Safety automation builder

A safety automation builder that assists in development of compliant safety functions for industrial safety systems is provided. The safety automation builder imports a system drawing or image of a user's manufacturing line, machine, or production area, and guides the user through a workflow that facilitates configuration of safety functions for each hazardous access point. The safety automation builder leverages a library of safety devices and encoded knowledge of industrial safety standards to guide the user toward selection of suitable safety devices for mitigating risks associated with the access points. Once configured, the safety automation builder can export the safety function data to an external verification system for confirmation that the configured safety functions comply with the prescribed industrial safety standards.

Integration of optical area monitoring with industrial machine control

An industrial safety system is provided that integrates optical safety monitoring with machine control. The safety system includes an imaging sensor device supporting pixel array processing functions that allow time-of-flight (TOF) analysis to be performed on selected portions of the pixel array, while two-dimensional imaging analysis is performed on the remaining portions of the array, reducing processing load and response time relative to performing TOF analysis for all pixels of the array. The portion of the pixel array designated for TOF analysis can be pre-defined through configuration of the imaging sensor device, or can be dynamically selected based on object detection and classification by the two-dimensional imaging analysis. The imaging sensor device can also implement a number of safety and redundancy functions to achieve a high degree of safety integrity.

Method and apparatus for enabling sensors in a dual matrix sensor array

The subject matter disclosed herein describes an optical sensor used in a safety system. The sensor includes two pixel matrices on a single substrate. Each of the pixel matrices are arranged in a row and column format, and pixels from one matrix are interspersed with pixels from the other matrix such that alternating pixels in each row and column belong to separate matrices. Two sets of selection logic allow each matrix to be enabled separately. Additional monitoring logic is included to detect shorted pixels and/or shorted selection lines. In addition, the frames generated by each pixel array may be compared to detect variation in performance between arrays.

SAFETY AUTOMATION BUILDER

A safety automation builder that assists in development of compliant safety functions for industrial safety systems is provided. The safety automation builder imports a system drawing or image of a user's manufacturing line, machine, or production area, and guides the user through a workflow that facilitates configuration of safety functions for each hazardous access point. The safety automation builder leverages a library of safety devices and encoded knowledge of industrial safety standards to guide the user toward selection of suitable safety devices for mitigating risks associated with the access points. Once configured, the safety automation builder can export the safety function data to an external verification system for confirmation that the configured safety functions comply with the prescribed industrial safety standards. 1. A system , comprising:a memory that stores executable components; and an interface component configured to receive, via interaction with an image of an industrial automation system, access point configuration data relating to a hazardous access point of the industrial automation system, wherein the access point configuration data comprises zone information defining a first location of one or more zones of the industrial automation system, access point information defining a second location of the hazardous access point associated with the one or more zones, and performance level information defining a performance level requirement for a safety function to be installed at the hazardous access point;', 'a device search component configured to, in response to receipt of the access point configuration information, select, from a safety device library that stores safety device data representing a set of safety devices, a first subset of the safety device data corresponding to a subset of the safety devices that satisfy the performance level specified by the access point configuration data, wherein the device search component is further ...

Waveform reconstruction in a time-of-flight sensor

A time-of-flight (TOF) sensor device is provided that is capable of accurately recovering waveforms of reflected light pulses incident on the sensor's photo-receiver array using a low sampling rate. A number of samples for a received light pulse incident on a given photo-receiver are obtained by emitting a light pulse to the viewing field, integrating the electrical output generated by the photo receiver over an integration period, and adding the integral values for respective integration cycles to yield an accumulation value. This process is repeated for multiple accumulation cycles; however, for each consecutive accumulation cycle the start of the integration period is delayed relative the start time of the integration period for the previous cycle by a delay period. Sampled values for the waveform are obtained by determining the difference values between consecutive accumulation values for the respective accumulation cycles.

Optical area monitoring with spot matrix illumination

An imaging sensor device is configured to illuminate a viewing field using an array of focused light spots spaced across the viewing field rather than uniformly illuminating the viewing field, thereby reducing the amount of illumination energy required to produce a given intensity of light reflected from the spots. In some embodiments, the imaging sensor device can project an array of focused light spots at two different intensities or brightness levels, such that high intensity and low intensity light spots are interlaced across the viewing field. This ensures that both relatively dark and relatively bright or reflective objects can be reliably detected within the viewing field. The intensities of the light spots can be modulated based on measured conditions of the viewing field, including but not limited to the measured ambient light or a determined dynamic range of reflectivity of objects within the viewing field.

Industrial-enabled mobile device

An industrial-enabled mobile electronic device, such as a personal mobile phone or tablet computer, allows a user to wirelessly interact with industrial devices for a variety of purposes. The mobile electronic device can communicate with an industrial device to read and write configuration settings, read and view log data, send commands to the industrial device, and other such functions. The mobile electronic device can perform various types of analysis on images and video of the industrial device captured by the mobile electronic device, including identifying and translating a model or device number printed on the device, or translating error codes displayed by the industrial device. The mobile electronic device can also retrieve additional information about the industrial device or the device's stored data via interaction with a remote technical support service, and can be used to facilitate dialog with a remote technical support person.

Method and Apparatus for Diagnostic Coverage of Safety Components

A method and system for diagnostic coverage of safety components monitors the state of a safety chain and each of the safety devices in the chain. A fault condition is detected if one of the safety devices indicates that the safety chain should be open but the safety chain indicates that it is closed. In order to prevent an inadvertent reset of the fault condition by opening the safety chain via a second safety device, the fault condition is latched until the monitoring system verifies that the faulty safety device has been corrected. 1. A safety system for use in controlling an industrial device , comprising:a plurality of safety switches, each safety switch including at least two contacts wherein the contacts of each safety switch are activated in tandem responsive to a single trigger; a first input of the safety relay is connected in series to a first contact of each of the safety switches, which are connected in series to a control voltage, providing the safety signal to the safety relay,', 'a second input of the safety relay is connected to the command signal for the industrial device,', 'a first output of the safety relay provides the control signal to the industrial device, and', 'a second output of the safety relay is configured to indicate the state of the safety signal; and, 'a safety relay selectively providing a control signal to the industrial device as a function of a command signal and a safety signal, the safety relay having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein'}a controller having a plurality of inputs, at least one output, and a processor configured to execute a stored program to(i) identify a fault condition if one of the safety switches has a contact which is not activated in tandem with the other contacts of the safety switch;(ii) provide an interlock to the safety relay to prevent another of the safety switches from resetting the fault condition.2. The safety system of whereina second contact of each of the safety devices ...

Magnetic Latch for Safety Applications with Adjustable Holding Force

A magnetic latch for industrial environments includes fixed magnetic pole pieces that may be sealed within a housing to resist environmental contamination and which provide for perpendicular engagement faces for use with gates having a rolling or swinging configuration. An RFID tag reader may be incorporated into the magnet assembly of the latch for reading a specially encoded RFID tag in a keeper portion of the magnetic latch. 1. A magnetic latch for safety applications comprising:a magnet assembly providing a housing presenting a mounting surface for attaching the housing to a gate, the housing holding a permanent magnet flanked by ferromagnetic pole pieces extending out of the housing;a keeper plate of ferromagnetic material having a first and second area displaced from each other, each with different magnetic permeability and each sized to receive the ferromagnetic pole pieces thereagainst; andwhereby different degrees of magnetic attraction force between the magnet assembly and the keeper plate may be obtained by changing an alignment of the magnet assembly and keeper plate to change which of the first and second areas receive the ferromagnetic pole pieces.2. The magnetic latch of wherein the keeper plate has a series of holes in the ferromagnetic material in the first area decreasing its average permeability with respect to the second area.3. The magnetic latch of wherein the holes are filled with a nonmetallic material.4. The magnetic latch of wherein the keeper plate is overmolded with a polymer material outside of the first and second areas.5. The magnetic latch of wherein the pole pieces are fixed with respect to the housing and sealed at a point of exit from the housing.6. The magnetic latch of wherein each ferromagnetic pole piece extends out of the housing to present first and second surfaces facing two perpendicular directions.7. The magnetic latch of wherein the housing provides a cantilevered portion extending from the mounting surface in a direction ...

Method and Apparatus for a Dual Matrix Sensor Array

The subject matter disclosed herein describes an optical sensor used in a safety system. The sensor includes two pixel matrices on a single substrate. Each of the pixel matrices are arranged in a row and column format, and pixels from one matrix are interspersed with pixels from the other matrix such that alternating pixels in each row and column belong to separate matrices. Two sets of selection logic allow each matrix to be enabled separately. Additional monitoring logic is included to detect shorted pixels and/or shorted selection lines. In addition, the frames generated by each pixel array may be compared to detect variation in performance between arrays.

