 |
20150186119 | INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION DEVICE WITH EDITOR AND GRAPHICAL OBJECT MOBILE VISUALIZATION - A remote visualization editing and monitoring system facilitates development, management, and deployment of graphical web pages that can be stored on industrial devices (e.g., industrial controllers, drives, etc.) and remotely accessed by mobile devices using a web browser. The remote visualization editing and monitoring system can leverage web technologies to provide simple but powerful graphical web-based HMIs that can be accessed using a client device. The system allows a user to develop and deploy both web-based human-machine interfaces for monitoring of an industrial process, as well as web pages that render graphical representations of the control program executing on the industrial device. | 07-02-2015 |
20150186118 | DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT FOR A SAFETY RELAY CONFIGURATION SYSTEM - A safety relay configuration system for configuring safety functions to be carried out by a safety relay is provided. The configuration system comprises a number of features that facilitate intuitive and simplified configuration of an industrial safety relay, including but not limited to features that guide the user through the configuration process using an intuitive sequential procedure that provides feedback and prompts based on user interaction, enforce design consistency throughout the configuration project by intelligently limiting user selections, and visually organize configuration and status information in a manner that efficiently utilizes display space and allows the user to quickly evaluate available configuration options. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185719 | SOFTWARE WORKSTATION AND METHOD FOR EMPLOYING APPENDED METADATA IN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SOFTWARE - A software workstation and method configured to employ appended metadata in an industrial automation software of an industrial automation environment are provided. The software workstation in one example includes an interface configured to interact with a user and communicate with an industrial automation system including the industrial automation software and a processing system coupled to the interface, with the processing system configured to obtain a metadata information, generate at least one metadata instance from the metadata information, associate the at least one metadata instance with one or more predetermined objects in the industrial automation software, and store the at least one metadata instance and the association as part of the industrial automation software. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185710 | GRAPHICAL FUNCTION BLOCKS FOR A SAFETY RELAY CONFIGURATION SYSTEM - A safety relay configuration system for configuring safety functions to be carried out by a safety relay is provided. The configuration system comprises a number of features that facilitate intuitive and simplified configuration of an industrial safety relay, including but not limited to features that guide the user through the configuration process using an intuitive sequential procedure that provides feedback and prompts based on user interaction, enforce design consistency throughout the configuration project by intelligently limiting user selections, and visually organize configuration and status information in a manner that efficiently utilizes display space and allows the user to quickly evaluate available configuration options. | 07-02-2015 |
20150185708 | SAFETY RELAY CONFIGURATION SYSTEM WITH SAFETY MONITORING AND SAFETY OUTPUT FUNCTION BLOCKS - A safety relay configuration system for configuring safety functions to be carried out by a safety relay is provided. The configuration system comprises a number of features that facilitate intuitive and simplified configuration of an industrial safety relay, including but not limited to features that guide the user through the configuration process using an intuitive sequential procedure that provides feedback and prompts based on user interaction, enforce design consistency throughout the configuration project by intelligently limiting user selections, and visually organize configuration and status information in a manner that efficiently utilizes display space and allows the user to quickly evaluate available configuration options. | 07-02-2015 |
20150180369 | CASCADED H-BRIDGE (CHB) INVERTER LEVEL SHIFT PWM WITH ROTATION - Cascade H-Bridge inverters and carrier-based level shift pulse width modulation techniques are presented for generating inverter stage switching control signals, in which carrier waveform levels are selectively shifted to control THD and to mitigate power distribution imbalances within multilevel inverter elements using either complementary carrier or complementary reference modulation techniques. | 06-25-2015 |
20150153397 | IMPEDANCE DETECTOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - Impedance detection methods and systems are presented for automatic computation of an electrical component impedance value at one or more specific frequencies of interest using quadrature voltage and current values generated by quadrature tracking filters based on sensed or measured voltage and current signals or values and a base frequency input. | 06-04-2015 |
20150149783 | Method and Apparatus for Secure Distribution of Embedded Firmware - A method and apparatus to securely distribute embedded firmware to a module in an industrial control system is disclosed. A security certificate corresponding to the firmware is generated utilizing a proprietary algorithm. The certificate includes an identifier corresponding to the module on which the firmware is to be loaded and an identifier corresponding to a removable medium on which the firmware is distributed. The removable medium is inserted into the module in the industrial control system on which the firmware is to be loaded. The module reads the security certificate and verifies that the firmware is intended for the module and verifies that the security certificate includes the identifier for the removable medium which was inserted into the module. If the firmware is intended for the module and the security certificate includes the identifier for the removable medium, the module loads the firmware from the removable medium. | 05-28-2015 |
20150148914 | System For Dynamic Connection Of Distributed Advanced Process Control Components With Control Level Applications - Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for a “path affinity” engine that may work in the background to discover route information needed to connect industrial control components to control level data using “tag names.” Connections may be established dynamically through the path affinity engine, thereby simplifying the commissioning process and allowing connections to be made on an as needed basis. Accordingly, discovery of tag locations at runtime may be permitted, and implementing hardware changes in industrial control environments may be greatly simplified. | 05-28-2015 |
20150145462 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CURRENT AUTO BALANCING FOR PARALLEL CONVERTER SYSTEMS - Parallel converter current imbalance control apparatus and methods in which individual converter AC currents are measured for each phase, and the AC voltage control modulation indices associated with the converters having the highest and lowest AC currents for a given phase are adjusted to counteract current imbalance between the converters. | 05-28-2015 |
20150143268 | SYSTEM STATUS VISUALIZATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for system status visualization. In one embodiment, an operating system may comprise an expandable component tree graphic, comprising a plurality of parent icons and a plurality of child icons. In some embodiments of the present techniques, a plurality of dynamic component graphics are associated with the plurality of parent icons and the plurality of child icons, whereby the dynamic component graphics are adapted to change based on changes relating to the status of a computer resource. Additionally, a configurable sorting system may be adapted to pass a dynamic component graphic feature up the expandable component tree graphic from one of the plurality of child icons to at least one of the plurality of parent icons based on a configuration of the sorting system. | 05-21-2015 |
20150139038 | Automatic Network Discovery In Precision Time Protocol Networks - Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods using precise timing relationships between nodes in computer networks to generate mappings depicting the physical arrangement or ordering of nodes in the computer networks. The technical effect is by tracking the timing delays between nodes as observed by an individual node, and collecting such information together for subsequent processing, nodes may receive and/or construct an entire physical network topology using an algorithm accordingly. | 05-21-2015 |
20150134647 | CONTROL SYSTEM DATABASE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The embodiments described herein include one embodiment that provides a control method that includes connecting a first controller to a control system; receiving control system configuration data from a database, in which the configuration data comprises holistic state data of a second controller in the control system; and configuring operation of the first controller based at least in part on the configuration data received. | 05-14-2015 |
20150131210 | FLEXIBLE CABLE ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED MANUFACTURABILITY - A remote switching system for electrical switches in a cabinet provides simplified manufacture by attaching the flexible cable sheath and flexible cable to an actuator frame and slider, respectively, by means of flange elements attached to each of the sheath and cable that fit within corresponding receiving slots in the actuator frame and contained slider. A cover, which may be attached without fasteners, may then hold these flange elements within corresponding slots. | 05-14-2015 |
20150131209 | FLEXIBLE CABLE ASSEMBLY PROVIDING LOCAL LOCKOUT - A remote switching system for electrical switches in a cabinet provides an actuator frame and slider that may be assembled to the electrical switch to engage the switch actuator for remote control. The actuator frame includes an opening allowing insertion of a lock shank through the opening to block motion of the slider from an “off” state to an “on” state thereby allowing the actuator frame to also serve as a local lockout. | 05-14-2015 |
20150131208 | FLEXIBLE CABLE ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH-POWER SWITCH GEAR - A remote switching system for electronic switches in a cabinet provides an actuator assembly communicating through a flexible cable with a door handle. The actuator assembly on the electronic switch provides a rotatably captive threaded fastener holding the sheath of the flexible cable to the actuator assembly allow ring a simple single-point tuning of the actuator operation. This tuning may be facilitated by a visual scale showing relative positions between the actuator assembly and an internal slider communicating with the operator of the electronic switch. | 05-14-2015 |
20150129554 | CIRCUIT BREAKER OPERATING SYSTEM - An operating system for a circuit breaker includes a bail and a base that supports the circuit breaker and the bail. The bail extends around the circuit breaker and is pivotally attached to the base, such as by snap engagement. The bail and the base are made of an insulative plastic material such that the circuit breaker may vent hot gases, charged particles, plasma and the like without transferring charge to the operating system components. Additional features may be molded into the parts, such as supports and operators for auxiliary switches. | 05-14-2015 |
20150129552 | CIRCUIT BREAKER POSITION ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM - A system for adjusting the position of a circuit breaker is provided. The system allows for translation of the circuit breaker with respect to a support base and interfacing mechanisms, such as those that serve to switch the circuit breaker between its operative states. Adjustment is afforded by an adjustment plate fitted to the support base and that moves with the circuit breaker. Slots through the support base allow for movement of the plate and circuit breaker. A threaded member allows for continuous movement of the plate and circuit breaker for accurate positioning. | 05-14-2015 |
20150129550 | CIRCUIT BREAKER GAS DIRECTING SYSTEM - A gas directing system for a circuit breaker is disclosed. The system includes an insulative housing that fits over vents that convey hot gases upon operation of the circuit breaker. The housing has phase partitions that separate phase sections from one another, and transverse partitions that separate a venting sections for each phase from terminal sections. Gas diverting structures are provided in the venting sections that redirect hot gases towards apertures through which the gases vent. The overall structure may be much lower profile than previous design spacing requirements. | 05-14-2015 |
20150127120 | Device Class Information Support for Multi-Option Devices - A system for defining information for multi-option devices connected to an industrial network is disclosed. Each device has a single electronic data sheet (EDS) defining options associated with the device as well as each of the choices associated with those options. An option data sheet (ODS) is included for each option defining the device information corresponding to that option. A programmer interface may allow a programmer to select devices as well as the options for each of those devices associated with a control system. Each device is also configured to store the EDS and each ODS corresponding to that device within memory in the device. The programmer interface generates a controller configuration file defining the connections between each device and the controller. | 05-07-2015 |
20150124412 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING A PRE-CHARGE CIRCUIT MODULE - Systems, methods, and devices are provided for coupling a direct current (DC) pre-charging circuit to a motor drive. In one embodiment, an industrial automation device may include an enclosed module that may include a pre-charge circuit. The pre-charge circuit may pre-charge a direct current (DC) bus. Further, the DC bus may couple to an inverter. The enclosed module may also include a power input that may couple the pre-charge circuit to a DC power source and an electrical output structure that may couple the pre-charge circuit to the inverter. Additionally, the pre-charge circuit may be removeably coupled to the inverter and the DC power source via a sliding action of the enclosed module. | 05-07-2015 |
20150124377 | FLEXIBLE ELECTRICAL POWER CONNECTION - A motor drive unit including an enclosure, a bus bar supported by the enclosure, at least one modular power unit, and a flexible connector for electrically coupling the modular power unit with the bus bar. The flexible connector includes mating male and female connector portions each mounted to a respective one of the bus bar and the modular power unit, the connector portion mounted to the modular power unit being supported by a housing mounted to the modular power unit for movement relative thereto. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123765 | DETERMINING OPERATIONAL STATE WITH TAGS - Systems and methods are provided relating to utilizing a plurality of RFID tags in conjunction with a circuit comprising at least one reed switch to facilitate determination of operational states and actions based thereon. A magnet can activate the reed switch causing a first RFID tag to be activated and transmit an associated RFID identifier from which a position/operation associated with the first RFID can be determined. The magnet can be removed to activate a second RFID tag whereupon a second RFID identifier is transmitted from which a second position/operation can be determined. The circuit comprising the reed switch and RFID tags can have an induction coil enabling the circuit to be activated when the induction coil is brought into proximity of a second induction coil and inductively coupled. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123700 | INDUSTRIAL SYSTEM PHASE SAG DETECTION - Described herein are methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining sag in a signal. In one example, a method of tracking sag in a signal includes, when in an initial state, monitoring for when the signal transitions to a sag state based at least on an output of a tracking filter. In response to the signal transitioning to the sag state, increasing a bandwidth of the tracking filter and, when in the sag state, monitoring for when the signal transitions to a recovering state. The method further includes, in response to the signal transitioning to the recovering state, decreasing the bandwidth of the tracking filter. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123579 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING POWER CONVERTER WITH INVERTER OUTPUT FILTER - Power converters and methods are presented for driving an AC load connected through an intervening filter circuit, in which at least one filter current or voltage signal or value is determined according to feedback signals or values representing an output parameter at an AC output of the power converter, and AC electrical output power is generated at the AC output based at least partially on the at least one filter current or voltage signal or value. | 05-07-2015 |
20150121207 | INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION WORKSTATION AND DISPLAY METHOD FOR SCALING AND DISPLAYING TEXT DESTINED FOR A TARGET INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION DEVICE - An industrial automation workstation and display method for scaling and displaying text destined for a target industrial automation device are provided. The industrial automation workstation in one example embodiment includes a communication interface configured to transfer a display data including at least one text string to the industrial automation device and a processing system configured to obtain a target device dots-per-inch (DPI) for a display device of the industrial automation device, render the at least one text string at the device DPI, generate a scaling factor comprising a ratio of a workstation DPI divided by the target device DPI, scale the at least one text string using the scaling factor and generate a scaled text string, and display the scaled text string on a display device of the industrial automation workstation. | 04-30-2015 |
20150120009 | Independent Operation of Control Hardware and a Monitoring System in an Automation Controller - The subject matter disclosed herein describes an improved system for self-monitoring of an industrial controller. Two processors are provided on a control board for the industrial controller. One of the processors is designated the control processor and executes the control program for the industrial control system. The other processor is designated the monitoring processor and verifies proper operation of the controller. The monitoring processor verifies proper operation of the industrial controller and is in communication with the control processor. The control processor periodically verifies that the monitoring processor is operational. If the monitoring processor ceases operation, the control processor generates a warning message and provides for a delayed shutdown of the industrial controller. The control processor may copy the current state of the industrial controller to memory. After a technician has corrected the problem with the monitoring processor, the control processor may restore the stored state of the industrial controller. | 04-30-2015 |
20150115622 | POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE FOR A SOLENOID-DRIVEN SAFETY LOCK - A power management module for a solenoid-driven industrial safety lock minimizes energy consumption, protects the power supply line, and improves reliability of the safety lock. The power management module comprises a capacitor bank that stores energy from the power supply line. The stored energy is discharged to the solenoid of the safety lock as needed to actuate the safety lock mechanism (e.g., armature or plunger). The capacitor bank shields the power supply line from high current fluctuations caused by actuation of the solenoid, and allows the safety lock to be operated even in the event of power loss. A discharge controller can closely control the duration of the discharge based on position sensors or a discharge timer to minimize the amount of energy used to transition the locking mechanism. | 04-30-2015 |
20150109136 | INDICATOR LIGHT INTERPRETATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INDICATOR LIGHTS OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An indicator light interpretation device and method for indicator lights of an electronic device are provided. The indicator light interpretation device in one example embodiment includes a storage system configured to store one or more device images of an electronic device and a processing system coupled to the storage system, with the processing system configured to process the one or more device images, with the one or more device images including one or more indicator lights, identify the electronic device from the one or more device images, identify one or more indicator lights in the one or more device images, and generate indicated information for the electronic device from the one or more indicator lights. | 04-23-2015 |
20150103862 | ELECTRICAL COMPONENT REMOTE TEMPERATURE MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present techniques generally relate to a system and methods for remotely monitoring the interior of a closed electrical enclosure for localized heating (e.g., hot spots). In general, the monitoring system includes features designed to detect one or more hot spots within a dim or dark environment, determine the location of the hot spot within the enclosure, determine a temperature range of the hot spot, and/or notify (e.g., alarm or alert) an operator upon detection of the hot spot. The monitoring system may include one or more temperature sensitive elements configured to determine the heating of potential hot spots within the electrical enclosure. Further, the foregoing features may be designed to allow one or more electrical enclosures to remotely communicate with computer equipment (e.g., workstation or general purpose computers) over a wireless network. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102836 | PLD EDITOR AND METHOD FOR EDITING PLD CODE - A PLD editor and method for editing PLD code to be programmed into a PLD are provided. The PLD editor includes an interface, a storage system, and a processing system configured to obtain a PLD code, with the PLD code comprising one or more logic instruction blocks and corresponding block parameters for each logic instruction block, with the PLD code being intended for programming into the PLD, compare the one or more logic instruction blocks of the PLD code to a subset of the library of logic instruction blocks applicable to the PLD according to the library of PLD devices, determine inconsistent logic instruction blocks of the one or more logic instruction blocks, indicate the inconsistent logic instruction blocks, and correct the inconsistent logic instruction blocks using the subset of the library of logic instruction blocks. | 04-16-2015 |
20150099407 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING POWER THROUGH A PLUG-IN UNIT - A stab for use in a plug-in assembly includes a stab piece and a lug. The stab piece includes one or more contact arms configured to engage a bus bar, and a base portion coupled to the one or more contact arms. The base portion is configured to be coupled to a stab shaft for rotating the stab about a rotational axis to transition the stab from a retracted position to an extended position. The lug is coupled to the stab piece and configured to receive wire for transmitting power from the bus bar to an electrical component. The lug is configured to be deformed around the wire to hold the wire when a crimping force is applied to the lug. The lug is configured to hold the wire at a position approximately centered on a rotational axis of the stab shaft when the lug is deformed by the crimping force | 04-09-2015 |
20150099378 | Apparatus for Connecting a Shared DC Bus Link - A system for connecting a shared DC bus between multiple power converters is disclosed. The DC bus includes a positive and a negative rail across which the DC voltage is present. A pair of DC bus stabs is mounted to a PCB within the power converter. Each DC bus stab is electrically connected to either the positive or negative rail. A connector assembly is mounted to the housing of the power converter such that a first receptacle engages a plug portion of the DC bus stab. The connector assembly also includes a second receptacle extending to the exterior of the power converter. The connector assembly is positioned on each power converter such that a known distance, or one of a number of known distances, is established between adjacent connector assemblies. A DC bus assembly extends between and is plugged into the second receptacle of the two adjacent connector assemblies. | 04-09-2015 |
20150098257 | MULTIFUNCTION POWER CONVERTER WITH OPTION FOR INTEGRATED MAGNETICS - Power converter modules and parallel conversion systems are presented in which the modules are provided in a rollable enclosure having AC and DC electrical connections, and an interior including a switching circuit with switching devices individually connected between a corresponding AC node and a corresponding DC node for operation as either a rectifier or an inverter and an internal filter circuit with inductors individually connected between a corresponding AC node of the switching circuit and a corresponding AC electrical connection, with a built-in blower or fan to cool the filter circuit during operation. | 04-09-2015 |
20150097571 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC GROUND FAULT LOCATION DETERMINATION IN HIGH RESISTANCE GROUNDED MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM - A PLC or other industrial controller programmed to locate ground faults in a networked high resistance grounded multi-drive system through network communications messaging to automatically place networked motor drives in various operational states to isolate individual drives for ground fault identification testing and selectively identify individual drives as suspected ground fault locations. | 04-09-2015 |
20150095396 | MULTIPLYING VARYING FIXED-POINT BINARY NUMBERS - Methods and systems for multiplying varying cast numbers are described herein. By using information related to the inputs to be multiplied, a single multiplier module may be used to multiply many different type cast numbers. These systems and methods may reduce hardware costs and complexity, reduce size of the circuitry, and/or reduce the complexity of the logic, among many other benefits. These systems and methods may be used with in industrial controllers in and industrial environment. | 04-02-2015 |
20150092460 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AFE FILTER CAPACITOR DEGRADATION - Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting capacitor degradation in an input filter of an active front end power conversion system in which voltage and current sensing is performed to determine sequence component impedance asymmetry to detect filter capacitor degradation according to the value of an off-axis admittance matrix component for Delta or Y-connected filter capacitor banks without sensitivity to voltage unbalance, and with the capability to identify particular degraded capacitor locations based on individual impedance values. | 04-02-2015 |
