U.S. patent application number 13/483453 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-07 for process equipment tracking system.
This patent application is currently assigned to NewAge Industries, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Kenneth D. Baker, David Greer, Michael C. Needling, Gary Rozenblat, George Younan. Invention is credited to Kenneth D. Baker, David Greer, Michael C. Needling, Gary Rozenblat, George Younan.
Application Number | 20130057407 13/483453 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34994318 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130057407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baker; Kenneth D. ; et
al. |
March 7, 2013 |
PROCESS EQUIPMENT TRACKING SYSTEM
Abstract
A process equipment tracking system utilizing an RF ID tag
attached to the process equipment during manufacture or thereafter.
The RF ID tag includes an identification specific to the particular
process equipment. An RF ID tag reader is provided to obtain the
identification from the RF ID tag on the process equipment,
preferably after installation. The RF ID tag reader includes a user
input for at least one trackable event and can write data based on
the at least one trackable event back onto the RF ID tag. The RF ID
tag reader is compatible for uploading the identification and any
user input to an internet accessible device. A process equipment
database is provided, having equipment-related information. The
database provides access to obtain the process equipment-related
information based on the identification from the RF ID tag and
receives and stores data related to the at least one trackable
event.
Inventors: |
Baker; Kenneth D.; (Ambler,
PA) ; Greer; David; (Perkasie, PA) ; Needling;
Michael C.; (Norristown, PA) ; Rozenblat; Gary;
(Sherman Oaks, CA) ; Younan; George; (Porter
Ranch, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Baker; Kenneth D.
Greer; David
Needling; Michael C.
Rozenblat; Gary
Younan; George |
Ambler
Perkasie
Norristown
Sherman Oaks
Porter Ranch |
PA
PA
PA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NewAge Industries, Inc.
Southampton
PA
|
Family ID: |
34994318 |
Appl. No.: |
13/483453 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11742844 |
May 1, 2007 |
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13483453 |
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11082086 |
Mar 16, 2005 |
7259675 |
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11742844 |
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60553511 |
Mar 16, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/572.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04C 2270/90 20130101;
G06Q 10/08 20130101; G06K 7/0008 20130101; G06K 7/10079 20130101;
G06Q 10/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/572.1 |
International
Class: |
G08B 13/14 20060101
G08B013/14 |
Claims
1. A process equipment tracking system, comprising: an attached RF
ID tag and an attachment device adapted to attach the RF ID tag to
a piece of process equipment selected from the group consisting of
a valve, a vessel, a pump, a filter, a bio processing bag, and a UV
lamp used in a pharmaceutical or chemical processing system; an RF
ID tag reader/writer useable by a user to obtain the identification
from the RF ID tag on the process equipment and including a user
input configured for inputting at least one trackable event
including at least one of an installation date or a number of
cleanings so that a wear and/or service life of the process
equipment can be tracked, and being able to write data on the at
least one trackable event onto the RF ID tag which is configured to
receive data on the at least one trackable event which includes at
least one of the installation date or the number of cleanings, the
RF ID tag reader being at least one of connectable to an internet
or compatible for uploading the identification and the at least one
trackable event to a network access device; a data base having
process equipment related information, including at least one of
manufacturing date, replacement date, batch number, lot number,
material specifications, material lot number, certificates of
compliance, size specifications, fitting specifications,
description, customer data, batch process description, cleaning
operations and customer application associated with the
identification for the process equipment, the data base provides
access to the user to obtain the process equipment related
information based on the identification and receives and stores
data related to the at least one trackable event; and an internet
accessible history database, which is used to store data on a
series of the trackable events.
2. The process equipment tracking system of claim 1, further
comprising a user interface and a re-order database provided with
the database which allows the user to re-order new process
equipment based on the RF ID tag identification.
3. (canceled)
4. The process equipment tracking system of claim 1, further
comprising a user notice database having maintenance information
for the process equipment which is accessible based on the RF ID
tag identification.
5. The process equipment tracking system of claim 1, wherein the
network access device includes a computer.
6. The process equipment tracking system of claim 1, wherein the
attachment device includes a molded silicone pouch which contains
the RF ID tag.
