U.S. patent application number 11/428984 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for bulk inventory network system.
This patent application is currently assigned to J.P. DONMOYER, INC.. Invention is credited to David B. Wallace.
Application Number | 20070135955 11/428984 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34555113 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070135955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wallace; David B. |
June 14, 2007 |
Bulk inventory network system
Abstract
A system and method for remote monitoring of material storage
levels for dry bulk goods, wherein an independent entity, such as a
transportation carrier, can continuously monitor raw material
supply levels at a remote manufacturing plant, and, based on
projected usage rates, place timely orders on behalf of the plant,
with preselected vendors, to replenish depleted raw materials. The
transportation carrier can then coordinate material shipments from
the vendor to the manufacturing site using its own trucks. In this
manner, the task of maintaining sufficient on site raw material
storage levels is completely removed form the manufacturing
plant.
Inventors: |
Wallace; David B.;
(Mechanicsburg, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS, LLP;IP DEPARTMENT
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-4196
US
|
Assignee: |
J.P. DONMOYER, INC.
Ono
PA
|
Family ID: |
34555113 |
Appl. No.: |
11/428984 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11003253 |
Dec 3, 2004 |
7092897 |
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11428984 |
Jul 6, 2006 |
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10085396 |
Feb 28, 2002 |
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11003253 |
Dec 3, 2004 |
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09167379 |
Oct 6, 1998 |
6366829 |
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10085396 |
Feb 28, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 17/00 20130101;
G06Q 20/203 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G06F 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/106 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00 |
Claims
1. An automated inventory management system comprising: a sensor
that transmits a first output signal corresponding to a material
quantity; a data collector that receives said first output signal
from said sensor and transmits a second output signal that is
representative of said material quantity; a remote telemetry unit
that receives said second output signal and transmits a signal
indicating material quantity; and a central computer disposed in
data communication with said remote telemetry unit for receiving
said signal indicating material quantity wherein said central
computer includes means for storing a plurality of signals
indicating material quantity received by said central computer over
time, means for interpreting a past material usage trend based on
said plurality of signals indicating material quantity, and means
for projecting a material usage rate based on said plurality of
signals indicating material quantity.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first output
signal, said second output signal, and said signal indicating
material quantity are transmitted substantially continuously.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first output
signal, said second output signal, and said signal indicating
material quantity is transmitted automatically.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said means for
interpreting a past material usage trend and said means for
projecting a material usage rate comprises software means.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein said central computer comprises
software means for interfacing with the Internet.
6. The system of claim 1 comprising means for generating an alarm
indicating said material quantity is less than a predetermined
quantity wherein said alarm is at least one of visual and
audible.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said central computer further
comprises means for displaying at least one of said past material
usage trend and said material usage rate in at least one of
tablature and graphical form.
8. An automated inventory management system comprising: a sensor
that produces a first output signal comprising material quantity
data; a data collector that receives said first output signal from
said sensor and produces a second output signal comprising said
material quantity data; a remote telemetry unit that receives said
second output signal and automatically transmits a third output
signal comprising said material quantity data; and a computer that
receives said third output signal comprising material quantity
data, wherein said computer comprises means for storing said
material quantity data, means for analyzing said material quantity
data, and means for projecting a material usage rate based on said
material quantity data.
9. The system of claim 8 comprising a network wherein said material
quantity data is transmitted automatically.
10. The system of claim 8 comprising a network wherein said
material quantity data is transmitted substantially
continuously.
11. The system of claim 8 wherein said computer is at least one of
a local computer with a location substantially proximate to said
sensor and a central computer with a location substantially remote
from said sensor.
12. The system of claim 8 wherein at least one of said means for
analyzing said material quantity data and said means for projecting
a material usage rate based on said material quantity data
comprises software means.
13. The system of claim 8 wherein said computer comprises software
means for transmitting said material quantity data to the
Internet.
14. The system of claim 8 further comprising means for generating
an alarm when said material quantity data indicates that a material
quantity is less than a predetermined quantity wherein said alarm
is at least one of visual and audible.
15. The system of claim 8 wherein said computer comprises means for
displaying said material usage rate in at least one of tablature
and graphical form.
16. A system to maintain a sufficient quantity of material at a
remote site comprising: a sensor at a remote site that measures a
material quantity and produces a first output signal comprising
material quantity data; a data collector that receives said first
output signal from said sensor and produces, at predetermined time
intervals, a second output signal comprising said material quantity
data; a remote telemetry unit that receives said second output
signal and automatically transmits a third output signal comprising
said material quantity data; a computer that receives said third
output signal from said remote telemetry unit, wherein said
computer comprises means for determining said material quantity,
means for storing said material quantity data, means for projecting
a material usage rate based on said material quantity data, and
means for automatically ordering additional materials from a
preselected vendor based on said material quantity data.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein said computer further comprises
means for directing a transport vehicle to deliver additional
materials to said remote site.
18. The system of claim 16 wherein said computer further comprises
means for coordinating a shipment of additional materials to said
remote site via a transport vehicle.
19. The system of claim 16 wherein said computer is at least one of
a local computer with a location substantially proximate to said
sensor and a central computer with a location substantially distant
from said sensor.
20. The system of claim 16 wherein said material quantity data
corresponds to a quantity of dry bulk materials.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/003,253, titled BULK INVENTORY NETWORK SYSTEM, filed
Dec. 3, 2004, which is itself a divisional application of copending
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/085,396, filed on Feb. 28, 2002, which
is itself a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application
Ser. No. 09/167,379, filed on Oct. 6, 1998, and issued as U.S. Pat.
No. 6,366,829.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the field of automated inventory
management, and in particular concerns a system for remote
monitoring of material storage levels for dry bulk goods, wherein
an independent entity, such as a transportation carrier, can
continuously monitor raw material supply levels at a remote
manufacturing plant, and, based on projected usage rates, place
timely orders on behalf of the plant, with preselected vendors, to
replenish depleted raw materials. The transportation carrier can
then coordinate material shipments from the vendor to the
manufacturing site using its own trucks. In this manner, the task
of maintaining sufficient on site raw material storage levels is
completely removed from the manufacturing plant.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Manufacturers frequently employ independent transportation
carriers to deliver raw materials from vendor cites to
manufacturing sites on an as-needed basis. Traditionally,
manufacturers themselves monitor on-site inventory levels and
product usage rates, and, when material supplies become low, a
phone call is placed from the plant site to an outside vendor to
order another shipment of raw materials. Typically, a
transportation carrier is separately contracted with to pick up the
raw material order from the vendor site and deliver the shipment to
the manufacturer.
[0004] Raw material inventories must be continuously monitored and
raw material orders and shipments must be carefully coordinated to
ensure a sufficient amount of materials are always at hand. If
material supplies are exhausted before new material shipments can
be delivered, manufacturers may be forced to temporarily shut down
manufacturing operations, resulting in lost production time and
revenues.
[0005] When several raw materials are simultaneously used in
product manufacturing, the task of monitoring material levels
becomes increasingly difficult. An additional challenge is
presented when the usage rate for each of these materials
fluctuates over time.
[0006] In the case of dry bulk goods such as lime, coal and ash,
for example, specially adapted trucks and trailers are often
required for transporting the materials from a vendor to a plant
site. In order to ensure the availability of a transport carrier
when a material shipment is needed, it is desirable to schedule
shipments as far in advance as possible. Thus, the ability to
monitor existing material levels as well as to project future
material requirements is critical. Likewise, the ability to quickly
convey this information to a transport carrier is essential.
[0007] Several automated systems have been designed to facilitate
the management of material inventories. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,727,164--Kaye et al. discloses an inventory management system
wherein a centralized inventory database can be remotely accessed
to retrieve information.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,362--Cowe et al. discloses an inventory
monitoring system wherein electronic shelf units automatically
monitor product inventory levels.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,198, issued to Mowery, et al., provides
a system and method for using a fleet of vehicles to provide
material to a plurality of tanks at various customer locations. An
inventory indicator associated with each of the tanks provides a
quantity signal to the central station indicating the quantity and
temperature of each of the tanks. A processor at the central
station monitors the quantity signals of each of the tanks to
determine past usage rates of the contents of each of the tanks.
