Opteon Corporation

Timothy N Schaeffer

T Eric Hopkins

Mark J Frazer

Jeffrey Cho

A wide current-and-voltage-range, precision supply circuit to conduct current (pulsed or continuous) having precisely-controlled current levels through a load is described. The supply circuit includes selectable current-sensing resistors in a feedback loop that controls current output to accommodate a wide range of currents provided to the load. The circuit can include a programmable output voltage that is applied to the load. The circuit can provide sensed voltage information from a single sensing node in the supply circuit to enable protection of the load and of power transistor(s) that conduct current through the load.

Wide-range, precision supply circuit

A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied. The co-processor receives the input signal(s) representing the monitored condition, processes the input signal(s) so as to determine if the particular condition of the first subset is satisfied, and provides the first control information to the control devices so as to control the equipment. Exemplary applications include dynamic environments in which machine vision techniques and/or equipment are employed.

Methods, apparatus, and systems for monitoring and/or controlling dynamic environments

Apparatus and methods for flexible input/output signaling over a same signaling channel are described. A programmable interface circuit includes a signaling channel that can be adapted, prior to use or during operation, for transmission and/or reception of different types of analog and digital signals. The interface circuit can be used for communications between an isolating communication controller and components of a machine that use diverse signaling types.

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Somerville, MA, United States of America

Timothy N Schaeffer