T. W. Kutter, Inc.

Interactive Process Controls Corp.

Sensorpulse Corp.

Kevin V Roach

James G Calvin

Francis P Ventura

M Selim Cetiner

Vincent E Faherty

David C Littlejohn

An interface circuit for use with process controllers permits analog signals to be input to a process controller through a binary interface of the process controller and permits analog signals to be output from the process controller through the binary interface. The input analog signal is converted to a digital word of N bits. An identification or end indication and the N bits of the digital word are transmitted to the process controller at a rate selected for compatibility with the scan time of the process controller. The process controller includes a software routine for recognizing the N bits of the digital word. An equivalent approach is used for outputting analog signals through a binary interface of a process controller. The interface circuit can include multiple channels for inputting or outputting multiple analog signals.

Analog interface circuits for process controllers and process monitors

An interface circuit for use with process controllers permits analog signals to be input to a process controller through a binary interface of the process controller and permits analog signals to be output from the process controller through the binary interface. The input analog signal is converted to a digital sample of N bits. An identification pulse and the N bits of the digital sample are transmitted to the process controller at a rate selected for compatibility with the scan time of the process controller. The process controller includes a software routine for recognizing the identification pulse and the N bits of the digital sample. An equivalent approach is used for outputting analog signals through a binary interface of a process controller. The interface circuit can include multiple channels for inputting or outputting multiple analog signals.

Apparatus for automatically assembling and packaging articles including an assembler at which the articles are assembled and discharged one after another, a form and fill packaging line including a vacuum thermoformer where a plastic web is formed to provide receptacles for receiving the articles, a filling station where articles are placed in the formed receptacles, and a sealer where a sheet seals closed the filled receptacles, a transporting line receiving the articles from the assembler and transporting them to the filling station, the articles being presented in a group at a location spaced from the web at the filling station, and a first transfer mechanism for engaging the articles one group at a time and transferring them to a corresponding group of the receptacles at the filling station. Also disclosed are inspecting articles prior to filling receptacles so as to fill receptacles with only defect-free articles; changing spacing between finished products during transfer from a conveyor to another location; and forming the receptacles by providing a first pressure difference on opposite sides of the plastic web when heated to provide an initial contour with uniform stretching and thereafter providing a second larger pressure difference to force the heated web into the desired shape.

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Carver, MA, United States of America

Kevin V Roach