Movable lead access member for handheld field maintenance tool

• US 20040039458A1
• Filed: 05/16/2003
• Published: 02/26/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Duren, Joachim, Mathiowetz, Brad N., Gerken, Heiner
• Granted Patent: US 7,039,744 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/17
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4183 characterised by data acquisition, e.g. workpiece identification
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31129 Universal interface for different fieldbus protocols
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36159 Detachable or portable programming unit, display, pc, pda
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 23/0213 Modular or universal configuration of the monitoring system, e.g. monitoring system having modules that may be combined to build monitoring program; monitoring system that can be applied to legacy systems; adaptable monitoring system; using different communication protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/40006 Architecture of a communication node current supply arrangements H04L12/10; intermediate storage or scheduling H04L49/90
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/4026 Bus for use in automation systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/18 Protocol analysers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

A handheld communication and diagnostic tool is provided. The tool is usable with process industry standard protocols having varying physical layers. Each physical layer includes at least one distinct lead. To facilitate proper loop connections, the tool includes a movable lead access member that allows connection to leads for the first physical layer, while obstructing access to leads for the second physical layer.

Claims

1. A handheld field maintenance tool comprising:

a first media access unit for communicating in accordance to with a first protocol;

a first network connection point adapted to connect the first media access unit to a process control loop;

a second media access unit for communicating in accordance to with a second protocol;

a second network connection point adapted to connect the second media access unit to the process control loop; and

a movable lead access member having a first position and a second position, wherein the first position allows access to the first network connection point while obstructing the second network connection point, and wherein the second position allows access to the second network connection point while obstructing access to the first network connection point.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second network connection points share a common terminal.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second network connection points include banana jacks.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first protocol is the HART®

protocol.

5. The tool of claim 4, wherein the second protocol is the FOUNDATION™

Fieldbus protocol.

6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first protocol is the FOUNDATION™

Fieldbus protocol.

7. The tool of claim 1, wherein the movable lead access member is slidable within the tool.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the member includes a capture mechanism.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein the capture mechanism is a tab extending from the member and adapted to cooperate with structure within the tool.

10. The tool of claim 7, wherein the member includes an aperture therein that allows access to a common terminal regardless of the position of the member.

11. The tool of claim 1, wherein the member is adapted to function erroneously if installed improperly.

12. The tool of claim 1, wherein the member includes indicia to facilitate a proper network connection.

13. The tool of claim 1, wherein the member is adapted to pivot between the first and second positions.