U.S. patent application number 11/557767 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for electronically controlled vehicle lift and vehicle service system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rotary Lift, a division of Dover Industries. Invention is credited to Lawrence Chase, Steven D. Green, Larry D. O'Cull, Michael R. O'Cull.
Application Number | 20070088463 11/557767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26734632 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070088463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green; Steven D. ; et
al. |
April 19, 2007 |
Electronically Controlled Vehicle Lift and Vehicle Service
System
Abstract
A vehicle lift has a communication and/or a lift control
assembly, including a processor, which is functional to control the
raising and lowering of the lift and to enable the display of, and
communication of, a variety of lift data. The vehicle lift includes
sensors in communication with the control, where the pre-programmed
processor recognizes and categorizes lift data and lift faults
before sending warnings, notices, and other lift data to lift
users, maintenance providers, or a central headquarters. The visual
display unit of the assemblies may include a processor and may be
detachable or adjustable.
Inventors: |
Green; Steven D.; (Madison,
IN) ; Chase; Lawrence; (Vevay, IN) ; O'Cull;
Larry D.; (Westfield, IN) ; O'Cull; Michael R.;
(Cicero, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROST BROWN TODD, LLC
2200 PNC CENTER
201 E. FIFTH STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
Rotary Lift, a division of Dover
Industries
Madison
IN
|
Family ID: |
26734632 |
Appl. No.: |
11/557767 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10891467 |
Jul 14, 2004 |
|
|
|
11557767 |
Nov 8, 2006 |
|
|
|
10055800 |
Oct 26, 2001 |
6983196 |
|
|
10891467 |
Jul 14, 2004 |
|
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|
60243827 |
Oct 27, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/275 ;
254/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66F 7/20 20130101; B66F
7/04 20130101; G05B 23/0218 20130101; G05B 2223/06 20180801; B66F
7/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/275 ;
254/045 |
International
Class: |
G05B 15/00 20060101
G05B015/00 |
Claims
1. A method of monitoring a vehicle lift, the method comprising:
(a) providing a vehicle lift system, wherein the vehicle lift
system comprises: (i) a vehicle lift, wherein the vehicle lift is
operable to raise and lower a vehicle, (ii) one or more sensors,
wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is positioned on or
in the vehicle lift, wherein the one or more sensors are operable
to collect lift data, wherein the lift data indicates one or both
of lift use characteristics or lift performance, (iii) a processing
circuit in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the
processing circuit is operable to detect a maintenance condition of
the vehicle lift based at least in part on the lift data, and (iv)
a communication circuit in communication with the processing
circuit, wherein the communication circuit is operable to
communicate one or both of the lift data or data indicating a
maintenance condition of the vehicle lift; and (b) monitoring the
vehicle lift, wherein the act of monitoring the vehicle lift
comprises receiving a communication from the communication
circuit.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication circuit is
operable to communicate wirelessly.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lift is positioned at
a first location, wherein at least a portion of the act of
monitoring the vehicle lift is performed at a second location
remote from the first location.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving a
communication from the communication circuit at the second
location.
5. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising storing
lift data collected by at least one of the one or more sensors.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the vehicle lift is positioned at
a first location, wherein the act of storing lift data is performed
using a storage medium positioned at a second location remote from
the first location.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are in
communication with the processing circuit via the communication
circuit.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the vehicle lift is positioned at
a first location, wherein the processing circuit is positioned at a
second location remote from the first location.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (a) detecting a
maintenance condition of the vehicle lift, wherein the maintenance
condition of the vehicle lift is detected by the processing
circuit; and (b) receiving a communication from the processing
circuit indicating the maintenance condition detected by the
processing circuit.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the vehicle lift is positioned
at a first location, wherein the communication from the processing
circuit indicating the maintenance condition is received at a
second location remote from the first location.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the communication from the
processing circuit is received at the second location via the
communication circuit.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the communication circuit is
configured to communicate the maintenance condition of the vehicle
lift in response to the act of detecting the maintenance condition
of the vehicle lift.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising preventing use of the
vehicle lift in response to the indication of the maintenance
condition of the vehicle lift.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the vehicle lift is positioned
at a first location, wherein the act of preventing use of the
vehicle lift comprises issuing a command to prevent use of the
vehicle lift, wherein the command is configured to prevent the
vehicle lift from raising and lowering vehicles, wherein the act of
issuing a command to prevent use of the vehicle lift is performed
from a second location remote from the first location.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the vehicle lift is positioned
at a first location, the method further comprising dispatching
maintenance personnel to the first location in response to the
indication of the maintenance condition of the vehicle lift.
16. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying at least a
portion of the lift data collected by the one or more sensors.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the vehicle lift is positioned
at a first location, wherein the act of displaying is performed at
a second location remote from the first location.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lift is positioned
at a first location, the method further comprising communicating
one or both of data or commands to the vehicle lift from a second
location remote from the first location.
19. A vehicle lift system, the vehicle lift system comprising: (a)
a vehicle lift operable to raise and lower a vehicle, wherein the
vehicle lift is positioned at a first geographical location; (b)
one or more sensors, wherein at least one of the one or more
sensors is positioned on or in the vehicle lift, wherein the one or
more sensors are operable to collect lift data, wherein the lift
data indicates one or both of lift use characteristics or lift
performance; (c) a processing circuit in communication with the one
or more sensors, wherein the processing circuit is operable to
detect a maintenance condition of the vehicle lift based at least
in part on the lift data; and (d) a communication circuit in
communication with the processing circuit, wherein the
communication circuit is operable to communicate one or both of the
lift data or data indicating a maintenance condition of the vehicle
lift to a second geographical location remote from the first
geographical location.
20. A vehicle lift system, the vehicle lift system comprising: (a)
a vehicle lift station, wherein the vehicle lift station is located
at a first geographical location, wherein the vehicle lift station
comprises: (i) a vehicle lift operable to raise and lower a
vehicle, (ii) a vehicle lift monitoring system operable to collect
and communicate lift data representing one or both of lift use
characteristics or lift performance, wherein the vehicle lift
monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors positioned on or
in the vehicle lift and a first communication module operable to
transmit lift data; and (iii) a vehicle lift monitoring station,
wherein the vehicle lift monitoring station is located at a second
geographical location remote from the first geographical location,
wherein the vehicle lift monitoring station comprises a second
communication module operable to receive transmissions from the
first communication module.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/891,467, filed Jul. 14, 2004, titled
Electronically Controlled Vehicle Left and Vehicle Service System,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, which
is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/055,800, filed Oct. 26, 2001 (issued as U.S. Pat. No.
6,983,196), titled Electronically Controlled Vehicle Lift And
Vehicle Service System, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference, and which claims priority to and incorporates
by reference the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
No. 60/243,827, filed Oct. 27, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to vehicle lifts
and their controls and, more particularly, to vehicle lifts having
a communication, and/or monitoring control, system and display.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hydraulic and electro-mechanical (e.g. screw) vehicle lifts
for raising and lowering vehicles are well known. While the design
and configuration of vehicle lifts vary, they all are used
primarily for servicing vehicles. They must all have some type of
control system to affect the raising and lowering function.
[0004] Prior art control systems for hydraulic lifts typically
include an electric switch wired in series with the pump motor for
raising the lift and a manually operated lowering valve for
lowering the lift. Raising and lowering a vehicle into position
typically requires a series of steps. Raising a vehicle with such a
hydraulic lift requires depressing the electric switch to raise the
vehicle, followed by operating the lowering valve to lower the lift
to the locking mechanism. To lower a vehicle beyond the locking
mechanism, such as to the ground, the first step is disengagement
of the latches, which may be manually, electrically or
pneumatically disengaged. The technician must first raise the lift
off of the latches, and then either manually disengage the latches,
or operate an electric switch or a pneumatic valve through a lever.
The technician next operates the lowering valve while continuously
operating the electric switch or pneumatic valve to hold the
latches disengaged.
[0005] The vehicle lift and the area close by the lift, within
which the technician moves and works on the vehicle, is generally
called the lift bay or service bay. To use the vehicle lift
properly and safely, the technician needs accurate information
regarding the safe operation and maintenance of the lift, such as
for example vehicle lift points, operating conditions of the lift,
maintenance and trouble shooting information. While working on a
vehicle, a technician may need immediate access to current and
accurate information regarding operating the lift and servicing the
vehicle.
[0006] Typically, the information needed by a technician is not
available at the lift bay. While the needed information is
generally available as manuals or other printed form, such are
frequently not kept in the service bay, if kept anywhere at all,
and may be outdated. To obtain the information, the technician is
thus usually required to leave the bay and locate the information.
A technician may be unwilling to leave the bay to locate the
information, since this adds another step to the technician's work
schedule. A technician may work more efficiently if everything
needed to work on the vehicle is within the bay. Time spent by a
technician away from the bay to obtain information, parts, process
paper work, etc. detracts from the efficient performance of service
on the vehicle.