The processor projects future tank quantities based on the past
usage pattern and determines possible routes for each of the
vehicles to each of the tanks. The processor optimizes the routes,
delivery amounts, and delivery schedule to minimize total delivered
cost for the products based on the projected future tank levels and
the possible routes to dispatch each of the vehicles. Each of the
foregoing systems allow some form of remote access to a centralized
database to monitor inventory levels.
[0010] While these systems enable material stores to be remotely
monitored, they are not useful for monitoring dry bulk goods nor do
they provide means to interpret usage trends or project usage rates
based on archived data.
[0011] What is needed is an automated system capable of
continuously monitoring material levels for dry bulk goods as well
as projecting future usage rates for materials based on archived
data. Preferably, the system would provide for the automated
transmittal of data to a remote site at predetermined time
intervals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In one aspect of the invention a remote material monitoring
system is provided which can be used to monitor inventory
quantities for raw materials at a remote site and automatically
transmit signals corresponding to existing material levels from the
remote site to a central computer at predetermined time
intervals.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention a remote material
monitoring system is provided which includes a central computer
having software means capable of determining material levels and
projecting material usage rates based on signals transmitted from a
remote material storage site.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention a remote materials
monitoring system is provided in which the central computer
includes software means for displaying the material levels and
projected usage levels in tablature and graphical form.
[0015] In yet another aspect of the invention the central computer
includes software means for sounding visual and/or audible alarms
if the material levels being monitored fall below predetermined
levels.
[0016] In yet another aspect of the invention a method is provided
for continuously monitoring material levels in a storage vessel at
a remote site without human intervention.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention a method is provided for
a transportation carrier to maintain sufficient raw material
quantities at a remote manufacturing plant site.
[0018] These and other aspects are provided in a system for
monitoring a material quantity at a remote manufacturing site. The
system comprises a detector for producing a first output signal
corresponding to an existing material quantity. A remote telemetry
unit receives the first output signal from the detector and
produces a corresponding second output signal. A central computer
is coupled to the remote telemetry unit for receiving the second
output signal which is automatically transmitted to a central
computer at predetermined time intervals. The central computer
includes software means for determining the quantity of said
existing material at the remote site as well as projected usage
rates for said existing material based on the transmitted
signals.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the detector
comprises an ultrasonic or strain gauge detector and the remote
unit and central computer are coupled via modem for transferring
the output signals from the remote unit to a central computer.
[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a system
for monitoring a material quantity at a remote site is provided
including a sensor that produces a first output signal
corresponding to a material quantity within a storage vessel such
as a dry bulk silo. A data collector receives the first output
signal from the sensor and produces a second output signal that is
representative of the quantity of material remaining within the
storage vessel. A remote telemetry unit receives the second output
signal and transmits a signal indicating material quantity to a
central computer disposed in data communication with the remote
telemetry unit.
[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, a system for
monitoring material levels in storage vessels at a remote site is
provided including a level detector that produces a first output
signal corresponding to a material level in one of the storage
vessels. The level detector may be selected from one of ultrasonic
and strain gauge level detectors. A first computer receives the
first output signal from the level detector and produces at least
one second output signal that is representative of the material
quantity. A remote telemetry unit is arranged in data communication
with the first computer so as to receive the first output signal
from the first computer and transmit an output signal to a second
computer in communication with the remote telemetry unit. In some
cases, the first computer may include means for transmitting an
output signal that is representative of the material level directly
to the second computer.
[0022] In yet a further embodiment of the invention, a system for
monitoring a material level in a storage vessel at a remote site is
provided including a level detector for producing an output signal
corresponding to the material level, where the level detector
comprises means for transmitting the output signal to a remote
telemetry unit that, in turn, transmits a signal indicating
material quantity to a central computer disposed in data
communication with the remote telemetry unit. In some instances,
the level detector comprises means for transmitting an output
signal that is representative of the level or quantity of material
in a storage vessel to a central computer disposed in data
communication with the level detector for receiving the signal
indicating material quantity.
[0023] Also provided is a system for a transportation carrier to
maintain a sufficient quantity of raw material at a remote site.