SAFETY SWITCH

A method and apparatus for controlling operation of a safety switch assembly having a number of fixed and movable contacts, a control mechanism that alters the conducting state of the contacts, and a magnetisable member that extends between alternate portions of the safety switch assembly. The safety switch assembly includes a magnetically operable electrical switch that is positioned proximate the magnetisable material such that changes in the magnetic condition of the magnetisable material alter the conducting state of the magnetically operable electrical switch. 1. A method of controlling operation of a safety switch assembly comprising:providing a safety switch assembly that controls communication of operating power to an industrial device;providing the safety switch assembly with a magnetically responsive electrical switch;providing the safety switch assembly with a magnetisable material; andproviding an actuator with a magnet that alters a magnetic property of the magnetisable material when the actuator is engaged with the safety switch so that the magnetic property of the magnetisable material alters a condition of the magnetically responsive electrical switch when the actuator is engaged with the safety switch assembly.2. The method of further comprising mechanically altering a position of a plunger of the safety switch when the actuator is engaged with the safety switch.3. The method of further comprising changing a conducting condition associated with the operating power as a function of the position of the plunger and the condition of the magnetically responsive switch only when the actuator having the magnet that alters the magnet property of the magnetisable material is engaged with the safety switch assembly.4. The method of further comprising forming at least a portion of the actuator with the magnet.5. The method of further comprising extending the magnetisable material along a portion of a length of safety switch so that the magnetically responsive ...

WAVEFORM RECONSTRUCTION IN A TIME-OF-FLIGHT SENSOR

A time-of-flight (TOF) sensor device is configured to perform classification analytics on a waveform signal representing a reflected light pulse, and to classify an object from which the light pulse was received based on characteristic properties of the reflected pulse. The TOF sensor device can compare the reflected pulse waveform with stored characteristic waveform profiles indicative of different types of objects or atmospheric particulates, including but not limited to snow, aerosol, water, fog, or mist. Some embodiments of TOF sensor device can also detect excessive levels of mist or suspended particulates that may reduce the detection accuracy of the sensor. To this end, such embodiments project focused light beams according to a defined pattern, and compare the reflected pattern with the defined pattern to determine a degree of pattern distortion attributable to the presence of mist. 1. An imaging device , comprising:a memory that stores executable components; an illumination component configured to emit a light pulse toward a viewing field;', 'a photo-receiver configured to generate an electrical output proportional to an intensity of light incident on a surface of the photo-receiver;', 'a pixel array component configured to generate waveform data corresponding to a reflected light pulse received by the photo-receiver based on the electrical output;', 'a waveform analysis component configured to perform a comparison of the waveform data with signature profile data that defines characteristic waveform signatures corresponding to respective object classifications, and generate classification data assigning an object classification, of the object classifications, to an object corresponding to the reflected light pulse based on a result of the comparison; and', 'a hazard analysis and decision component configured to generate an output signal based on the object classification., 'a processor, operatively coupled to the memory, that executes the executable ...

Radio Frequency Identification in Safety Applications

Aspects of the present invention provide an RFID system for safely controlling an auto guided vehicle, an automated robot or other moving object (“AGV/BOT”). The system may include a plurality of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags, and each may store a unique identification in a first memory location, a position in a second memory location and/or an instruction in a third memory location. An AGV/BOT having an RFID transceiver or antenna and a computer with a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a predetermined table may read one or more of the memory locations. The table comprises a plurality of data elements with certain data elements associated with particular RFID tags. The AGV/BOT safely determines its location upon matching the one or more memory locations read with one or more data elements, or triggers a fault upon failing to match. The AGV/BOT may also predict the next RFID tag. 1. A moving object with a processor executing a program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and having a radio frequency identification transceiver or antenna for communicating with a plurality of radio frequency identification tags , wherein the program instructs the processor to perform the following steps:(a) read a first memory location from a radio frequency identification tag in proximity, the first memory location storing a unique identification;(b) compare the first memory location with a plurality of first data elements stored in a predetermined table, each of the first data elements associated with a particular radio frequency identification tag;(C) safely determine a current position of the moving object upon successfully matching the first memory location with a first data element; and(d) trigger a fault upon failing: to match the first memory location with a first data element.2. The moving object of claim 1 , further comprising predicting a first memory location for the next radio frequency identification tag in ...

Method and Apparatus for Control of a Dual Matrix Sensor Array

The subject matter disclosed herein describes an optical sensor used in a safety system. The sensor includes two pixel matrices on a single substrate. Each of the pixel matrices are arranged in a row and column format, and pixels from one matrix are interspersed with pixels from the other matrix such that alternating pixels in each row and column belong to separate matrices. Two sets of selection logic allow each matrix to be enabled separately. Additional monitoring logic is included to detect shorted pixels and/or shorted selection lines. In addition, the frames generated by each pixel array may be compared to detect variation in performance between arrays.