7. The process equipment tracking system of claim 1, wherein the
attachment device includes at least two pieces of polymeric
laminate material which encase the RF ID tag therebetween.
8. The process equipment tracking system of claim 1, wherein the
attachment device includes a tape which connects the RF ID tag to
the piece of process equipment.
9. The process equipment tracking system of claim 8, wherein the
tape includes a silicone tape.
10. The process equipment tracking system of claim 1, wherein the
attachment device includes an encapsulated RF ID strap which
contains the RF ID tag, the strap including interlocking portions
which connect the strap to the piece of process equipment.
11. The process equipment tracking system of claim 10, further
comprising an adhesive which adheres the RF ID strap to the piece
of process equipment.
12. A method of tracking a piece of process equipment using a
tracking system for obtaining process equipment data, comprising:
affixing an RF ID tag encoded with an identification on the process
equipment; providing process equipment information relating to the
process equipment in a process equipment data base correlated to
the identification; a user reading the RF ID tag with an RF ID tag
reader; the user inputting data on at least one trackable event
regarding the process equipment into the RF ID tag reader, the at
least one trackable event including at least one of an installation
date or a number of cleanings so that a wear and/or service life of
the process equipment can be tracked; writing the data on the at
least one trackable event onto the RF ID tag; uploading data from
the RF ID tag reader to a PC, an internet accessible device or
connecting the RF ID tag reader to an internet; accessing the
process equipment data base; retrieving data relating to the
process equipment from the process equipment data base using the
identification; uploading data on the at least one trackable event
to a process equipment history data base to build the process
equipment history data base; and automatically notifying the user
regarding maintenance.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: the user using the
internet and logging into a host web site; and the uploading of the
data relating to the at least one trackable event regarding the
process equipment includes uploading data on a series of trackable
events.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the trackable event is a
process equipment wear related event.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising reordering
replacement process equipment based on the process equipment data
base and the process equipment identification.
16. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/742,844, filed May 1, 2007, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/082,086, filed
Mar. 16, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,675, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/553,511, filed Mar.
16, 2004, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set
forth.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a tracking system, and in
particular a tracking system which utilizes a radio frequency
identification tag (RF ID tag) in order to track critical process
equipment, provide access to supporting documents and
specifications for the process equipment, and provide customer
access to data related to the equipment, as well as cataloguing
event-specific data related to the process equipment to allow the
service life to be predicted and preferably a replacement to be
ordered within a predetermined time period, preferably using an
internet connection.
[0003] Systems are known for permanently associating and
identifying indicia with a previously manufactured product. This is
typically done in order to provide positive identification of the
product. Such indicia may be visually readable by a user or
machine-readable, such as via a magnetic strip reader or an optical
or magnetic bar code. This type of identification has been done in
accordance with specific industry requirements, where it is often
required to specifically identify equipment utilized during
different manufacturing steps. Placement of indicia on the
equipment in as permanent a manner as possible provides
identification and therefore the ability to identify the equipment
throughout its useable life.
[0004] RF ID tags have also been known and have been adapted to
various uses, such as inventory control and theft protection of
items. The heart of an RF ID system is an information-carrying tag
which functions in response to a coded RF signal received from a
mobile reader or base station. The tag reflects the incident RF
carrier back to the RF ID tag reader or base station and the
information transferred as the reflected signal is modulated by the
tag according to its programmed information protocol. RF ID tags
may be active, in which a power source is provided, or passive, in
which the energy for the reflected signal is derived from the RF
signal from the base station or RF ID tag reader used to
interrogate the tag. The RF ID tags can be programmed or encoded
with specific information, such as an individual identification
numbers for a product, such as serial numbers, and/or additional
product information, depending upon the complexity of the RF ID
tag. Read/write RF ID tags are also known which can be used to
receive and store additional data.