The system of this embodiment includes a sensor that produces a
first output signal corresponding to a quantity of material located
within a storage vessel, e.g., a dry bulk material silo. A data
collector receives the first output signal from the sensor and
produces a second output signal that is representative of the
material quantity within the storage vessel. A remote telemetry
unit that receives the second output signal and transmits a signal
indicating material quantity data. A central computer is disposed
in data communication with the remote telemetry unit for receiving
the signal indicating material quantity. The central computer
includes means for storing the material quantity data and for
projecting a usage rate for the material based on the second output
signal.
[0024] In addition, a method for a transportation carrier to
maintain sufficient quantities of raw materials at a remote
manufacturing site is provided that includes the generation of a
first signal representative of an existing raw material quantity at
a remote site. Transmitting a second signal corresponding to the
first signal from the remote site to at least one of a local
computer and a central computer at predetermined time intervals.
The existing raw material quantity and a projected material usage
rate for the existing raw material quantity based on the
transmitted signals are determined. based upon this determination,
additional raw materials are ordered from a preselected vendor
based on the existing material quantity and the projected material
usage rate. A transport vehicle is provided to deliver the
additional raw material from the preselected vendor to the
manufacturing site by transporting the additional raw material from
the preselected vendor to the manufacturing site.
[0025] While the described system and method for monitoring and
maintaining remote material stores are applicable for any bulk
commodities, they are particularly advantageous for use in
connection with the storage of dry bulk goods in storage silos or
similar structures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by,
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention, which are to be considered together with the
accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and
further wherein:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remote inventory monitoring
system according to the invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a typical storage
vessel, including level detectors, and of the type used in
connection with the present invention; and
[0029] FIGS. 3-8 are partially schematic block diagrams of
alternative embodiments of a remote inventory monitoring system
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description of this
invention. The drawing figures are presented in somewhat schematic
form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures
described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written
description or drawings for performing the recited function,
including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent
structures.
[0031] The invention concerns a Bulk Inventory Network System
(BINS) used to monitor customer inventories and order delivery of
dry bulk materials. In one preferred embodiment, the BINS system
depends upon transmission of data from remote customer sites to a
centrally located computer. Information, transferred by telephone
communications, consists of the level or weight of material in
storage at the customer's business. When a trigger level or minimum
volume of material is reached, dispatchers are notified that a
shipment of dry bulk materials should be delivered to the
customer's site. Customer storage records are also monitored by the
BINS central computer, displayed on a trend graph, and stored as a
historical record of dry bulk material usage by the customer.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a remote inventory monitoring system 10
according to the invention comprises a central computer 12 and a
first modem 14, which are distant from the dry bulk material
storage vessel 15 being monitored. One or more remote telemetry
units (RTU,) 16, a second modem 18 and a level detector 20 are
disposed at the storage vessel site. Typically, level detector 20
is positioned directly on storage vessel 15. Software means are
installed and continuously running on central computer 12. The
software means receive and store data transmitted from RTUs 16 at
each storage vessel 15 in remote inventory monitoring system 10.
The software means also determine existing material levels and
quantities 22, as well as projected usage rates for each material
based on the transmitted data. In addition, the software means are
programmed to activate a visual and/or audible alarm (i.e.,
flashing icon and/or beep) as well as to display the information on
a trend graph for easy viewing.
[0033] Two alternative means are used to control and operate remote
inventory monitoring system 10. A first preferred means is used in
connection with a remotely controlled system. The remotely
controlled system utilizes a microprocessor based RTU 16 that is
programmed to receive a first output signal from level detector 20,
produce a second output signal corresponding to said first output
signal, place a telephone call to central computer 12 and transfer
data to the computer. In this system, each RTU 16 controls data
collection and transmission, and therefore, requires relatively
sophisticated programming. RTUs 16 are often configured using a
laptop computer connected directly to a port in the RTU at the
storage site. Under the remote control concept, central computer 12
acts primarily as a data storage and display device: Standard
personal computers may be utilized for this portion of the
system.
[0034] Changes to system operations, such as time intervals between
data transmissions, usually require a trip to storage vessel 15
site for modification of the RTU programming.
