Patent ID: 6308138
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
A method for monitoring the condition of an electric motor powered tool including the steps of:a. monitoring the power consumption of the electric motor powered tool during performance of a cyclical task;b. counting the number of crossings by said power consumption of a power threshold;c. comparing the number of crossings to a predetermined number;d. comparing said power consumption to a predetermined maximum value;e. monitoring an amount of time that said power consumption is above and below said power threshold;f. comparing said amount of time to a predetermined time value;g. creating a rule base encompassing a plurality of combinations of possible outcomes of the comparisons of steps c), d) and f);h. associating each of said plurality of combinations with an associated potential condition of said electric motor powered tool;i. diagnosing said condition of said electric motor powered tool by indexing said rule base based upon said steps c), d) and f);j. indicating said condition of said electric motor powered tool.