20150091597 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING PARTIAL DISCHARGE IN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS - A system for detecting partial discharge in electrical components may include a control system that may operate a drive in an industrial automation system. The industrial automation system may include the electrical components being analyzed for partial discharge. The system may also include one or more acoustic sensors that may detect one or more acoustic waveforms generated within at least one of the electrical components. The system may also include a monitoring system that may receive the acoustic waveforms from the acoustic sensors and determine whether the one electrical component is experiencing partial discharge based on the acoustic waveforms. The monitoring system may then send a notification to the control system when the one electrical component is determined to be experiencing partial discharge, such that the notification indicates that the one electrical component is experiencing partial discharge. | 04-02-2015 |
20150091582 | HRG GROUND FAULT DETECTOR AND METHOD - A HRG ground fault detector and method for detecting a ground fault in a High Resistance Ground (HRG) system are provided. The HRG ground fault detector in one example embodiment includes a first input A coupled to a first phase PH | 04-02-2015 |
20150091486 | Method and Apparatus for Detection of Drive Misconfiguration in a Multi-Axis Configuration - A system for detecting a mismatch between how a motor drive is connected electrically and how it is configured for operation is disclosed. The motor drive may either be connected in a stand-alone mode to control operation of a motor from an AC source without connection to another motor drive or be connected electrically to other motor drives, for example, in a paralleled mode, shared DC bus mode, or a combination thereof. A parameter identifies the expected electrical configuration of the motor drive. The power transferred to the DC bus is compared to the power transferred from the DC bus in the motor drive. If the difference between the power transferred to the DC bus and the power transferred from the DC bus exceeds a predetermined threshold, the motor drive detects the mismatch between 110W a motor drive is connected electrically and how it is configured for operation. | 04-02-2015 |
20150091485 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A DISCONNECT SWITCH VIA A NETWORK - A system for controlling a disconnect switch via a network may include a disconnect switch and a drive. The disconnect switch may receive alternating current (AC) power from an AC power supply, and the drive may then receive the AC power via the disconnect switch. The drive may include a processor that may communicatively couple to the disconnect switch. As such, the processor may control a drive operation that corresponds to the drive and control a disconnect operation that corresponds to the disconnect switch. | 04-02-2015 |
20150091484 | HIGH DYNAMIC CONTROL APPARATUS FOR CURRENT SOURCE CONVERTER - Current source converters and control methods are presented for high dynamic performance by implementing a DC link current control loop parallel to one or more motor control loops, with a DC link current control command value for operating the current source rectifier being derived at least partially independent of the motor control command values, wherein certain implementations drive the current source rectifier to its maximum rated value, or the DC current command value can be set above an amount required by the current source inverter using a gain factor which can be fixed or can itself be adjusted based on one or more motor control error values for balancing as-needed dynamic performance and efficiency. | 04-02-2015 |
20150077167 | ADAPTIVE ONLINE FILTER FOR DC OFFSET ELIMINATION - A phase angle detector with a PLL, a power converter, and a method for reducing offsets in an input signal, in which an adaptive offset processor selectively removes a DC offset component from the input signal to generate a modified signal including a fundamental frequency component and higher order harmonics of the input signal with the DC offset component removed, and the PLL provides a phase angle signal at least partially according to the modified signal. | 03-19-2015 |
20150066400 | Sizing And Tuning Methodology For Optimized Motion Control Components And Energy Efficiency - Aspects of the present invention provide a tool for simulating a motion control system that simulates performance and energy for a given configuration. The simulation analysis considers a motion profile and one or more corresponding performance parameters, and the resulting configuration provides hardware elements, such as drives and motors, and settings of those elements. The simulation allows optimization for energy efficiency, as opposed to only speed or accuracy. | 03-05-2015 |
20150066167 | Motion Control Systems With Improved Energy Efficiency - Aspects of the present invention provide a motion control system implementing an electronic motion profile for a load that is highly optimized for power efficiency by implementing several performance parameters that are non-overlapping with respect to time. Each performance parameter may characterize an acceptable level of performance or error with respect to the electronic motion profile. Performance parameters may include, for example, maximum position error, maximum velocity error, maximum error for regions or sections of the electronic motion profile, position settling time, position repeatability, position accuracy, position bandwidth, velocity bandwidth, acceleration time, motor thermal capacity, motor temperature and drive temperature. | 03-05-2015 |
20150061822 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING A SENSING ABILITY OF AN INTERLOCK SWITCH SYSTEM - A system for improving a sensing ability of an interlock switch system may include an interlock switch and a target component. The interlock switch may include a first antenna coil that may receive one or more signals from one or more antenna coils within a sensing range of the first antenna coil. The target component may include an actuator that may interface with the interlock switch. The target component may also include at least two antenna coils. Each of the at least two antenna coils may then include an electronic identification (ID) associated with the target component. | 03-05-2015 |
20150055305 | INTEGRATED CONNECTION SYSTEM - A modular connector system allows a user to configure physical and functional aspects of a sensor or electrical connector assembly to suit the requirements of a particular installation or application. A header module houses an electrical component, such as a photo sensor, a proximity switch, a safety sensor, etc. A variety of field modules and adapter modules are provided that can be selectively added to the header module to accommodate a wide range of applications. These field and adaptor modules can include power modules, communication modules, or other types of signal processing modules. The housings and electronics of the header, field, and adapter modules are designed such that the field and adapter modules can be rotated relative to the header module to suit physical environment of the connector's location. | 02-26-2015 |
20150018983 | SECURITY, SAFETY, AND REDUNDANCY EMPLOYING CONTROLLER ENGINE INSTANCES - The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates employing safety within an industrial environment. An enhancing component can implement at least one of a security level, authentication, authorization, or an access right to a validated action to at least one of the controller or the controller engine instance. The enhancing component can further separate two or more entities within the industrial environment, the first entity related to process control and the second entity related to process safety. Additionally, the enhancing component can employ at least one of a backup controller or a backup controller engine instance in the event of at least one of a software error or a hardware error within the industrial environment. | 01-15-2015 |
20150018978 | JOG PUSH BUTTON - Systems and methods are provided to facilitate correct execution of a machine jog operation where a plurality of interfaces can generate a machine jog command, which is received by an industrial controller. One or more machine jog commands can be received and state data is maintained regarding whether a machine jog command has been received. An OR gate logic operation is performed on the state data to determine whether a machine jog operation has been received from any of the plurality of interfaces, and in the event of receiving a machine jog operation, a control command is generated to effect a machine jog operation. The plurality of interfaces enable interaction with the controller, to facilitate control of a machine from a plurality of locations. The system can be expanded to include further interfaces. Also, information regarding a machine jog command can be published to the plurality of interfaces. | 01-15-2015 |
20140379626 | INFORMATION PLATFORM FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION STREAM-BASED DATA PROCESSING - An apparatus to predict future behavior of devices in an industrial automation environment is provided. The apparatus includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store program instructions, and program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The program instructions direct a processor within a stream-based processing system to receive a first raw data stream from a first manufacturing data source, and to analyze the first raw data stream with respect to behavior data corresponding to the first manufacturing data source. The program instructions also direct the processor to predict future behavior of one or more device associated with the first manufacturing data source, based on the analysis of the first raw data stream and the behavior data corresponding to the first manufacturing data source, and to perform an action based on the predicted future behavior of the one or more device. | 12-25-2014 |
20140376287 | MULTILEVEL VOLTAGE SOURCE CONVERTERS AND SYSTEMS - Nested neutral point clamped (NNPC) multilevel power converter stages and systems are presented, in which the converter stage includes an NPC inverter core circuit with a flying (switched) capacitor nesting circuit, with the switches of the NPC core and the switched capacitor circuit being gated using selected redundant switching states to control the voltage of the switched capacitors to achieve a multilevel output voltage having equally spaced voltage step values. Multiple inverter stages can meet cascaded or connected in various configurations to implement single or multiphase power conversion systems, and higher output voltages can be achieved by forming to converter stages into an H-bridge configuration, and connecting multiple H-bridge stages in series with one another. | 12-25-2014 |
20140368143 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION AND REVERSE MOTOR SPEED CONTROL FOR MOTOR DRIVE POWER LOSS EVENTS - Apparatus and methods are presented for mitigating overvoltages and limiting reverse motor speeds for motor drive power loss events, in which a first power dissipation circuit is enabled at the motor drive output to limit reverse rotation of a driven motor load when motor drive power is lost, and a second power dissipation circuit in a DC bus circuit is used to mitigate over voltages following restoration of motor drive power. | 12-18-2014 |
20140358256 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND SOFTWARE TO PRESENT HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACES ON A MOBILE DEVICE - A Human Machine Interface (HMI) system to present HMIs on mobile devices. Graphical HMIs are created in an editor application. The graphical HMIs are published and transferred to a server. To ease viewing of the graphical HMIs on mobile devices, the graphical HMIs are mobilized. A content conversion node analyzes components of an initial HMI to identify the components suitable for display on a mobile device. The content conversion node generates a mobile HMI based on the identified components. The content conversion node transfers the mobile HMI for delivery to a server. | 12-04-2014 |
20140343918 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMULATION OF AN AUTOMATION CONTROL SYSTEM - Present embodiments include an automation control system including one or more processors and memories with an application stored on the one or more memories and implemented by the one or more processors. The application includes an interface configured to communicate with automation devices via a communication subsystem. Further, the application includes an operation environment, a programming environment, and an emulation environment. The programming environment is configured to generate device elements corresponding to the automation devices within the operation environment in which the device elements are configured to functionally interact with the automation devices. The emulation environment is configured to automatically host an emulation model of the automation devices based on the device elements generated within the operation environment. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343696 | BINDING GRAPHIC ELEMENTS TO CONTROLLER DATA - Graphic element definitions are bound to industrial automation data types in an industrial control system. Moreover, a system provides automatic data searching and filtering of an item based on user interactions with either the graphic element definition or a controller data type. Further, a graphic element definition is associated with a data source type information, to simplify configuration of an instance of that graphic element and populate suitable data source fields based on instances of the associated data source type. In addition, a system to automatically generate the graphic element based on data from a logic controller is provided. Moreover, the graphic element can be updated to reflect a change in the data, without a manual refresh. | 11-20-2014 |
20140340054 | SELF-DISCHARGING CAPACITOR - A self-discharging capacitor may include a capacitor and a resistor coupled in parallel to the capacitor. The self-discharging capacitor may also include a housing such that the capacitor and the resistor may be enclosed within the housing. The housing may also enclose a potting material that is thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive. | 11-20-2014 |
