Enhanced updating of control mechanisms
OwnerBehrouz Golabilinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides for an upgrading of equipment without the potential problems in replacing the existing system. A relay mechanism is interposed between the existing remote sensor and the existing controller, and between the existing controller and the existing remote operational mechanism. The relay mechanism permits the existing system to perform as before while allowing the signals from both the existing remote sensor and the existing controller to be monitored by a new and isolated replacement controller until such time that the existing controller is isolated allowing the replacement controller assumes operational duties. In this manner, the upgrading of the system is done without the costs of down time nor the potential for catastrophic results.
Claims12
An upgrade mechanism for an existing control system having an existing controller reacting to data from a remote sensor and directing operation of an existing remote operational mechanism, said upgrade mechanism comprising, a relay mechanism being interposed between the existing remote sensor and the existing controller, and between the existing controller and the remote operational mechanism, said relay mechanism, in response to operator input, selectively,
- a) transmitting,
- 1) data from the remote sensor to the existing controller, and,
- 2) control signals from the existing controller to the existing remote operational mechanism;
- or,
- b) isolating said existing controller from the remote operational mechanism;
- and,
- further including a replacement controller having a memory containing operational data established by data from the existing remote sensor and the control signals via the relay mechanism, said operational data defining operation of the replacement controller.
An upgrade mechanism for an existing control system having an existing controller reacting to data from a remote sensor and directing operation of an existing remote operational mechanism using control signals, said upgrade mechanism comprising,
- a) a relay mechanism being interposed between the existing remote sensor and the existing controller, and between the existing controller and the existing remote operational mechanism, said relay mechanism transmitting,
- 1) data from the remote sensor to the existing controller, and,
- 2) control signals from the existing controller to the remote operational mechanism;
- and,
- b) a replacement controller having a memory containing operational data defined by said data from the remote sensor and the control signals from the relay mechanism.
An upgrade mechanism for an existing control system for a processing mechanism using an existing controller reacting to data from an existing remote sensor monitoring a selected condition within the processing mechanism and directing operation of an existing remote operational mechanism which defines operation of a component of the processing mechanism, said upgrade mechanism including a relay mechanism being interposed between the existing remote sensor and the existing controller, and between the existing controller and the existing remote operational mechanism, said relay mechanism transmitting sensor signals from the existing remote sensor to the existing controller, and, control signals from the existing controller to the existing remote operational mechanism, and further including:
- a) a replacement control mechanism, said replacement control mechanism receiving control signals from said relay mechanism;
- and,
- b) a second switch for isolating said existing control mechanism from operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.