Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions, Inc.

Westinghouse Process Control, Inc.

Timothy R Piper

Daniel Alan Hosko

Matthew Bernard Horne

Steven J Schilling

Richard Williams Kephart

Daniel Louis Simon

Rodger Hughes

Robert T Kissell, Sr

R T Kissell, Sr

A U-I/O card improves on traditional I/O cards by enabling configuration of each I/O channel on each U-I/O card to operate according to a desired signal type (e.g., AI, AO, DI, or DO). Thus, each I/O channel of a given U-I/O card may be coupled to any type of field device. The U-I/O card thus simplifies I/O network design, wiring, configuration, commissioning, redesign, and rewiring. The U-I/O card also improves space efficiency in marshalling cabinets and eliminates inefficient use of I/O cards relative to traditional I/O cards.

Implementing and configuring a universal I/O card for a process control I/O network

The bases of modular units of an I/O system are connected serially by two-way electrical and mechanical connectors so that units can be inserted into and removed from lines of units connected to a controller without removal or movement of any other unit. By two-way connector is meant that confronting connectors on adjacent units disengage by movement in the same or opposite direction from that in which they engaged. The electrical connectors distribute a communication bus and power to the modular units. In addition, plug-in electronics modules and personality modules, with the latter providing selective interfaces between the electronics modules and banks of terminals for landing field wiring, have a common locking mechanism for locking both in sockets in the bases. The locking mechanism includes at least one locking assembly having a shaft rotatable from a free end of the electronics module for rotating a paddle into and out of engagement with a catch in the base. Overlapping shoulders prevent removal of the personality module without first unlatching and removing the electronics module.

Modular I/O system with two-way connectors between units and a common

A modular input/output (I/O) unit utilizes plug-in personality modules to provide any one of a variety of interfaces between I/O signal processing cards mounted in plug-in electronics module and a bank of terminals providing connections for field wiring.

Modular input/output system with flexible interface with field wiring

Growing community of inventors

Monroeville, PA, United States of America

Timothy R Piper