WO2005001741A1

WO2005001741A1 - System and method for production tooling operation

Info

Publication number: WO2005001741A1
Application number: PCT/US2004/020430
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glenn E. Starkey
Original assignee: Starkey Glenn E
Priority date: 2003-06-23
Filing date: 2004-06-23
Publication date: 2005-01-06

Abstract

A tooling counter (435) includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) device (436), which is preferably embedded in a plastic housing (434). One major advantage of using RFID (436) technology is avoidance of a wired connection form the tool to a hand held computing device (PDA), remote computer programmed with a PMOS or TMOS program. The RFID (436) of the counter (435) communicates via radio waves with RFID reader (450) and ultimately with by a computer system (470) programmed with a PMOS or TMS system. This is preferred that the RFID chip (436) utilized in this embodiment include a read/write capability so that information can be added to the chip by the tool maker and/or end user. It is further preferred that a portable RFID reader (450) is used to enter the information stored into a computer running the PMOS or TMS program.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION TOOLING OPERATION

Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to an improved system and method for operating and maintaining production tools for manufacturing parts in a production tooling press.

Background Production tools, such as for example, injection molds, blow molds, casting dies, or stamping dies, are frequently swapped in and out of a production press, between different presses within an organization, and stored in a tooling storage room when accommodating a production schedule. As a result, it has been desirable for a production tool to have a reliable tooling cycle counter associated with it. One approach to such production tool cycle counters is found in U.S. Patent No. 5,571,539 issued to D&L Incorporated and co-owned by the assignee of the present application. Such "on board" counters, that is, counters designed to travel with a production tool are to be distinguished from "press" counters which are designed to remain with the press and typically count the number of parts foπned during a production cycle. In contrast, the "on board" tooling counters stay with the tool which, as set forth above, may be periodically switching into and out of a press so that a "press" or "production" cycle count can significantly diverge from the cycle count for individual tooling used with a press. As the tool may be used in test runs where it is cycled without engaging the "press" counter, there are additional opportunities for the "press" counter cycle count and "on board" counter cycle count to differ. From a tool maintenance perspective, it is desirable to have an accurate cycle count which includes all open to closed cycles for a given tooling whether for test runs or any other purpose, whether or not they are recorded by a press cycle counter. Although the "on board" counters disclosed in the '539 patent function well for their intended purpose, there is still a need for improvements in the current "on board" counters. hi some cases, press cycle counters have been electrically connected to a press operating/monitoring software ("PMOS") which store data regarding the operation of a press at a remote location on a computer. The press cycle count and other press operation information, such as, for example, temperature and mold cavity pressures, typically are automatically sensed and input into the memory of a remotely located computer system housing the PMOS. In such cases, an operator can also typically input data concerning the tool operating in the press into the PMOS by means of a magnetic swipe card or manually entering the information on a computer terminal after recording it on a paper record. Such operator dependent systems have been deemed to be more prone to user eπor than is desirable. Thus, it is one object of the invention to provide a more reliable method of inputting information concerning each production tool being run into a PMOS operating or monitoring the press. Another problem with prior production tooling is that a press operator or production tooling manager usually must travel to a remote location to access information concerning each production tool when setting up the tool in the press for production, operating it, or maintaining the tooling. This is because tooling maintenance software (TMS) that stores such data is frequently housed on a computer at location remote from that of the tool. Where tool maintenance software is not available, the operator typically resorts to paper records to gather information concerning the tool. Such paper records, although sometimes allowing a measure of portability, are prone to being lost or misplaced. It is another object of the invention to provide a method and system for displaying tooling maintenance or operating information to an operator or manager at the press, in the tool storage room, or at whatever location a production tool is located. A still further problem with production tooling is that tools may be shipped between plants in a multiple-plant organization or they may be purchased and shipped from outside an organization, hi such cases, the production manager or tooling manager at the receiving plant will typically have little information concerning the maintenance history or operating parameters of the tool. Where TMS or PMOS (collectively, hereinafter "tooling production computer system") are available in an organization, they are typically confined to computers within one facility so that such information from another plant is not readily accessible. A related problem is that once a production tool has been shipped within an organization to another location it may be difficult for the original plant manager to retrieve the tooling when needed since the tool may have been shipped again within the organization. It is another object of the invention to provide a method and system for storing tooling maintenance and operational information on the tool which is linked and synchronized in real time to at least one of a TMS or PMOS, or preferably, both systems. It is a related object of the invention to provide a method and system for tracking the location of production tooling within an organization. Another problem with the cuπently available TMS is that there is a risk that unauthorized personnel may alter sensitive data, such as, scheduled maintenance dates, cycle times, cycle counts, or the character or a scheduled action, which are stored in the system. On the other hand, there is a need for personnel having certain levels of experience and responsibility to be able to write information into the memory of an on board tool counter or to a TMS. Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that allows users with appropriate levels of security to write to critical stored data fields and users with less selective levels of security to write to less critical stored data fields in an on board tool counter or TMS system. A still further problem with cuπently available PMOS systems is that they do not allow a program manger or production manager to view the production status of multiple production tools at the same time. Such a feature would be especially desirable in view of the continued emphasis on just in time inventories by many organizations. Accordingly, it would be desirable for a manufacturer of multiple products or multiple component products to be able to monitor, in real time, the production progress of groups of components or all of the components for such a product. Thus, it is another object of the invention to provide a method and system for real time monitoring of production status of multiple products or multiple components of a multiple component product.

Summary

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a production tooling identification device for automatically entering tool identification information into a PMOS is provided having an input for receiving tool identification data, an output for transferring the tool identification data to the PMOS, a memory device for storing the tool identification data, and a housing for protecting the memory device. The production tooling identification device is preferably of a compact design so that it can be easily attached to a production tool, hi one prefeπed embodiment of the invention, the device is housed in a tooling identification tag affixed to the exterior of the tooling. The use of such a device allows for the tool identification data to be stored in the memory and automatically retrieved by the PMOS system to avoid inaccuracies due such information being dependent on plant personnel. In one prefeπed method of utilizing such a device, the tool identification information is permanently written to the memory by the production tooling manufacturer. hi accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an improved "on board" cycle counter is provided which includes a numerical display for viewing a stored tooling cycle count; a counting member for recording the occuπence of a tooling cycle, the counter member being operably connected to the numerical indicia; an input for receiving tooling identification data, an output for transferring the tooling identification data to a PMOS, a memory device for storing the tooling identification data, and a housing enclosing the counter assembly and memory device. In one prefeπed embodiment of the counter, the output of the counter communicates directly with a PMOS system and/or TMS system. In one prefeπed embodiment of the invention, the tooling identification device includes a radio frequency identification device (RFID) which is mounted to the tooling. The preferably the RFID chip is mounted to a tool counter or may be mounted to a tool identification tag. One major advantage of using RFID technology is that wired connections to remote PMOS or TMOS systems can be avoided. It is prefeπed that the RFED chip utilized in this embodiment include a read/write capability so that information can be added to the chip by the tool maker and/or end user. It is further prefeπed that a portable RFID reader is used to enter the information stored into a PMOS or TMOS. In one particularly prefeπed embodiment of the invention, a RFID reader adapter that connects to a hand held computing device such as a PDA is used or directly to a networked PC running the PMOS or TMOS. hi this way, a wireless entry of the information on the RFID chip can be entered into a PMOS or TMOS system. The RFID chip may be either a passive or active chip. A passive RFID chip is used where the lower price and its lack of an "on-board" power supply are believed to be advantageous. Where there is a perceived need for greater information storage and/or processing, an active chip with an on-board sensor or processor may be used. Of course, such an active chip will require an energy source, such as a battery. In another prefeπed embodiment of the invention, a system for managing tooling maintenance data is provided which includes an improved tooling cycle counter as set in previous paragraph, the cycle counter further having a portable computing device with a display, an input for communication with the output of the cycle counter, and an output for communication, and a remote computing device having an input communicating with the portable computing device and running a TMS. This prefeπed system of the invention allows personnel to display critical tooling maintenance information wherever the tool is located whether it is in the press, in the tooling storage room, or in transit between plants. Preferably, the portable computing device can output data to the memory device of the cycle counter through the cycle counter input so that personnel can add pertinent information to the memory for later display, hi this way, plant manager or operators can record pertinent operation and maintenance information which travels with the tooling. hi one prefeπed embodiment of the system for managing tooling data described above, the portable computing device may be physically connected through a detachable wired connection or connected through use of a wireless communication device to the readout device. The portable computing device may also preferably input information into the memory or the processor of the cycle counter, and may be used to reprogram or upgrade the software rumiing the processor or memory device. The portable computing device may also be toggled between a variety of counting functions that are simultaneously being tracked, for example, total cycles in the tool life, cycle count down from a predetermined count to zero for either scheduled maintenance or a part count, a count up for the cuπent operation, or sum total count of parts made during