Integration of optical area monitoring with industrial machine control

An industrial safety system is provided that integrates optical safety monitoring with machine control. The safety system includes an imaging sensor device supporting pixel array processing functions that allow time-of-flight (TOF) analysis to be performed on selected portions of the pixel array, while two-dimensional imaging analysis is performed on the remaining portions of the array, reducing processing load and response time relative to performing TOF analysis for all pixels of the array. The portion of the pixel array designated for TOF analysis can be pre-defined through configuration of the imaging sensor device, or can be dynamically selected based on object detection and classification by the two-dimensional imaging analysis. The imaging sensor device can also implement a number of safety and redundancy functions to achieve a high degree of safety integrity.

Triangulation applied as a safety scanner

An optical safety scanner system comprises a first illumination source for detecting presence and distances of people or other objects within a hazardous industrial area based on triangulation, and a second illumination source that verifies accurate and reliable detection by the first illumination source. The first illumination source can project LED or laser light for triangulation of objects, and the second illumination source can project a wide beam of light for detection of other intrusive objects that may be blocking the scanner system's camera and preventing accurate triangulation of people or vehicles. If the image frame generated based on the second light identifies presence of an object that is not detected by the triangulation analysis of the laser light, the safety scanner system assumes that an object is obstructing the safety scanner system's camera, and performs a suitable safety action.

POWER MANAGEMENT MODULE FOR A SOLENOID-DRIVEN SAFETY LOCK

A power management module for a solenoid-driven industrial safety lock minimizes energy consumption, protects the power supply line, and improves reliability of the safety lock. The power management module comprises a capacitor bank that stores energy from the power supply line. The stored energy is discharged to the solenoid of the safety lock as needed to actuate the safety lock mechanism (e.g., armature or plunger). The capacitor bank shields the power supply line from high current fluctuations caused by actuation of the solenoid, and allows the safety lock to be operated even in the event of power loss. A discharge controller can closely control the duration of the discharge based on position sensors or a discharge timer to minimize the amount of energy used to transition the locking mechanism. 1. A locking system , comprising:a solenoid;a locking mechanism configured to actuate in response to an electrical current being applied to the solenoid; anda capacitor bank configured to discharge stored energy to the solenoid.2. The locking system of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one of a plunger claim 1 , an armature claim 1 , or a locking bolt.3. The locking system of claim 1 , further comprising a discharge controller configured to control a discharge of the stored energy to the solenoid.4. The locking system of claim 3 , wherein the discharge controller is further configured to initiate a discharging of the stored energy to the solenoid in response to a command to transition the locking mechanism from a first position to a second position.5. The locking system of claim 4 , wherein the discharge controller is further configured to stop the discharging of the stored energy to the solenoid in response to receipt of a signal indicating that the locking mechanism has completed transition to the second position.6. The locking system of claim 4 , further comprising a discharge timer component claim 4 , wherein the discharge controller is ...

Distribution Networks For Safety Sensors and Devices

In distribution networks for safety sensors and devices, aspects of the invention provide routing individualized status signals in parallel to potential safety sensor locations in addition to serially routing safety signals to provide substantially increased protection. A shorting plug that electrically shorts together an individualized status signal to a voltage reference level at a safety sensor location, in addition to electrically shorting together the safety signals for electrical continuity, provides individualized status information for each potential safety sensor location in addition to the serial safety information provided by the safety signals. Another aspect of the invention provides a remote monitoring device coupled to one or more adapter ports, with each adapter port coupled to one or more safety sensors, wherein adapter ports are coupled via cabling with cable endings of the same type, thereby preventing circumvention of a safety sensor simply by coupling together adjacent cables. 1. A distribution box for collecting signals from one or more safety sensors comprising:(a) a housing having a plurality of electrical connector halves, each connector half presenting first and second input connections, first and second output connections, a status connection and a voltage connection,(b) a signal cable extending from the housing for communicating with a remote device and including safety signal conductors and status signal conductors wherein the safety signal conductors join the connector halves in series from a first connector half to a last connector half so that first and second output connections of connector halves are coupled to the first and second input connections of a next connector half, respectively, until reaching the last connector half, and wherein the status signal conductors pass separately one to each status connection of each connector half separate from the status connection of any other connector half; and(c) a shorting plug adapted to ...

Safety automation builder

A safety automation builder that assists in development of compliant safety functions for industrial safety systems is provided. The safety automation builder imports a system drawing or image of a user's manufacturing line, machine, or production area, and guides the user through a workflow that facilitates configuration of safety functions for each hazardous access point. The safety automation builder leverages a library of safety devices and encoded knowledge of industrial safety standards to guide the user toward selection of suitable safety devices for mitigating risks associated with the access points. Once configured, the safety automation builder can export the safety function data to an external verification system for confirmation that the configured safety functions comply with the prescribed industrial safety standards.

MAGNETIC LATCH FOR SAFETY APPLICATIONS WITH ADJUSTABLE HOLDING FORCE

A magnetic latch for industrial environments includes fixed magnetic pole pieces that may be sealed within a housing to resist environmental contamination and which provide for perpendicular engagement faces for use with gates having a rolling or swinging configuration. An RFID tag reader may be incorporated into the magnet assembly of the latch for reading a specially encoded RFID tag in a keeper portion of the magnetic latch. 1. A magnetic latch for safety applications comprising:a magnet assembly providing a housing presenting a mounting surface extending along a first plane for attaching the housing to a gate, the housing holding a permanent magnet flanked by two sets of ferromagnetic pole pieces extending out of the housing in mutually perpendicular directions to provide a first and second magnetic engagement surfaces; anda keeper plate of ferromagnetic material presenting a magnetic engagement face extending along a plane for engaging either of the first and second magnetic engagement surfaces;wherein the housing provides a cantilevered portion projecting in a direction parallel to and displaced from the first plane so that a set of ferromagnetic pole pieces extends out of the cantilevered portion in a direction toward and perpendicular to the first plane; andwherein the keeper plate holds a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and the housing holds a RFID reader for reading a numeric code embedded in the RFID tag and the RFID reader positioned to be proximate to the RFID tag when the keeper plate is received against either of the first and second magnetic engagement surfaces.2. The magnetic latch of wherein when the keeper plate is received against either of the first and second magnetic engagement surfaces claim 1 , the RFID reader is located along a line perpendicular to the plane of the magnetic engagement face and passing through the RFID tag.3. The magnetic latch of wherein when the keeper plate is received against either of the first and second ...

INDUSTRIAL-ENABLED MOBILE DEVICE

An industrial-enabled mobile electronic device, such as a personal mobile phone or tablet computer, allows a user to wirelessly interact with industrial devices for a variety of purposes. The mobile electronic device can communicate with an industrial device to read and write configuration settings, read and view log data, send commands to the industrial device, and other such functions. The mobile electronic device can perform various types of analysis on images and video of the industrial device captured by the mobile electronic device, including identifying and translating a model or device number printed on the device, or translating error codes displayed by the industrial device. The mobile electronic device can also retrieve additional information about the industrial device or the device's stored data via interaction with a remote technical support service, and can be used to facilitate dialog with a remote technical support person. 1. A mobile device for interfacing with an industrial device , comprising:a memory that stores computer-executable components; a wireless interface component configured to send and receive data over a wireless network; and', 'an industrial application component configured to establish a wireless connection between the mobile device and an industrial device using the wireless interface component, and to retrieve data from the industrial device via the wireless connection., 'a processor, operatively coupled to the memory, that executes the computer-executable components, the computer-executable components comprising2. The mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the wireless connection is established using near field communication.3. The mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the industrial application component is further configured to identify a model number contained in at least one of the data or a photographic image of the industrial device captured by a camera component of the mobile device claim 1 , and to retrieve information about ...

WAVEFORM RECONSTRUCTION IN A TIME-OF-FLIGHT SENSOR

A time-of-flight (TOF) sensor device is provided that is capable of accurately recovering waveforms of reflected light pulses incident on the sensor's photo-receiver array using a low sampling rate. A number of samples for a received light pulse incident on a given photo-receiver are obtained by emitting a light pulse to the viewing field, integrating the electrical output generated by the photo receiver over an integration period, and adding the integral values for respective integration cycles to yield an accumulation value. This process is repeated for multiple accumulation cycles; however, for each consecutive accumulation cycle the start of the integration period is delayed relative the start time of the integration period for the previous cycle by a delay period. Sampled values for the waveform are obtained by determining the difference values between consecutive accumulation values for the respective accumulation cycles.

OPTICAL AREA MONITORING WITH SPOT MATRIX ILLUMINATION

An imaging sensor device is configured to illuminate a viewing field using an array of focused light spots spaced across the viewing field rather than uniformly illuminating the viewing field, thereby reducing the amount of illumination energy required to produce a given intensity of light reflected from the spots. In some embodiments, the imaging sensor device can project an array of focused light spots at two different intensities or brightness levels, such that high intensity and low intensity light spots are interlaced across the viewing field. This ensures that both relatively dark and relatively bright or reflective objects can be reliably detected within the viewing field. The intensities of the light spots can be modulated based on measured conditions of the viewing field, including but not limited to the measured ambient light or a determined dynamic range of reflectivity of objects within the viewing field.