[0007] Instruction on proper lift use is important for new
technicians or new lifts. In such training situations, instruction
may not occur at all if much effort is required to learn or teach
the use of the lift or to locate the relevant instructional
material. Instruction may be given by other technicians who may
themselves not be aware of the proper operation of the lift,
relying instead on their own understanding of operating the
lift.
[0008] Proper lift maintenance is also important. Routine
maintenance may need to be performed to keep a lift operating
properly and safely. Although the need for preventative maintenance
arises from the usage of the lift, information on preventative
maintenance of lifts is not always readily available. Routine
maintenance schedules may be kept independent of the lifts, such
that the technician does not typically know while he is in the lift
bay whether routine maintenance needs to be performed. Maintenance
information regarding repair or trouble shooting information is
also typically not kept in the lift bay, which may result in
limited or inefficient use of such important resource
materials.
[0009] Although vehicle lifts define the service bay and are the
focal point for servicing a vehicle, vehicle lifts themselves are
considered secondary to other equipment used to service a vehicle.
The view of the capabilities of a vehicle lift and its control has
been limited to the raising and lowering functions, and has not
extended to other functions. Thus, vehicle lifts and their controls
have not been considered by those skilled in the art for providing
access to information needed by the technician, or for collecting
and transmitting information relative to operation of the lift of
the servicing of the vehicle.
[0010] In many existing devices, electronic controls for basic lift
control functionality are contained within a cart-like apparatus
positioned adjacent to the lift. In a crowded workstation, this
cart-like apparatus may take valuable space that may be at a
premium in the workplace. It would therefore be advantageous to
provide an electronic control or communication device that reduces
general clutter in the workplace while providing easy access to
control or communication functionality.
[0011] The present inventors have recognized that the overlooked
vehicle lift and its control can meet the unrecognized needs for
electronic delivery of information to and from the lift bay. The
advent by the present invention of providing the ability to access,
collect and transmit information by the vehicle lift control in
addition to providing the lift functions, creates the new need to
be able to revise the new non-lift functions of a lift control
completely independent of the lift functions of the lift
control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention, and together with the description serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a partial side view of a column of a vehicle lift
with control and display in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle lift
column of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 2a is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
similar to FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a coupling for a vehicle
lift control and display in accordance with the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of a display unit having a case and
docking structure in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the display unit of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6a is a partial rear view of a display unit having a
case illustrating an attachment coupling in a concealed position in
accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6b is a partial rear view of a display unit having a
case illustrating an attachment coupling in an open position in
accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7a is a side perspective view of the display unit of
FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 7b is a side perspective view of the display unit of
FIG. 4;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a disconnected display unit
and docking structure;
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a visual display for the display unit of
FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates an action toolbar for the visual display
of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates a pop-up for the visual display of FIG.
9;
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a programmed calendar for the visual
display of FIG. 9; and
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates an error display for the visual display
of FIG. 9.
[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like
numerals indicate the same elements throughout the views, FIG. 1
illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a control assembly 16
in accordance with the present invention. Control assembly 16 may
include a control portion and/or a display portion. One embodiment
of the present invention comprises detachably or permanently
coupling a computer such as, for example, a laptop or tablet
computer, to a lift such as to lift column 2 in order to reduce
general workplace clutter. Control assembly 16 may include, for
example, bracket 34 for retaining a data input device adapted for
entering lift data such as, for example, a keyboard, a mouse.
Alternatively, the data input device may be, for example, a touch
screen integrated with display unit 32. Lift data is herein defined
as any data relevant to the safety, maintenance, operation or
control of a lift. The input device may be coupled with a processor
(not shown) housed within display unit 32 or enclosure 28. The
input device may, for example, be a touch screen, a keyboard, a
mouse, or any other suitable input device. The processor may, for
example, be adapted to provide lift data to a user via a visual
display, to provide lift data to a remote or central location, such
as a corporate headquarters, or to provide lift data to a user,
where the data is received over a network from a remote location.
As used herein the term "remote location" shall be read to include
any display, lift, evaluation location, maintenance location,
security location, data processing center and/or any other location
not contained at the lift. In a further embodiment of the present
invention, the processor of control assembly 16 may be integrated
with the lift such as at column 2 to control, for example, the
movement, access, maintenance, or security of the lift.
[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, control assembly
16 includes a processor that controls the movement of the lift. The
same processor, or one or more additional processors may also
control, for example, access, and/or security, in addition to the
communication features of control assembly 16 such as, for example,
receiving lift data over a network, updating lift data, such as
manual information, from a remote location, sending lift data from
the lift to a remote location, such as a corporate headquarters, or
sending lift data to other lift assemblies connected via a
network.
[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, control assembly
16 may comprise display unit 32, which may be a computer (including
a processor), and a lift control interface 200. Display unit 32
may, for example, receive and display sensor data, lift data from a
remote location, advertisements and/or warnings from the processor.
In one embodiment of the present invention, when display unit 32 is
engaged with locking structure 40 of control assembly 16, data
display and communication to and/or from the processor may be
continuous or delivered at preprogrammed intervals. In one
embodiment, when display unit 32 is disengaged from locking
structure 40, lift data communication to display unit 32 may be
halted, where display unit 32 may continue to display data received
and stored prior to the disengagement. Data may be stored in
display unit 32 on a hard drive, as RAM, or in any other suitable
storage medium. In one embodiment, when re-engaged with locking
structure 40, communication with display unit 32 may be
reestablished. When display unit is disengaged, by way of example,
a processor in locking structure 40 may continue to store in-coming
data on a hard drive, as RAM, or in any other suitable storage
medium. Reconnecting display unit 32 to locking structure 40 may
cause the processor of locking structure 40 to transmit any or all
lift data that was stored while display unit 32 was detached.
[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the movement of
the lift may be controlled by or through a processor which is part
of the display unit 32. If the display unit 32 is removable, it is
desirable that the movement of the lift still be controllable. In
such a case, lift movement control would be affected by a processor
which remains attached to the lift, controlled such as by lift
control interface 200. Lift control interface may 200 be any
suitable input device such as, for example, a touch screen or a
keyboard. It is to be noted that effecting control of lift movement
through a processor permanently attached to the lift, rather than
at some times through a removable processor, such as one combined
with the display unit 32 (when configured as a table or laptop
computer), simplifies the system, avoiding any issues with control
transfer between the permanent processor and the display unit
processor.
[0034] The user may control the lift via lift control interface
200, where control data may be communicated to the processor which
communicates with the lift features of the vehicle lift. In
addition to controlling the lift movement, the processor may also
communicate lift control data to, for example, display unit 32, a
remote location, adjacent lifts, and/or a service provider. In one
embodiment of the present invention, when display unit 32 is
detached from locking structure 40, lift control interface 200
retains its functionality although lift control data may not be
transmitted to display unit 32 until display unit 32 is reengaged
with locking structure 40.
[0035] As mentioned above, in one embodiment of the present
invention, a processor of control assembly 16 may be contained
within display unit 32, where display unit 32 may be, for example,
a currently available laptop computer or interactive tablet such as
FUJITSU model ST5010. Display unit 32, in one embodiment of the
present invention, may be docked within docking structure 40 (see
FIG. 2), such that display unit 32 may be locked into place while
the lift is in use, or removed, for use as a wireless display, or
as a stand alone computer. (It is noted that if the display unit 32
provides the only processor which controls lift movement, movement
of the lift is not effected when the display unit 32 is not
docked.)
[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, display unit 32
may be provided with wireless network communication to, for
example, the internet, via, for example, blue tooth, or other
suitable wireless connections. In a further embodiment of the
present invention, display unit 32 may have its own power source,
such as a rechargeable battery, which allows it to operate when not
disposed in docking structure 40. Coupling 80 (FIG. 8) may be
included to provide display 32 with power and/or data communication
port or coupling. In a further embodiment of the present invention,
display unit 32 may be provided with an AC plug, such that the plug
may be inserted into a standard AC outlet housed within control
assembly 16, the lift, or a standard wall outlet. Alternatively, a
display may be permanently affixed to the lift. Still other
configurations for providing display features will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, input device 34
may be in communication with display unit 32 via a wireless
connection or a standard wired connection. In a further embodiment
of the present invention, input device 34 may be integrated with
display unit 32 such as, for example, in a laptop or table
configuration, or as a touch screen display. Any information
related to the operation of the lift, including, without
limitation, lift data, usage data, operation fault data, and/or
vehicle data, may be received by and/or stored, for example, in a
memory within enclosure 28, in a memory of display unit 32, and/or
at a remote location, such as a corporate headquarters, or
elsewhere in the facility in which the lift is situated. The
present invention comprises storing data by any suitable means such
as, for example, in a hard drive or RAM provided within enclosure
28 or display unit 32. Alternatively, data may be stored in any
removable medium and/or in any suitable remote and/or local
location
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention
comprises providing control assembly 16 with coupling 45 for
attaching display unit 32 or docking structure 40 to the lift, such
as to enclosure 28 or directly to column 2. One embodiment of
coupling 45 is disclosed in more detail in FIG. 3. Coupling 45 may
be, for example, a rigid mount, a telescoping mount, or a swivel
mount. Adjustable mounts may provide users with a more convenient
means of viewing and/or inputting information into display unit
32.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of swivel coupling 60,
having joint 63, where first mount 61 may be coupled to docking
structure 40 or display unit 32, and second mount 62 may be mounted
to enclosure 28 or directly to column 2. The swivel coupling 60 may
allow for the display unit 32 to be adjusted to a suitable level
and/or angle to permit high visibility and/or accessibility to
users. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
that a plurality of adjustable and/or movable couplings are in
accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, docking
structure 40 may be rigidly or otherwise non-movably coupled to
enclosure 28.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a front plan view of one embodiment of a
display unit 32, retained within docking structure 40, with case 70
covering portions of display unit 32. In one embodiment of the
present invention, case 70 is constructed from a protective
material such as, for example, cushioning material or elastic
material, and substantially encases display unit 32. Case 70 may
include padding or other protective material positioned around the
perimeter of display unit 32 to protect the detachable display unit
32, such as, from accidental falls or daily wear and tear on the
instrument. In one embodiment, case 70 may include transparent
portion 71, affixed to the perimeter padded protective material,
covering the visual display portion of display unit 32. Transparent
portion 71 may be constructed from any suitable transparent or
semi-transparent material and may reduce the contamination of the
control assembly 16 associated with frequent interaction with
display unit 32. In a further embodiment of the present invention,
transparent portion 71 may be a touch pad overlay having writing
and/or symbols indicating the significance of associated touch pad
keys lying underneath (not shown).
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, in one embodiment of the
present invention, case 70 comprises an attachment coupling 75.
Attachment coupling 75 may be any suitable attachment device
suitable for allowing display unit 32 to be hung from, for example,
the lift such as column 2, part of a vehicle, or any other suitable
location. Attachment coupling 75 may be, in one embodiment, a
semi-circular hook that is sewed into case 70. Case 70 may also be
provided with concealer 76. Concealer 76 may be, for example, a
flap affixed to case 70 at one end and detachably coupled to case
70, such as by a VELCRO connection, at the opposite end. Concealer
76 may substantially conceal attachment coupling 75 when attachment
coupling 75 is not in use, to prevent case 70 from catching on
other instruments.
[0042] In a further embodiment of the present invention, referring
to FIGS. 4 and 5, display unit 32 may be provided with a wireless
connection, such that display unit 32 may display and update lift
data when not interfaced with docking structure 40. Removal of case
70 and display unit 32 from docking structure 40 may engage, for
example, a DC power source housed within display unit 32. After
removal from docking structure, display unit 32 may, in one
embodiment of the present invention, be placed, via attachment
coupling 75, to any suitable location desirable for viewing lift
data. When reattached to docking structure 40, attachment coupling
75 may be concealed.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, case 70, in one embodiment of
the present invention, may include cutouts 77 in the protective
material. Cutouts 77 may be provided with any suitable shape or
configuration to engage arms 78 of docking structure 40. When
pushed over arms 78, the raised perimeter of case 70 surrounding
cutouts 77 may retain case 70 within locking structure 40. In one
embodiment of the present invention, to remove display unit 32,
case 70 may be manually pulled away from docking structure 40,
thereby disengaging cutouts 77 from arms 78.
[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a visual display 90
that may be shown on display unit 32 in accordance with a lift
information system. The lift information system may include a first
function monitoring the status of the lift computer, lift
electrical system, lift mechanical system, lift electromechanical
system, lift hydraulic system, and/or other systems, a second
function providing a user with a preventative maintenance and/or
reminder system, and a third function for control of lift movement.
Visual display 90 may include programming associated with an
operating system such as, for example, Microsoft Windows, that may
display any suitable lift data to a user. Visual display 90 may
include lift cycle indicator 91 that displays the number of times
the lift has been utilized (e.g., current number of lift cycles).
Visual display 90 may include current time and/or date indicator 92
which may display calendar information to a user at all times or
upon request. Visual display 90 may be provided with dock status
display 93, where sensors associated with the lift may relay dock
status (e.g., docked or undocked) to the processor for display on
display unit 32. In a further embodiment of the present invention,
visual display 90 may display indicator 94 of the last time and/or
date the lift was used or the date/time the lift computer was last
polled.
[0045] In one embodiment of a lift information system, the
information system has two functions. The first is to monitor the
status of the lift computer and the second is to provide the
technician a preventive maintenance and reminder system. The
information system will launch automatically when the computer is
started and remains running in the background constantly monitoring
the lift and checking for preventative maintenance activities and
reminders. In this embodiment, Rotary Lift has preloaded the
prescribed maintenance activities for the lift. The maintenance
intervals are either based on time or on lift usage. The more the
lift is used, the more often it needs to be maintained. To find the
information system application, a user may have to locate the
application in the Windows Taskbar. In this embodiment, the Taskbar
is located at the bottom of the screen. The user can locate the
information system application in the Taskbar and click once on the
button to maximize the application. The Windows form will appear
similar to the graphic depicted in FIG. 9. This application
utilizes a grid 95 format to give the technician a snapshot of all
preventative maintenance or reminder activities in the system. The
technician can quickly see what activities are coming up by
referring to the "Service Description," "Next Service Date/Time"
and the "Next Cycle Threshold" columns.
[0046] Still referring to FIG. 9, visual display 90 may, in one
embodiment, include grid 95 depicting, for example, past usage of
the lift, duration of previous usages, previous lift cycles, a
description of the service performed, and billing information.
Future events may also be depicted in grid 95 such as, for example,
the next service date and/or time recommended and the next cycle
threshold.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of action toolbar 100
that may be shown in accordance with visual display 90. Action
toolbar 100 may be provided upon user request or may be presented
to a user at all times during system use. Action toolbar 100 may
be, for example, a series of iconic buttons that may be pressed by
touch screen or are otherwise activated by mouse or keypad. Action
toolbar 100 may include add a new reminder command 101, delete a
reminder command 102, change a reminder command 103, manually poll
the lift computer command 104, view the lift parameters command 105
(e.g., may be used for diagnostic purposes), make configuration
changes command 106 (usually performed by the administrator), hide
or minimize the information system application command 107, and/or
help command 108. Action toolbar 100 may also include any suitable
command icon suitable for performing diagnostic inspection of the
lift and/or the processor of control assembly 16. In one
embodiment, toolbar 100 enables a user to quickly locate and access
the functionality of a lift information system application.
[0048] FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of pop-up 109, which may
appear on visual display 90. The lift information system may, for
example, comprise programming, cooperating with programmed calendar
110 (FIG. 12), that commands pop-up 109 when a routine operation is
to be performed on a lift. For example, a technician from a
maintenance provider may need to inspect a lift every six months,
where a week prior to the inspection date a pop-up 109 may alert
the user that an inspection is due, that an inspector is coming,
and/or ask for confirmation that an inspection is requested. Lift
data related to pop-ups 109 may, for example, be stored in the
processor, for example such as in display unit 32, or sent to a
remote central processor networked to multiple lifts. Lift data
may, in one embodiment, be updated either continuously or
periodically. A further embodiment of the present invention
comprises providing users with the ability to create their own
pop-ups as reminders for, for example, maintenance, security,
diagnostic testing, or billing, and may be based upon programmed
calendar 110 or other suitable parameters. For example, a pop-up
may also be pre-programmed to occur when the lift has exceeded an
established threshold of use cycles. Upon exceeding this threshold
the user may be instructed to contact a representative or may be
informed that a representative has been dispatched. In one
embodiment of the present invention, pop-up 109 may also include a
snooze feature, where pop-up 109 may be temporarily removed for a
set period of time before recurring.
[0049] In one embodiment, when the number of lift cycles equals the
cycle threshold for a particular activity, a pop-up 109 reminder
will be displayed. The technician has two options when the reminder
is displayed: "Snooze" the reminder for a number of minutes; or
complete the activity and confirm the reminder is complete. To
"Snooze" the reminder, the user may use the dropdown box to select
the number of minutes to snooze. The user can also type in the
number of minutes in the text box. When finished, the user may
click once on the "Snooze for" button.
[0050] In another embodiment, with reference to FIG. 12, the user
can create a new reminder based on either days or lift cycles. To
add a new reminder, the user may click once on the "Add" button
(i.e., the add a new reminder command 101) in the toolbar 100. To
select days or lift cycles, the user may click once on the
appropriate radio button. The next step is to determine if this
reminder needs to be recurring or a one time event. The user may
type in the number of days between events or select a date from the
calendar and the number of days will be automatically entered. The
final steps are to enter a description of the preventative
maintenance or reminder and select a time to display the event.
