Universal equipment process monitor

Abstract

A system and apparatus for continuously receiving and monitoring input and other data from an industrial machine or piece of equipment. A monitoring unit is removably attached to the machine, or plugged into a junction box attached to the machine. The monitoring unit continuously tests the validity of input data streams from a variety of sensors on the machine, and provides warnings through audible or visual signals, or by email. The monitoring unit can shut down machine operations if a variety of fault conditions are detected. Several monitoring units on a plurality of machines can be connected to a computer or network. An operator or other personnel can send and receive information to and from the monitoring units. Information can be stored permanently in a database or similar data storage means, and used to produce a variety of useful reports and analyses.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.