Allan B Stewart

US Patent:

58706984, Feb 9, 1999

Filed:

May 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/850841

Inventors:

Steven D. Riedel - Eden Praire MN
Curtis O. Kahleck - Fridley MN
Allan T. Stewart - Savage MN

Assignee:

Atrix International, Inc. - Burnsville MN

International Classification:

G06F 1520
G06F 15177

US Classification:

702182

Abstract:

An externally mounted, reconfigurable machine metering and monitoring apparatus for selectively metering and monitoring operational status of a predetermined type of machine. The reconfigurable machine metering and monitoring apparatus has a data processor, a data input device in communication with the data processor, an algorithmic software directing the data processor, a data storage unit, wherein discrete data associated with the machine operational status is stored and supplied to the data processor such that the data processor, directed by the algorithmic software, can automatically determine and report the current and historical operating status of the metered/monitored machine. The multi-purpose metering and monitoring apparatus is configurable to selectively meter and monitor the operating status of predetermined types of machines including, but not limited to, an injection molding machine, a blow molding machine, a mill insertion machine, a stuffing machine, a vending machine, an office machine, and other like machines.