Patent ID: 9285803
Filing Date: 2016-03-15
CPC Classification: F16K,G05B

Claim Text:
1. A field device for use in a process control system, the field device comprising: a processor; a non-transitory computer readable memory having computer readable instructions executable on the processor; at least one function block stored in the non-transitory computer readable memory that, when executed on the processor, causes the processor to initiate i) a scheduled action or ii) a scheduled sequence of actions, to be performed by the field device, wherein the field device is a valve positioner coupled to a valve, wherein the scheduled action include at least one communication function that causes the field device to communicate process control data from at least one second field device and that causes the field device to communicate process control data to at least one third field device and the scheduled sequence of actions includes actuating the valve to a first set point and, after a specified period of time, actuating the valve to a second set point; and a scheduling module stored in the non-transitory computer readable memory, the scheduling module, when executed on the processor, configured to: receive a time input from a host device, wherein the host device is a portable communicator that is communicatively coupled to the field device via a wireless communication network, wherein the time input specifies a scheduled tine for performing i) the scheduled action or ii) the scheduled sequence of actions; receive an action input from the host device via the wireless communication network, wherein the action input specifies i) the scheduled action or ii) the scheduled sequence of actions; at the scheduled time and without further communication from the host device, automatically causes the processor to execute the at least one function block to initiate i) the scheduled action or ii) the scheduled sequence of actions; and perform at least one of: i) cause an initiation status to be sent to the host device and ii) cause the initiation status to be stored in a local memory of the field device; wherein the initiation status indicates that the action or the sequence of actions has been initiated.