US 5,446,672 AGranted

Machine monitoring system

AssigneeAir Gage Company

InventorMichael Boldys

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A machine monitoring system is disclosed for use with a machine which performs cyclic work operations. The monitoring system includes a machine unit adjacent the machine which detects each work cycle of the machine and generates a work cycle output signal representative thereof. A counter in the machine unit then counts the work cycle output signals and generates a count signal representative of the number of machine cycles. This count is displayed on the switches at each machine unit. The machine unit also communicates with a central station which is positioned remotely from the machine. The central station includes a receiver which receives the count output signal from the machine unit. The central station includes a computer which is programmed to compare the count output signal from the machine unit with a predetermined limit count. When the count equals a preset limit count, indicative that maintenance is required, the computer generates a signal to alert the operator at the central station that machine maintenance is required. In practice, the central station monitors the conditions of a plurality of different machines, each of which has a machine unit associated with it for maintenance control purposes. The limit values of each machine unit can also be changed and reprogrammed from the central station.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A machine monitoring system for use with a plurality of machines, each of which performs cyclic work operations comprising:

a machine unit adjacent each of said plurality of machines, each of said machine units comprising.
means for detecting each work cycle for a plurality of tools of the machine and for generating work cycle output signals representative of each tool thereof;
means for detecting each work cycle for a plurality of maintenance functions of the machines and for generating work cycle output signals representative of each said maintenance function thereof;
means for counting said work cycle output signals representative of each of said tools and for generating count output signals thereof;
means for counting said work cycle output signals representative of each of said maintenance functions of the machines and for generating count output signals thereof;
a central station remote from said monitoring system, said central station system comprising:
means for receiving said count output signals from said machine unit;
means for comparing said count output signals with predetermined limit counts for each of said plurality, of tools indicative of the status of each of said plurality, of tools and means for generating output signals corresponding to the status of said tools;
means for comparing said count output signals with predetermined limit counts for each of said maintenance functions of the machines and means for generating output signals corresponding to status of said machines;
means for activating an alarm when said output count equals said limit count.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/287,905Filed 9 Aug 1994
Granted: 29 Aug 1995
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

G07C 3/04
Registering or indicating working or idle time only: using counting means or digital clocks
G05B 19/4184
Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible…:…
G05B 2219/31448
From computer integrated manufacturing till monitoring: display at central computer, follower displays for each machine unit
G05B 2219/37587
Measurements: count number of machining cycles, frequency use of tool