[0035] In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, a
centrally controlled system is utilized comprising a central
computer 12 that contacts each remote site and retrieves data
directly from RTU 16 at that site. Site equipment would include a
basic RTU 16 configured to receive a first output signal from level
detector 20, produce a second output signal corresponding to the
first output signal, and on command, transmit the second output
signal to central computer 12. System control and programming are
concentrated at central computer 20. Typically, central computer 12
is a standard personal computer and RTUs 16 are simplified devices
which act primarily as data collection devices and, as a result,
require minimal programming.
[0036] Preferably, an ultrasonic level detector 24 and/or a strain
gauge level detector 26 are used to measure the contents of storage
vessel 15. For example, strain gauges 26 can be placed on legs 27
of storage vessel 15 to measure the change in length of legs 27
that is caused by the change in quantity of material in storage
vessel 15. These devices typically produce a signal in the range of
four to twenty milliamps, which is proportional to the material
quantity in the vessel. A preferred ultrasonic level indicator is
available from Kistler-Morse under the trade name Sonocell. Remote
telemetry unit (RTU) 16 receives the four to twenty milliamp analog
signals and converts them into corresponding digital signals which
can be processed by central computer 12. RTU 16 then places a
telephone call, on preset two-hour timed intervals, to transmit the
converted signals to central computer 12.
[0037] It would be understood by those skilled in the art that a
RTU may be a stand alone unit comprising well known components for
analog/digital signal conversion and which may additionally include
means for automatic transmission of data to a central computer via
modem at predetermined time intervals, or, alternatively, may
comprise a plurality of discrete components such as an
analog/digital converter, microprocessor and modem also for
providing the function. It is also contemplated to use a level
detection device having an integrated analog/digital converter and
microprocessor which can communicate directly with the central
computer.
[0038] One RTU that has been found to be particularly useful for
use in connection with the present invention is available from
Control Microsystems and includes the following components: Model
RS-232 Communication Processor; Model 5501-20 8-Channel Analog
Input Module; Model 5103 Power Supply Module; and Model ACX24
Transformer. Suitable stand alone RTUs include the Bristol Babcock
Models RTU 3301 and RTU 3305, and the Fisher-Rosemount Model ROC
306 Remote Operations Controller.
[0039] Central computer 12 receives and stores data transmitted
from RTUs 16 at each storage vessel site. Central computer 12
includes commercially available software used to monitor inventory
levels and generate statistical data and trend graphs based on the
transmitted data. Two suitable software packages are the Lookout
Run-Time and Lookout Development software. Other known software
packages include Bristol Babcock's ZxMMI graphics software and
Intellution's FIX MMI graphics package.
[0040] Advantageously, the aforementioned system can be used by a
transportation carrier to maintain sufficient quantities of raw
materials at a remote manufacturing site. For example, a
manufacturer who wishes to relieve itself from the day-to-day
responsibility of monitoring, recording and maintaining sufficient
raw material stores can contract with a transportation carrier to
provide this service.
[0041] In accordance with the invention, the transportation carrier
maintains a central computer for receiving and processing data from
a manufacturing plant. Signals are generated to represent the
quantity of material located in from one or more storage vessels
15, e.g., a plurality of dry bulk storage silos or similar
containment structures located at a manufacturing plant. The
signals are automatically transmitted, via RTU 16, to central
computer 12 at predetermined time intervals. Software means
generate statistical data in the form of tables and graphs based on
the periodic signal inputs. The data include material levels,
material usage rates and material usage rate changes, and projected
material usage rates. The data is used to plan and schedule
shipment of additional material to the plant in order to replenish
depleted stores.
[0042] A manufacturer may preselect suitable vendors for supplying
each raw material. This information is provided to the
transportation center at the time of contracting. When raw material
levels fall below a predetermined acceptable level, the
transportation carrier places an order with the appropriate vendor
for additional material. The transportation carrier then
coordinates the material shipment from the vendor to the
manufacturing site using its own trucks.
[0043] The present invention is susceptible to various
modifications. For example, and referring to FIG. 2, a sensing
device 35 may be used to detect a quantity of material in a storage
vessel 15. Sensing device 35 may determine a material level or a
weight of material in storage vessel 15. In some instances, a
material level is measured by a mechanical system, i.e., strain
gauge level detector 26, or by ultrasonic level detector 24, e.g.,
a Kistler-Morse Sonocell. Material weight is most often determined
using strain gauge level detector 26.