20140337429 | INDUSTRIAL DATA ANALYTICS IN A CLOUD PLATFORM - Cloud-aware industrial devices feed robust sets of data to a cloud-based data analyzer that executes as a service in a cloud platform. In addition to industrial data generated or collected by the industrial devices, the devices can provide device profile information to the cloud-based analyzer that identifies the device and relevant configuration information. The industrial devices can also provide customer data identifying an owner of the industrial devices, contact information for the owner, active service contracts, etc. The cloud-based data analyzer leverages this information to perform a variety of custom analytics on the data and generate reports or notifications catered to the particular industrial assets' optimal performance and business goals of the owner's industrial enterprise, as well as perform real-time decision making and control. | 11-13-2014 |
20140337277 | INDUSTRIAL DEVICE AND SYSTEM ATTESTATION IN A CLOUD PLATFORM - An industrial attestation service executing on a cloud platform collects industrial data from multiple levels of an industrial enterprise and identifies subsets of the industrial data that characterize normal operation. In the cloud platform, baselines are generated for diverse aspects of the industrial enterprise based on the identified subsets, where the baselines characterize normal operation. The baselines are used as a reference in connection with device and system attestation. Aspects of the industrial enterprise that deviate from their corresponding baselines are identified in the cloud platform. Attestation reports indicating aspects of the enterprise that have altered relative to their baselines are delivered to client devices via the cloud platform. | 11-13-2014 |
20140337000 | USING CLOUD-BASED DATA FOR INDUSTRIAL SIMULATION - A cloud-based simulation generation service collects industrial data from multiple industrial customers for storage and analysis on a cloud platform. The service employs a simulation generator component that analyzes data to facilitate generating a simulation model that simulates an industrial automation system, including simulating or emulating industrial devices, industrial processes, other industrial assets, or network-related assets or devices, and their respective interrelationships with each other. The simulation generator component also analyzes modification data to facilitate generating a modified simulation model that simulates the industrial automation system based on the modification. The simulation generator component performs operation simulations using the simulation model or modified simulation model to facilitate determining whether making the modification is appropriate, determining or predicting performance of a modified industrial automation system, determining compatibility of a modification with an industrial automation system, or determining or predicting performance of the industrial automation system when processing a work order. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336795 | REMOTE ASSISTANCE VIA A CLOUD PLATFORM FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION - A remote technical support system leverages a cloud platform to automate technical support interactions, facilitating rapid diagnosis and solution of detected performance issues in industrial systems. The technical support system facilitates automated collection of relevant system data from a customer's industrial assets in the event of a detected performance issue requiring involvement of a technical support entity. The relevant system data can be sent to the cloud platform in response to a manual request for support at the plant floor, or automatically in response to detection of a possible device failure or performance issue. The cloud-based remote technical support system then routes the data to a suitable remote support representative, providing the representative with information about customer's industrial system and operations that may be relevant in connection with diagnosing the issue. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336791 | PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS USING BIG DATA - A cloud-based predictive maintenance service collects industrial data from multiple industrial customers for storage and analysis on a cloud platform. The service analyzes data gathered from multiple customers across different industries to identify operational trends as a function of industry type, application type, equipment in use, device configurations, and other such variables. Based on results of the analysis, the predictive maintenance service predicts anticipated device failures or system inefficiencies for individual customers. Notification services alert the customers of impending failures or inefficiencies before the issues become critical. The cloud-based notification services also notify appropriate technical support entities to facilitate proactive maintenance and device management. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336790 | AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTABLE INDUSTRIAL CONTROL CONFIGURATION - An industrial control configuration can be a dynamic entity where different controllers are added, are subtracted, fail, etc. When dynamic functions occur, bindings of the configuration can benefit from a modification. Therefore, automatic adjustment of bindings can occur to facilitated improved operation. Automatic adjustment can be practiced when the industrial control configuration is a distributed control configuration without reliance upon a central database. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336786 | USING CLOUD-BASED DATA FOR VIRTUALIZATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION ENVIRONMENT WITH INFORMATION OVERLAYS - A cloud-based virtualization generation service collects industrial data from multiple industrial automation systems of multiple industrial customers for storage and analysis on a cloud platform. A virtualization management component (VMC) generates a virtualized industrial automation system of an industrial automation system based on data analysis results. The VMC facilitates remotely controlling the industrial automation system based on user interactions with the virtualized industrial automation system, and updates the virtualized industrial automation system based on collected data relating to the industrial automation system. The VMC customizes a user's view of the virtualized industrial automation system based on a user's role, authorization, location, or preferences, wherein different views of the virtualized industrial automation system with different data overlays are presented on different communication devices of different users. The VMC enables a user to filter data of a virtualized view and share information, including virtual notes, with other users. | 11-13-2014 |
20140336785 | USING CLOUD-BASED DATA FOR VIRTUALIZATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT - A cloud-based virtualization generation service collects industrial-automation-system-related data from multiple industrial automation systems of multiple industrial customers for storage and analysis on a cloud platform. A virtualization management component analyzes the data and generates a virtualized industrial automation system of the industrial automation system based on the analysis results. The virtualization management component updates the virtualized industrial automation system based on operation of, and user interactions with, the industrial automation system. The virtualization management component receives user interactions with the virtualized industrial automation system to facilitate remotely interacting with and/or controlling the industrial automation system and/or generates corresponding control signals that it sends to the industrial automation system to facilitate controlling operation of the industrial automation system. The virtualization management component also customizes a user's view of the virtualized industrial automation system based on user's role, authorization, or location. | 11-13-2014 |
20140335480 | USING CLOUD-BASED DATA FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEM TRAINING - A cloud-based performance enhancement service captures and collects data relating to interactions of users with industrial automation systems of multiple industrial customers for storage and analysis on a cloud platform. The service employs a performance enhancement component that analyzes the data to facilitate determining correlations between certain user interactions and favorable performance of an industrial automation system, determining user interactions that are less favorable or unsafe, determining alternative actions that a user can take to achieve a same or similar preferred operational result, generating recommendations relating to the alternative actions, determining or designing components or techniques that can automate a preferred user action, determining improved user assignments in connection with the industrial automation system, and/or generating training modules or presentations based on preferred user actions that can be used to train users to more efficiently interact with an industrial automation system to achieve improved system performance. | 11-13-2014 |
20140333185 | THERMOSTAT CLAMP FOR ELECTRIC MOTORS - An electric motor assembly including a housing, a rotor, a stator supported in the housing, the stator having a plurality of individual windings, at least one thermostat for monitoring a temperature of at least one winding, and a thermostat clamp interposed between adjacent windings of the stator, the thermostat confined between the thermostat clamp and at least one winding. | 11-13-2014 |
20140331038 | METHODS FOR FIRMWARE SIGNATURE - A method for installing embedded firmware is provided. The method includes generating one or more firmware file instances and generating one or more digital certificate instances that are separate instances from the firmware file instances. The method includes associating the one or more digital certificate instances with the one or more firmware file instances to facilitate updating signature-unaware modules with signature-aware firmware or to facilitate updating signature-aware modules with signature-unaware firmware. | 11-06-2014 |
20140325009 | MESSAGING CONFIGURATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods that facilitate messaging capabilities within a unified plant model (UPM) via employing a plurality of core messaging primitives for configuration of messages that interact with a message engine of the industrial plant. In a related aspect, initially messaging host modules can be located on a network and associated policies identified. Next, data type ID and name syntax can be defined and unique UPM system identifiers generated by the system. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320056 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ACTIVE FRONT END FILTER CAPACITOR DEGRADATION DETECTION - Apparatus and methods are provided for detecting degradation of delta-connected filter capacitors in an active front end (AFE) power converter, in which delta circuit capacitor leg currents are calculated based on measured branch circuit currents, and filter capacitor impedance values are computed based on the calculated leg currents as well as measured line-to-line voltages and corresponding phase angles for comparison with one or more thresholds to selectively detect degradation of the filter capacitors. Further apparatus and methods are provided for detecting degradation of Y-connected filter capacitors by computation of fundamental frequency RMS impedance values as ratios of RMS capacitor voltages and RMS circuit branch currents, and comparison of the calculated RMS impedance values with one or more thresholds. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320048 | System and Method for Reducing Radiated Emissions in an Integrated Motor Drive - A motor drive, configured to be mounted to a motor, includes improvements to input circuits configured to receive and/or transfer power within the motor drive to reduce emissions over prior art motor drives. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the motor drive includes a voltage balancing circuit which utilizes surface mount capacitors having a voltage rating of at least 2772 VDC and, preferably, of at least 5000 VDC. According to another embodiment of the invention, the power supply includes a planar transformer wherein the primary and the secondary coils are uniformly formed by traces on the circuit board. | 10-30-2014 |
20140313621 | SELF PROTECTED DYNAMIC BRAKING - An apparatus for dynamic braking is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first switch connected to a first connection of a dynamic braking resistor and to a first power bus of a motor controller. The apparatus includes a second switch connected to a second connection of the dynamic braking resistor and to a second power bus of the motor controller. The motor controller provides power to and controls a motor. The apparatus includes a switch control module that controls the first and second switches to connect the dynamic braking resistor to the first and second power buses. The switch control module controls the first and second switches in response to a signal from the motor controller. | 10-23-2014 |
20140312811 | POSITION SENSORLESS OPEN LOOP CONTROL FOR MOTOR DRIVES WITH OUTPUT FILTER AND TRANSFORMER - A power converter, control apparatus and methods are presented for driving a permanent magnet motor or other load through a sine wave filter and a transformer, in which inverter output current is controlled using a current-frequency relationship to convert a desired frequency or speed value to a current setpoint, and the inverter output current is regulated to the current setpoint using a control algorithm with a bandwidth below the resonant frequency of the sine wave filter. | 10-23-2014 |
20140300298 | POWER STAGE PRECHARGING AND DYNAMIC BRAKING APPARATUS FOR MULTILEVEL INVERTER - Precharging and dynamic braking circuits are presented for multilevel inverter power stages of a power converter with a shared resistor connected to charge a DC bus capacitor with current from the rectifier circuit in a first operating mode and connected in parallel with the capacitor to dissipate power in a dynamic braking mode. | 10-09-2014 |