INTEGRATION OF OPTICAL AREA MONITORING WITH INDUSTRIAL MACHINE CONTROL

An industrial safety system is provided that integrates optical safety monitoring with machine control. The safety system includes an imaging sensor device supporting pixel array processing functions that allow time-of-flight (TOF) analysis to be performed on selected portions of the pixel array, while two-dimensional imaging analysis is performed on the remaining portions of the array, reducing processing load and response time relative to performing TOF analysis for all pixels of the array. The portion of the pixel array designated for TOF analysis can be pre-defined through configuration of the imaging sensor device, or can be dynamically selected based on object detection and classification by the two-dimensional imaging analysis. The imaging sensor device can also implement a number of safety and redundancy functions to achieve a high degree of safety integrity.

OPTICAL SAFETY MONITORING WITH SELECTIVE PIXEL ARRAY ANALYSIS

An imaging sensor device includes pixel array processing functions that allow time-of-flight (TOF) analysis to be performed on selected portions of the pixel array, while two-dimensional imaging analysis is performed on the remaining portions of the array, reducing processing load and response time relative to performing TOF analysis for all pixels of the array. The portion of the pixel array designated for TOF analysis can be pre-defined through configuration of the imaging sensor device. Alternatively, the imaging sensor device can dynamically select the portions of the pixel array on which TOF analysis is to be performed based on object detection and classification by the two-dimensional imaging analysis. Embodiments of the imaging sensor device can also implement a number of safety and redundancy functions to achieve a high degree of safety integrity, making the sensor suitable for use in various types of safety monitoring applications.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VIRTUALLY TAGGING AND SECURING INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium may include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, may cause processor to receive a set of user data associated with a user that is attempting to access an electronic lock, receive a request to actuate a locking mechanism of the electronic lock configured to prevent the user from accessing a machine in an industrial automation system, actuate the locking mechanism in response to the request and the set of user data corresponding to an expected set of data, store a log of the request and the set of user data, and send the log to a cloud-based computing system. 1. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions that , when executed by a processor , are configured to cause the processor to:receive a set of user data associated with a user that is attempting to access an electronic lock;receive a request to actuate a locking mechanism of the electronic lock configured to prevent the user from accessing a machine in an industrial automation system;actuate the locking mechanism in response to the request and the set of user data corresponding to an expected set of data;store a log of the request and the set of user data; andsend the log to a cloud-based computing system.2. The computer readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the set of user data comprises sensor data acquired by one or more sensors claim 1 , wherein the sensor data is indicative of an identity or location of the user.3. The computer readable medium of claim 1 , wherein the instructions claim 1 , when executed by the processor claim 1 , are configured to cause the processor to actuate the locking mechanism by:accessing a database comprising a plurality of user permissives, wherein each user permissive of the plurality of user permissives corresponds to one or more conditions associated with allowing an individual to actuate the locking mechanism;determining whether the user is ...

Portable Actuator Assembly

A portable actuator and safety switch assembly wherein the portable actuator includes a housing and an actuator for selectively engaging with a control mechanism of said safety switch. The actuator is at least one of partially located within the housing, forms a part of the housing, or is attached to the housing. The assembly includes a controller that controls a configuration of the actuator assembly, such that the actuator assembly can selectively and controllably attain a first configuration wherein the actuator is able to interact with the control mechanism of the safety switch and a second configuration wherein the actuator is unable to manipulate the control mechanism of said safety switch. 121-. (canceled)22. A portable actuator assembly configured to manipulate a control mechanism of a safety switch , the actuator assembly comprising:a housing;an actuator associated with the housing and configured to selectively removably engage a control mechanism of a safety switch to manipulate a conducting condition of the safety switch; anda controller supported by the housing, associated with the actuator, and isolated from the control mechanism of the safety switch, the controller configured to control a configuration of the portable actuator assembly such that the portable actuator assembly can be provided in a first configuration wherein the actuator is able to manipulate the conducting condition associated with the control mechanism of the safety switch and a second configuration wherein the actuator is unable to manipulate the conducting condition associated with the control mechanism of the safety switch when the portable actuator assembly is engaged with the safety switch.23. The portable actuator assembly of wherein once in the second configuration claim 22 , the portable actuator assembly is not changeable to the first configuration until an external input is received by the controller.24. The portable actuator assembly of further comprising a timing ...

