Connection apparatus and method for process monitoring
First Claim
1. A connection apparatus for providing electrical connection between an industrial process monitoring unit and sensors mounted on an industrial machine, the connection apparatus comprising:
- a connection unit housing;
a plurality of sensor inputs disposed in the connection unit housing for receiving sensor signal wires from the sensors mounted on the industrial machine, the sensor signal wires carrying sensor signals generated by the sensors;
an identification circuit for storing information related to the machine or the sensors mounted on the machine;
a first multi-conductor connector disposed on the connection unit housing for providing electrical connection between the connection apparatus and the industrial process monitoring unit, the first multi-conductor connector comprising;
one or more contacts in electrical communication with one or more corresponding sensor inputs; and
one or more contacts in electrical communication with the identification circuit for transferring the information related to the sensors mounted on the machine.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A connection unit, also referred to herein as Quick Connect Box (QCB), is installed on each industrial machine to be monitored in a production plant. Each connection unit is “coded” to correspond to the particular production machine to which it is installed. The code may be binary or a certain sequence of digital alphanumeric characters, a certain pattern of analog voltages at certain locations in the QCB unit'"'"'s electronic circuits, or other means. The code or the signal pattern may identify the significant attributes of the machine being monitored, such as the machine name and type, plant name, asset number, the department and physical location within the plant, the operation number, and the types of sensors mounted on the machine and their set ranges.
11 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A connection apparatus for providing electrical connection between an industrial process monitoring unit and sensors mounted on an industrial machine, the connection apparatus comprising:
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a connection unit housing;
a plurality of sensor inputs disposed in the connection unit housing for receiving sensor signal wires from the sensors mounted on the industrial machine, the sensor signal wires carrying sensor signals generated by the sensors;
an identification circuit for storing information related to the machine or the sensors mounted on the machine;
a first multi-conductor connector disposed on the connection unit housing for providing electrical connection between the connection apparatus and the industrial process monitoring unit, the first multi-conductor connector comprising;
one or more contacts in electrical communication with one or more corresponding sensor inputs; and
one or more contacts in electrical communication with the identification circuit for transferring the information related to the sensors mounted on the machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for monitoring a machine used in an industrial process, the method comprising:
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(a) generating one or more sensor signals related to one or more operational parameters of the machine;
(b) receiving the sensor signals at a connection unit disposed with the machine;
(c) electrically connecting an industrial process monitoring unit to the connection unit;
(d) transferring the sensor signals from the connection unit to the industrial process monitoring unit;
(e) accessing identification information from an identification circuit in the connection unit; and
(f) adjusting operation of the industrial process monitoring unit based on the identification information. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification