The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 28, 1994
Filed:
Sep. 30, 1992
David K Spahr, Roscoe, IL (US);
Dennis Tibbitts, Rockford, IL (US);
The Foxboro Company, Foxboro, MA (US);
Abstract
A control system for a process machine, preferably an injection molding machine, and having an improved control system architecture. The system includes a machine controller which is coupled to and drives the machine and a separate display/operator interface. Both of the units are independently processor driven and function in a decoupled fashion. A communication bus links the display/operator interface and the machine controller, and standardized messages are communicated bidirectionally on the bus. By means of that sole linkage, the machine controller is utilized to drive the machine while the display/operator interface emulates a tightly coupled control panel, but operates independently, except for the communication of messages on the data bus. Preferably, a power supply for the display/operator interface is mounted in the machine controller enclosure and coupled to the interface by a power supply cable. The interface can thus be reduced in size, sealed and non-ventilated to allow for mounting the relatively hostile environment expected around an injection molding machine.