General Electric Company

Thomas Anthony Morelli, Ii

Joseph James Salvo

Patricia Denise Mackenzie

Janet Sue Bennett

Heather Ann Relyea

A process management system for at least one of monitoring and controlling operation of a machine comprises at least one sensor assembly capable of being disposed on the machine for at least one of sensing, monitoring, and transmitting machine process variables of the machine, the at least one sensor assembly is capable of transmitting signals concerning the machine process variables; at least one machine operator control unit that is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the at least one sensor assembly, the at least one machine operator control unit being capable of generating information concerning machine process variables; at least one process management system control unit that is capable of being connected to the at least one machine operator control unit; at least one communications link that interconnects the at least one sensor assembly on the machine, the at least one machine operator control unit, and the at least one process management system control unit, each communications link capable of enabling the at least one process management system control unit to obtain the information concerning machine process variables. At least one of the process management system control unit and the machine operator control unit is capable of analyzing and evaluating machine process variables to control the operation of the machine. The invention also sets forth a method of monitoring.

Machine management systems and monitoring methods

An inventory management system automatically monitors inventory amounts, provides information concerning inventory, and decides if an order for replacement inventory should be placed. The system includes a storage for inventory, an indicator for monitoring and reporting the level of current inventory, and a controller for receiving information from different inventory suppliers and for integrating such information with information on current inventory amounts and estimated future use to decide if an order for replacing inventory should be made. An order is placed automatically to a supplier and the progress for the delivery of replacement inventory is automatically monitored. A method using this system for managing inventory includes the steps of automatic gathering information about the current inventory and deciding whether and when replacement inventory should be ordered.

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Stephentown, NY, United States of America

Thomas Anthony Morelli, Ii