Edward Lee Nichols

US Patent:

56005644, Feb 4, 1997

Filed:

Dec 1, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/352785

Inventors:

James J. Tarasiewicz - Riverview MI
Edward C. Nichols - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

National Steel Corporation - Mishawaka IN

International Classification:

G06F 1900
B61L 1902

US Classification:

36447705

Abstract:

A coke oven communication and control system uses high frequency spread spectrum transceivers which are land based (connected to a central controller) and machine based (on a charging car, door machine, pusher, or quench car). Each land based transceiver communicates with a single corresponding machine based transceiver, there being different frequencies for each of the machines. Except for the quenching car transceivers, the other land and machine transceivers all are selectively connected to a pair of antennas which are alternately used to overcome interference. An advantageous communication technique is used to send data between a central controller, known as a battery programmable logic controller (PLC), and the machines. Control strategies are used to minimize malfunctioning of the coke oven battery.