US5541810A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expandable programmable controller
Assignee: Siemens AG
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Filing: 1992-02-14
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Granted: 1996-07-30
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Expires: 2012-02-14
Abstract
Abstract An expandable automation system includes both a programmable controller that is capable of stand-alone operation, and a modular programmable controller. The programmable controller that is capable of standalone operation has an interface, such as a multipole plug connector, for connecting expansion units. The modular programmable controller consists of a central processing unit and expansion modules. The expansion modules of the modular programmable controller can be used as expansion units for the programmable controller that is capable of standalone operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Donhauser
- 👤 Richard Gmeiner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:23
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05K; H05K7/00; H05K7/14; H05K7/1462; H05K7/1464; G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/05; G05B19/054; H05K7/1465; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/10; G05B2219/11; G05B2219/1107; G05B2219/1144; G05B2219/15; G05B2219/15097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
An expandable automation system, comprising: a) a programmable controller capable of stand-alone operation, and having an interface; and b) a modular programmable controller including a central processing unit and a plurality of expansion modules, wherein said interface is connectable to said plurality of expansion modules, and said plurality of expansion modules are usable as expansion units for said programmable controller.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
An expandable automation system, comprising: a) a programmable controller capable of stand-alone operation, and having an interface; and b) a modular programmable controller including a central processing unit and a plurality of expansion modules, wherein said interface is connectable to said plurality of expansion modules, and said plurality of expansion modules are usable as expansion units for said programmable controller.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 1, further comprising an interface module, wherein said plurality of expansion modules are coupled to the programmable controller via said interface module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 2, wherein said interface module further comprises a connection for supplying power to said interface module and to said plurality of expansion modules.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 3, further comprising a multicore flexible cable, wherein said interface module further comprises a mating interface corresponding to said interface of said programmable controller and being coupled via said multicore flexible cable to said interface module.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 2, further comprising a multicore flexible cable, wherein said interface module further comprises a mating interface corresponding to said interface of said programmable controller and being coupled via said multicore flexible cable to said interface module.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 1, further comprising a multicore flexible cable, wherein said interface module further comprises a mating interface corresponding to said interface of said programmable controller and being coupled via said multicore flexible cable to said interface module.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 6, wherein said interface module further comprises a mounting support storing said mating interface and said multicore flexible cable when said mating interface and said multicore flexible cable are not in use.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 6, wherein said mating interface comprises a socket.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 6, wherein said multicore flexible cable comprises a ribbon cable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 6, wherein said interface module further comprises a pocket storing said mating interface and the said multicore flexible cable when not in use.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The expandable automation system according to claim 1, wherein said interface of the programmable controller comprises a multipole plug connector.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A programmable controller adapted for stand-alone operation, said programmable controller including an interface adapted to connect expansion units including expansion modules of a modular programmable controller.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A programmable controller adapted for stand-alone operation, said programmable controller including an interface adapted to connect expansion units including expansion modules of a modular programmable controller.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-07-30 | 2000-01-29 | 2000-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-30 | 2004-01-29 | 2004-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-30 | 2008-01-29 | 2008-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |