Universal remote machinery monitor

Abstract

A system is provided herein for remotely monitoring machinery, the machinery having a control network for control thereof, one or more switches coupled to the control network for controlling the machinery via the control network. The system includes a controller hardwired coupled to the control network of the machinery. The controller is configured to monitor operation of the machinery. In addition, the system includes an arrangement for receiving signals for controlling the controller from a remote location and an arrangement for transmitting, to a remote location, information collected by the controller resulting from the controller monitoring operation of the machinery. Advantageously, with the subject invention, the system can monitor machinery from remote locations directly. In the event of faults or failures, corrective action may be taken using the subject invention.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for remotely monitoring at least one piece of machinery, the at least one piece of machinery having an output portion, a drive portion for driving the output portion, and a control network for control thereof, one or more switches coupled to the control network for controlling the at least one piece of machinery via the control network, said system comprising:
 a controller hardwired coupled to the control network of the at least one piece of machinery, the controller being configured to monitor operation of the at least one piece of machinery;   means for receiving signals for controlling the controller from a remote location; and,   means for transmitting, to a remote location, information collected by the controller resulting from the controller monitoring operation of the at least one piece of machinery, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the level of electricity available to the at least one piece of machinery.   
     
     
         2 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the switches is configured to automatically activate the at least one piece of machinery. 
     
     
         3 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to control the at least one piece of machinery via the control network, independently from, and simultaneously with, the switches. 
     
     
         4 . A system as in  claim 3 , wherein the controller is selectively by-passable such that, in a by-passed state, said controller is prevented from controlling the machinery. 
     
     
         5 . A system as in  claim 4 , wherein with the controller being in the by-passed state, said controller monitors operation of the at least one piece of machinery. 
     
     
         6 . A system as in  claim 4 , further comprising a reader configured to detect a unique signal, wherein, with detection of the unique signal, the controller enters the by-passed state. 
     
     
         7 . A system as in  claim 4 , wherein the controller is in the by-passed state for a predetermined period of time. 
     
     
         8 . A system as in  claim 7 , further comprising a warning device, wherein, said warning device being configured to activate at a predetermined interval of time prior to the lapsing of the predetermined period of time for the by-passed state. 
     
     
         9 . A system as in  claim 8 , wherein said warning device is a siren. 
     
     
         10 . A system as in  claim 8 , wherein said warning device is a light. 
     
     
         11 . A system as in  claim 8 , wherein said warning device is a speaker transmitting live or recorded messages. 
     
     
         12 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein said controller is configured to monitor one or more operational characteristics of the at least one piece of machinery. 
     
     
         13 . A system as in  claim 10 , wherein said controller is configured to monitor temperature at one or more locations of the at least one piece of machinery. 
     
     
         14 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the switches are located on-site with the at least one piece of machinery. 
     
     
         15 . A system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a central server configured to receive the information collected by said controller resulting from said controller monitoring operation of the at least one piece of machinery. 
     
     
         16 . A system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a reader configured to detect a unique signal, wherein, with detection of the unique signal, said means for transmitting signals transmits a signal. 
     
     
         17 . A system as in  claim 16 , wherein the unique signal is generated by a RFID device. 
     
     
         18 . A system as in  claim 16 , wherein the unique signal is generated by a direct contact transmitter. 
     
     
         19 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one piece of machinery is a fire pump.