[0005] In many industries, such as pharmaceutical, biotech and
chemical industries, it is difficult to obtain good data with
respect to the life of process equipment in view of the many
requirements necessitated by various applications. Accordingly, it
has been difficult to predict the expected life of certain process
equipment, depending upon the particular application, and
oftentimes process equipment for a particular application is
discovered to be no longer serviceable when it fails in use,
resulting in downtime while a new replacement part is procured, as
well as loss of product being processed and/or contamination. The
life of such process equipment can be affected by different
factors, such as processing times, number of batches of material
processed, as well as cleaning cycles. However, no efficient means
exists to track these factors, and tracking becomes even more
difficult when no specific identification is associated with the
specific equipment in question, either through loss or labeling
that cannot be read due to use and/or repeated cleanings.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a better and
more efficient means for attaching indicia to such process
equipment as well as the ability to track predetermined events. It
would also be desirable to be able to use the identification to
obtain equipment-related data, specifications and certifications as
required from a manufacturer. It would also be desirable to provide
an easier and more efficient system for tracking equipment life so
that replacements can be ordered in a timely manner prior to
failure of the process equipment and within a projected life
expectancy.
SUMMARY
[0007] Briefly stated, the present invention provides a process
equipment tracking system. The system includes an attached RF ID
tag that is provided with the equipment or optionally added at a
later date. The RF ID tag is coded with an identification specific
to the particular process equipment. An RF ID tag reader is
provided, which is usable by a user to obtain the identification
from the RF ID tag on the process equipment, preferably after the
process equipment is installed at the user facility. The RF ID tag
reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event,
which can be, for example, an installation date, cleaning date or
dates, and/or number of batches of material handled by the process
equipment. The RF ID tag reader preferably has the ability to
"write" data to the RF ID tag regarding the at least one trackable
event or a series of trackable events, so that the data is
specifically associated with the equipment for later reading,
verification or data recovery. The RF ID tag reader is also
preferably at least one of connectable to a PC for local data
gathering and analysis, or to an internet or compatible for
uploading the identification and any user input to an internet
accessible device which, for example, can also be a PC.
[0008] At least one of a local and an internet accessible database
is provided, having specific process equipment related information,
including at least one of a manufacturing date, a batch number, a
lot number, material specifications, material lot number,
certificates of compliance, size specifications, functional
specifications, description, customer data and customer application
associated with the identification for the process equipment. The
database provides access for a user to obtain the process-equipment
related information based on the identification from the RF ID tag
and receives and stores data related to the at least one trackable
event, preferably by uploading the data from the RF ID tag
reader.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of
tracking process equipment using a tracking system for obtaining
process equipment data. The method includes: affixing an RF ID tag
encoded with an identification on the process equipment; providing
process equipment related information to a data base correlated to
the identification; a user reading the RF ID tag with an RF ID tag
reader; the user inputting at least one trackable event regarding
the process equipment into the RF ID tag reader; the RF ID tag
reader writing the information back on the RF ID tag; and uploading
data from the RF ID tag reader to a PC or an internet accessible
device or connecting the RF ID tag reader to an internet; accessing
a data base; retrieving data relating to the process equipment from
the data base using the identification; and uploading data on the
at least one trackable event to the data base to build the data
base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing Summary and the following detailed description
will be better understood when read in conjunction with the
following drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the
invention. In the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the process equipment
tracking system in accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a
silicone pouch or mold strap enclosure for an RF ID tag in
accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the pouch of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the silicone pouch enclosed
RF ID tag of FIG. 2 shown in the installed position on a piece of
processing equipment, such as a steam trap or pump.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a plastic laminate enclosed RF ID
tag in accordance with a first alternative preferred embodiment of
the invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the RF ID tag being installed
in the plastic laminate tag of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of the plastic laminate enclosed RF ID
tag of FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the plastic laminate
enclosed RF ID tag of FIG. 5 attached to processing equipment, and
in particular a pump, using a cable tie.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the plastic laminate
enclosed RF ID tag of FIG. 5 attached to process equipment, and in
particular a valve, using a cable tie.