20140287633 | POWER CIRCUIT ELECTRICAL CONNECTION SYSTEM - A connector system is provided for use in power applications, such as for conveying three phase power in electrical enclosures. The system comprises plug assemblies in which a power conductor is mounted in a floating arrangement with elastically deformable conductive structures extending from either side thereof. A mating receptacle may be mounted on a bus conductor. Three such arrangements may be provided for conveying three phase power. The structures allow for plug-in mating of the system components while accommodating considerable translational and angular misalignment between the connector parts. | 09-25-2014 |
20140287221 | COATED INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION DEVICE - According to various embodiments, a coating mixture is capable of being applied on a substrate. The coating mixture includes acidified graphite particles, a suspension of polytetrafluoroethylene resin in water, and silver ion doped microporous particles. When the coating mixture is applied to a surface of the substrate, the coating resists growth of microorganisms. | 09-25-2014 |
20140283133 | CODE-ENABLED REMOTE ACTIVATION OF SOFTWARE FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - Systems, methods, and software for enabling software for industrial automation systems and equipment are provided herein. In one example, a non-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 receive a request for enabling use of software for an industrial control device, identify a code capable of enabling the software based at least in part on the request, and communicate the code to a user to use to enable the software for the industrial control device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280528 | STATE MACHINE CONFIGURATOR - A state machine configurator for creating controller-executable state machines is provided. The state machine configurator provides a development environment that allows a user to define a customized state machine for control of a particular industrial process. Once the states and state transitions are defined, the configurator compiles the state machine configuration information to generate a state machine instruction that can be imported into an industrial control program to facilitate control of the industrial process in accordance with the defined state machine. The state machine configurator supports creation of role-specific state machines and embedded state machines. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280520 | SYSTEM THAT PROVIDES FOR REMOVAL OF MIDDLEWARE IN AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION ENVIRONMENT - An industrial automation environment communication system comprises a component that receives a web-based request in an industrial automation environment, wherein the web-based request includes data relating to an automation device. An encapsulating component encapsulates the web-based request, wherein the encapsulation facilitates transmitting the data to the automation device via an industrial automation network protocol. | 09-18-2014 |
20140280301 | Sequential Deteministic Optimization Based Control System and Method - The embodiments described herein include one embodiment that a control method including executing an infeasible search algorithm during a first portion of a predetermined sample period to search for a feasible control trajectory of a plurality of variables of a controlled process, executing a feasible search algorithm during a second portion of the predetermined sample period to determine the feasible control trajectory if the infeasible search algorithm does not determine a feasible control trajectory, and controlling the controlled process by application of the feasible control trajectory. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277601 | Deterministic Optimization Based Control System and Method for Linear and Non-Linear Systems - The embodiments described herein include one embodiment that provides a control method including determining a linear approximation of a pre-determined non-linear model of a process to be controlled, determining a convex approximation of the nonlinear constraint set, determining an initial stabilizing feasible control trajectory for a plurality of sample periods of a control trajectory, executing an optimization-based control algorithm to improve the initial stabilizing feasible control trajectory for a plurality of sample periods of a control trajectory, and controlling the controlled process by application. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277600 | Stabilized Deteministic Optimization Based Control System and Method - The embodiments described herein include one embodiment that provides a control method, including determining a first stabilizing feasible control trajectory of a plurality of variables of a controlled process, determining a second stabilizing feasible control trajectory for the plurality of variables for a second time step subsequent to the first time step, determining a first cost of applying the first feasible control trajectory at the second time step, determining a second cost of applying the second feasible control trajectory at the second time step, comparing the first and second costs, selecting the first feasible control trajectory or the second feasible control trajectory based upon the comparison in a predetermined time frame, and controlling the controlled process by application of the selected control trajectory. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268954 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS AND DISCONTINUOUS ACTIVE RECTIFIER BOOST OPERATION TO INCREASE POWER CONVERTER RATING - Power conversion systems and operating methods are presented in which an active front end rectifier is operated in a boost mode using discontinuous pulse width modulation in a first range of DC bus voltage boost amount, and continuous space vector pulse width modulation is used in a second range, with the ranges being correlated to output derating with respect to filter inductor magnetics in the first range and to rectifier switching loss derating and the second range. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268953 | ACTIVE FRONT END POWER CONVERTER WITH BOOST MODE DERATING TO PROTECT FILTER INDUCTOR - Methods and apparatus are presented for controlling a power converter to protect input filter inductors from overheating, in which an active front end (AFE) rectifier is operated in a boost mode to provide a boosted DC voltage at a derated output current value selected according to the DC bus voltage boost amount corresponding to a maximum load condition for which the filter inductors will not overheat. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268928 | POWER CELL BYPASS METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTILEVEL INVERTER - Multilevel inverters, power cells and bypass methods are presented in which a power cell switching circuit is selectively disconnected from the power cell output, and a bypass which is closed to connect first and second cell output terminals to selectively bypass a power stage of a multilevel inverter, with an optional AC input switch to selectively disconnect the AC input from the power cell switching circuit during bypass. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268432 | MULTIMOTOR VARIABLE FREQUENCY OVERLOAD - An apparatus for protecting a motor includes two or more motor overloads, within a motor overload enclosure, protecting two or more motors. Each motor overload includes one or more current sensors where each current sensor includes a magnetic core and each current sensor includes a conductor positioned within the magnetic core where the conductor providing power to a motor protected by the two or more motor overloads (“protected motor”). Each motor overload includes a motor trip module that stops current flow to the protected motor in response determining that a thermal state of the protected motor has reached a thermal limit. Determining that the protected motor has reached a thermal limit includes using a current signal from at least one current sensor of the one or more current sensors that senses current of the protected motor to determine a thermal state of the protected motor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266521 | MULTIPOLE ELECTROMECHANICAL SWITCHING DEVICE - A method and apparatus using electromagnetic switching in a two-step connection process is provided to minimize surge currents and torque oscillations in three-phase motors during starts. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266241 | APPARATUS TO VERIFY AN ELECTRICALLY SAFE WORK CONDITION - An apparatus for electrical safety is disclosed. A system and an alternate apparatus also perform the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a test point accessible from an exterior of an enclosure while the enclosure is in a closed state. The enclosure houses one or more electrical components and the closed state prevents a user from touching the one or more electrical components. The apparatus includes a test conductor connected to a point on a conductor connected to an electrical component of the one or more electrical components where the test conductor is within the enclosure. The apparatus includes an impedance connecting the test point to the test conductor. The impedance is within the enclosure. The test point meets an Ingress Protection code rating of 20. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265976 | METHOD TO IMPLEMENT DRIVE DIAGNOSTICS AND PROGNOSTICS AUTOMATICALLY - An electric motor drive system includes a fan configured to cool power electronic components of the electric motor drive system. The electric motor drive system also includes a temperature sensor disposed proximate an air inlet of the fan and configured to sense an ambient temperature of air entering the air inlet. In addition, the electric motor drive system includes a processor communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to determine at least one of a drive prognostic and a derating requirement based on the sensed ambient temperature. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265741 | System and Method for Temperature Estimation in an Integrated Motor Drive - A system to monitor the temperature of power electronic devices in a motor drive includes a base plate defining a planar surface on which the electronic devices and/or circuit boards within the motor drive may be mounted. The power electronic devices are mounted to the base plate through the direct bond copper (DBC). A circuit board is mounted to the base plate which includes a temperature sensor mounted on the circuit board proximate to the power electronic devices. The temperature sensor generates a digital signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the sensor. A copper pad is included between each layer of the circuit board and between the first layer of the circuit board and the sensor. The circuit board also includes vias extending through each layer of the board. The copper pads and vias establish a thermally conductive path between the temperature sensor and the base plate. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265645 | CONTROLLED MOTION SYSTEM HAVING A MAGNETIC FLUX BRIDGE JOINING LINEAR MOTOR SECTIONS - A linear controlled motion system comprises a track formed from one or more track sections and having at least one mover mounted to the track and effective for receiving articles at one location and transporting the articles to another location. The system includes at least one magnetic linear motion motor for providing a magnetic field effective for moving each mover in a controlled motion along the track and a magnetic flux bridge for reducing changes in the magnetic flux that reduces the efficiency or interferes with the operation of the controlled motion system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265596 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ISLANDING DETECTION FOR GRID TIE CONVERTERS - Methods and apparatus are presented for unintentional islanding detection for grid tie converters in which the phase angle disturbance is introduced by modification of grid side converter switching control signals and a mismatch of reactive power between generation and the grid load is formed upon the occurrence of unintentional islanding, where the applied phase disturbance is determined according to two pre-defined curves to form an equivalent positive feedback at different frequencies to prevent the converter from forming an island at a new stable frequency after the grid is disconnected. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261396 | SUGAR CRYSTALLIZATION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - The embodiments described herein include one embodiment that provides a method for controlling sugar crystallization. The method includes, during a crystallization process, determining supersaturation of a sugar slurry of syrup and regulating influx of syrup into the sugar slurry to promote sugar crystallization in a closed-loop manner based upon the determined supersaturation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259886 | ADVANCED PROCESS CONTROL OF A BIODIESEL PLANT - A system includes a biodiesel production system and an advanced process controller configured to implement a model predictive control algorithm to control one or more aspects of the biodiesel production system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257531 | VISUALIZATION EMPLOYING HEAT MAPS TO CONVEY QUALITY, PROGNOSTICS, OR DIAGNOSTICS INFORMATION - A visualization system for creating, displaying and animating overview and detail heat map displays for industrial automation. The visualization system connects the heat map displays to an interface component providing manual or automatic input data from an industrial process or an archive of historical industrial process input data. The animated heat map displays providing quality, prognostic or diagnostic information. | 09-11-2014 |
20140254217 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RIPPLE AND PHASE LOSS DETECTION - Methods and apparatus are presented for detecting phase loss and/or excessive ripple in a power converter, in which bandpass filters are used to obtain harmonic voltage amplitudes associated with the power converter DC bus, and phase loss is detected if a ratio of the second harmonic to the sixth harmonic and/or a ratio of the fourth harmonic to the sixth harmonic exceed predetermined threshold values. | 09-11-2014 |
20140253055 | CONVERTER LIFETIME IMPROVEMENT METHOD FOR DOUBLY FED INDUCTION GENERATOR - The present techniques include methods and systems for operating converter to maintain a lifespan of the converter. In some embodiments, the operating frequency of the converter may be increased such that stress may be reduced on the bond wires of the converter. More specifically, embodiments involve calculating the aging parameters for certain operating conditions of the converter operating in a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode and determining whether the MPPT operation results in aging the converter to a point which reduces the converter lifespan below a desired lifespan. If the MPPT operation reduces the converter lifespan below the desired lifespan, the frequency of the converter may be increased such that the converter may be controlled to operate at a percentage of MPPT. Thus, in some embodiments, power output may be optimized with respect to maintaining a desired lifespan of the converter. | 09-11-2014 |
20140247560 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FACILITATE THERMAL TRANSFER FOR MOTOR DRIVE FEATURES USING DIAMOND LIKE CARBON COATING - The present disclosure includes a motor drive that includes a rectifier module, an inverter module, drive circuitry, and a heat dissipation feature. The heat dissipation feature is at least partially coated with a diamond-like carbon material in accordance with present embodiments. The diamond-like carbon material is configured to cooperate with the heat dissipation feature placement to dissipate heat from the rectifier module, the inverter module, or the drive circuitry. | 09-04-2014 |
20140244037 | RECOGNITION-BASED INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION CONTROL WITH PERSON AND OBJECT DISCRIMINATION - The present disclosure generally relates to a method for performing industrial automation control in an industrial automation system may include detecting, via a sensor system, positions and/or motions of one or more humans and/or one or more objects in an industrial automation system and distinguishing, via a programmed computer system, between one or more humans and one or more objects based upon the detected positions and/or motions. The method may then include implementing a control and/or notification action based upon the distinction. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244036 | RECOGNITION-BASED INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION CONTROL WITH CONFIDENCE-BASED DECISION SUPPORT - The present disclosure generally relates to a method for performing industrial automation control in an industrial automation system. As such, the method may include detecting, via a sensor system, positions and/or motions of a human. The method may then include determining a possible automation command corresponding to the detected positions and/or motions. After determining the possible automation command, the method may implement a control and/or notification action based upon the detected positions and/or motions. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244004 | RECOGNITION-BASED INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION CONTROL WITH POSITION AND DERIVATIVE DECISION REFERENCE - The present disclosure generally relates to a method for performing industrial automation control may include detecting, via a sensor system, positions and/or motions of a human in an industrial automation system, determining at least one derivative value from the detected positions and/or motions, and determining a possible automation command and an undesirable condition based upon the detected positions and/or motions and the at least one derivative value. The method may then include implementing a control and/or notification action based upon the determined possible automation command and the undesired condition. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244003 | RECOGNITION-BASED INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION CONTROL WITH REDUNDANT SYSTEM INPUT SUPPORT - The present disclosure generally relates to a method for performing industrial automation control in an industrial automation system. The method may include detecting, via a sensor system, positions and/or motions of a human. The method may then determine a possible automation command corresponding to the detected positions and/or motions, receive an automation system signal from at least one additional control component, and implement a control and/or notification action based upon the determined possible automation command and the received automation system signal. | 08-28-2014 |
20140244002 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING STATUS OF MODULES IN AN INDUSTRIAL CONTROLLER - An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243999 | PEER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MODULES IN AN INDUSTRIAL CONTROLLER - An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals. | 08-28-2014 |
20140237141 | Pulse Width Modulated Outputs for an Output Module in an Industrial Controller - An output module for an industrial controller configurable to simplify setup and commissioning is disclosed. The output module includes configurable PWM outputs that may be scheduled to start at different times within the PWM period, that may be configured to generate a fixed number of PWM pulses, and that may have an extendable PWM period. The output terminals are configurable to enter a first state upon generation of a fault and further configurable to enter a second state after a configurable time delay following the fault being generated. The output module may receive inputs signals directly from another module and set output signals at the terminals responsive to these signals. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236321 | HMI DEVICES WITH INTEGRATED USER-DEFINED BEHAVIOR - The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates utilizing a human machine interface (HMI). An interface component can facilitate receipt of data. A human machine interface (HMI) component communicatively coupled to the interface component can include a device with a pre-programmed primitive; the device employs a user-defined functionality via the received data. | 08-21-2014 |
20140223342 | AUTOMATIC USER INTERFACE GENERATION - A user interface generation system comprises a reception component that facilitates receipt of instantiated objects from within a programmable logic controller, wherein the objects conform to a hierarchically structured data model. A view generation component communicatively coupled to the reception component utilizes a subset of the objects to dynamically generate a user interface. For example, the hierarchically structured data model can be based at least in part upon one or more of ISA S95, ISA S88 and/or OMA. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222383 | SAFETY AUTOMATION BUILDER - A safety automation builder that assists in development of compliant safety functions for industrial safety systems is provided. The safety automation builder imports a system drawing or image of a user's manufacturing line, machine, or production area, and guides the user through a workflow that facilitates configuration of safety functions for each hazardous access point. The safety automation builder leverages a library of safety devices and encoded knowledge of industrial safety standards to guide the user toward selection of suitable safety devices for mitigating risks associated with the access points. Once configured, the safety automation builder can export the safety function data to an external verification system for confirmation that the configured safety functions comply with the prescribed industrial safety standards. | 08-07-2014 |
20140213102 | FIELD INSTALLABLE CONNECTOR BACKSHELL SHIELD FOR MOTOR DRIVE - A field installable backshell connector for a shielded cable provides an EMI shield around control signal conductors and a plastic connector of the cable and also provides a mechanical terminal of the cable. The backshell connector provides a low impedance ground path from the cable shield to a connector socket. The connector socket includes a plastic connector header that is shielded by a grounded metal shroud. When connected to the socket, the backshell is abutted with the connector socket shroud to complete the low impedance ground path from the cable shield in order to shunt electrical noise introduced on the cable shield, connector backshell and shroud to ground to resist electrical interference. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211657 | NETWORK CONFIGURABLE INDUSTRIAL DEVICE - A device is configured to be operable in a plurality of network environments. A number of different configurations are available to be set on the device, where a first configuration enables operation on a first network, and a second configuration enables operation on a second, disparate, network. A plurality of external ports in conjunction with a multiplexer switch, network switch, internal CPU, external CPU, routing links, etc., can be combined to facilitate multiple configurations for the device. The device is suitable for incorporation into a human machine interface, for application in an industrial processing operation. Receive port information can be incorporated into a data frame to facilitate identification of an external port associated with the reception of the data frame. Applicable networks include linear topology, ring topology, star topology, Ethernet, ROCKWELL NEO, EtherNet/IP, one or more LANs, etc. Configuration can be via a USB device or an interface. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211358 | INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION EMERGENCY STOP WITH STATE INDICTOR - The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. One embodiment provides an industrial automation system an emergency stop system configured to interrupt power to at least a portion of an industrial control system. The industrial automation system further includes a user perceptible indicator associated with the emergency stop system that in use provides an indication to a user of an operative state of the emergency stop system. | 07-31-2014 |
20140207868 | PEER-TO-PEER EXCHANGE OF DATA RESOURCES IN A CONTROL SYSTEM - System(s) and method(s) are provided for peer-to-peer exchange of data in a control system. Decentralized storage and multi-access paths provide complete sets of data without dependence on a specific or pre-defined data source or access paths. Data is characterized as data resources with disparate granularity. The control system includes a plurality of layers that act as logic units communicatively coupled through access network(s). Server(s) resides in a service layer, whereas client(s) associated with respective visualization terminal(s) are part of a visualization layer. Peer-to-peer distribution of data resource(s) can be based on available access network(s) resources and optimization of response time(s) in the control system. When client requests a data resource, all the locations of the data resource and the quickest source to retrieve it are automatically determined. The client stores copy of data resource. Peer-to-peer distribution of data resource(s) can be implemented within the service layer or the visualization layer. | 07-24-2014 |
20140197774 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING POWER CONVERTER WITH INVERTER OUTPUT FILTER - Power converters and methods are presented for driving an AC load connected through an intervening filter circuit, in which at least one filter current or voltage signal or value is determined according to feedback signals or values representing an output parameter at an AC output of the power converter, and AC electrical output power is generated at the AC output based at least partially on the at least one filter current or voltage signal or value. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197337 | LOW POWER SELF-LIMITING INPUT CIRCUIT - An input circuit for an input module having a plurality of inputs is disclosed. Each input circuit has a reduced number of components, providing for an increased number of inputs within an input module of comparable size to prior art input modules. Alternately, the input module may have a like number of inputs in a reduced size in comparison to prior art input modules. The reduced number of components similarly reduces the power dissipated by each input circuit. | 07-17-2014 |
20140193998 | Distribution Networks For Safety Sensors and Devices - In distribution networks for safety sensors and devices, aspects of the invention provide routing individualized status signals in parallel to potential safety sensor locations in addition to serially routing safety signals to provide substantially increased protection. A shorting plug that electrically shorts together an individualized status signal to a voltage reference level at a safety sensor location, in addition to electrically shorting together the safety signals for electrical continuity, provides individualized status information for each potential safety sensor location in addition to the serial safety information provided by the safety signals. Another aspect of the invention provides a remote monitoring device coupled to one or more adapter ports, with each adapter port coupled to one or more safety sensors, wherein adapter ports are coupled via cabling with cable endings of the same type, thereby preventing circumvention of a safety sensor simply by coupling together adjacent cables. | 07-10-2014 |
20140192929 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLOCK DATA RECOVERY FROM MANCHESTER CODED SERIAL DATA STREAM - Methods and apparatus are presented for obtaining clock data from Manchester coded serial data streams, in which received data is sampled at a sample rate higher than the serial data baud rate, multi-bit groups of transition bits are generated which individually indicate data transition locations in a corresponding multi-bit sampled data bit group, and clock data is derived using the multi-bit groups of transition bits without requiring receipt of synchronization data or receipt of a separate clock. | 07-10-2014 |
20140173472 | VISUALIZATION PROFILES AND TEMPLATES FOR AUTO-CONFIGURATION OF INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - A visualization system utilizing pre-configured visualization profiles and templates to reduce the level of effort and time required to commission an industrial automation visualization system. The preconfigured visualization profiles and templates include graphic displays, informational reports and data sampling and collection strategies appropriate for the specific sector of manufacturing or industry. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172148 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROGRAMMABLE NUMERICAL CONTROL - A method of controlling a machine tool and other controlled devices, as well as a programmable numerical control (PNC) system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method of controlling includes receiving a first part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC), and storing the first part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC. The method further includes communicating information between the PLC and an operator interface regarding the first part program, and providing a first signal from the PLC to a first port so as to cause the first machine tool to be operated in accordance with the first part program. Also, in at least some embodiments, the PNC system allows for control of multiple machine tools and/or other controlled devices, by way of one or more part programs, and/or for editing of a part program while that program is being executed. | 06-19-2014 |
20140156710 | EMBEDDING CONTROLLERS AND DEVICES WITH DATA TO FACILITATE UP-TO-DATE CONTROL AND CONFIGURATION INFORMATION - An industrial automation system comprising a processor with an updating component coupled to automation devices via a network. The updating component reads control information from machine readable representations of the devices and populates a data structure with the control information. The updating component also updates configuration information of a device from data stored in a file object and/or the data structure, further allowing this transfer to be fragmented into a plurality of messages if the configuration information exceeds a threshold. As well, a vendor deployment methodology is provided that embeds devices and firmware for devices with a Device Type Manager (DTM) prior to deployment and can optionally allow post deployment updates to the DTM. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156234 | INPUT OUTPUT CLONING FOR INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION - Methods and systems for creating and running and industrial control system simulation are described herein. The physical I/O and other modules of the industrial control system may be modeled and specific communication channels may be created by a modeling software module. This may increase the likelihood that the timing of the simulation may be more like real-time operation of the industrial control system. This may enhance the system design and save time of system design and start-up and troubleshooting of the operational industrial control system. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156050 | MICROBIAL MONITORING AND PREDICTION - Aspects describe capturing various bacteria levels within a process affected by microbial agents. A model of the process and a model of expected bacteria growth are analyzed and, based on the analysis, at least one process parameter is automatically modified to improve or optimize the product or process or other business or operational objectives. Also provided are at least two autonomous agents within the process. The at least two autonomous agents communicate and autonomously implement an action in an upstream stage and/or downstream stage within the process, wherein the at least two autonomous agents access the representation of the process and the biological representation and/or bio-chemical representation to implement the action. | 06-05-2014 |
20140145638 | Circuit That Deciphers Between AC and DC Input Signals - Electronic devices require correct power in order to operate correctly. Receiving an incorrect power signal could potentially result in immediate and/or long term harm to the electronic device and/or catastrophic conditions. Certain devices, such as programmable logic controller (“PLC”) modules, may provide variable power to electronic devices, such as field devices comprising sensors and/or actuators. The present inventors have recognized that deciphering between AC and DC input signals before coupling electronic devices to such power sources may advantageously avoid harmful and/or catastrophic conditions. Aspects of the present invention provide an electronic circuit for deciphering between an AC and a DC input signal. Systems and methods are also described. | 05-29-2014 |
20140136130 | Method and Apparatus for Motor Drive Diagnostics - A method for detecting fault conditions in a motor drive at power up is disclosed. During the power up sequence, input power is applied to the motor drive and the DC bus begins to charge to its normal operating level. Once the DC bus has reached a suitable level and prior to commanding motion of the attached motor, the shunt resistor is connected across the DC bus for a short duration. The amplitude of voltage and current present on the DC bus are measured while the shunt resistor is connected across the DC bus. The measurements are then used to detect fault conditions in the motor drive. The presence of the fault conditions are relayed to an operator. Thus, the motor drive may detect certain fault conditions prior to commanding motion from the drive. | 05-15-2014 |
20140134599 | MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF A FERMENTATION FEED IN BIOFUEL PRODUCTION - System and method for managing fermentation feed in a biofuel production process, comprising a dynamic multivariate predictive model-based controller coupled to a dynamic multivariate predictive model. The model is executable to: receive process information, including water inventory and biomass information, from the biofuel production process; receive a specified objective for the fermentation feed specifying a target biomass concentration; and generate model output comprising target values for a plurality of manipulated variables of the biofuel production process, including target flow rates of water and/or biomass contributing to the fermentation feed in accordance with the specified objective. The controller is operable to dynamically control the biofuel production process by adjusting the plurality of manipulated variables to model-determined target values to stabilize water/biomass balance in the fermentation feed in accordance with the specified objective, including the specified target biomass concentration. | 05-15-2014 |
20140132295 | DRIVE FAILURE PROTECTION - The present techniques include methods and systems for detecting a failure in a capacitor bank of an electrical drive system. Embodiments include using discharge resistors to discharge capacitors in the capacitor bank, forming a neutral node of the capacitor bank. In different capacitor configurations, the neutral node is measured, and the voltage is analyzed to determine whether a capacitor bank unbalance has occurred. In some embodiments, the node is a neutral-to-neutral node between the discharged side of the discharge resistors and a neutral side of the capacitor bank, or between the discharged side of the discharge resistors and a discharged side of a second set of discharge resistors. In some embodiments, the node is a neutral-to-ground node between the discharged side of the discharge resistors and a ground potential. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130012 | OBJECT DESIGN - Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses that can provide a holistic, bottom-up approach to facilitate the design of objects (e.g., modular objects that can facilitate industrial automation applications). The design approach includes selection of an object from a library of a plurality of objects; filtration of functionalities of the object based on a workflow of an application; and display of the object for customization of the object for the application with the filtered functionalities masked. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129822 | RUNTIME PROCESS DIAGNOSTICS - Content management includes populating a library with modular objects and metadata associated with the modular objects. In response to a query, the library can be searched based in part on the metadata. The query can relate to implementation of an industrial process. One or more modular objects in the library can be identified as satisfying the query. A result of the query can be output and the output can include the identified modular objects and the respective metadata associated with the identified modular objects. The metadata can be anything known about the object that might not be accessible at runtime control. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129688 | CLOUD BASED DRIVE MONITORING SOLUTION - A cloud-based remote monitoring system and method monitor an industrial facility. The industrial facility includes one or more industrial devices. A cloud agent located at the industrial facility is configured to, by at least one processor, collect data indicative of a past and/or a present state of the industrial devices according a manifest specific to the industrial facility. The cloud agent is further configured to send the collected data to a remote cloud platform according to the manifest dynamically reconfigure the cloud agent without interrupting the collecting and the sending. The cloud platform processes the sent data to facilitate remote monitoring of the industrial devices. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129550 | CONTENT MANAGEMENT - Content management includes populating a library with modular objects and metadata associated with the modular objects. In response to a query, the library can be searched based in part on the metadata. The query can relate to implementation of an industrial process. One or more modular objects in the library can be identified as satisfying the query. A result of the query can be output and the output can include the identified modular objects and the respective metadata associated with the identified modular objects. The metadata can be anything known about the object that might not be accessible at runtime control. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129491 | EMPIRICAL MODELING WITH GLOBALLY ENFORCED GENERAL CONSTRAINTS - In certain embodiments, a method includes formulating an optimization problem to determine a plurality of model parameters of a system to be modeled. The method also includes solving the optimization problem to define an empirical model of the system. The method further includes training the empirical model using training data. The empirical model is constrained via general constraints relating to first-principles information and process knowledge of the system. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129182 | OBJECT DESIGN DATA MODEL - Content management includes populating a library with modular objects and metadata associated with the modular objects. In response to a query, the library can be searched based in part on the metadata. The query can relate to implementation of an industrial process. One or more modular objects in the library can be identified as satisfying the query. A result of the query can be output and the output can include the identified modular objects and the respective metadata associated with the identified modular objects. The metadata can be anything known about the object that might not be accessible at runtime control. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129181 | OBJECT DESIGN - Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses that can provide an approach to facilitate the design of objects (e.g., modular objects that can facilitate industrial automation applications). The design approach includes: facilitate a display of configuration data representing a configuration of objects selected for an application; analysis of metadata associated with an object of the configuration of objects; and generation of suggestion data representing a suggestion regarding an optimization of the configuration of the objects for the application based on the analysis of the metadata. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129017 | EVENT MANAGEMENT - Described herein are mechanisms for providing event objects that can be configured under a certain timing or sequence context in parallel to similar event objects that are configured under another timing or sequence context. These mechanisms can be employed, for example, within an industrial controller. The mechanisms include queuing a first event object on a queue according to a first timing or sequence context and queuing a second event object on the queue according to a second timing or sequence context in parallel to the queuing of the first event object. The mechanisms can further facilitate consumption of the first event object from the queue by a first code element and consumption of the second event object from the queue by a second code element. In other words, the first and second code elements are activated through the consumption of the first and second event object. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129005 | INTEGRATION OF WORKFLOW AND LIBRARY MODULES - Content management includes populating a library with modular objects and metadata associated with the modular objects. In response to a query, the library can be searched based in part on the metadata. The query can relate to implementation of an industrial process. One or more modular objects in the library can be identified as satisfying the query. A result of the query can be output and the output can include the identified modular objects and the respective metadata associated with the identified modular objects. The metadata can be anything known about the object that might not be accessible at runtime control. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129002 | CONFIGURATION AND MONITORING VIA DESIGN DIAGRAM REPRESENTATION - A design diagram representation for an industrial operator interface that combines configuration and presentation aspects is provided. The design diagram representation illustrates state transitions, interlocks, and/or permissives for an industrial process or device as a dataflow diagram, a state diagram, or other such diagrams, and renders live state information for the process or device as numeric indicators, string indicators, color-animated state icons, and the like. Flow lines of the diagram are highlighted based on the displayed state information to convey an overall status of the process. In addition, the design diagram representation includes one or more data fields that allow an operator to modify or set a numeric variable for the industrial process (e.g. a timer, a setpoint, etc.), thereby allowing the industrial process to be viewed and configured using a single interface. | 05-08-2014 |