[0044] In operation, sensing device 35 determines a quantity of
material 37 within storage vessel 15, and transmits a signal, that
is representative of that measured material quantity, to a data
collection/display unit 38, e.g, a Kistler-Morse Sonologic II
system. Data collection/display unit 38 may be located on or
adjacent to storage vessel 15, or at least within the general area
or facility at which storage vessel 15 is located. Data
collection/display unit 38 outputs an analog signal that is
proportional to the measured material quantity and transmits that
signal to an RTU 16. RTU 16 transmits a signal indicating material
quantity to central computer 12 over telephone, radio, or other
communication means 40. RTU 16 may be either configured to initiate
the data communication or to respond to data requests initiated at
central computer 12, or both.
[0045] It will be understood that RTU 16 may comprise some
combination of power supplies, input/output modules and
controllers, and modems of the type known in the art and readily
available to those skilled in the electronics and communications
arts. Additionally, RTU 16 may be an individual unit, or may be
incorporated within a sensing device, data collection/display
units, or computers. When central computer 12 receives data from a
remote site, Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) software, e.g., the
Lookout software program offered by National Instruments, stores
and displays the data. Alarms may be generated based on defined
settings and limits, and central computer 12 may be either
configured to initiate the data communication or to respond to data
requests initiated at central computer 12, or both. Information
from the HMI software may also be linked to spreadsheets and
database software to summarize information in tabular and graphical
form. Information from the HMI software also may be automatically
uploaded to the Internet for easy access.
[0046] In another example, and referring to FIG. 3, sensing device
35 determines a material quantity within storage vessel 15, and
transmits a signal, that is representative of that measured
material quantity, to a data collection/display unit 42.
[0047] Data collection/display unit 42, outputs a signal indicating
material quantity and transmits that signal to central computer 12.
In this embodiment, functions performed by RTU 16 are physically
incorporated within data collection/display unit 42. The signal
generated by data collection/display unit 42 can be transmitted
over telephone, radio, or other communication means 40. Also, data
collection/display unit 42 may be either configured to initiate the
data communication or to respond to data requests initiated at
central computer 12, or both.
[0048] In yet a further example, and referring to FIG. 4, sensing
device 35 determines a material quantity within storage vessel 15,
and transmits a signal that is representative of that measured
material quantity to an on-site computer system 45. On-site
computer system 45 outputs an analog signal that is proportional to
the measured material quantity and transmits that signal to an RTU
16. RTU 16 transmits a signal indicating material quantity to
central computer 12 over telephone, radio, or other communication
means 40. In this embodiment, RTU 16 may be configured to either
initiate the data communication or to respond to data requests
initiated at central computer 12, or both.
[0049] In still another example, and referring to FIG. 5, sensing
device 35 determines a material quantity within storage vessel 16,
and transmits a signal that is representative of that measured
material quantity to an on-site computer system 45. On-site
computer system 45 generates a signal proportional to the measured
material quantity, and transmits that signal to central computer 12
over telephone, radio, or other communication means 40. On-site
computer system 45 may be configured to either initiate the data
communication or to respond to data requests initiated at central
computer 12, or both.
[0050] In an additional example, and referring to FIG. 6, sensing
device 35 determines a material quantity within storage vessel 15,
and transmits a signal that is representative of that measured
material quantity, to an RTU 16. RTU 16 transmits that a signal
representative of a material quantity to central computer 12 over
telephone, radio, or other communication means 40. RTU 16 may be
configured to either initiate the data communication or to respond
to data requests initiated at central computer 12, or both.
[0051] In another example, and referring to FIG. 7, sensing device
35 determines a material quantity within storage vessel 15, and
transmits a signal that is representative of that measured material
quantity, to central computer 12 over telephone, radio, or other
communication means 40. Sensing device may be configured to either
initiate the data communication or to respond to data requests
initiated at central computer 12, or both.
[0052] The invention having been disclosed in connection with the
foregoing variations and examples, additional variations will now
be apparent to persons skilled in the art. The invention is not
intended to be limited to the variations specifically mentioned,
and accordingly reference should be made to the appended claims
rather than the foregoing discussion of preferred examples, to
assess the scope of the invention in which exclusive rights are
claimed.
* * * * *