Lockout/tagout system and method including multi-user lockout device with electronic locking and wireless control interface

US10614646B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Eaton Intelligent Power Limited · IE

Inventors

• Robert Stephen Douglass · Wildwood, US
• Vinicius Marcilli Petroni · Wildwood, US
• Matthew Mohr · Malvern, US
• John P. Stampfel · Dorpsstraat, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 30, 2019
• Grant date: Apr 7, 2020
• Expiry date: Jan 30, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07C2209/62
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Lockout/tagout devices are configured to receive multi-user, electronically generated locking and unlocking commands over wireless interfaces to realize lockout safety chains of a desired length to assure worker safety in an industrial system. Electronically implemented systems and methods are also disclosed providing for enhanced worker safety, increased security, and improved lockout/tagout oversight involving a reduced number of locking devices and with fewer complications compared to conventional lockout/tagout devices, systems and processes.