High level RFID solution for rental tools and equipment

• US 9,547,831 B2
• Filed: 06/22/2011
• Issued: 01/17/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: PPI Technology Services LP (Cardno Limited)
• Original Assignee: PPI Technology Services LP (Cardno Limited)
• Inventors: Laase, Joshua E., Whiteley, Thomas G., McGrath, James W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rimell, Sam
• Application Number:
  US13/166,694
• Publication Number:
  US 20110273296A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,036 Days
• Field of Search: 340 101- 105, 3405721-5729, 235375-385
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/00 Administration; Management

Abstract

A system for monitoring use of a tool. The system may include an RFID tag coupled to the tool. A collar may be removably coupled to the tool and configured to be de-coupled from the tool prior to the tool being used. An RFID reader may be coupled to the collar and configured to transmit a first alert signal when the RFID reader is out of transmission range from the RFID tag.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring use of a tool, comprising:

transmitting an RF signal from an active RFID tag coupled to the tool, the active RFID tag comprising;

a microprocessor configured to collect and process data relating to the use of the tool;

memory configured to store the data relating to the use of the tool; and

a battery configured to power the microprocessor and the memory;

receiving the RF signal with an RFID reader coupled to a collar, the collar being removably coupled to the tool;

transmitting a first alert signal from the RFID reader to a communication device coupled to the collar when the RFID reader fails to receive the RF signal, the first alert signal indicating that the collar has been de-coupled from the tool;

transmitting the data relating to the use of the tool to the active RFID tag via a sensor coupled to or integral with the active RFID tag;

transmitting a monitor signal from the communication device to a monitor; and

transmitting an indirect distributor signal from the monitor to a distributor of the tool, the indirect distributor signal indicative of the time the collar was de-coupled from the tool.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a direct distributor signal from the communication device to a distributor of the tool.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting a second alert signal from the RFID reader when the RFID reader receives the RF signal anew, the second alert signal indicating that the collar has been re-coupled to the tool.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising calculating an amount of time the tool is in use by comparing time between the first and second alert signals.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising calculating a number of times the tool is used by examining a number of first and second alert signals.