SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE REMAINING CAPACITY AND OPERATIONAL STATE OF MULTIPLE SHRED BINS

摘要

The bins are situated in locations at one or more sites. A monitoring station located remotely from the bins is operably connected to each of the bins. Each bin includes an internal compartment having a given capacity for retaining paper to be shredded. An IR-LED distance measuring sensor is mounted within each bin for generating an output which is a function of the level of paper present in the compartment. The bin electronics monitors the status of the sensor and the power input to the bin. Signals are transmitted the monitoring station when the output of the sensor indicates that bin is filled to a pre-set percentage of its capacity and when a sensor or power failure are detected. At the monitoring station, information as to the remaining capacity and operational state of each bin is displayed and stored.

主权项

1. A system for monitoring the remaining capacity and operational state of multiple shred bins in locations at one or more sites, comprising a monitoring station located remotely from the bins and operably connected to each of the bins, each of the bins comprising a container with an internal compartment having a given capacity for retaining paper to be shredded, an IR-LED distance measuring sensor within each bin for generating a output which is a function of the level of paper present in the retaining compartment of the bin, means for monitoring the status of the sensor and the power input to the bin, means for transmitting signals from the bin to the remote station when the output of the sensor indicates that the retaining compartment is filled to a pre-set percentage of its capacity and when the status monitoring means indicates a sensor or power failure and means at the monitoring station for displaying the remaining capacity and operational state of each bin.