[0020] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the plastic laminate
enclosed RF ID tag of FIG. 5 attached to an ultra-violet lamp or
filter used for processing using a cable tie.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a side view of process equipment having a field
installable RF ID tag encased in silicone tape in accordance with a
second alternative preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a side view of process equipment having a field
installable RF ID tag enclosed in an encapsulating strap in
accordance with a third alternative preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the encapsulating strap shown in
FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0024] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left,"
"lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the process
equipment and/or tools shown and designated parts thereof. The
terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned,
derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, a process equipment tracking (PET)
system 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The
process equipment tracking system 10 is used in conjunction with
process equipment 12A, 12B with attached RF ID tags 14A, 14B (also
generally referred to as RF ID tag 14). The RF ID tags 14A, 14B are
of the type generally known in the art and may be an active or
passive RF ID tag. Preferably, the RF ID tags 14A, 14B are encoded
with at least an identification or serial number for the respective
piece of process equipment 12A, 12B, which is assigned either by
the manufacturer or by a vendor or user of the PET system 10 in
order to allow each piece of process equipment 12A, 12B for which
tracking is desired to be tracked individually.
[0026] While FIG. 1 only illustrates two pieces of process
equipment 12A, 12B, which can be for example a process critical
valve 12A and pump 12B being tracked, those skilled in the art will
understand from the present disclosure that the PET system 10 can
be used to track any number of pieces of process equipment, such as
vessels, UV sterilizing lights, steam traps, or other equipment
such as disposable bio processing bags that is critical in various
pharmaceutical, biological and/or chemical processing applications.
Tracking can relate to the process equipment life cycle, and/or
cleaning or servicing requirements that require tracking either for
compliance with specific purity and/or processing requirements
mandated by specific industry standards bodies or the FDA. Tracking
process equipment life cycles for specific equipment is also
desirable for many end users who do not have any means to track and
capture wear related data so that a replacement analysis or history
can be established based on trackable wear events, such as batches
processed, cleaning cycles or other wear factors.
[0027] The RF ID tag 14 is preferably able to withstand repeated
heat cycles of up to 200.degree. C., typical of process equipment
cleaning operations through steam cleaning or autoclaving.
Preferably, the RF ID tag 14 is also protected by an external
pouch, mold strap or laminations as shown in FIGS. 2-3 or FIGS.
5-7, as discussed in detail below, in order to prevent premature
failure in use.
[0028] Preferably, the RF ID tag 14 is attached to the process
equipment 12A, 12B or other article to be tracked during
manufacture, or is attached after the process equipment 12A, 12B is
installed at a user facility based on a particular user's tracking
requirements. The attachment methods can be varied, but a permanent
or semi-permanent attachment is preferred so that the RF ID tag 14
cannot be inadvertently removed or tampered with.
[0029] In one preferred application for the process equipment
tracking system 10, the RF ID tag 14 is sealed in a molded silicone
pouch 20 using a liquid silicone end seal 22, as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3. The pouch 20 is then attached to the process equipment 12C,
as shown in FIG. 4 by a suitable adhesive, which can be, for
example, a silicone based adhesive. The pouch 20 can be formed of
clear silicone, and other visually readable indicia can also be
provided with the RF ID tag 14 in the pouch. This pouch 20 can be
installed on the process equipment 12C at a manufacturer's facility
or can be installed at the user site, if desired. While a silicone
pouch 20 is preferred, other types of sealable housings can be
utilized depending on the process equipment environment, types of
cleaning, such as steam, chemical and/or autoclaving, as well as
any other pertinent considerations.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, another holder 30 for the RF ID
tag 14 according to a first alternative preferred embodiment of the
present invention is shown. The holder 30 comprises two pieces of
laminate 31, 32, preferably made of a suitable clear polymeric
material, which can be for example PE or PP, that are connected
together with a suitable adhesive with the RF ID tag 14 sandwiched
between the laminates 31, 32. Slots 34 are provided in the holder
30 so that it can be attached to process equipment using a cable
tie or safety wire 40. The holder 30 is shown with the RF ID tag
14B attached to the pump 12B in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 illustrates the
holder 30 used to attach the RF ID tag 14A to the valve 12A using a
cable tie 40. FIG. 10 shows the holder 30 with an RF ID tag 14D
attached to an ultra violet light or filters 12D used for
sterilizing materials being processed.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 11, the RF ID tag 14 is encased on process
equipment 12E by a layer of tape 130 according to a second
alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tape
130 is preferably a self-adhering tape such as a self fusing
silicone or adhesive tape. During installation, the RF ID tag 14 is
placed on a surface 13E of the process equipment 12E, and the tape
130 is wrapped once or more times around the process equipment 12E
to secure the tag 14 to the process equipment 12E.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a strap 230 contains the RF ID
tag 14 encapsulated therein according to a third alternative
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The strap 230
includes interlocking portions 232 which can be connected for
permanently or removably connecting the strap 230 to process
equipment 12E. Preferably an adhesive, such as an RTV silicone
sealant, is applied to the strap 230 to provide a permanent bond
between the strap 230 and the process equipment 12E. Alternatively,
a heat shrinkable polymer band or other pre-formed band can be
bonded or otherwise affixed to the process equipment to connect an
RF ID tag. For example, a pre-formed silicone band could be
installed on the process equipment over the RF ID tag 14 and then
be sealed in place using an RTV silicon sealant. The embodiments
shown in FIGS. 8-13 and described above may be suitable in certain
applications because they provide a field installable method for
permanently attaching an RF ID tag. However, for process equipment
that must be steam cleaned or autoclaved, the molded pouch 20 and
laminated holder 30, as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and FIGS. 5-7, are
preferred for preventing damage of the RF ID tag 14 which could be
caused by an ingress of contaminants or cleaning agents.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, the process equipment 12A, 12B,
etc., is preferably installed at a user facility. This can be used
for pharmaceutical and/or biochemical processing of drugs and/or
other high purity requiring compounds and/or chemical processing
facilities in which caustic materials are carried by the process
equipment 12.
[0034] An RF ID tag reader 18 is provided, which is adapted to be
used by a user to obtain the identification from the RF ID tag 14.
Preferably, the RF ID tag reader 18 also includes a user input,
preferably in the form of a keyboard, for tracking at least one
trackable event. The trackable event can be related to an
installation date of the process equipment, or it could also
include a series of trackable events, such as how many times a
piece of process equipment 12A, 12B is cleaned in place using
chemical cleaners or steam, and/or is cleaned through removal of
the process equipment and autoclaving the process equipment 12A,
12B. These trackable events in the context of the process equipment
tracking system 10 preferably relate to wear and/or the service
life of the process equipment 12A, 12B. Through the tracking of
these events, it is possible to provide a more accurate method of
predicting process equipment life and obtaining replacement process
equipment prior to failure.
[0035] The RF ID tag reader 18 preferably also has a "write"
capability and the RF ID tags 14A, 14B can be programmed with data
on the at least one trackable event. In a preferred embodiment, the
trackable event data is stored in an RF ID tag 14A, 14B data file
16A, 16B, so that the history of the trackable event or trackble
events, such as cleaning dates or batches processed is actually
stored in the RF ID tag data file 16A, 16B. This allows auditing of
the history for the specific process equipment 12A, 12B trackable
events, if required, for example by the FDA or some other agency
requirement. Additionally, it prevents the loss of data from
another piece of equipment, such as a PC, through hardware or
software failure. In the preferred embodiment, the RF ID tag data
file 16A, 16B can receive and store trackable event data on up to
five different history events, such as cleaning dates, batch
process dates, with up to 256 entries for each item. However, the
type and amount of data stored can be varied, as desired, based on
a particular application.
[0036] The RF ID tag reader 18 is also at least one of connectable
to a PC or an internet, for example, through a wireless connection
as in PDAs or other wireless internet access devices (shown as a
dashed line in FIG. 1), or is compatible for uploading the
identification from the RF ID tag 14 and the user input to an
internet accessible device, for example, a PC 42 as shown in FIG.
1. Such connections to the internet, either through a wireless
connection and/or via a modem, DSL or T1 cable are generally known
and accordingly, a further description is not necessary for those
of ordinary skill in this field.
[0037] Preferably, a local process equipment track history database
44A, 44B is provided on the PC 42 in which data from the RF ID tag
reader 18 can be stored and tracked for each piece of process
equipment 12A, 12B being tracked. The PC 42 preferably also
includes a history analysis and reorder system that is programmed
using software to allow analysis of the local history databases
44A, 44B so that a user can determine a service life of the process
equipment 12A, 12B based on the accumulated data in order to order
replacement equipment.
[0038] Preferably, the PET system 10 also provides user access to a
manufacturer or vendor of the PET system 10 for additional data and
tracking ability based on the RF ID of the process equipment 12A,
12B. The user makes an internet connection to an internet
accessible process equipment database 50A, 50B, preferably located
in a website 52 operated by the process equipment manufacturer or
other tracking organization. The internet accessible process
equipment database 50 includes process equipment-related
information, including but not limited to manufacturing date, batch
number, lot number, material specifications, material lot number,
certificates of compliance, size specifications, a description of
the process equipment and any customer-related data with respect to
the intended use or application. This information can all be
provided in the process equipment database 50A, 50B, etc. by the
user, or can be loaded by the manufacturer, and is associated or
correlated with the RF ID tag 14A, 14B, etc. for the process
equipment 12A, 12B, etc.
[0039] The internet accessible process equipment database 50
provides access to a user, preferably through a user access system
54, wherein a user logs in using a specific user ID at a log in
screen 56. During the log in process, or thereafter, data on the at
least one trackable event can be uploaded from the RF ID tag reader
18 or the internet access device 42 and can then optionally be
stored in the PET website 52. This is preferably done based on the
RF ID for the particular process equipment 12A, 12B, etc., in
question, based on the data which has been collected by the user at
the user facility. In one embodiment, the data related to the at
least one trackable event is stored in a history database 50A, 50B,
etc., which is used to store data on one or more trackable events,
which in the preferred embodiment are related to process equipment
life and process equipment wear.
[0040] Additionally, preferably a reorder system 60 is provided,
which allows the user to reorder new process equipment based on the
RF ID tag 14A, 14B, etc., identification. This is preferably used
in connection with the RF ID and the respective database 50A, 50B,
etc., so that all of the specifications for particular process
equipment 12A, 12B, etc., can be obtained from the process
equipment database 50 to streamline the reorder process. The local
history database 44A, 44B and/or the history database 50A, 50B
allow order patterns in comparison to the series of trackable
events stored in the database to be compared and/or the trackable
events can be used in connection with generating orders based on an
expected replacement life of the process equipment 12A, 12B.
Notices can preferably be generated and sent via e-mail or may be
generated internally to send a reminder by mail or via other
means.
[0041] Additionally, depending upon a user's needs, the ability to
reorder can be provided by the reorder system 60, which generates
an automatic reorder based on the process equipment database 50A,
50B, when the expected life of the process equipment 12A, 12B has
almost expired. An automatic reorder notice can be sent via e-mail
to the user over the internet, or it can be sent by other means.
Additionally, the reorder system 60 communicates, preferably
electronically, directly with the manufacturer's order and
productions systems 70, which can be internal or external, so that
manufacture of the new process equipment 12A, 12B is completed and
the new process equipment shipped prior to expiration of the
expected life of installed process equipment 12A, 12B. The process
equipment local history database 44A, 44B and/or the PET website
database 50A, 50B can then be updated, either directly or through
an internet connection with the RF ID and process equipment data
for the new process equipment.
[0042] In addition to reorders, notices can be sent to a user
regarding at least one of maintenance information and/or recall
information for the process equipment 12, which is accessible based
on the RF ID tag identification when a user logs in using the user
access connection, or which can be automatically generated and
e-mailed to a user, as indicated at 62.
[0043] The system 10 preferably provides 24-hour access to a user
of all information regarding any specific process equipment 12 via
the internet and the unique process equipment identification
provided by the RF ID tag 14. The system 10 also provides an easy
and convenient way for a user to reorder existing process
equipment, based on an existing specification in the process
equipment database 50 for the particular user application.