QUICK-ACTION ORTHOGONAL MOTION CONVERSION MECHANISM WITH DIRECT-ACTING RETURN FEATURE

An escape release mechanism that serves as a supplementary means for unlocking a solenoid-driven locking switch. The escape release mechanism comprises a knobbed escape release switch that can be pressed by an operator from inside a protected industrial area to override the solenoid-driven lock. In response to a single-direction linear movement of the escape release key, a pin extends from the escape release mechanism in a direction orthogonal to the escape release key's linear movement. This forward movement causes the pin to displace the locking bolt of the locking switch. As the single-direction linear movement of the escape release key continues, the pin retracts from the locking switch out of the path of the locking tongue, allowing the tongue to be removed. In this way, the pin is both extended and retracted in response to a single-direction linear action by the operator. 1. An escape release device , comprising:a plunger housed in a plunger housing, wherein a first end of the plunger comprises a pin that protrudes through a hole in a first side of the plunger housing, and a section of the plunger comprises an interactive feature;an escape release key housed within and guided by a key bearing attached to the plunger housing, wherein the key bearing comprises a key shaft that guides a linear motion of the escape release key, and wherein the key bearing positions the escape release key orthogonally to a length of the plunger,whereina first end of the escape release key comprises a profiled end feature that resides within the plunger housing, andin response to a linear movement of the escape release key into the plunger housing, the profiled end feature interacts with the interactive feature to move the pin in a first direction orthogonal to a direction of the linear movement of the escape release key followed by a second direction opposite the first direction.2. The escape release device of claim 1 , further comprising a spring that resides in a spring housing ...

Systems and methods that evaluate distance to potential hazards utilizing overlapping sensing zones

The claimed subject matter provides industrial automation systems and/or methods that evaluate a proximity to potential hazards. A plurality of sensors can provide redundant detected data. Additionally, a proximity evaluation component can evaluate the detected data, determine a location of at least one of a person and an object, and identify a distance from the location to one or more hazardous zones in a monitored region.

Improved customized-shape ceramic fillers for dental composite materials

Ceramic filler compositions of customized shapes (Figures 1-30) according to the present invention, include ceramic and glass-ceramic particles having a customized shape which provides mechanical locking within a resin matrix giving significantly improved fracture toughness performance for a resin/gla ss or ceramic composite system. The material has particular application as a tooth filling material with significantly improved wear resistance. The wide range of unique-shaped filler particles are produced using wet chemistry methods according to the invention of preparing the ceramic particles for us e in a resin matrix composite material. Such composite materials have a very wide application, especially as a dental composite filling material for restoring a tooth.

Composite veneered cast glass-ceramic dental construct

A dental construct according to the present invention includes a glass-ceramic coping having a resin composite material in the form of a veneer bonded or otherwise affixed to at least a portion of the coping. A method according to the invention of preparing the dental construct includes the step of bonding or otherwise affixing a resin composite material in the form of a veneer to at least a portion of a glass-ceramic substrate coping.

Improved customized-shape ceramic fillers for dental composite materials

Ceramic filler compositions of customized shapes (Figures 1-30) according to the present invention, include ceramic and glass-ceramic particles having a customized shape which provides mechanical locking within a resin matrix giving significantly improved fracture toughness performance for a resin/glass or ceramic composite system. The material has particular application as a tooth filling material with significantly improved wear resistance. The wide range of unique-shaped filler particles are produced using wet chemistry methods according to the invention of preparing the ceramic particles for use in a resin matrix composite material. Such composite materials have a very wide application, especially as a dental composite filling material for restoring a tooth.

Optical safety monitoring with selective pixel array analysis

Composite veneered cast glass-ceramic dental construct

A dental construct according to the present invention includes a glass-ceramic coping having a resin composite material in the form of a veneer bonded or otherwise affixed to at least a portion of the coping. A method according to the invention of preparing the dental construct includes the step of bonding or otherwise affixing a resin composite material in the form of a veneer to at least a portion of a glass-ceramic substrate coping.

System and method to combine and weight multiple sensors with overlapping sensing range to create a measurement system utilized in a high integrity or safety environment

The claimed subject matter provides industrial automation systems and/or methods that can aggregate data. A plurality of sensors can provide redundant detected data. Additionally, a weighting component can respectively weight the detected data based upon a confidence of accurate measurement corresponding to each of the plurality of sensors. Further, a combination component can assemble the redundant detected data based at least in part upon the weights to generate harmonized data.

Rfid/biometric area protection

Optical safety monitoring with selective pixel array analysis

An imaging sensor device includes pixel array processing functions that allow time-of-flight (TOF) analysis to be performed on selected portions of the pixel array, while two-dimensional imaging analysis is performed on the remaining portions of the array, reducing processing load and response time relative to performing TOF analysis for all pixels of the array. The portion of the pixel array designated for TOF analysis can be pre-defined through configuration of the imaging sensor device. Alternatively, the imaging sensor device can dynamically select the portions of the pixel array on which TOF analysis is to be performed based on object detection and classification by the two-dimensional imaging analysis. Embodiments of the imaging sensor device can also implement a number of safety and redundancy functions to achieve a high degree of safety integrity, making the sensor suitable for use in various types of safety monitoring applications.

Electronic token to provide sequential event control and monitoring

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates initiating a sequence within an industrial automation environment. A radio frequency identification (RFID) component can receive data from an RFID tag. An event control component can invoke at least one event related to a device in a designated control sequence.

Audit trail in a programmable safety instrumented system via biometric signature(s)

System(s) and method(s) that facilitate utilizing biometric sensors (e.g., fingerprint, hand scan, voice recognition ) in manufacturing systems in order to maintain accurate safety audit trails. A safety audit system, utilizing a biometric sensing device, facilitates determining if a user is allowed to access and change the configuration of the manufacturing system. Once a user is allowed to change the configuration (e.g., programmable electronics, tooling changes, software updates, etc.) the changes are automatically recorded in a safety audit database. Automatic storage of configuration changes mitigates manual recording of changes thereby enhancing the safety audit data often necessary to meet safety standards for manufacturing systems.

Waveform reconstruction in a time-of-flight sensor

Method and apparatus for detecting failures of a dual matrix sensor array

The subject matter disclosed herein describes an optical sensor used in a safety system. The sensor includes two pixel matrices on a single substrate. Each of the pixel matrices are arranged in a row and column format, and pixels from one matrix are interspersed with pixels from the other matrix such that alternating pixels in each row and column belong to separate matrices. Two sets of selection logic allow each matrix to be enabled separately. Additional monitoring logic is included to detect shorted pixels and/or shorted selection lines. In addition, the frames generated by each pixel array may be compared to detect variation in performance between arrays.

Electronic token to provide sequential event control and monitoring

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates initiating a sequence within an industrial automation environment. A radio frequency identification (RFID) component can receive data from an RFID tag. An event control component can invoke at least one event related to a device in a designated control sequence.

Safety versus availability graphical user interface

The claimed subject matter provides industrial automation systems and/or methods that visualize availability and safety levels. An optimization component can generate a voting configuration that provides an optimized combination of a safety level and an availability level based upon available redundancy. Additionally, a graphical user interface can present a visualization of the safety level and the availability level.

Power management module for a solenoid-driven safety lock

Safety versus availability graphical user interface

The claimed subject matter provides industrial automation systems and/or methods that visualize availability and safety levels. An optimization component can generate a voting configuration that provides an optimized combination of a safety level and an availability level based upon available redundancy. Additionally, a graphical user interface can present a visualization of the safety level and the availability level.

Audit trail in a programmable safety instrumented system via biometric signature(s)

System(s) and method(s) that facilitate utilizing biometric sensors (e.g., fingerprint, hand scan, voice recognition ) in manufacturing systems in order to maintain accurate safety audit trails. A safety audit system, utilizing a biometric sensing device, facilitates determining if a user is allowed to access and change the configuration of the manufacturing system. Once a user is allowed to change the configuration (e.g., programmable electronics, tooling changes, software updates, etc.) the changes are automatically recorded in a safety audit database. Automatic storage of configuration changes mitigates manual recording of changes thereby enhancing the safety audit data often necessary to meet safety standards for manufacturing systems.

Electronic token to provide sequential event control and monitoring

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates initiating a sequence within an industrial automation environment. A radio frequency identification (RFID) component can receive data from an RFID tag. An event control component can invoke at least one event related to a device in a designated control sequence.

Rfid/biometric area protection

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates providing a safety mechanism associated with a protective zone in an industrial automation environment. An radio frequency identification (RFID) component can receive data from an RFID tag to identify a location. A safety component can employ a safe mode to a device based at least in part upon the location to employ a protected zone in proximity with the device.

System and method to combine and weight multiple sensors with overlapping sensing range to create a measurement system utilized in a high integrity or safety environment

The claimed subject matter provides industrial automation systems and/or methods that can aggregate data. A plurality of sensors can provide redundant detected data. Additionally, a weighting component can respectively weight the detected data based upon a confidence of accurate measurement corresponding to each of the plurality of sensors. Further, a combination component can assemble the redundant detected data based at least in part upon the weights to generate harmonized data.

Data acquisition and processing system for risk assessment

Systems and methods of risk management that employ a risk assessment component to continuously update risk estimation associated with a machine of a manufacturing system. A data input component is provided for receiving a measured parameter associated with a current machine condition. A comparison is performed between the measured parameter from current machine condition with predetermined risk estimations/assessment parameters to determine whether the current machine condition is within the range of acceptable operator risk conditions.