When finished, the user may click once on the "Save" button.
[0051] FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of error display 112 that
may be shown on visual display 90. Error display 112 may be
pre-programmed to register and display a brief summary of any lift,
network, and/or processor malfunction that occurs. Error display
112 may be displayed upon the occurrence of a system error, where
error display 112 may contain an "okay" button confirming that the
user has recognized the error. One embodiment of the present
invention further comprises signaling the processor to send the
error message to a remote location such as, for example, a customer
service provider, where error messages may be evaluated and service
decisions may be made.
[0052] In one embodiment, where display unit 32 comprises a tablet,
whenever certain problems occur with the lift or the lift's
embedded computer, a message will be displayed on the tablet's
screen if the tablet computer is docked in the lift's docking
station. If a problem occurs when the tablet computer is undocked,
the message will be displayed when the tablet computer is
re-docked. When an error occurs, the cause of the problem should be
assessed. For example, a photo sensor fault error indicates the
vehicle has been raised too high and has tripped the overhead
sensor.
[0053] In another embodiment, the user may change a preventative
maintenance activity. To change a reminder activity in this
embodiment, the user may select the activity by clicking once in
the grey column to the left of the service description. The user
may then click once on the "Change" button (i.e., the change a
reminder command 103) in the toolbar 100. In this embodiment, if
the user selects a pre-existing "factory" preventative maintenance
activity, the number of cycles or days can only be decreased. Using
the scroll buttons, the user may adjust the number of cycles or
days to the desired value and click the "Save" button. Selecting to
change a personal reminder will display a screen. Any reminder
options can be changed when updating a personal reminder. The user
may make any necessary modifications to the reminder (refer to text
discussing FIG. 12) and then click once on the "Save" button.
[0054] Although not shown, the present invention comprises
providing a security system programmed into the processor and/or
control assembly 16. The security system may send data directly to
the visual display 90 for display to the user and/or data may be
transmitted to a remote location, such as a customer service
provider, for evaluation, archiving, or other purposes. One
embodiment comprises providing sensors to monitor any lift
condition that may be hazardous if not carefully monitored. For
example, sensors on the lift may detect the number of lift cycles
the lift has performed and may send this data to the processor. The
processor may be pre-programmed with a set threshold indicating the
safe number of lift cycles that may be performed before maintenance
is suggested and/or required. When the threshold is exceeded, the
system may, using source code for example, indicate to the user
that a security condition exists. In one embodiment, the system may
also contact a remote location, such as a corporate headquarters,
with the security report and/or disable the lift until proper
procedures have been undertaken. In a further embodiment of the
present invention, the lift will not be disabled, but a persistent
security indicator will warn the user of the condition until the
situation is alleviated.
[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, a security
system may require an identity indicator before permitting the lift
to become operable. Proper access may be protected by any suitable
access protection means such as, for example, password protection,
key access, card-swipe access, voice activation, or other
biometrics based activation. Control assembly 16 may also include a
log that, for example, registers the identity of each user who
operates the lift, the activities performed by the user on the
lift, the duration of the user, and/or any errors that occurred
during the use of the lift. The log, in one embodiment of the
invention, may be accessed by a manager and/or security
administrator to insure that the lift is used in accordance with
established procedures.
[0056] Although not shown, the present invention comprises the
integration of one or a plurality of lift sensors integrated with
the processor. Sensors may be positioned at any suitable location,
such as in, on, and/or near the lift, by way of example only. In
one embodiment, sensors are configured to communicate data relating
to the lift, such as data relating to use and/or condition of the
lift. Sensors may be adapted to monitor lift characteristics
related to, for example, providing adequate safety, insuring proper
lift use, insuring proper billing, insuring proper maintenance,
and/or insuring proper lift loads. To insure proper billing, in one
embodiment, the system may record all lift cycles and compare the
lift cycle data with user financial data to insure that use and
billing are commensurate. One embodiment of the present invention
includes, for example, incorporating financial programs, such as
QUICKEN, into the processor, where financial records may be
compared and/or stored in conjunction with lift data. The system
may also interface with centralized billing or financial software
of the establishment.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention the processor of
control assembly 16 includes two modes of data transmission.
Pre-programming of the processor may send data recorded from lift
sensors to pre-set locations based upon the classification of the
data. In one embodiment of the present invention, sensor data may
be classified as maintenance, security, use, and/or personal.
