DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] The present invention generally comprises a method and system for identification, recording, storing, and retrieving equipment records and certifications. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a hardware system, shown in FIG. 2, which is preferably used in performing the method of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

[0070] Even though the present invention relates to material-handling equipment, such as, cranes, derricks, hoists, powered industrial trucks, conveyors, personnel hoists, and slings of one of six general types: chain, wire rope, metal mesh, natural fiber rope, synthetic fiber rope, or synthetic web, for the purpose of clarity the detailed description as follows represents the use of the system as it relates to an alloy chain sling.

[0071] Initially, a user of the present invention accesses a third party network server 100 to which the user is a subscriber. Access is obtained through a browser 102 which displays a webpage, not shown, on the subscriber's remote computer 202 Both computers 100 and 202 are Internet capable, meaning they can connect to the Internet using Transfer Control Protocol (TCP/IP) and an internet service provider. On the webpage, a subscriber is requested to enter an access code and user identification so as to access and view their records and other information. Each subscriber would have their own individual access code and user identification which would allow each subscriber to independently provide, edit, review, and download equipment records and information. Should any questions arise, subscribers would be able to click on the e-mail address provided to ask the provider of services any desired questions. The webpage and the forms associated therewith are created using web development software using hypertext markup language or JavaScript, etc., such as, but not limited to, Microsoft FrontPage, and database software, such as, but not limited, Corel Paradox or Microsoft SQL. The programming code attached to this patent application as Appendix A was developed with an Object Oriented application development tool in a client/server environment. The code enclosed does not contain all code on all objects displayed in the figures. The containership structure of object oriented development prohibits the inclusion of all code contained within each form. The forms associated with the webpage allow the subscriber to create new records, inspect and repair and/or re-certify a desired piece of equipment, such as a specific alloy chain sling.

[0072] From the main menu, as shown in FIG. 4, the subscriber may select a type of records with which they would like to deal. For instance, if the subscriber clicks on the slings button shown in FIG. 4, the subscriber will be redirected towards a sub-menu allowing them to select the type of system function with which they want to work. This sub-menu is shown in FIG. 5. The sub-menu of FIG. 5 controls the access to various forms and allows the subscriber to input new sling records, find information contained in a sling record, report new maintenance and inspection information, schedule sling inspections, and compile reports.

[0073] If the subscriber wishes to create a new sling record, the subscriber will be directed to an input form 112 as shown in FIG. 6 (shown with sample data). This form 112 allows the user to input all detailed record information associated with the new sling. This information includes a unique identifier code, customer specific information, detailed configuration and component information.

[0074] Alternatively, the subscriber may choose to edit an existing record and is directed towards and edit form 113 as shown in FIG. 9. The edit form 113 is identical to the input form 112 except that the subscriber does not have the ability to edit the sling identification and thereby add a new record. All other fields may be modified. Both the input form 112 and the edit form 113 allow a subscriber to use table driven listing information which is linked to each record. For example, the subscriber may select from a list of branch types by double clicking on the word “Branch” which will direct them towards a branch selection screen as shown in FIG. 10. Similarly, the subscriber may select from the customer list as shown in FIG. 11. Also, the subscriber may select the grade type from the list, as shown in FIG. 13, the hook type from the list as shown in FIG. 14, the link type from the list as shown in FIG. 16, the manufacturer, from the list as shown in FIG. 17, the size of the sling from the list of standard sizes as shown in FIG. 19 and the general sling type from the list as shown in FIG. 20. Additionally, other information which is commonly desired may be presented in another table as shown in FIG. 18. All of these are table driven listings linked appropriately to a corresponding location in the input form 112 and the edit form 113. The new records from input form 112 are then stored on the network server 100. The updated information contained in the edit form 113 is then used to update the records 111. The updated records 111 are then stored on the network server 100.

