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Inventory control systemRelated Patent Categories: Wells, Processes, Placing Or Shifting Well Part, With Sealing Feature (e.g., Packer)Inventory control system description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070023193, Inventory control system. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory control system and in particular, but not exclusively, to an inventory control system for monitoring the use of hand tools. The invention also relates to a storage container for use with the inventory control system, and an inventory control process. [0002] An inventory control system may be useful when it is important to monitor the usage of hand tools, and to ensure that they are returned to storage after use. This can help to ensure that tools are not lost or stolen. Such a system is particularly important when tools are used for repairing or maintaining aircraft engines, as any tools left inside the engine after completion of the job could cause catastrophic damage. Similarly, in the case of surgical tools, it is essential to ensure that no tools are left inside a patient after an operation. [0003] An inventory control system can also be useful by helping to ensure that only the correct tools are used for a particular task. Such a system may also be helpful to track the identity of the person using the tools, so that if a tool goes missing or if a tool is taken that is inappropriate for the task in hand, appropriate remedial action can be taken. [0004] One method of monitoring the use of tools is to store the tools in a container having designated storage compartments for specific tools. For example, the container may be a tool box having drawers with rigid foam liners, with cut-outs matching the size and shape of the tools. Using such a container, it is a relatively simple matter for a supervisor to check that all the tools are present by looking at each drawer in turn, to ensure that all the spaces are filled. However, this is time-consuming and laborious, and it does not allow use of the tools to be monitored on a continuous or real-time basis. In addition, the correct choice of tools for a specific task cannot easily be monitored, and the identity of the user is not automatically recorded. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,193 describes an alternative tool inventory control system, in which a tool box containing tools is weighed before and after use. Discrepancies between the two weights are noted and optionally a database of tool weights can be interrogated to suggest which tool may have been left behind. The system does not however allow the presence of each individual tool to be verified or the choice of tools taken for a particular task to be monitored. [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an inventory control system and process, which mitigates at least some of the aforesaid disadvantages. [0007] According to the present invention there is provided an inventory control system for monitoring the removal and replacement of tools, the system including a container having a plurality of tool storage locations, each tool storage location comprising an individually-shaped recess for receiving a specific tool, the shape of the recess being matched to the shape of the tool, sensing means including a plurality of sensors for sensing the presence of tools in the tool storage locations, each sensor being located adjacent a recess for sensing the presence of a tool in the recess, a data processing device constructed and arranged to receive signals from the sensing means and monitor the removal and replacement of tools, and an output device for indicating the presence and/or absence of tools in the container. [0008] The system monitors which tools have been removed from and replaced in the container, and indicates the presence and/or absence of the tools. This makes it easy to assess whether all the tools taken from the container have been returned after use, thus reducing the risk of any tools being inadvertently left behind. Safety in critical situations such as aircraft engine maintenance is thus significantly improved. The invention also reduces the risk of tools being lost or stolen, since the fact that a tool has gone missing can be indicated immediately. The system also makes it possible to monitor which tools are being taken for any specified task, thereby helping to ensure best practice in maintenance operations. [0009] The tool storage locations comprise a set of individually-shaped recesses for receiving the tools, thus ensuring that tools are always returned to the correct storage locations. This makes it possible for the system to identify which tools have been removed, without requiring the use of sophisticated sensors and tagging devices on the tools. It also allows a visual check of the tools to be completed very easily, by looking for any empty recesses. This provides a manual backup to the automatic system, allowing the full complement of tools to be confirmed easily, even in the event of a power failure or other fault. Preferably, the recesses are colour-coded, to simplify further the visual checking process. [0010] The sensing means includes a plurality of sensors, each for sensing the presence of an individual tool. The sensors are located adjacent the recesses. At least some of the sensors may consist for example of magnetic sensors, for sensing the presence of ferromagnetic materials. Such sensors have the advantage of being cheap, robust and simple. [0011] The container may consist of a cabinet having one or more tool storage drawers. The container may include a locking mechanism for controlling access to the tools. The locking mechanism may include an input device for entering the identity of a user, and the data processing device may include means for recording the identity of a user. This makes it possible to monitor the tool usage of individual workers and ensure best working practices. Also, if a tool goes missing, it is possible to identify who last had possession of that tool. [0012] Advantageously, the data processing device includes means for recording the time of removal and replacement of tools. The data processing device is preferably a computer. The data processing device may be located remotely from the container and may be connected to the container by a data link, for example a wired link, an optical link (e.g. using infrared light) or a radio link. The data processing device may also be positioned locally, for use in the workplace. Alternatively, the container may include a local indicator device for indicating the presence and/or absence of tools in the container. [0013] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a tool container for use in an inventory control system according to any one of the preceding statements of invention, the tool container including a plurality of tool storage locations, each tool storage location comprising an individually-shaped recess for receiving a specific tool, the shape of the recess being matched to the shape of the tool, sensing means including a plurality of sensors for sensing the presence of tools in the tool storage locations, each sensor being located adjacent a recess for sensing the presence of a tool in the recess, and means for transmitting signals representing the presence or absence of tools in the tool storage locations from the sensing means to a data processing device. [0014] The tool storage locations comprise a set of individually-shaped recesses for receiving the tools, thus ensuring that tools are always returned to the correct storage locations. This makes it possible for the system to identify which tools have been removed, without requiring the use of sophisticated sensors and tagging devices on the tools. [0015] The sensing means include a plurality of sensors for sensing the presence of individual tools, which are located adjacent the recesses. Some of the sensors may consist of magnetic sensors. [0016] Advantageously, the transmitting means is constructed and arranged to transmit signals to a remote data processing device. [0017] The container may include a local indicator device for indicating the presence and/or absence of tools in the container. [0018] The container may consist of a cabinet having one or more tool storage drawers. The container may include a locking mechanism for controlling access to the tools, which may include an input device for entering the identity of a user. [0019] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an inventory control process for monitoring the removal and replacement of tools or other items in a container having a plurality of tool storage locations, each tool storage location comprising an individually-shaped recess for receiving a specific tool, the shape of the recess being matched to the shape of the tool, and sensing means including a plurality of sensors for sensing the presence of tools in the tool storage locations, each sensor being located adjacent a recess for sensing the presence of a tool in the recess, the process including sensing the presence of tools in a plurality of tool storage locations in the container, monitoring signals from the sensing means, recording the removal and replacement of tools, and indicating the presence and/or absence of tools in the container. [0020] The process may include sensing each of the tool storage locations separately and identifying tools removed from and replaced in the container according to the sensed locations. [0021] The presence of tools in the tool storage locations may be detected magnetically. [0022] Advantageously, the time of removal and replacement of tools is recorded. [0023] The process may include detecting and recording the identity of a user of the tools, and may include checking the identity of a prospective user against a list of authorised users and allowing access to the tools only if the prospective user is authorised. [0024] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Continue reading about Inventory control system... Full patent description for Inventory control system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Inventory control system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Inventory control system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method and tool for placing a well bore liner Next Patent Application: Methods and compositions for cementing shoes on hoofed animals and for hoof repair Industry Class: Wells ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Inventory control system patent info. 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