Apparatuses and methods for wireless monitoring and control of supplies for environmental sampling and chromatographic apparatuses

US8746559B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• TELEDYNE INSTRUMENTS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Dale A. Davison · Waverly, US
• Dale L. Meyer · Lincoln, US
• Daniel G. Jameson · Roca, US
• Jack Silver · London, GB
• Jon L. Curran · Lincoln, US
• Ruth A. Pipes · Odell, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 12, 2012
• Grant date: Jun 10, 2014
• Expiry date: Oct 12, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2030/889
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and system is disclosed for streamlined purchase of consumable chromatographic columns and efficient instrument management. Purchase orders for chromatographic columns are entered into based on estimating usage for a fixed period. An initial partial shipment is made of tagged columns as the columns are used. An RFID transmits trigger signals until an order point is reached at which time a new partial shipment is made. This process is repeated until the end of the fixed period. A general control system is in wireless communication with a plurality of apparatuses to ensure prompt and accurate supply of consumables used by the apparatus. As the apparatus uses the consumables, the instrument management system sends indicia from the apparatus to the general control which controls and monitors the number of specific consumables sent to the apparatus.