[0044] The system 10 also provides a means for predicting the life
of the process equipment by building the process equipment history
database 44A, 44B, etc. locally or through the PET website
databases 50A, 50B, which preferably include data related to one or
more process equipment life related trackable events. In the case
of process equipment 12 used in ultrapure material processing, such
as pharmaceutical, biotech, cosmetic and/or food processing to
track wear related events, these events can be the installation
date of the process equipment, cleaning of the process equipment,
which often involves caustic and/or material degrading processes,
and the number of batches of material processed so that after a
predictable number of events, replacement of the process equipment
12 can be accomplished prior to degradation or failure. By
developing the process equipment history database 58 in conjunction
with the user, the process equipment tracking system 10 provides
for automatic notices regarding the expected expiration life of the
process equipment and can even provide automatic reordering of the
process equipment, so that a user does not face downtime when
process equipment 12 fails in use or is no longer serviceable and a
replacement must be obtained on an expedited basis.
[0045] Additionally, for processing equipment used to produce
FDA-approved or tested products, the system provides a means for
tracking items which can degrade during use and replacing them
prior to any failure or contamination due to degradation.
[0046] By optionally providing automatic contact to the customer
that process equipment 12 needs replacement and/or by providing an
option for a customer to have automatic reordering carried out
based upon the process equipment history database 50A, 50B, the
present invention can streamline the ordering and replacement
process and also avoids downtime associated with process equipment
failures which could have been easily predicted.
[0047] In a method according to the invention, the process
equipment tracking system 10 is used to track process equipment
12A, 12B and for obtaining process equipment data related to, for
example, the manufacturing date, batch number, lot number, material
specifications, material lot number, certificates of compliance,
size specifications, description, customer data and/or customer
application associated with a particular unique identification for
the process equipment 12A, 12B. The RF ID tag 14A, 14B encoded with
the particular identification for a piece of process equipment 12A,
12B is affixed to the process equipment, preferably through a
reliable, and preferably semi-permanent or permanent connection.
The process equipment information related to the process equipment
12A, 12B is loaded into a process equipment database 50 and
correlated to the identification provided by the RF ID tag 14A, 14B
for the particular process equipment. This can be done by a
manufacturer or another service. In order to utilize this system, a
user reads the RF ID tag 14A, 14B utilizing an RF ID tag reader 18.
The user also inputs at least one trackable event regarding the
process equipment 12A, 12B into the RF ID tag reader 18. The data
from the RF ID tag reader 18, specifically data on the at least one
trackable event, is written back to the RF ID tag 14A, 14B, so that
there is a record of the trackable event associated directly with
the process equipment 12A, 12B. The data along with the RF ID tag
identification can also be uploaded from the RF ID tag reader 18 to
PC 42 and stored in a local history database 44A, 44B based on the
RF ID. The RF ID reader 18 itself may also be connected to the
internet, for example, through a wireless or plug connection or the
internet can be accessed from the PC 42. The user can then access
the process equipment database 50 and retrieve data relating to the
process equipment 12A, 12B using the specific identification
provided by the RF ID tag 14A, 14B for the process equipment 12A,
12B. Additionally, data on the at least one trackable event is
preferably uploaded to a database 50A, 50B in order to build the
database. Preferably, a user can use the local history database
44A, 44B and/or log in to the process equipment tracking system 10
on a periodic basis and analyze data regarding a series of
trackable events, for example, the number of times a piece of
process equipment 12A, 12B was cleaned, the number of batches of
material that were processed through the process equipment 12A, 12B
and/or any other periodic trackable events that have an effect on
process equipment life. Utilizing the data in the local database
44A, 44B, or the website database 50A, 50B, an expected process
equipment life can be determined based on at least one of the
process equipment history databases 44A, 44B, 50A, 50B. The website
databases 50A, 50B can be used in conjunction with the reordering
system 60. A user can determine a process equipment life expectancy
based on the process equipment history database 44A, 44B or 50A,
50B, and reorder the process equipment.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the reorder system 60 interfaces
with the process equipment database 50A, 50B and electronically
notifies the user to reorder particular process equipment 12A, 12B
for a specific application based upon an expiration of the
determined process equipment life expectancy. This can also be done
automatically to reorder the process equipment 12A, 12B prior to an
expiration of a process equipment life expectancy.
[0049] While the preferred embodiment of the invention is directed
to tracking a process equipment life expectancy and allowing
automatic reordering as well as access to all the process equipment
data using the process equipment tracking system 10, this could be
used in other applications.
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