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:
Sep. 24, 2002
Filed:
Jul. 20, 1999
Peter Lauer, Loveland, OH (US);
Vickers, Inc., Maumee, OH (US);
Abstract
An method and apparatus for programming the parameters of an adjustable or programmable device such as a valve amplifier, wherein the adapter disconnects an input on the amplifier from a valve controller and reconnects the input to a programming apparatus, such as a microcontroller or a computer for example, to modify the amplifier parameters. Accordingly, the valve amplifier need not include a separate connection for connecting to a programming apparatus, thereby decreasing its cost and the risk of contamination. A first connector on the adapter is adapted to mate with a connector to a controller, a power supply, and a controlled mechanism, such as a valve. A second connector on the adapter is adapted to mate with a connector on the amplifier. A third connector on the adapter can mate with a serial computer connector, and a computer can program the parameters. Alternatively, the adapter can include a microcontroller to conduct the programming of the amplifier parameters. Input keys, indicators, and a display can be provided on the adapter to work in conjunction with the microcontroller in conducting the programming. A switch on the adapter can switch between a run mode, wherein the amplifier input is connected to the valve controller for normal control of the valve, to a program mode, wherein the amplifier input is connected to the programming apparatus for modifying of the amplifier parameters. The amplifier is programmed to detect when the adapter is in programming mode. For example, the adapter can reduce the amplitude of the power supplied to the amplifier, and the amplifier can detect this reduced power signal and prepare to communicate with the programming apparatus. To achieve this power signal reduction, the switch on the adapter, when switched to program mode, connects the power signal to power reduction circuitry which feeds a reduced power signal to the amplifier.