[0075] Preferably, a new or existing serial number for the desired alloy chain sling is input via a bar-code, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or manually. Pertinent information relating to the selected chain sling, such as the working load limit (WLL), reach, size, grade, and other information, is then input into either the input form 112 or the edit form 113. This data is now ready for use by the subscriber for use in printing identification tags, subsequent inspections, or reports. Further, information on repairs, items replaced, trace codes, and proof test results may also be input into the edit form 113.

[0076] When the subscriber selects the sling inspection and maintenance button, shown in FIG. 5, the subscriber is directed to the inspection form 103, shown in FIG. 8. The inspection form 103 requires that the subscriber input the serial number of the selected sling either manually or via a bar-code or RFID tag. Upon entry of the serial number, the subscriber is presented with the inspection parameters 104 such as, the working load limit, reach, size, grade, etc. which are stored on the network server 100 with the appropriate record for that sling. If the sling has been inspected before, the subscriber will also be presented with the individual slings inspection history and disposition. Further, the subscriber will be presented with information on the next check date, which allows for future scheduling and reminders of when upcoming periodic inspections will be due. After reviewing the pertinent information, the subscriber may perform the inspection 105. Prior to performing the inspection, the subscriber should indicate that they are the inspector. They may indicate that they are the inspector by selecting their name or initials from the list of inspectors as shown in FIG. 15. Again, this list of inspectors is a table driven listing linked to the appropriate location in the sling inspection record.

[0077] After performing the inspection, the subscriber may note whether the particular piece of equipment has passed or failed. If the inspection results in a failure, the subscriber may indicate what should be done with the piece of equipment. For example, a subscriber may choose that the sling be scrapped and select a scrap icon 107, note that the identification tag is missing and select the ID tag missing icon 108, or suggest that the sling be repaired and select the repair icon 109. The outcome of the inspection is then recorded and a record annotation 106 is prepared. This record annotation 106 is used to update the record 111 which is then stored on the network server 100.

[0078] The preferred system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the system is comprised of a third-party's network server 100. The server 100 may reside on the Internet, or optionally on a wide-area network (WAN), or local area network (LAN). The server 100 has all of the necessary hardware and software required to store a subscriber's data, as well as control the access to the subscriber's data from any computer equipped with an Internet browser 102.

[0079] Operatively connected to the network server 100 is a subscriber's computer 202. The subscriber's computer 202, or remote computer, may be a desktop personal computer, a pen-based personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a simple terminal. The link 206 between the third-party network server 100 and the subscriber's computer 202 may be a hardwire linkage or a wireless linkage as are commonly known in the art. The link 206 will ensure that data flows in both directions between the subscriber's computer 202 and the network server 100.

[0080] Preferably the subscriber's computer 202 is equipped with a keyboard which is normally used to manually input instructions and information. The subscriber's computer 202 may also be equipped with an optional bar-code scanner 204. This bar-code scanner 204 can be used to capture bar-coded data into an active software program on the subscriber's computer 202. Many handheld bar-code scanners 204 which are capable of reading a printed bar-code are available commercially today. The bar-code scanner 204 may be a handheld or even pen-based unit. The bar-code scanner 204 is linked to the subscriber's computer 202 through a hardwired or wireless link 207. The data on link 207 goes only in one direction, from the bar-code scanner 204 to the subscriber's computer 202.

[0081] The bar-code scanner 204 is used to read a bar-code 304 on an identification tag, such as the sling identification tag 300, shown in greater detail in FIG. 3. The bar-code 304, shown in FIG. 3, represents an identification number. The identification may be numeric, alpha or alpha-numeric. The bar-code 304 may exist in any number of standard one-dimensional machine readable formats, such as, but not limited to, Code 39, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC-A, UPC-B, etc. The bar-code 304 is shown in FIG. 3 as a linear bar-code, but may be a standard two-dimensional bar code, such as PDF-417 which contains more information than the identification number of the material handling equipment. These one and two dimesional bar-codes may also be proprietary. The bar-code 304 will allow an inspector, or subscriber to interface with the present invention's database and bring up a material handling equipment record without typing the serial number into any input field.

