Apparatus and method for tracking and managing physical assets
First Claim
1. A maintenance system involving to the gathering and analyzing of data relating to an asset comprising:
- a local controller located at a first location for acquiring data that is representative of an operational status of the asset;
an analysis controller located at a second location that is responsive to said acquired data from said local controller for generating an analysis of said acquired data;
a database of historical information representing at least prior maintenance of the asset said analysis including comparing said acquired data to said historical information to determine if proposed maintenance is required;
an electronic communications network connected between said local controller and said analysis controller and permitting transmission of said acquired data from said local controller to said analysis controller; and
a work order generated based on said analysis representing instructions for maintaining the asset.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer based system automatically gathers, analyzes, and delivers information relating to the procurement and utilization of a plurality of such assets, such as a fleet of industrial equipment, so as to maximize productivity and to reduce operating costs and administrative burdens. Each of the assets is preferably provided with a data acquisition device for sensing and storing one or more operating characteristics associated therewith. That information can be transmitted through space to a receiver connected to a local controller for storing such information and for transmitting such information to a remote analysis system. The remote analysis system automatically updates individual records associated with each of the assets with the information received. In response to such information, the remote analysis system automatically analyzes the newly provided information and schedules maintenance as required. Information associated with the maintenance is also recorded electronically to maximize efficiency, provide historical trends, automate billing, and control inventory levels.
169 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A maintenance system involving to the gathering and analyzing of data relating to an asset comprising:
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a local controller located at a first location for acquiring data that is representative of an operational status of the asset;
an analysis controller located at a second location that is responsive to said acquired data from said local controller for generating an analysis of said acquired data;
a database of historical information representing at least prior maintenance of the asset said analysis including comparing said acquired data to said historical information to determine if proposed maintenance is required;
an electronic communications network connected between said local controller and said analysis controller and permitting transmission of said acquired data from said local controller to said analysis controller; and
a work order generated based on said analysis representing instructions for maintaining the asset. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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2. (canceled)
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13. A method for maintaining an asset comprising the steps of:
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activating a local controller located at a first location;
acquiring data at a first location that is representative of an operational status of the asset, which is communicated from the asset to said local controller;
transmitting said acquired data at pre-determined intervals from said local controller to an analysis controller located at a second location using an electronic communications network connected between said local controller and said analysis controller;
analyzing said acquired data, wherein said analysis step comprises the sub-step of comparing said acquired data to a database of historical information representing at least prior maintenance of the asset to determine if proposed maintenance is required, and generating a work order based on said analysis representing instructions for maintaining the asset. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A maintenance system involving the gathering and analyzing of data relating to an asset comprising:
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a local controller located at a first location for acquiring data that is representative of an operational status of the asset;
an analysis controller located at a second location that is responsive to said acquired data from said local controller for generating an analysis of said acquired data;
a database of historical information representing at least prior maintenance of the asset, said analysis including comparing said acquired data to said historical information to determine if proposed maintenance is required;
an electronic communications network connected between said local controller and said analysis controller and permitting transmission of said acquired data from said local controller to said analysis controller;
an approval process wherein a responsible party reviews said analysis to confirm that a proposed maintenance is appropriate;
a work order generated based on said analysis of said proposed maintenance and said approval process, representing instructions for maintaining the asset, wherein said work order is transmitted electronically to a handheld device, said handheld device providing an update to said historical information once maintenance is complete, said update including labor information and an identification of any part required to effect maintenance; and
an invoice generated based on said update to said historical information. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification