Anti-microbial application equipment with controls
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Publication Number
US-10368556-B2
Publication Date
2019-08-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.
Core Innovation
A control system is provided for monitoring operations of antimicrobial application equipment of an application treatment system. The control system includes a controller configured to execute a monitoring program comprising an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit includes a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect real-time operation data associated with operation of the antimicrobial application equipment. The operations unit further includes an adjustment module operatively coupled to the antimicrobial application equipment to adjust the operation of the antimicrobial application equipment.
An analysis module analyzes the real-time operation data and initiates a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The specified response comprises at least one of issuing a notification to one or more notification devices or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application equipment. Administrative decision rules and set points are used to detect trigger events based on monitored operation data.
The antimicrobial application equipment includes one or more components selected from a rotary screen filter, a plurality of spray nozzles positioned in a spray cabinet, a dip tank with a conveyor, a suction box with a sensor for sensing a level of antimicrobial treatment solution in the dip tank, and a capture unit comprising a series of activated carbon filters. The document also outlines multi-plant centralized monitoring and control using a multi-plant controller that routes real-time data, stores or archives data, and provides remote interfaces with authorized access devices and tiered access levels.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim with multiple dependent claims refining trigger detection, notification content, distributed plant/multi-plant architecture, and remote/authorized access constraints. The main inventive features are centered on analyzing real-time operation data from antimicrobial application equipment to detect trigger events and to perform a specified response that includes notifications and/or control operations via an adjustment module.
Monitoring program with operations unit and interface unit
A controller executes a monitoring program comprising an operations unit and an interface unit, where the operations unit includes a sensor module to detect real-time operation data from a plurality of sensors positioned for the antimicrobial application equipment, an adjustment module configured to adjust the operation of the antimicrobial application equipment, and an analysis module configured to analyze the real-time operation data.
Trigger-event analysis with specified response
The analysis module initiates a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred, wherein the response comprises at least one of issuing a notification to one or more notification devices or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application equipment.
Antimicrobial application equipment component set for monitoring and response
The antimicrobial application equipment comprises one or more components selected from a rotary screen filter, a plurality of spray nozzles positioned to direct antimicrobial treatment solution onto work pieces as conveyed through a spray cabinet, a dip tank and conveyer for conveying work pieces through antimicrobial treatment solution, a suction box configured to couple to the dip tank and including a sensor for sensing a level of antimicrobial treatment solution in the dip tank, and a capture unit comprising a series of activated carbon filters including a header with a plurality of arms defining fluid ports for distributing antimicrobial treatment solution over the activated carbon.
Set-point based trigger-event detection
The controller compares real-time data to set points that can include depth of antimicrobial treatment solution in a dip tank, depth of work pieces submerged, duration of treatment, number of work pieces treated, and agitation jet pressure supplied to the dip tank.
Notification modalities for trigger events
The response notification comprises one of an audible alarm, visual alarm, text message, and email.
Plant controller and multi-plant controller distributed monitoring
A plant controller and a multi-plant controller are used such that the plant controller sends real-time operation data to the multi-plant controller for remote analysis, where remote monitoring and control cover multiple antimicrobial treatment systems.
Remote interface with authorized access devices
The interface unit provides a remote interface to authorized access devices that can access the monitoring program, collect real-time operation data, and perform adjustments to operations of the antimicrobial application equipment.
Location-limited access levels
Access levels are limited by location of the access device.
Overall, the claims cover a controller-based monitoring program for antimicrobial application equipment in which an analysis module detects trigger events from real-time operation data and initiates a specified response that includes notifications and/or control operations via an adjustment module, while incorporating antimicrobial equipment components and refinements related to set points, notification modalities, distributed plant/multi-plant monitoring, and remote authorized access.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Monitoring operations of antimicrobial application equipment as part of an application treatment system, including antimicrobial treatment solution processing with components such as a dip tank, spray cabinet nozzles, filtration, and activated carbon capture.
Remote monitoring and control that supports multiple antimicrobial treatment systems using a multi-plant controller architecture with remote interfaces for authorized access devices.
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