[0082] The sling identification tag 300, shown in FIG. 3 is made of a durable material such as metal or plastic. A hole 301 is put in the sling tag such that one of the legs of the sling 208, shown in FIG. 2, may pass through the hole 301 to permanently affix the sling identification tag 300 to a sling 208. Of course, the hole 301 may be of any desirable dimension.

[0083] While information may be printed directly on the sling identification tag 300, it is preferred that a printed tag 302 be affixed, by glue or other means, to the sling identification tag 300. Printed tag 302 is preferably made from a durable material and may optionally have what is referred to as an “over laminate”, which is a tough, clear laminate that provides an optional measure of durability to printed tag 302.

[0084] The printed tag 302 may be customized as to color and could include a spot for the printing of a sling manufacturer's logo and contact information. The printed tag 302 is printed from an ordinary printer and may contain any desirable information. For example, the printed tag, shown in FIG. 3, contains the working load limited (WLL) of the alloy chain sling to which sling identification tag 300 is attached. The “WLL” and “HOR” markings are static information. The “12,000 pounds single” markings are variable. In this example, they are related specifically to the grade and size of the alloy chain being used to make up the sling. The present inventions database will contain the working load limit 303 information and can drive the printing of this tag information in a printing process. Additionally, the printed tag 302 will contain the serial number of the sling 208. The “SERIAL” marking is static information, and the “123456” is the human readable serial number. The bar-code 304 and the human readable serial number are variable information. The serial number could come from a subscriber or user of the present invention, or alternatively be assigned by the present invention's computer programming.

[0085] The present inventions programming and database will contain the serial number information, and can drive the printing of this tag information in a printing process. The printed tag 302 will also contain information on the grade 305 of the chain and components used in the alloy chain sling. The “GRADE” marking is static information, the number “80” indicates the particular grade of chain and components being used to makeup the alloy chain sling. The present invention's database will contain the grade 305 information and can drive the printing of this tag information in a printing process. The size 306 of the chain being used to makeup the alloy chain sling may also be included on the printed tag 302.

[0086] Additionally, the printed tag 302 may contain information on the reach 307 in feet and inches or whatever units desirable, of the alloy chain sling. The “REACH”, “FT”, and “IN” markings are static information. The numbers “12” and “6” indicate the particular reach of the alloy chain sling. The present invention's database will contain the reach 307 information and can drive the printing of this tag information in a printing process. Information in the present invention's database can drive the printing of a tag 302 as described above, but the information in the database can also be used to drive an inspection due date report for a particular customer. Further, the database information can be used to generate a form that has the inspection parameters and required measurements for a particular piece of material handling equipment. Reports of voluntary, or mandatory inspections can be made to various governmental, insurance, companies departments or individuals as desired. The reports are linked to the database as is commonly known in the art. The reports may contain a plurality of queries and thereby provide detailed information on the safety and status of lots of equipment. These reports may be transmitted electronically via e-mail or file transfer protocol, or alternatively printed on the printer 203 which is linked to the subscriber's computer 202 through a link 208. Link 208 may be hardwired or wireless. The printer 203, as shown in FIG. 2, is a local printer, but may be a printer on a network. The printer 203 may be used to print a downloaded report from the subscriber's computer 202.

[0087] The report may be a list of material handling equipment that is due for inspection, a report for a government agency, an industry safety department or an insurer. The report may also be a downloaded list from the subscriber's computer 202 which indicates what material handling equipment has been tagged “repair” or “scrap”. The printer 203 may also be used to print any pertinent material-handling equipment documents that are accessible through the subscriber's computer 202 through the links on the webpage in the browser 102. These documents may include relevant webpages, drawings, specifications, regulations, work instructions, etc. available, on-line or within the subscriber's network. Of course, the printer 203 may also be used to print any non-relevant documents that are accessible by the subscriber's computer 202.

[0088] A general description of the present invention as well as a preferred embodiment of the present invention as been set forth above. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will recognize and be able to practice additional variations in the methods and systems described which fall within the teachings of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications and additions are deemed to be within the scope of the invention which is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto.