Method of monitoring operation of an automated tool and associated apparatus
First Claim
1. A method of monitoring operation of an automated tool comprisingpositioning in close proximity to said automated tool at least one wireless sensor,energizing said wireless sensor by energy transmitted in space to said sensor,monitoring at least one condition of said automated tool by said sensor,emitting signals containing sensor information in space to a microprocessor only if said at least one condition departs from a desired threshold value,processing said sensor information in said microprocessor, andin the event that the microprocessor determines that said automated tool has departed from desired conditions of operation issuing a responsive signal.
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Abstract
A method of monitoring operation of an automated tool includes positioning a wireless sensor or microelectromechanical system device having at least one sensor in close proximity to the automated tool, monitoring at least one condition of the automated tool, emitting signals containing sensor information in space to a processor which processes the sensor information and in the event the processor determines that the automated tool has departed from desired conditions issues a responsive signal. In one embodiment digital signals are transmitted from the sensor to the processor employing an RF carrier. Microprocessor responsive signals may be employed to initiate corrective action and initiate alarms as well as providing data. Corresponding apparatus for monitoring an automated tool is provided. In another embodiment of the invention, the sensor is energized remotely through energy transmitted in space such as RF energy.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. A method of monitoring operation of an automated tool comprising
positioning in close proximity to said automated tool at least one wireless sensor, energizing said wireless sensor by energy transmitted in space to said sensor, monitoring at least one condition of said automated tool by said sensor, emitting signals containing sensor information in space to a microprocessor only if said at least one condition departs from a desired threshold value, processing said sensor information in said microprocessor, and in the event that the microprocessor determines that said automated tool has departed from desired conditions of operation issuing a responsive signal.
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24. Apparatus for monitoring operation of an automated tool comprising
an automated tool, a source of energy for energizing at least one wireless sensor by energy transmitted in space, at least one wireless sensor for monitoring a condition of said automated tool and emitting sensor signals through space only if a monitored condition departs from a desired threshold value, a microprocessor for receiving said sensor signals and determining if a departure from a desired characteristic exists and if so emitting a responsive signal.
Specification