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AssigneeTotal Control Products, Inc.
InventorsNicholas T. Gihl, John R. Skach
Estimating the term…
A programmable logic controller (PLC) in an operating system such as a machine includes a software development tool having labels in a first field to identify and describe specific input/output (I/O) points in the PLC. Each label assignment can be used in the formation of rungs in a ladder logic array to facilitate programming of the PLC. The PLC also allows for the entry of descriptive comments in a second comment field associated with each label assignment to assist the programmer. Secondary function instructions replace the descriptive comments in the comment portion of a label, or in the comment field, to generate a diagnostic, or status, indication such as an alarm for the machine when executed by the PLC. Comments for labels are transformed by a translator, with a file containing the labels and associated comments accessed and scanned for label comments with the appropriate syntax. Secondary function instructions are recognized by the use of specific key words in the comment field. Other functions not part of PLC control of the machine, such as operator interface with the system, may also be programmed into the comment field for performing secondary functions in a manner which facilitates programming of the PLC and makes more efficient use of PLC memory.
In a programmable logic controller (PLC) for implementing primary functions of an operating system, wherein operating program instructions are stored in said PLC and include a first label field and a second comment field, wherein said primary functions implement control functions of said system, the improvement comprising a program for said PLC wherein said first label field includes first instructions for implementing said primary functions in said operating system and said second comment field includes second instructions for implementing secondary functions relating to non-control functions in said operating system:
For use with a programmable logic controller (PLC) controlling the operation of a machine through a series of operating instructions stored in a register in said PLC, a method for programming said PLC comprising the steps:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.