The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 25, 2007
Filed:
Aug. 23, 2001
Joseph Lenner, Hudson, OH (US);
Joseph Lenner, Hudson, OH (US);
Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc., Mayfield Heights, OH (US);
Abstract
A system for electronically controlling physical operation of dangerous equipment is provided. The system reads data from an electronic key and controls the flow of electricity, air, water and/or hydraulic fluid, for example, to a piece of dangerous equipment. The system includes electronic keys that store electronic key data and an electronic key reader that reads the electronic key data. The electronic key data analyzer analyzes the electronic key data and produces disconnect control data based on the electronic key data and other information like the status of the dangerous equipment. The system further includes a disconnector that can disable the piece of dangerous equipment based on the disconnect control data. The disconnector can also re-enable the piece of dangerous equipment. When operated in a networked environment, the system can perform actions like logging data, scheduling personnel and material, and performing EDI for pieces of dangerous equipment and related equipment.