[0058] Sensor data may be pre-programmed or programmed by the user
to be sent by, for example, the processor to desirable locations,
selected depending on the characteristics of the information. For
example, a load sensor on the lift may transmit data to the
processor, where the processor evaluates whether the sensor has
indicated a load above the established safety threshold. Once
exceeded, pre-programming of the processor may be established that
displays this warning only to the user. The transmission of local
warnings may provide added security to local lift operators without
signaling a fault to a remote location such as, for example, a
corporate headquarters.
[0059] Data and/or warnings detected by the processor from use
sensors, which may ascertain the number of times the lift has
cycled, may be transmitted by the pre-programmed processor to a
local user and/or to a remote location such as, for example, a
customer service provider. Sending data to multiple locations may,
for example, help insure that a heavily used lift is not operated
until maintenance is provided, by dispatching or alerting a
customer representative to contact or visit the user.
Simultaneously, in one embodiment, a message may be sent, to a
remote location, such as a customer service provider or maintenance
facility, indicating that the facility operating the lift should be
contacted regarding a routine check-up or repairs. One embodiment
of the present invention comprises providing multiple sensors that
communicate data to a processor of control assembly 16, where the
processor is preprogrammed to categorize the sensor data and
communicate warnings, indicators, or notices, through display or
other suitable communication means, to a service provider, a user,
a corporate headquarters, and/or other lifts. In one embodiment of
the present invention, data is monitored at each sensor every
sixty-seconds. In addition, or in the alternative, data may be
communicated from lift system to a network location periodically,
such as once every sixty-seconds, or at any other desirable time
interval. Sensor data may, for example, be sent by the processor in
a real-time or near real-time stream of data over a network, or
only at pre-determined intervals. Alternatively, sensor data may be
communicated to a network location only when a local processor or
results of evaluation have determined that one or more conditions
have been satisfied. Alternatively, sensor data may be communicated
upon remote request.
[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, control assembly
16 may be integrated with a local and/or global communications
network. Data may be received, for example, by the processor of
control assembly 16, from one or a plurality of sensors. The
processor may acquire data from the sensors by any suitable
communications or transmission means known in the art. Sensor data
may then be communicated to network locations by the processor,
where the network locations may store, evaluate, and/or display the
transmitted data. For example, a plurality of lifts may be
integrated into a national network over the internet. Data from
lift sensors detecting a fault may be transmitted by the processor
to a network location that categorizes all of the lift faults from
all lift locations. A remote processor may then evaluate all fault
data to ascertain whether specific system and/or user faults are
occurring at unacceptably high levels. Alternatively, the processor
of control assembly 16 may evaluate lift data and send fault data
to a remote location for processing. Collected data may be
communicated to network locations in any suitable fashion, as will
be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. By way of
example only, data may be pushed from the sensors, pulled from the
sensors, or both.
[0061] The compiled data may then, for example, be used to transmit
updated warning information, notices, and/or recall information to
all lift users to indicate potential problems and suggested
preventative maintenance. One embodiment of the present invention
comprises providing individual lifts with specific identifications,
such as serial numbers, that correspond to lift location, lift
ownership, and/or any other suitable parameter stored at a network
location. Monitoring lift faults may, for example, help target
specific users and/or locations that may be experiencing greater
than usual errors in use of the lifts. Excessive faults from a
single location may signal a network administrator and/or service
provider to provide an additional maintenance check or additional
training on use of the system. In addition to fault and/or warning
notices, a remote network location, such as a corporate
headquarters, may communicate any suitable notice to lift operators
including, for example, advertising notices.
[0062] In addition, other possible uses of functions of, means of
gathering, and means of communicating lift data will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art. It will also be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art that the monitoring, diagnostic,
and/or communications systems disclosed herein may be integrated,
in whole or in part, with one or more controls systems and/or other
systems. Alternatively, one or more of such systems may be separate
from the other systems relating to the lift. By way of example
only, one or more systems having features of the monitoring,
diagnostic, and/or communications systems disclosed herein may be
installed on a lift that has a pre-existing control system. Still
other possible system or systems configurations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, it is noted that in an
alternate embodiment, the display unit 32 may be a laptop or tablet
computer which does not interface with the lift functions or
monitoring of the lift conditions, functioning stand alone while
mounted to the lift.
[0063] In summary, numerous benefits have been described which
result from employing the concepts of the invention. The foregoing
description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in
light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and
described in order to best illustrate the principles of the
invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of
ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.
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