Equipment System Checking Apparatus and Method

摘要

An apparatus and system that ensures that defined equipment systems are monitored and checked before the equipment may be used is described. The invention includes apparatus that encourages the equipment operator to perform specified monitoring checks on specified systems at specified intervals, and requires that the check is done by the operator physically removing a check device such as a crankcase or transmission dipstick, radiator cap, air filter, and so on. Failure to perform the required monitoring task results in the equipment being disabled or locked out so that the operator is unable to use the equipment; for example, a starter motor may be locked out so that the engine cannot start until a specified monitoring check has been completed.

主权项

1. Equipment monitoring apparatus, comprising:
a master module mounted on the equipment at a first location, said master module including a data reader and said master module configured for locking and unlocking an operation component of said equipment; a FOB associated with and attached to a system component of the equipment, said FOB having FOB data uniquely identifying said system component, wherein said FOB is normally located at a second location that is physically separated from said first location; and wherein, moving said FOB together with said system component into physical proximity of said master module causes said master module data reader to read said FOB identifying data.