20140128998 | ONLINE INTEGRATION OF MODEL-BASED OPTIMIZATION AND MODEL-LESS CONTROL - In certain embodiments, a control system includes a model-less controller configured to control operation of a plant or process. The control system also includes an automation controller operatively connected for access to a model of the plant or process being controlled by the model-less controller. The automation controller is configured to modify parameters of the model-less controller via an explicit optimization procedure. | 05-08-2014 |
20140128996 | SECURE MODELS FOR MODEL-BASED CONTROL AND OPTIMIZATION - In certain embodiments, a control/optimization system includes an instantiated model object stored in memory on a model server. The model object includes a model of a plant or process being controlled. The model object comprises an interface that precludes the transmission of proprietary information via the interface. The control/optimization system also includes a decision engine software module stored in memory on a decision support server. The decision engine software module is configured to request information from the model object through a communication network via a communication protocol that precludes the transmission of proprietary information, and to receive the requested information from the model object through the communication network via the communication protocol. | 05-08-2014 |
20140126120 | MOTOR CONTROL CENTER UNIT WITHDRAW WITH DOOR CLOSED - An electrical enclosure wherein an electrical component can be moved between various positions (e.g., connected, disconnected, test, etc.) without opening an enclosure door. The electrical enclosure supports a component for movement between a withdrawn position, a test position, and an inserted position. A handle is accessible by an operator from an exterior of the enclosure and is configured to move the component between the respective positions without having to open the enclosure. The handle is integral with the enclosure and thus an operator needs no special tool or other device to effect movement of the electrical component between its respective positions. | 05-08-2014 |
20140125161 | INTEGRATED DRIVE-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WITH IP SEAL AND ENHANCED HEAT TRANSFER - An electronics drive module is connected to the flange of a drive motor assembly. The module includes: a metal frame including a peripheral wall; and a metal floor. A power supply PCBA is located adjacent the upper surface of the metal floor, and a switching chip assembly is located adjacent the lower surface of the floor. The base plate of the switching chip assembly conducts heat into the floor and conducts heat into the mounting flange. An environmental seal is located between the lower edge of the frame and the sealing surface of the mounting flange and extending coextensively with the lower edge of the peripheral wall such that a sealing zone is defined within the peripheral wall of the frame and the first and second thermal interfaces are located within the sealing zone. | 05-08-2014 |
20140123276 | AUTOMATION SYSTEM ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An improved system and method for controlling access of components to industrial automation system resources by reference to the various operational states of the industrial automation system. A central access control system includes a processing circuitry, interface circuitry configured to receive information pertaining to the operational state of an automation system, memory circuitry, and a display and user interface. In operation, access to automation components are either allowed or denied based on the designation of an operational state of an automation system. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121789 | ADVISABLE STATE OF CONTROLLED OBJECTS IN FACTORY AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - An advisable state notification framework for an operator interface system is provided. Advisable states represent events detected within an industrial system that are less critical than alarm events but that nevertheless warrant notification. The framework supports multiple classes of advisable states, which are configured and handled separately from alarm states. Each class of advisable state is notified using a unique graphical icon. Moreover, the framework distributes advisable state icons on selected screens throughout the display screen navigational hierarchy to guide the operator to screens that identify the source of the advisable state. The notification and guidance features are inherent to the operator interface development environment, accelerating development time and reducing the need to create a custom notification framework. | 05-01-2014 |
20140118117 | Radio Frequency Identification in Safety Applications - Aspects of the present invention provide an RFID system for safely controlling an auto guided vehicle, an automated robot or other moving object (“AGV/BOT”). The system may include a plurality of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags, and each may store a unique identification in a first memory location, a position in a second memory location and/or an instruction in a third memory location. An AGV/BOT having an RFID transceiver or antenna and a computer with a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a predetermined table may read one or more of the memory locations. The table comprises a plurality of data elements with certain data elements associated with particular RFID tags. The AGV/BOT safely determines its location upon matching the one or more memory locations read with one or more data elements, or triggers a fault upon failing to match. The AGV/BOT may also predict the next RFID tag. | 05-01-2014 |
20140111303 | Lock-Out, Tag-Out System Using Safety Programmable Logic Controller - 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. | 04-24-2014 |
20140107814 | SEQUENTIAL FUNCTION CHART (SFC) ONLINE EDITING WITHOUT RESET - A change monitor as part of an online editor of a sequential function chart (SFC) programming environment monitors edits to a control routine. The change monitor provides warning to users before taking actions that would result in a reset of the control routine currently being executed by an industrial controller. The change manager reduces or eliminates many situations that would otherwise result in a reset as well by instructing online editor as to what language elements need to be assembled to implement the change. The change monitor also filters the manner in which reset warnings are given to reduce unnecessary distractions. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105004 | Hardware-Based Granular Traffic Storm Protection - Aspects of the present invention provide a device, method and system which utilize hardware-based granular evaluation of industrial control protocol packets to withstand traffic storms. In an embodiment, packet evaluation circuitry coupled to a port may be adapted to evaluate one or more protocol fields contained in each inbound packet before switching circuitry can send the inbound packet to the proper destination. The inbound packet may be sent by the switching circuitry if it is a particular message, or may be selectively inhibited from being sent by the switching circuitry if the inbound packet does not contain the particular message for being sent and if the total number of bytes of the inbound packet type exceeds a threshold for the outbound port during a given period of time. As such, critical industrial applications may continue to operate in the presence of a traffic storm. | 04-17-2014 |
20140104740 | SWTICHING PHASE OFFSET FOR CONTACTOR OPTIMIZATION - A system and methods providing for minimizing the arc energy delivered to the pads of a plurality of contactors using a single control coil based on monitoring the electrical sine waves of the three alternating current electrical poles and calculating the instant to energize or deenergize a single control coil. The remainder of the contactors will make or break based on an offset in time from the making or breaking of the control contactor. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103848 | ERROR DIAGNOSTICS AND PROGNOSTICS IN MOTOR DRIVES - An automation network that utilizes motor drives to diagnose faults, and provide potential solutions to a user. The fault status and/or diagnostic remedies may be displayed via a user display integrated with (e.g., in a single cabinet with) the motor drives and/or coupled to (e.g., in an external device separate from) the motor drives. As such, a logic process or other algorithm may be executed by the motor drive to determine a potential set of solutions for any given fault, based on, for example, determined errors and likelihood of causes for presentation to a user. In this manner, motor drives may allow for user corrective actions to be communicated to a user. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103122 | MOTOR AND MOTOR DRIVE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM USING BARCODE - A motor drive system includes a motor drive configured to provide signals to an electric motor to drive the motor in operation. A barcode is disposed on the motor drive and is configured to be scanned by a user device to provide the user device with information relating to the motor drive or operation of the motor drive. | 04-17-2014 |
20140096996 | Single Motor Power and Communication Cable - Aspects of the present invention provide a combined power and communications cable for use with a motor and drive unit in an industrial control system. By grouping, electrically shielding and jacketing particular conductors, and applying certain fillers, noise and interference onto low voltage communication conductors caused by high voltage power conductors is minimized. The cable may comprise first, second and third insulated conductors twisted together and covered by a cable jacket (first group); fourth and fifth insulated conductors twisted together and covered by an electrical shield (second group); and a sixth insulated conductor for delivering a protective ground (third group). The first, second and third groups are twisted together, covered by an electrical shield and covered by a cable jacket. Filler may be formed around the fourth and fifth insulated conductors, and may be formed around the first, second and third groups, to substantially maintain round geometric shapes. | 04-10-2014 |
20140094939 | Industrial Control System With Position Offsets Embedded In Remote Devices - An industrial control system provides for distributed processing of position related signals by remote I/O modules to correct for spatial offsets of sensors or actuators associated with the I/O modules, the latter which may receive position data and may correct timing signals detected at the I/O modules according to a stored position offset within the I/O modules. | 04-03-2014 |
20140091737 | DRIVE WITH SERVER - The present invention relates to a drive system that includes a module that operates as a server, where at least sometimes the module is at least one of directly integrated with another module that operates as a drive and fully integrated to include the drive. The server allows for communications with one or more terminals via an internet-type communications medium, while the drive is for controlling, monitoring and/or otherwise interacting with at least one motor, electromechanical machine, or other appropriate type of machine/process. In at least some embodiments, the server is capable of providing web pages, executable programs and/or other information including, for example, information in accordance with an FTP protocol onto the internet for receipt by the terminals. The terminals communicate commands and other information via the internet back to the server, which in turn can influence the drive and the controlled machine/process. | 04-03-2014 |
20140085332 | INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION VISUALIZATION SCHEMES EMPLOYING OVERLAYS - A visualization system utilizing preconfigured overlay models and data models to create overlay displays representing different views of the same data or a single view of different data. The visualization system provides for collecting and sharing overlay displays and data sets with other communicatively connected visualization systems. The overlays can be automatically created by the visualization system and can be presented in different formats such as a three-dimensional or a translucent display. | 03-27-2014 |
20140077630 | HEATSINK DESIGN WITH THERMAL INSULATOR TO REDUCE ENCODER TEMPERATURE FOR MP MOTOR - An electric motor assembly including a housing, an electric motor supported in a motor compartment of the housing, an encoder operatively coupled to the electric motor and supported in an encoder compartment of the housing, and a heat sink surrounding at least a portion of the encoder, the heat sink in thermal contact with an end cap of the housing at least partially defining the encoder compartment, whereby the heat sink is adapted to absorb heat from the encoder and conduct heat to the end cap. | 03-20-2014 |