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:
Oct. 28, 2014
Filed:
Jan. 22, 2009
Randall J. Mcdonald, Franklin, MA (US);
Oliver J. Dumas, East Sandwich, MA (US);
Robert P. Sullivan, Wilmington, MA (US);
John J. Varone, Seekonk, MA (US);
Joseph Chopy, Jr., Cumberland, RI (US);
Daniel R. Jankins, Raynham, MA (US);
Randall J. McDonald, Franklin, MA (US);
Oliver J. Dumas, East Sandwich, MA (US);
Robert P. Sullivan, Wilmington, MA (US);
John J. Varone, Seekonk, MA (US);
Joseph Chopy, Jr., Cumberland, RI (US);
Daniel R. Jankins, Raynham, MA (US);
Brooks Automation, Inc., Chelmsford, MA (US);
Abstract
A vacuum network control system includes a plurality of nodes configured for control over operational processes of the system. The plural nodes are configured, in a network ring or other topology, as a selectable master node for controlling the operational processes. Control can be distributed among, and passed between, each of the nodes. Each node on the network monitors adjacent network connectors to detect a fault in the network. In response to a detected fault, a disconnect is mapped to the fault, and the network topology is reconfigured for continued communication among the nodes and with external devices.