| Invensys Systems, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120124255 | Priority Logic Module - In a nuclear process control system, a priority logic module (PLM) is provided. The priority logic module comprises a plurality of input ports, each input port associated with one of a plurality of priorities, a plurality of output ports, and a test mode select port associated with a test mode select signal. The test mode select signal selects one of a normal mode or test mode, each mode being associated with matching signals received by the input ports to signals sent by the output ports. The priority logic module further comprises a configurable priority logic circuit, wherein the priority logic circuit maps one of the input ports to one of the output ports. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118077 | MULTIPHASE METERING SYSTEM - A multi-phase fluid is passed through a Coriolis flowmeter and a watercut meter. The multi-phase fluid includes two phases during a first time period and three phases during a second time period. It is determined that the multi-phase fluid includes two phases during the first time period, and a first value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the Coriolis flowmeter during the first time period. A second value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the watercut meter during the first time period. The first value is compared to the second value, and it is determined, based on the comparison, that the first value and the second value are inconsistent with each other. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120096463 | System and Method for Integrated Workflow Scaling - A system is provided. The system comprises a first computer located in a first plant, a first memory, and a first object based process management application stored in the first memory. The system further comprises a second computer located in a location separate from the first plant, a second memory, and a second object based process management application stored in the second memory. When executed on the first computer, the first application invokes scripts in response to events and the scripts launch tasks. When executed on the second computer, the second computer invokes scripts in response to events and the scripts launch tasks, one of the events acted on by the second application is a message received from the first application. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120096180 | Achieving Lossless Data Streaming in a Scan Based Industrial Process Control System - A system for lossless sequence of events data streaming in a scan based process control system is provided. The system comprises a digital interface component, the digital interface component configured to receive a plurality of sequence of events data collected during one scan period, to produce a sequence of events data buffer comprising a plurality of sequence of events data, and to make the sequence of events data buffer available to at least one system component. The digital interface component comprises a storage component, the storage component configured to store a sequence of events data buffer. The system further comprises a processing component that accesses the sequence of events data from the storage component and processes the sequence of events data. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095925 | System and Method of Federated Workflow Data Storage - A system is provided comprising a first and second computer system, a first and second memory, and a first and second application. The first application executes a first workflow that receives a first input from an HMI in a first plant, in response generates a first event that assigns a first task associated to a role performed at the first plant, receives a second input associated with the first task, in response to the second input generates a second event, and transmits the second event. The second application executes a second workflow that receives the second event and assigns a second task associated to a role performed at the office separate from the first plant, receives a third input associated with the second task, and in response to the third input transmits information to the HMI that changes the process mediated by the HMI in the first plant. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095808 | System and Method for Process Predictive Simulation - A system for process control is provided. The system comprises a computer system, a data store comprising a plurality of data sets, each data set associated with operating conditions of a plant at a particular time, a first application, and a second application, the first and second applications executed by the computer system. The first application simulates operation of the plant in accordance with first principles and based on one of the data sets. The second application receives plant simulation data from the first application, aggregates plant historical data about the plant from a plurality of sources, associates the plant simulation data and the plant historical data to components of the plant, analyzes the plant simulation data and the plant historical data, and visually presents an information produced by the analysis of the plant simulation data and the plant historical data. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095585 | System and Method for Workflow Integration - A system is provided. The system comprises a computer system, an at least one memory; and a first application stored in the at least one memory. When executed by the computer system, the first application automatically executes a workflow that receives a first input from a human machine interface (HMI) in a first plant, in response to the first input generates a first event that assigns a first task associated to a first functional role performed at the first plant, receives a second input associated with the first task, in response to the second input generates a second event that assigns a second task associated to a second functional role, receives a third input associated with the second task, in response to the third input transmits information to the human machine interface that changes the process mediated by the human machine interface in the first plant. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095574 | EQUIPMENT CONDITION AND PERFORMANCE MONITORING USING COMPREHENSIVE PROCESS MODEL BASED UPON MASS AND ENERGY CONSERVATION - A method and apparatus capable of monitoring performance of a process and of the condition of equipment units effecting such process is disclosed. A process model predicated upon mass and energy balancing is developed on the basis of a plurality of generally nonlinear models of the equipment units. At least one or more of such equipment models are characterized by one or more adjustable maintenance parameters. Data relating to mass and energy transfer within the process is collected and is reconciled with the mass and energy characteristics of the process predicted by the model. The condition of the equipment units and process performance may then be inferred by monitoring the values of the maintenance parameters over successive data reconciliation operations. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120044015 | Universal Digital Input Module in a Process Automation Controller - In a process automation controller, a universal digital input module is provided. The universal digital input module comprises a plurality of digital input channels, each channel to sink a first current at a first voltage level associated with an input having a digital high value and to sink a second current at a second voltage level associated with the input having a digital high value, wherein the first current is greater than the second current and wherein the first voltage is less than the second voltage. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041711 | Enhanced Rotation Measurement - An apparatus is provided comprising a detector, a memory, and a logic component. The detector is configured to receive a rotary motion input signal and a counter signal and to send a plurality of time values based on the input signal and the counter signal. The memory stores the plurality of time values in an ordered sequence and is coupled to the detector. The logic component selects time values stored in the memory by skipping a predefined number of time values in the ordered sequence, reads the selected time values to determine a coherent set of data values, and sends the coherent set of data values. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120019389 | Accuracy Improvement In Flowmeter Systems - Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a flowmeter method and system. In an implementation, a signal is received a signal from a flowmeter and a value is determined based on the signal. The value is compared to a threshold. A heartbeat value is provided when the value is greater than a threshold value. In some implementations, a flow rate of a fluid is based on the heartbeat value. In some implementations, the heartbeat value is monitored and an alarm is selectively generated based on the monitoring. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120009868 | methods and apparatus for process control with improved commnication links - A control network carries information between nodes in a control system. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a control network includes first and second nodes, each of which is associated with at least one device in a control system, such as a controller, actuator, sensor, or otherwise. The first node is configured to wirelessly transmit information for simultaneous, or substantially simultaneous, transfer to the second node over at least two pathways. Those pathways can be made up of one or more network segments that interconnect nodes in the control network. In some cases, at least one of the at least two pathways is through a third and/or further nodes. Further, the first node can employ different radio channels, e.g., using different frequencies from one another, over at least one of the at least two pathways to transmit information to the second node. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110282866 | System And Method For Retrieving And Processing Information From A Supervisory Control Manufacturing/Production Database - A database server for handling steams of time stamped data points for tagged variables is disclosed herein that supports a set of advanced data retrieval operations/queries invoked by clients of the database server. The advanced data retrieval operations are invoked by client queries to provide, on demand, secondary information by processing previously tabled data corresponding to received data streams rendered by a variety of data sources in a supervisory control/monitoring, process control and/or automated equipment environment. Calculations, on previously stored data, for rendering the secondary information are performed within the database server at the time the secondary information is requested by a client of the historian that maintains a database containing the previously stored data. Moreover, a filtering stage and enhanced time-in-state processing operations are supported. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282836 | REPLICATING TIME-SERIES DATA VALUES FOR RETRIEVED SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND MANUFACTURING PARAMETER VALUES IN A MULTI-TIERED HISTORIAN SERVER ENVIRONMENT - A multi-tiered replicated process database and corresponding method are disclosed for supporting replication between tiers. The multi-tiered replicated process database comprises a tier one (T1) database server computer including a process history database and a replication service. The replication service includes a set of accumulators. Each accumulator is adapted to render a summary T2 database tag data structure from a set of data values retrieved from the process history database for a specified T1 database tag. The replicated database system also includes a tier two (T2) database server computer comprising a consolidated database that includes process data replicated from a set of T1 database servers. At least a portion of the process data replicated from the set of T1 database servers is summary T2 database tag data rendered by the set of accumulators. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110259077 | CORIOLIS FLOWMETER WITH ZERO CHECKING FEATURE - Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110225503 | Method and System for Remote Control of a Local System - A computer implemented system comprises a remote industrial factory automation control system tool stored in a non-transitory computer readable media that, when executed by a processor, configures the processor to modify a web browser to include a control object; request industrial factory automation control system data from a local control system; receive the industrial factory automation control system data; display, by the web browser, the industrial factory automation control system data; and send control instructions to the local control system. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110219327 | SELECTIVELY PRESENTING TIMESTAMPED TIME-SERIES DATA VALUES FOR RETRIEVED SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND MANUFACTURING/PRODUCTION PARAMETERS - A process control and manufacturing information database client application is disclosed for rendering and displaying a filtered set of received time-series data. A client application, such as a trending client that graphically displays a series of data point values for a particular observed parameter of a manufacturing process receives, via a data acquisition interface, a set of timestamped time-series data values for an observed parameter from a process control and manufacturing information database. Thereafter, the client application invokes a time-series data filter that includes/supports at least one filtering operation that is applied to the set of timestamped time-series data values to render a filtered data set for plotting/drawing on the graphical display interface. The filtered data set is thereafter rendered by a display function as a series of plotted points on a time-line graph. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110205079 | FLOW ASSURANCE MONITORING - In one oil production operation, a fluid conduit transports a fluid from a wellhead to a floating production platform. To prevent an occurrence of formations that obstruct the flow of fluid in the fluid conduit, a forecast is made as to whether a flow assurance curve will intersect an operating curve of the fluid conduit. In the event that the operating curve and the flow assurance curve will intersect, the appropriate personnel may be alerted so that they may attempt to prevent the hydrate forming conditions from occurring in the pipe. Which personnel are alerted may be based on a level of criticality. The level of criticality may be based on an estimated time period remaining until the flow assurance curve and the operating curve will intersect. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110196512 | REMOTE OPERATION OF PROCESS CONTROL EQUIPMENT OVER CUSTOMER SUPPLIED NETWORK - A DCS protocol message addressed to a remote DCS station is generated at a local distributed control system (DCS). The DCS protocol message is received at a local tunneling device. The local tunneling device packages the DCS protocol message into a SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is transmitted from the local tunneling device to a remote tunneling device. The remote tunneling device receives the SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is unpackaged into a DCS protocol message at the remote tunneling device, and the DCS protocol message is placed on to a remote DCS such that it flows to the remote station. The DCS protocol message is received at the remote station. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192234 | COMPENSATING FOR FREQUENCY CHANGE IN FLOWMETERS - Motion is induced in a conduit that contains a fluid. The motion is induced such that the conduit oscillates in a first mode of vibration and a second mode of vibration. The first mode of vibration has a corresponding first frequency of vibration and the second mode of vibration has a corresponding second frequency of vibration. At least one of the first frequency of vibration or the second frequency of vibration is determined. A phase difference between the motion of the conduit at a first point of the conduit and the motion of the conduit at a second point of the conduit is determined. A quantity based on the phase difference and the determined frequency is determined. The quantity includes a ratio between the first frequency during a zero-flow condition and the second frequency during the zero-flow condition. A property of the fluid is determined based on the quantity. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110191500 | DEPLOYING A CONFIGURATION FOR MULTIPLE FIELD DEVICES - A method and system are disclosed for deploying a configuration in a process control system wherein at least a portion of the configuration is deployed to a set of field devices. Initially the set of deployment packages are stored within a configuration storage. Thereafter, deployment is initiated on the set of deployment packages from the configuration storage. In response to the initiating deployment step, an automated cascaded deployment is commenced to the set of connected field devices. The automated cascaded deployment includes first deploying the sets of deployment packages to a set of control module assemblies. The method furthermore includes second deploying the received portions of the set of deployment packages to a set of I/O module assemblies. The set of I/O module assemblies maintain and pass the received sub-portions of the set of deployment packages to sets of field devices. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110191255 | DISTRIBUTING AND BILLING SOFTWARE ACCORDING TO CUSTOMER USE OF PROGRAM MODULES - A software brokering method and framework are presented. The software brokering method includes a step of establishing a use-based pricing scheme for a set of software modules that are utilized at a customer's site. By pricing software according to its use rather than a set fee, flexible pricing is facilitated for meeting the broad spectrum of customers needs. The software modules are distributed to customers. The software modules are preferably downloaded from an e-commerce site, but may also be mailed or distributed from conventional retail outlets. Use of the software at a customer's site is monitored by processes integrated into the deployment and execution components of a software module integration platform residing at the customer's site. Customers are charged based upon their actual use of the software modules, as registered by the software module integration platform, in view of the software pricing scheme established for the downloaded software modules. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110185820 | STARTUP TECHNIQUES FOR A DIGITAL FLOWMETER - Startup and operational techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The techniques select an optimal mode of operation for the digital flowmeter, depending on a current environment of the flowmeter. For example, during a startup operation of the flowmeter, the mode of operation might include a random sequence mode, in which filtered, random frequencies are applied as a drive signal to a flowtube associated with the digital flowmeter. Once the flowtube reaches a resonant mode of vibration, the digital flowmeter may transition to a positive feedback mode, in which a sensor signal representing a motion of the flowtube is fed back to the flowtube as a drive signal, as part of a feedback loop. Once an oscillation of the flowtube is achieved and analyzed, a digital synthesis mode of operation may be implemented, in which the analyzed sensor signals are used to synthesize the drive signal. In either the positive feedback mode or the digital synthesis mode, the digital flowmeter may revert to a previous mode to regain stable and desired oscillation of the flowtube, such as might be required during a recovery operation associated with a disturbance to an operation of the digital flowmeter. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110172965 | Remotely Monitoring/Diagnosing Distributed Components Of A Supervisory Process Control And Manufacturing Information Application From A Central Location - A centralized diagnostics management tool is disclosed that facilitates centralized monitoring of distributed components of a supervisory process control and manufacturing information application. The centralized diagnostics management tool includes a diagnostics management console shell that is customized according to a set of software modules that interface to data sources to populate views supported by the console shell. The console shell includes a set of view templates including controls for manipulating graphically displayed representations of data rendered by the distributed components. The console shell also includes an interface for exchanging requests and data with an extensible set of software modules that provide data links to ones of the set of distributed components. The software modules also define the customizable portions of the view rendered by the console shell. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110153051 | Context Control Mechanism For Data Executed in Workflows of Process, Factory-Floor, Environmental, Computer Aided Manufacturing-Based or Other Control System - The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for workflow editing. Such methods and apparatus permit, for example, user-defined and/or other tasks to be combined in any combination or combinations to specify a workflow. The tasks can be linked for direct, serial processing and/or for conditional processing that includes branching and/or looping. The invention also improved methods and apparatus of workflow definition and processing with extensible actions. The invention provides, further, improved methods and apparatus for workflow definition and processing which utilize workflow variables for communication of data and control information among tasks within a workflow. The invention provides, still further, improved methods and apparatus of workflow definition and processing with enhanced messaging. The invention provides, still yet further, improved methods and apparatus for workflow definition and processing which permit definition of hierarchically enumerated data types and for definition of “plans” to collect, e.g., for storage, data such as the aforementioned hierarchical data types. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110130848 | Associating And Evaluating Status Information For A Primary Input Parameter Value From A Profibus Device - A method and system are disclosed for managing Profibus device information in a distributed control system. After receiving input parameter data originating from a Profibus device message, the I/O module assembly performs steps for processing, maintaining and providing the input parameter data to a requesting control processor. The processing step includes extracting input parameter values from a received Profibus device message. The extracted input parameters are then deposited in a repository on the I/O module assembly, such that for a primary input parameter, the I/O module assembly stores at least: ( | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110099533 | Process Control Script Development And Execution Facility Supporting Multiple User-Side Programming Languages - A supervisory process control and manufacturing information application development and execution system is disclosed that supports the execution of application object scripts derived from multiple different scripting languages. In particular, the system includes a script editor interface that enables submission/specification of scripts for application objects. The script editor interface supports multiple distinct user-side script languages (e.g., user-supplied script text). A script translation component that receives the user-side script includes routines for rendering execution-side script (executable by a script engine) from source script rendered by the script editor and written according to any of a set of user-side script languages supported by the script translation component. The translator supports at least a first scripting language and a second scripting language. Finally, an execution portion of the system includes an engine for processing the commands within the translated output execution-side script generated by the script translation component. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110093098 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL CONFIGURATION WITH ENHANCED CHANGE-TRACKING - The invention provides, in some aspects, a process, environmental, manufacturing, industrial or other such control system (hereinafter, “control system”) with enhanced, real-time change tracking. The system includes one or more configurable elements (e.g., field devices), a change tracking system that records of changes to those configurable elements (e.g., for compliance reporting, etc.) and a change detection system that responds to detected changes in configuration of those element(s) by inferring an identity of a person and/or device responsible for a change, the time of the change, and/or the reason for the change. This is unlike prior art systems, in which that such information must be specified, e.g., in a data entry form filled-in by the field engineer, operator or other who is making the change. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110077911 | MULTI-MEASUREMENT VORTEX FLOWMETER - Two-wire transmitters are described in which the required voltage that a control room must supply to the transmitter is lower at high current than at low current, thus freeing up more voltage for other uses, and in which a constant set of operating voltages may be maintained. A corrected pressure in a vortex flow meter may be determined that reflects the mass flow rate. Thus, the mass flow rate may be determined based on the corrected pressure reading and a measured volumetric flow rate. Density may be determined from pressure and temperature using a table containing error values based on a standard density determination and a relatively simple approximation. During operation of a flow meter, the stored error values may be linearly interpolated and the approximation may be computed to determine the density from the stored error value. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110066598 | SEQUENCE OF EVENTS RECORDER FACILITY FOR AN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CONTROL ENVIRONMENT - A sequence of events (SOE) recorder facility in a process control network environment is described herein. The SOE recorder facility is hosted by a networked node that receives digital signal status change (event) data from a networked controller. The sequence of events recorder facility receives a configured set of digital data signals from the controller, temporarily buffers the events in chronological order according to timestamps assigned to the events by their sources (e.g., fieldbus modules). The data is thereafter copied/removed from the buffer and provided to multiple destinations including: a process database that maintains an archival copy of the received event data for rendering event reports, and an SOE client user interface for rendering event logs to printers and/or graphical user interface displays. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110066285 | Thermodynamic Phase Equilibrium Analysis Based on a Reduced Composition Domain - A method of modeling phase characteristics of thermodynamic systems utilizing pseudo-properties strategy and a reduced number of variables is disclosed herein. The method describes a means of determining the probability of phase splitting of mixtures of materials at a given temperature, pressure, and composition by characterizing the functions that describe the system via pseudo-properties, and also by describing the system in n−1 or fewer variables, where n represents the number of components in the system of interest. In an embodiment, a multi-component system is characterized in one variable, thereby providing simplified thermodynamic models in a time-efficient manner. In addition, the information generated by this reduced-variable calculation can further be used as a starting point for calculations of equations of state. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110055118 | SERVICES PORTAL - An apparatus for monitoring performance of an industrial process includes a service portal for collecting, transmitting and analyzing parameter data from process field devices that includes a network connection that connects to a process control system of the industrial process, a remote collector that collects parameter data from process field devices, a processor that identifies, sorts, and stores the collected parameter data and a communications module for transmitting the stored parameter data to a remote monitoring station for analysis. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054871 | Thermodynamic Process Control Based on Pseudo-density Root for Equation of State - A system for thermodynamic modeling is provided. The system comprises a computer having a processor, a thermodynamic process simulation application, and a thermodynamic equation of state application. When executed by the processor, the thermodynamic equation of state application determines a density root based on a first and second point of departure from an equation of state and based on a first and a second extrapolation equation. The first departure point satisfies the equation | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110048140 | CORRECTING FOR TWO-PHASE FLOW IN A DIGITAL FLOWMETER - A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110047507 | GRAPHICALLY DISPLAYING MANUFACTURING EXECUTION SYSTEM INFORMATION DATA ELEMENTS ACCORDING TO A PRE-DEFINED SPATIAL POSITIONING SCHEME - A system and method are described that simplify defining/designing graphical display interfaces for graphically displaying related data elements. The displays provide both depictions of the data elements and the relationships between the data elements in accordance with a pre-defined data element display scheme including both element template (for particular data element types) and relationship view (spatial relationships within a display) definitions. A relationship view displays a set of provided data elements of specified type according to the element template and relationship view definitions. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110035166 | DRIVE TECHNIQUES FOR A DIGITAL FLOWMETER - Drive techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The drive techniques account for delays caused during digital signal processing of sensor signals that correspond to a motion of a flowtube, as well as drive signals that impart motion to the flowtube. Such delays may be caused by a variety of factors, including delays associated with analog/digital conversion of the signals and/or filtering of the signals. The techniques include open-loop techniques and closed-loop techniques, which can be used separately or together during the start-up and operation of the digital flowmeter. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110029461 | Dynamic Electrical Power Pricing Communication Architecture - A dynamic electrical power pricing communication system is provided. The system comprises at least one computer system, at least one memory, a data analysis application that receives status information from residential consumers and analyzes the status information. The system further comprises an electrical power price generation application that determines dynamic electrical power prices for the residential consumers based on the analysis of the status information, on an area of the residential consumers, wherein the electrical power prices of each area are determined independently. The system further comprises a power price distribution application that transmits the power prices to the residential consumers. The status information comprises one or more of when the last electrical price was received, what the last received electrical power price value was, how much load can be shed by the residential consumer, a control mode of an electrical power controller, and communication network diagnostic information. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110016988 | MULTI-PHASE CORIOLIS FLOWMETER - A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine an individual flow rate of each phase within a multi-phase flow through the flowtube. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110016986 | CORIOLIS MODE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES - Flowmeters are described in which a sensor signal received from a sensor that is attached to vibratable flowtube, so as to determine properties of a fluid within the flowtube, contains a drive signal component and a Coriolis mode component. The flowmeters are operable to determine drive parameters of the drive signal component, as well as Coriolis parameters of the Coriolis mode component. By analyzing the sensor signal based on the drive signal parameters, and not on the Coriolis signal parameters, the flowmeters are able to provide stable and accurate determinations of the properties of the fluid. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110016984 | Multiphase Coriolis Flowmeter - A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine a first flow rate of a first phase within a two-phase flow through the flowtube and determine a second flow rate of a second phase within the two-phase flow. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110005337 | SINGLE AND MULTIPHASE FLUID MEASUREMENTS - A first property of a process fluid is measured using a differential pressure flowmeter. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100307220 | FLOWMETER CALIBRATION TECHNIQUES - Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zeroing techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, if not properly calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. By determining a magnitude of such erroneous measurements, calibration values may be determined, which may later be used to adjust a measurement that is output by the flowmeter and thereby improve an accuracy of the flowmeter. Such calibration values may be determined for a plurality of operational conditions associated with the flowmeter, such as densities of materials being measured, and/or configurations of flow elements associated with transporting material to the flowmeter. Then, the calibration values may be correlated with the relevant operational conditions, and stored for later use. In this way, during an actual operation of the flowmeter, a number of calibration values may be made available, and an optimal calibration value may be selected for an existing operational condition of the flowmeter. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100305721 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL CONFIGURATION WITH CONTROL OBJECTS THAT SELF-DEFINE TRACKED PARAMETERS - The invention provides, in some aspects, improved apparatus for configuring a control system. The apparatus includes a model made up of objects representing devices of such a system, including, at least one device that defines and/or controls communications on at least a portion of a network within that system. That device is referred to, here, as a “bus master” and the portion of the network is referred to as a “segment.” The object (or objects) representing the bus master can include information defining timings, port assignments and/or other aspects of the configuration of the segment. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. This includes transferring to the bus master communications configuration information for the segment. A download service according to this aspect of the invention generates—e.g., for logging by a change tracking system—indicia of the configuration information transferred to the bus master. The download service can likewise generate for logging (by the change tracking system) information transferred from the model to other devices in control system. The invention provides improved apparatus for configuring a control system that includes a model that is made up of one or more objects representing one or more devices in the system. The objects have parameters reflecting characteristics of the devices represented by the respective objects. At least one of those parameters is associated with a “track” attribute indicating whether at least selected configuration information transferred from that object to the respective device in the control system is to be logged to a change tracking system. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. Those downloads can go directly to the respective devices or can go indirectly, e.g., via other devices in the control system (such as controllers, field bus modules, and so forth). Regardless, the download service according to this aspect of the invention generates for logging by the change tracking system indicia of that transferred configuration information. Generation of those indicia is governed, at least in part, by the “track” attribute associated with one or more of the parameters with which the transferred information is associated. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100305720 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL CONFIGURATION WITH CONTROL OBJECTS THAT ARE FIELDBUS PROTOCOL-AWARE - The invention provides, in some aspects, improved apparatus for configuring a control system. The apparatus includes a model made up of objects representing devices of such a system, including, at least one device that defines and/or controls communications on at least a portion of a network within that system. That device is referred to, here, as a “bus master” and the portion of the network is referred to as a “segment.” The object (or objects) representing the bus master can include information defining timings, port assignments and/or other aspects of the configuration of the segment. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. This includes transferring to the bus master communications configuration information for the segment. A download service according to this aspect of the invention generates—e.g., for logging by a change tracking system—indicia of the configuration information transferred to the bus master. The download service can likewise generate for logging (by the change tracking system) information transferred from the model to other devices in control system. The invention provides improved apparatus for configuring a control system that includes a model that is made up of one or more objects representing one or more devices in the system. The objects have parameters reflecting characteristics of the devices represented by the respective objects. At least one of those parameters is associated with a “track” attribute indicating whether at least selected configuration information transferred from that object to the respective device in the control system is to be logged to a change tracking system. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. Those downloads can go directly to the respective devices or can go indirectly, e.g., via other devices in the control system (such as controllers, field bus modules, and so forth). Regardless, the download service according to this aspect of the invention generates for logging by the change tracking system indicia of that transferred configuration information. Generation of those indicia is governed, at least in part, by the “track” attribute associated with one or more of the parameters with which the transferred information is associated. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100287608 | PROCESS CONTROL METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTRUSION DETECTION, PROTECTION AND NETWORK HARDENING - The invention provides an improved network and methods of operation thereof for use in or with process control systems, computer-based manufacturing or production control systems, environmental control systems, industrial control system, and the like (collectively, “control systems”). Those networks utilize a unique combination of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, intrusion protection devices and/or other devices for hardening (e.g., security against hacking, intrusion or other mischievous conduct) and/or intrusion detection. The networks and methods have application, by way of example, in plants, sites and other facilities in which networks that support control systems interface with corporate, business or other networks. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100284485 | CONTROL SYSTEM METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INDUCTIVE COMMUNICATION ACROSS AN ISOLATION BARRIER - Improved control apparatus and methods transfer information between devices, such as controllers and field devices, utilizing a modulator that generates a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal containing information to be transferred by a first of the devices, e.g., the controller, to the second device. A transformer or other inductive device transfers the PWM signal across the isolation barrier, where it is demodulated to analog form for application to the second device, e.g., the field device. Information transferred from the second device to the first device can be transferred in an amplitude modulated (AM) signal that utilizes, as its carrier, a fixed duty cycle output of the modulator that generates the PWM signal. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100262707 | REMOTE OPERATION OF PROCESS CONTROL EQUIPMENT OVER CUSTOMER SUPPLIED NETWORK - A DCS protocol message addressed to a remote DCS station is generated at a local distributed control system (DCS). The DCS protocol message is received at a local tunneling device. The local tunneling device packages the DCS protocol message into a SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is transmitted from the local tunneling device to a remote tunneling device. The remote tunneling device receives the SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is unpackaged into a DCS protocol message at the remote tunneling device, and the DCS protocol message is placed on to a remote DCS such that it flows to the remote station. The DCS protocol message is received at the remote station. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100238181 | Method And System For Animating Graphical User Interface Elements Via A Manufacturing/Process Control Portal Server - A method and system are disclosed for rendering animated graphics on a browser client based upon a stream of runtime data from a manufacturing/process control system. The graphics animation is based upon an animated graphic display object specification and runtime data from a portal server affecting an appearance trait of the animated graphic display object. The client browser receives an animated graphics description from the portal server specifying an animation behavior for an identified graphical display object. The client creates a data exchange connection between an animated display object, corresponding to the animated graphics description, and a source of runtime data from the portal server affecting display of the animated display object. Thereafter, the client applies runtime data received from the source of runtime data to the animated display object to render an animated graphic display object. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100228865 | Method And System For Administering A Concurrent User Licensing Agreement On A Manufacturing/Process Control Information Portal Server - Disclosed is a server that provides session-persistent concurrent licenses for resources accessed by clients. In one embodiment, rather than requiring a license when the server is initially accessed, a license is not requested until a client seeks access to a licensed resource. In one implementation, scripts for Web pages associated with licensed resources include requests for licenses from a license management facility. Certain resources conditionally request a license based upon the origin of the access request: the license request may be bypassed for access requests from “pre-licensed” applications. Session-based licensing allows equitable assessment of compensation to a service provider for use of the services. The server includes many resources, some of which require a license for access while others do not. The services of premium value are the only ones for which customers are expected to obtain/claim a license. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100223593 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL CONFIGURATION WITH OBJECT HIERARCHY, VERSIONING, CHANGE RECORDS, OBJECT COMPARISON, AND OTHER ASPECTS - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100222902 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL CONFIGURATION WITH OBJECT HIERARCHY, VERSIONING, INHERITANCE, AND OTHER ASPECTS - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100217536 | BUNKER FUEL TRANSFER - A bunker fuel transfer system that includes a multi-measurement metering system and bunkering receipt issuing equipment (BRIE). The bunker fuel transfer system can be installed on either the bunker barge or the ship receiving the bunker fuel. Various implementations can provide for quantity certainty of bunker fuel delivery transactions, and can provide for automated bunker fuel transfer reports. The bunker fuel transfer reports can include details and trends of the bunker fuel transfers to allow for quantity measurement validation. In addition, some implementations may provide for quality validation by including pertinent measurements, which can be included in the reports. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100211928 | Supervisory Process Control And Manufacturing Information System Application Having An Extensible Component Model - A template-based supervisory process control and manufacturing information application development facility is disclosed that includes a number of time-saving application development tools that significantly enhance design productivity and allow re-using of previously developed application building blocks. The development facility includes an application object template library that stores a set of previously defined application object templates. The template library is accessed by developers through a configuration utility that facilitates specifying instances of the set of previously defined application object templates to be included in an application. Thereafter, application objects are instantiated from the selected ones of the set of previously defined application object templates in a build of the specified application. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100211346 | WET GAS MEASUREMENT - A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100205244 | Industrial Process Control Data Access Server Supporting Multiple Client Data Exchange Protocols - A method and process control data server system architecture are disclosed for providing process data to a variety of client applications via a plurality of differing data sharing standards. The system architecture incorporates a ready platform for subsequently added client application data exchange protocols. In an exemplary embodiment, a set of standard interface definitions between client application data exchange protocol-specific plugins and a data access server engine supports incorporating new client application data exchange protocols by means of plugins designed to interface with the data access server engine according to the standard interface definitions. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100161101 | RETRIEVING AND NAVIGATING THROUGH MANUFACTURING DATA FROM RELATIONAL AND TIME-SERIES SYSTEMS BY ABSTRACTING THE SOURCE SYSTEMS INTO A SET OF NAMED ENTITIES - A software agent is described that receives an information request to retrieve information based on a name defined by a configured manufacturing data model. The agent serves the request by relating data coming from one or multiple backend systems and adding contextual data (Metadata). A result set is prepared to correspond to the format and filtering criteria defined in the information request, and the agent produces a response in a normalized format. The response contains the requested data and metadata used for navigation and contextualization purposes. The response in the normalized format is transmitted by the agent synchronously or asynchronously based on criteria specified in the request. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100122269 | Supervisory Process Control And Manufacturing Information System Application Having A Layered Architecture - A supervisory process control and manufacturing information system application is disclosed. The components of the application are distributable to a plurality of networked computer devices in a multi-layered hierarchical manner wherein lower layers host higher installed layers of application components. Application objects reside at a relatively high level of the distributed application architecture and model entities within a process control system. Engine objects host execution of the application objects in a run-time environment. Thus, application objects are not deployed until a host engine object with which they are associated have been deployed. Engine objects are hosted by platform objects. The platform objects correspond to a physical computer system component for executing the engine objects and associated application objects. A configuration facility presents a variety of views including deployment and model views of the application. The views incorporate the relationships of the objects that make up the distributed application. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100107778 | DIGITAL FLOWMETER - A controller for a flowmeter includes an input module operable to receive a sensor signal from a sensor connected to a vibratable flowtube. The sensor signal is related to a fluid flow through the flowtube. The controller also includes a signal processing system operable to receive the sensor signal, determine sensor signal characteristics, and output drive signal characteristics for a drive signal applied to the flowtube. An output module is operable to output the drive signal to the flowtube and a control system is operable to modify the drive signal and thereby maintain oscillation of the flowtube during a transition of the flowtube from a substantially empty state to a substantially full state. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100094568 | MULTI-PHASE CORIOLIS FLOWMETER - A Coriolis flowmeter is configured to determine a first property of a multi-phase fluid. A flow model is configured to determine a second property of the multi-phase fluid. A determination system is configured to determine a third property of the multi-phase fluid based, at least in part, on the first property and the second property. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100088768 | INDUSTRIAL PROCESS VISUALIZATION APPLICATION HAVING AN OPERATING SYSTEM LOCALE-BASED REGIONALLY LIMITED LICENSE - A computer system and method are described for enforcing a locale-based license restriction by a process visualization application program. A locale-based license configuration is read from a license file associated with the process visualization application program. An operating system application program interface is called to identify a current locale of the operating system. The current locale affects a language utilized to present text via a graphical user interface display. Thereafter, a locale specified by the locale-based license configuration is compared to the current locale of the operating system. Thereafter, a licensing result is generated representing success or failure based upon whether the locale specified by the locale-based license configuration matches the current locale of the operating system. The aforementioned steps are carried out in a computer system including a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for carrying out the above-described steps. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100076604 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL USING CONTROL DEVICES THAT PROVIDE A VIRTUAL MACHINE ENVIRONMENT AND THAT COMMUNICATE VIA AN IP NETWORK - The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100064297 | Configuring And Providing Enhanced Access To Profibus Device Diagnostic Data - A method and system are disclosed for providing enhanced user access to Profibus device diagnostic data and cyclic data in a distributed control system. After receiving input parameter data originating from a Profibus device message, the I/O module assembly performs steps for processing, maintaining and providing the input parameter data to a requesting control processor. The processing step includes extracting parameter values from a received Profibus device message. The extracted parameter values are then deposited in a repository on the I/O module assembly. The parameter values include both input and diagnostic parameter values. The diagnostic parameter values are provided to a workstation executing a Profibus device commissioning/configuring application in the form of data bits. The application generates a set of diagnostic text messages, based upon current values of diagnostic data bits representing diagnostic statuses of the Profibus device, by applying a configurable set of diagnostic message definitions to the diagnostic parameter data bits. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100061733 | FIELD DEVICE CONFIGURED FOR WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION - Field devices comprising a transmitter and/or receiver for wireless data communication are provided. The energy available for wireless data communication in data transmitting or data receiving field devices is evaluated prior to activation of the transmitter and/or receiver of the field device. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100011127 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL USING CONTROL DEVICES THAT PROVIDE A VIRTUAL MACHINE ENVIRONMENT AND THAT COMMUNICATE VIA AN IP NETWORK - The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090327942 | MULTI-MODE EDITOR FOR CONFIGURING PROCESS CONTROL BLOCKS INCLUDING BOTH LOGICAL FUNCTIONS AND ARITHMETIC COMPUTATIONS - A multi-editing mode LOGIC BLOCK object editor is disclosed for creating and modifying LOGIC BLOCK objects that are incorporated into control strategies for process control systems (both distributed and discrete). The editor includes an RPN text editing mode wherein logic incorporated into a LOGIC BLOCK is represented by a list of text instructions. The editor also includes a graphical function block diagram editing mode wherein LOGIC BLOCK logic is defined via instruction shapes dragged/dropped from a pallet and connected via GUI line connection actions by a user. The editor supports automated transitioning between the text and graphics modes wherein conversion of text-to-graphics and graphics-to-text is performed without user intervention. Furthermore, synchronization procedures are performed when LOGIC BLOCK objects are opened in the editor and when transitioning between editing modes to track and/or maintain synchronous status between graphical and text representations of LOGIC BLOCK logic. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090319058 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMMERSIVE INTERACTION WITH ACTUAL AND/OR SIMULATED FACILITIES FOR PROCESS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONTROL - The invention provides, in some aspects, systems for interaction with a control environment that includes controlled equipment along with control devices that monitor and control that controlled equipment. According to some of those aspects, such a system includes first functionality that generates output representing an operational status of the controlled equipment, as well as second functionality that generates output representing an operational of one or more of the control devices. An engine coordinates the first functionality and to the second functionality to generate an operational status of the control environment. A virtual reality environment generates, as a function of that operational status and one or more physical aspects of the control environment, a three-dimensional (“3D”) display of the control environment. The virtual reality environment is responsive to user interaction with one or more input devices to generate the 3D display so as to permit the user to interact with at least one of the control devices and the controlled equipment at least as represented by the 3D display of the control environment. The engine applies to at least one of the first and second functionality indicia of those interactions to discern resulting changes in the operational status of the control environment. It applies indicia of those changes to the virtual reality environment to effect corresponding variation in the 3D display of the control environment—i.e., variation indicative of the resulting change in the control environment. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090292514 | System And Method For Autogenerating Simulations For Process Control System Checkout And Operator Training - A method and system for automatically generating simulations for a distributed control system is disclosed herein. A programmed process model generator automatically incorporates a variety of process model data from pre-defined model libraries into descriptions of process equipment including control devices to render simulation models of various degrees of fidelity. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090282067 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING CONTROL SYSTEM DATABASE AND GRAPHICS FROM SCHEMA-BASED INTERMEDIATE DESCRIPTIONS - A method and system for automatically generating process control databases and process graphics for a distributed control system is disclosed herein. Programmed process control database and process graphics generators automatically render output in a target process control system environment (e.g., InFusion Engineering Environment—or IEE) from an intermediate (e.g., XML) representation of process control and process graphics definitions. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277281 | STARTUP TECHNIQUES FOR A DIGITAL FLOWMETER - Startup and operational techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The techniques select an optimal mode of operation for the digital flowmeter, depending on a current environment of the flowmeter. For example, during a startup operation of the flowmeter, the mode of operation might include a random sequence mode, in which filtered, random frequencies are applied as a drive signal to a flowtube associated with the digital flowmeter. Once the flowtube reaches a resonant mode of vibration, the digital flowmeter may transition to a positive feedback mode, in which a sensor signal representing a motion of the flowtube is fed back to the flowtube as a drive signal, as part of a feedback loop. Once an oscillation of the flowtube is achieved and analyzed, a digital synthesis mode of operation may be implemented, in which the analyzed sensor signals are used to synthesize the drive signal. In either the positive feedback mode or the digital synthesis mode, the digital flowmeter may revert to a previous mode to regain stable and desired oscillation of the flowtube, such as might be required during a recovery operation associated with a disturbance to an operation of the digital flowmeter. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090276072 | SYSTEM FOR MAINTAINING UNIFIED ACCESS TO SCADA AND MANUFACTURING EXECUTION SYSTEM (MES) INFORMATION - A system is disclosed that simplifies configuring an MES entity corresponding to a SCADA system object representing plant equipment. The system includes an equipment model builder (EMB) that receives a set of configured UCO information for a modeled piece of plant equipment in a SCADA system. The EMB extracts relevant MES information from the utilization capability object and invokes an application interface on an MES database to create a corresponding entity (e.g., a database element). Another aspect of the disclosed system and methods involves the enhancement of a SCADA system object, through a new MES facet, to support acquiring and reporting equipment status received via the SCADA system to a corresponding MES entity. A raw reason code configuration interface is provided by UCO configurator computer software executed on a computer. Each raw reason code is associated with a prioritized logical expression defining circumstances under which the reason code becomes true. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090259751 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AND/OR CONTROL OF PROCESS CONTROL APPARATUS - A system for process control comprises a server digital data processor and a client digital data processor that are coupled by a network, such as the Internet or an Intranet. The server digital data processor, which is additionally coupled to a control/sensing device and any associated interface equipment (collectively, referred to as “process control apparatus”), includes a command processor that transfers information between the network and the process control apparatus. The client digital data processor includes an information client (e.g., a so-called Internet web browser) capable of requesting and receiving an applet from the server digital data processor. The information client, further, defines a hardware-independent and operating system-independent virtual machine environment within the client digital data processor. The client digital data processor executes, within that virtual machine environment, an applet for configuring the client digital data processor as a “process controller” that establishes communications over the network with the command processor and that monitors and/or controls the process control apparatus via those communications. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090240446 | Flow Assurance Monitoring - In one oil production operation, a fluid conduit transports a fluid from a wellhead to a floating production platform. To prevent an occurrence of formations that obstruct the flow of fluid in the fluid conduit, a forecast is made as to whether a flow assurance curve will intersect an operating curve of the fluid conduit. In the event that the operating curve and the flow assurance curve will intersect, the appropriate personnel may be alerted so that they may attempt to prevent the hydrate forming conditions from occurring in the pipe. Which personnel are alerted may be based on a level of criticality. The level of criticality may be based on an estimated time period remaining until the flow assurance curve and the operating curve will intersect. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090198648 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVELY RETRIEVING PARAMETER TREND DATA FROM A SUPERVISORY CONTROL MANUFACTURING/PRODUCTION DATABASE - A database client for retrieving and presenting steams of time stamped data points for tagged variables is disclosed herein that supports a set of retrieval styles that are adaptively applied within a trending application in accordance with a pre-specified configuration of the trending application that supports assigning a retrieval style to a set of tags within a query on an individual tag basis. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090165567 | COMPENSATING FOR FREQUENCY CHANGE IN FLOWMETERS - Motion is induced in a conduit that contains a fluid. The motion is induced such that the conduit oscillates in a first mode of vibration and a second mode of vibration. The first mode of vibration has a corresponding first frequency of vibration and the second mode of vibration has a corresponding second frequency of vibration. At least one of the first frequency of vibration or the second frequency of vibration is determined. A phase difference between the motion of the conduit at a first point of the conduit and the motion of the conduit at a second point of the conduit is determined. A quantity based on the phase difference and the determined frequency is determined. The quantity includes a ratio between the first frequency during a zero-flow condition and the second frequency during the zero-flow condition. A property of the fluid is determined based on the quantity. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090132996 | Apparatus for control systems with objects that are associated with live data - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090125131 | CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH COMPOSITE BLOCKS - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125130 | CONTROL SYSTEM EDITOR AND METHODS WITH LIVE DATA - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125129 | CONTROL SYSTEM CONFIGURATOR AND METHODS WITH EDIT SELECTION - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125128 | Control systems and methods with versioning - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090118846 | CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH SMART BLOCKS - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090118845 | CONTROL SYSTEM CONFIGURATION AND METHODS WITH OBJECT CHARACTERISTIC SWAPPING - Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090094326 | CONTROL SYSTEM METHODS AND APPARATUS WITH SERVICES - A system for process control comprises a server digital data processor and a client digital data processor that are coupled by a network, such as the Internet or an Intranet. The server digital data processor, which is additionally coupled to a control/sensing device and any associated interface equipment (collectively, referred to as “process control apparatus”), includes a command processor that transfers information between the network and the process control apparatus. The client digital data processor includes an information client (e.g., a so-called Internet web browser) capable of requesting and receiving an applet from the server digital data processor. The information client, further, defines a hardware-independent and operating system-independent virtual machine environment within the client digital data processor. The client digital data processor executes, within that virtual machine environment, an applet for configuring the client digital data processor as a “process controller” that establishes communications over the network with the command processor and that monitors and/or controls the process control apparatus via those communications. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090070504 | Multi-Protocol Bus Device - In one general aspect, methods and devices for use with multiple communications protocols automatically determine which communications protocol to use when connected to a system bus. Signals transmitted on the system bus are monitored to determine what communications protocol the system bus is using. After determining which communications protocol the system is using, a compatible communications protocol is selected from one of several communications protocols stored in a device's memory. As a result, a user may connect a device to the system bus without having to determine which communications protocol is used by the system bus. Furthermore, suppliers may stock a single type of device that is compatible with multiple communications protocols reducing overhead associated with stocking devices. In addition, a device may be switched between systems without regard to the communications protocol of the device or system. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090049926 | Triple Redundancy Vortex Flowmeter System - A system includes a first shedder that is at least partially disposed in a fluid conduit and that generates vortices within the fluid conduit, a first flow sensor system that is responsive to the vortices generated by the first shedder and a second flow sensor system that is responsive to the vortices generated by the first shedder. The system further includes a second shedder that is at least partially disposed in the fluid conduit, that generates vortices within the fluid conduit, and that is separated from the first shedder by a distance. A third flow sensor system is responsive to the vortices generated by the second shedder. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090019947 | Correcting for Two-Phase Flow in a Digital Flowmeter - A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090019146 | ASSOCIATING AND EVALUATING STATUS INFORMATION FOR A PRIMARY INPUT PARAMETER VALUE FROM A PROFIBUS DEVICE - A method and system are disclosed for managing Profibus device information in a distributed control system. After receiving input parameter data originating from a Profibus device message, the I/O module assembly performs steps for processing, maintaining and providing the input parameter data to a requesting control processor. The processing step includes extracting input parameter values from a received Profibus device message. The extracted input parameters are then deposited in a repository on the I/O module assembly, such that for a primary input parameter, the I/O module assembly stores at least: (1) a measured value, and (2) a status value. Furthermore, the I/O module assembly maintains a reference linking the first status parameter to the first input parameter. The I/O module assembly provides a data status value with the measured value for the first input parameter in accordance with an I/O read operation. The data status value is based on the status value for the first status parameter. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20080294366 | SENSOR FUSION USING SELF EVALUATING PROCESS SENSORS - A measurement processing system is disclosed for fusing measurement data from a set of independent self-validating (SEVA™) process sensors monitoring the same real-time measurand in order to generate a combined best estimate for the value, uncertainty and measurement status of the measurand. The system also provides consistency checking between the measurements. The measurement processing system includes a first process sensor and a second process sensor. Each of the first and second process sensors receive a measurement signal from a transducer and generate independent process metrics. A measurement fusion block is connected to the first and second process sensors, the measurement fusion block is operable to receive the independent process metrics and execute a measurement analysis process to analyze the independent process metrics and generate the combined best estimate of the independent process metrics. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080270162 | SELF-VALIDATED MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS - Sensor data may be received from multiple sensors configured to sense properties of a process control system. The sensor data may include sensed values and uncertainty data corresponding to the sensed values. A new measurement associated with the process control system and corresponding uncertainty data for the new measurement may be determined based on the sensed values and uncertainty data received from the multiple sensors. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080262756 | Coriolis Mode Processing Techniques - Flowmeters are described in which a sensor signal received from a sensor that is attached to vibratable flowtube, so as to determine properties of a fluid within the flowtube, contains a drive signal component and a coriolis mode component. The flowmeters are operable to determine drive parameters of the drive signal component, as well as coriolis parameters of the coriolis mode component. By analyzing the sensor signal based on the drive signal parameters, and not on the coriolis signal parameters, the flowmeters are able to provide stable and accurate determinations of the properties of the fluid. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080257067 | WET GAS MEASUREMENT - A first apparent property of a multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube. One or more apparent intermediate values associated with the multi-phase process fluid are determined based on the first apparent property. A measure of wetness of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on a mapping between one or more of the apparent intermediate values and the measure of wetness. A second apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid is determined using the differential pressure flowmeter. One or more phase-specific properties of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the measure of wetness and the second apparent property. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080257066 | WET GAS MEASUREMENT - A first apparent property of a multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube. One or more apparent intermediate values associated with the process fluid are determined based on the first apparent property. One or more corrected intermediate values are determined based on a mapping between the apparent intermediate values and the corrected intermediate values. One or more phase-specific properties of the multi-phase process fluid are determined based on the corrected intermediate values. A measure of wetness of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the one or more phase-specific properties that are determined based on the corrected intermediate values. A second apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid is determined using the differential pressure flowmeter. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the measure of wetness and the second apparent property. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080222276 | Control system apparatus and systems based thereon that transfer control apparatus information over IP networks in web page-less transfers - A system for process control comprises a server digital data processor and a client digital data processor that are coupled by a network, such as the Internet or an Intranet. The server digital data processor, which is additionally coupled to a control/sensing device and any associated interface equipment (collectively, referred to as “process control apparatus”), includes a command processor that transfers information between the network and the process control apparatus. The client digital data processor includes an information client (e.g., a so-called Internet web browser) capable of requesting and receiving an applet from the server digital data processor. The information client, further, defines a hardware-independent and operating system-independent virtual machine environment within the client digital data processor. The client digital data processor executes, within that virtual machine environment, an applet for configuring the client digital data processor as a “process controller” that establishes communications over the network with the command processor and that monitors and/or controls the process control apparatus via those communications. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080216588 | CORIOLIS FREQUENCY TRACKING - Motion is induced in a conduit such that the conduit vibrates in a major mode of vibration having a major amplitude and a minor mode of vibration having a minor amplitude. The major amplitude is larger than the minor amplitude, the major mode of vibration has a first frequency of vibration and the minor mode of vibration has a second frequency of vibration, and the minor mode of vibration interferes with the major mode of vibration to cause a beat signal having a frequency related to the first frequency of vibration and the second frequency of vibration. The frequency of the beat signal is determined, and the second frequency of vibration is determined based on the determined frequency of the beat signal. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080212663 | UNIVERSAL INTELLIGENT MODEM - In one general aspect, data transfer between the modem and a processor connected to the modem may be improved using a variable speed buffer. The variable speed buffer may include one or more first-in/first out buffers (FIFOs) and two interfaces. The FIFOs may be connected between the interfaces to form an input data path and an output data path. Each FIFO may store a complete message. Consequently, an entire message may be transferred from the processor at the processor's higher data rate without having to wait for a modulator to modulate the outgoing message at a slower data rate. The modem automatically may use characteristics of an incoming signal to detect which communications protocol is used to send a message, and perform protocol specific functions. The modem may perform system diagnostic functions to improve system performance. | 09-04-2008 |