multiple runs. Alternately, the simultaneous counts may be displayed on an electronic display built into the counter which may be toggled between the various simultaneously tracked counts. In still another prefeπed embodiment of the invention, a system for real time monitoring of production tooling is providing which includes an improved tooling cycle counter as set forth above, the memory device of the cycle counter having at least tool identification and part identification information, the cycle counter communicating with an input to a PMOS, and a real time production count stored in either the memory of the computer system running the PMOS, in the cycle counter memory, or in both memories. A production count as used herein means a tooling cycle count that counts good parts made which is to be distinguished from the raw tooling cycle count which includes start up, bad part cycles, etc. Preferably, a plurality of such tool cycle counters are communicating with the PMOS and the part identification number is associated with a multiple-component product, production program. Such a system can be used by a manager to track real-time progress on a multiple component production program when the manager gives an instruction to the PMOS to show the real time production count for each of the parts associated with the production program. Preferably, the cycle counter memory device also includes a real time tool maintenance cycle count which is also accessible to the PMOS. In another prefeπed embodiment, the memory device of the cycle counter has an electronic chip with a processor. The chip may also preferably include a timer and calendar means for tracking time dependent data that may be used for calculating cycle times and other operational parameters. The processor is programmed to process data stored in the memory device or input data and/or calculate useful operational information from such data. Utilizing these programmable features, the counter can track useful operational information, such as, for example, the cycle time for a particular part, dates on which the tool was in production, part name, part number, materials used for a particular part, part counts per run, total part counts for multiple runs, total tool cycles during the tool life, identification of tooling supplier, tool serial number, recommended maintenance schedules, the actual maintenance history of the tool, operational history, count down from last maintenance to next scheduled maintenance, bill of materials, recommended replacement tooling components, cycles remaining before next recommended maintenance, calculating the time period until the next recommended maintenance based on current or historical operation parameters, etc. With the date and time information, as well as the specific parts being run, there may be provided a history with respect to the number of specific parts made and the date of their manufacture, as well as their average cycle time or other information so as to provide a better history of the tool operation. hi another embodiment of the invention, a system for tracking the location of a tool is provided in which tooling location is input into the memory device of the on board tooling counter and communicated to remote computer system programmed with PMOS or TMS. Preferably, if the cycle counter is provided with a hardwire connection to the remote computer system, the connector is provided with a unique identifying signal which can be stored in the remote computer programmed with the PMOS or TMS. Further, the tool room may be provided with hardwire connection outlets to the remote computer system with such identifying signals so that the location of the tool can be tracked whether it is in the tool room or in a press. Also, the last known location of the tool can be stored in the memory of the PMOS or TMS so that someone tracking a tool has a place to begin a search if a tool happens to be in transit between plants.

Brief Description of the Drawings The organization and manner of the structure and function of the invention, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and in which: FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view of a tooling press having a tool with the counter of one prefeπed embodiment of the invention positioned in the cavity portion of the tool; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the press and counter of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top, perspective three dimensional representation of the cycle counter of one embodiment of the invention having the front portion of the housing removed; FIG. 4 is a top, perspective three dimensional representation of the cycle counter of one embodiment of the invention having the front portion of the housing removed showing a counter assembly and memory device; FIG. 5 is an exploded, top perspective view of the counter mechanismof the counter of FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the back portion of the housing of the counter of FIG.

4; FIG. 7 is an end view of the back portion of the housing of the counter of FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is an top plan view of the front portion of the housing of the counter of FIG. 4; FIG. 9 is a perspective, three dimensional representation of the memory device of FIG. 4 removed from the counter housing; FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of the memory device of the FIG.. 6; FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the memory device of FIG. 6; FIG. 12 includes a series of plan views of the surface mounted power jack of FIG. 4; FIG. 13 is a series of plans views of the power plug of the connector of the invention; FIG. 14 is a partial representation and schematic view of the counter of one embodiment of the invention connected to a portable computing device ( PDA); FIG. 15 is a partial representation and schematic view of the counter of FIG. 4 connected to a remote computer programmed with a PMOS; FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the counter of FIG. 4 connected to a portable computing device (PDA); FIG. 17 is a top plan view of an electrical cycle counter of another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the circuitry of the counter of FIG. 17 comiected to a portable computing device having a display (PDA); FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the circuitry of the counter of FIG. 17 connected directly to remote computer system programmed with a tooling monitoring system; FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the circuitry of the counter of FIG. 17 connected directly to a remote computer system programmed with a production tooling monitoring/operating system; FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the circuitry of a counter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention connected to a portable computing device having a display (PDA) and to remote computer system programmed with a tooling monitoring system; FIG. 22 is a block diagram of the circuitry of a counter in accordance with FIG. 21 connected to a portable computing device having a display (PDA), a remote computer system programmed with a production monitoring/operating system, and to remote computer system programmed with a tooling monitoring system; FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a plurality of smart counters linked to remote computer system programmed with a production tooling monitoring/operation software system and also optionally to a remote computer system programmed with a tooling monitoring system; FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a plurality of smart identification tags linked to a remote computer system programmed with a production tooling monitoring/operation software system and that system being further linked to a remote access communication network in accordance with another system of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiment As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, one embodiment of the present invention includes a mold 10 with an improved tooling cycle counter 35, which includes an upper mold half or cavity mold half 11 and a lower mold half or core mold half 12 as best seen in FIGS. 1-3. It is intended that the improved tooling cycle counter 35 may be used in a variety of production tools including, but not limited, injection molds, casting dies, stamping dies, thermo forming molds, blow molds, or metal injection molds. However, for ease of illustration the tooling counter 35 is shown installed only in an injection mold as FIGS. 1-3. hi this instance, the lower mold half 12 is shown in a lowered, open position and is mounted for vertical, reciprocal movement to an upper, closed position on four vertical posts 14 which are stationary or fixedly mounted at their upper ends to the upper mold half 11. The lower mold half 12 has post-receiving bores 15 which slide along the respective posts 14 as the lower mold half if raised and lowered to complete a typical molding cycle by a molding press (not shown). The particular mold has an upper sprue or opening 16 through which the hot, molten plastic may be injected into a cavity in the upper mold half as well as a cavity 19 in the lower mold half which mates with the upper mold cavity to form the part 20. The part 20 is typically ejected by an upward movement of an ejector plate 22, which is mounted for vertical movement on four, vertical, small posts 24. The ejector plate 22 is mounted between the upper, horizontal mold block 26 and a lower, horizontal plate 28. A pair of side plates 30 connect the upper mold block 26 to the lower mold plate 28. Manifestly, the mold portions 11 and 12 may come in various sizes and shapes that differ from those illustrated herein. More specifically, some molds for parts having complex shapes may be formed of three or more moving mold portions which define the mold cavity when held in a closed position, rather than being defined by a pair of mold halves as illustrated. The mold halves 11 and 12 are shown in their conventional orientation when the molds are being constructed by a mold maker or being stored. It is to be understood that in use when installed in a mold press (not shown) that the mold is rotated ninety degrees (90°) so that the molded part falls from the mold cavity by force of gravity after ejection from the mold cavity. hi accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the mold 10 is provided with an improved tooling cycle counter 35, which includes an actuator 36 (FIGS. 2-3) to be actuated with each opening and closing movement of the mold when it is in an injection molding press. Associated with the actuator 36 is a cycle counter mechanism 38 (FIG. 3-4), which maintains the cycle count in the counter for a prolonged period of time, whether the mold is in the press or out of the press. One prefeπed embodiment of the monitor illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 has a block- shaped body having an outer housing 45, which is a tough, closed body or housing for substantially enclosing and protecting the internal electronics and devices, which are shown in FIGS. 4-5. The monitor may be mounted in various manners—that is, attached to the mold in various ways. When the monitor is built into the molds such as shown in FIG. 1 -2, it is prefeπed to provide a pocket 48 in the mold block 26 with the body 45 being received in the pocket. A pair of mounting fasteners (not shown) extend through bosses 134 having openings or holes (FIG. 8) in the housing 45 and threaded into the mold block 26. As the mold block is raised, the plunger actuator is lifted upwardly to abut the underside 57 of the top mold half 11, which is stationary in this instance, although it could be movable (FIGS. 1 & 2). The stationary, under side 57 then depresses the plunger actuator 36 to advance the counter assembly 38 for one cycle. Of course, when the mold opens and lowers the top surface 55 of the lower mold half from the undersurface of the top mold half, the plunger 36 is urged by an internal spring to again project above the top wall 54 of the monitor to be ready to be actuated upon the next closing cycle of the mold. Turning more specifically to the internal portions of the cycle counter 35 and referring to FIGS. 4-7, the cycle counter 35 has a conventional interlocking wheel stroke counter mechanism 38 (FIG. 5) which has been specially adapted for use in mold cycle counting. The counter mechanism 38 is hermetically sealed in counter housing 45. The counting mechanism 38 registers a count upon sufficient rotation of plunger or stem 34 associated therewith. The stem 34 extends through end wall 37 of housing 45 at aperture 31. Upon sufficient rotation of the stem 34, the stroke counter 38 registers a count with the counting mechanism 38 which can be seen on the display 39. The counter mechanism 38 has a cross bore 40 drilled in the stem 34 at one end. It has been found that it is easiest to drill the bore 40 in the stem 34 with the stem 34 depressed so that it is in contact with the back of the counter housing 45. After drilling the cross bore 40, a pin 41 (FIG. 5) is inserted in the bore 40 for engagement by a camming member 42. To provide the requisite rotary motion to the stem 34 for registering a count with the counter mechanism 38 as the mold halves 11 and 12 are moved to their closed position, the camming member 42 is spring loaded on the stem 34 by spring 52. Referring to FIG. 5, the camming member 42 includes a transverse spring engaging surface 43 intermediate a top cap portion 44 and a bottom pin engaging portion 46 thereof. A central longitudinal bore (not shown) extends from the bottom of the pin engaging portion 46 to just above the spring engaging portion 42 in the top cap portion 44. The central bore can have a length generally coπesponding to the length of the stem 34 in its extended state as it projects from the protective housing 45. The spring engaging portion 43 further includes flattened edges 51 which are adapted to engage a pair of legs 47 extending radially inwardly from the back half 49 of the housing 45. The spring 52 is mounted between spring engaging surface 43 of the camming member 43 and the end wall 37 of the counter mechanism 38 to continuously bias the camming member 42 to its extended state. The top surface 58 of the cap portion 44 is adapted to be engaged so as to push the camming member 42 against the bias of the spring 52 into a depressed position while rotating the stem 34 to register a count with the counter mechanism 38. To do this, the pin engaging portion 43 of the camming member 42 includes cam surfaces 72 for engagement with the pin 41 of the stem 34. The cam surfaces 72 form arcuate paths 74 spaced 180° from each other around the stem all along their paths with each end of the pin 41 extending from either side of the stem 34 traversing respective arcuate paths as the top cap surface 58 is engaged and the camming member 42 is depressed. In this manner, the stem 34 is caused to rotate sufficient to register a count with the counter mechanism 38. Thus, with the cycle counter 35 described herein including the camming member 42 and the rotatable stem 34 and pin 41, the linear, straight line movement of the mold halves 11 and 12 towards a closed position is converted to a rotary movement of the stem 34 which registers a count in the counter mechanism 38. The change in the count can be seen on the display 39 through window 61 formed in the cylindrical housing 45. Turning to FIGS 8-9, the housing 45 of the cycle counter 35 has a two-part construction with front half 59 containing the window 61 and a back half 49 joined thereto. The bottom half 59 has end wall 37 with a bore 67 dimensioned to receive the top cap 44 of the camming member 42 and a second end wall 69. The main housing body includes a central cavity 126 which snugly receives the counter mechanism 38 therein. The back portion 49 of the housing 45 has a series of threaded bosses around its periphery with threaded bosses 128 at three corners for connecting to the front portion 59 and intermediate bosses 130 for mounting the assembled protective housing 45 with the counter 38 therein to a mold half or support rail. The front portion 59 includes coπesponding corner bosses 132 and intermediate bosses 134 which cooperate with the housing bosses and allows the front portion 59 to be attached to the back portion 49 and the protective housing 45 including the mechanical counter 38, to be mounted to a mold half or rail, as by screws (not shown) extending ^•through aligned intermediate bosses 130 and 134 and into tapped holes (not shown) formed on the mold. When the mechanical counter 38 is installed within the housing 45, display 39 is aligned with window 61 so that the cycle count can be viewed through the window 61 from the exterior of the mold. During assembly, the top cap portion 44 of the stem 34 is placed through the aperture 31 and the spring 52 biases the stem 34 for that the cap portion 44 extends outwardly from end wall 37 of the cycle counter 35. Bottom portion of the housing 45 further includes a pair of bosses 136 and a post 137 for mounting the electronic memory device 92 (FIG. 9) and the power jack 78 (FIG. 12). The memory device 92 is installed within the housing by inserting the post 137 through slot 138 formed in the memory device 92 and by inserting fasteners 139 through bores 93 in memory device 92 an into bosses 136. Memory device 92 is electrically connected to power jack 78 at one of the electrical terminals 79. Power jack 78 has a pin terminal 80 that is accessible from the exterior of the housing 45 so that it can mate with female member 81 of connector plug 86. During assembly of the cycle counter 35, pin terminal 80 is aligned with power supply orifice 82 (FIG. 8) so the pin terminal 81 is available for mating with the female member 81 of connector 84. The post 137 is inserted through a bore (not shown) to attach the jack 78 to the housing 45. The memory device 92 is a programmable chip having electrically erasable programmable memory such as, for example, commercially available EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chips like the DS2433 4kb 1- Wire EEPROM manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor Maxim. Chips or memory with other storage capacities or read/write formats may be used as well. The memory device's 92 memory storage or mapping features may also be configured to be updatable or "flash- upgradeable" to provide compatibility with future versions of the PDA software, or the software modules described in more detail below. The use of such an EEPROM devise is advantageous from a cost and efficiency perspective to the end user since such devices are typically relatively inexpensive compared to chips having on board processing power. Also, since an EEPROM device can draw the power necessary to operate it from an electrical connection to another device such as a PDA or connection to another computer system, it avoids the problem of providing a continuous power source to the memory device 92. In the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 16, cycle counter 35 has a mechanical counting mechanism 38 which is not electrically connected to memory device 92. The use of an inexpensive off-the shelf mechanical counter combined with an EEPROM memory device provides an extremely cost efficient counter with on-board memory. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 14, the memory device 92 located within the housing 45 of a mechanical counter is connected to the PDA 90 using the connector 84. The connector 84can be any cable or wire suitable for transmitting electronic signals. In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 14-16, the connector 84 includes a common copper cable with a counter connector plug 86 at the end to be inserted into the smart counter and a PDA plug 88 at the end to be connected to the PDA 90. PDA plug 88 is the Palm brand universal connector for Palm's personal digital assistant products. Referring now to FIG. 13, the connector 84 has a counter plug 86 with an inner baπel 111 for receipt of pin terminal 116. The plug portion 120 includes an insulator ring 112, an outer sleeve 113, a ground terminal 114, a terminal 115, and an insulator ring 116. The insulative housing 117 has an inner thread 118 for engaging thread 119 on plug portion 120 for securing the housing 117 to the plug portion 120. The counter plug has two portions an insulative outer housing 117 and a plug portion 120. Terminal 115 is electrically connected to copper cable 121 of the connector 84. Ground terminal 114 is electrically connected to a ground wire (not shown) in the copper cable. The PDA 90 is loaded or configured with software configured to send, receive, synchronize, and program the memory device 92. One communication protocol suitable for providing this functionality is the 1-Wire® protocol supported by Dallas Semiconductor/Maxim. This protocol is advantageous because it uses a single wire (plus ground) to accomplish both communication and power transmission. Other commonly available communications protocols such as TCP/IP, kermit, xmodem, zmodem, may be used as well as industry standard protocols for using serial, parallel, firewire, or USB ports. The PDA 90 may be any portable or handheld computing device, hi one embodiment, the PDA is a Palm 705 loaded with the Palm™ operating system, although other PDAs loaded with other portable operating systems, such as Windows CE or Splinter may be used as well. Proprietary communications software may be loaded onto the PDA 90 provided it is compatible the communications protocol used by the memory device 92, so, following the example above, the PDA may use a 1-Wire protocol. Alternatively, the communications software built into the Palm or Windows CE operating systems may be used. To store and retrieve data related to the tooling, a simple database written in Microsoft Access or Palms' development platform may be used. For interpretability with multiple computing platforms, the communications and/or development software may also be written in JAVA, HTML, or XML languages. In another envisioned embodiment, the connection between the PDA 90 and the cycle counter 38 could be performed using industry standard and commercially available infrared or radio frequency (RF) technology, rather than through connector 84. The PDA 90 also includes a screen or display 94 to allow a user to interface with the software programmed into the PDA and to review infoπnation stored in the memory- device 92 when the PDA 90 is connected thereto. Preferably, the PDA is programmed to run a version of TMS, preferably, the Profile® program from Progressive Components International Corporation of Wauconda, Illinois. The display 94 allows a user to review information related to production tool operation and maintenance without having to reference a distant computer system or display screen. By using a PDA with TMS program plant personnel can view pertinent tooling maintenance data wherever the tool is located, whether, in the press, tool storage room, or in transit from plant to plant. Commercially available TMS program, such as Profile®, manage and monitor information concerning various aspects of the production tool including, for example, the cycle time for a particular part, dates on which the tool was in production, part name, part number, materials used for a particular part, part counts per run, total part counts for multiple runs, total tool cycles during the tool life, identification of tooling supplier, tool serial number, recommended maintenance schedules, the actual maintenance history of the tool, operational history, count down from last maintenance to next scheduled maintenance, bill of materials, recommended replacement tooling components, cycles remaining before next recommended maintenance, calculating the time period until the next recommended maintenance based on cuπent or historical operation parameters, last maintenance operation performed, or next scheduled maintenance operation to be performed, etc. With the date and time infonnation, as well as the specific parts being run, there may be provided a history with respect to the number of specific parts made and the date of their manufacture, as well as their average cycle time or other information so as to provide a better history of the tool operation. Although it is possible to maintain a fairly large amount of data in a PDA, it is contemplated that the storage and processing of large amount of information concerning multiple production tools may necessitate the use of a remote computer system 98 running a compatible TMS program. Thus, in a prefeπed embodiment of the invention illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 15, the PDA 90 and remote computer system 98 are linked together to exchange data. Preferably, the PDA 90 is linked to the remote computer system by a commercially available docking station (not shown). The PDA can then sync with, read, write, or otherwise communicate with the data in the remote computer system 98 or 99 running the TMS. In this manner, multiple PDAs can be synchronized with the data in the remote computer system 98 miming the TMS which means multiple production tools may be synchronized with the data in the TMS. The PDA 90 connection to the remote computer system 98 may also be by a hard wire connection, such as by USB port, or other port. PDA 96 can also be fitted with wireless networking capabilities such as bluetooth or 802.11a-g to communicate with the remote computer system 98, such as by adding an expansion card. Portable computing devices are also increasingly being sold with wireless communicating capabilities built in. Preferably, the communications protocol used between the cycle counter 38, PDA 90, and remote computer system 98 may also include additional parameters for eπor checking transmission integrity as it is being performed, such as by using end of transmission headers, or packet checking technologies and checksums. The communications protocol, or memory device memory mapping may also include parameters and commands for data compression. Such compression helps improve transmission throughput and increases the memory device's storage capacity. The programming for the memory device 92 and/or PDA 90 may also preferably includes security measures. These security may include password verification, user authentication, and monitoring of user access based on the user's identity or the password used. For example, one password may allow read access while another password may allow read/write access. Such user level access schemes are useful in the production tooling context because it may be desirable to have a plant manager or supervisor have the ability to change the information on the chip while granting the production tool operator or certain lower level maintenance workers read only access. This can help prevent the accidental or purposeful alteration of critical maintenance information by unauthorized personnel. As an example of where such a feature may be used, consider a tooling maintenance manager scheduling a maintenance date for replacement of wear items on a tool and recording the date to the memory device 92 using PDA 90. Later, a second manager has the maintenance work performed, and then records the work performed in the maintenance history and updates a scheduled maintenance period or cycle count in the memory device 92 accordingly. A maintenance worker or production tool operator may wish to check the tool for the next scheduled maintenance date or the next critical cycle count which trigger maintenance, but may not be given the authority to alter or remove such scheduled maintenance dates or triggering cycle counts. In this way, the integrity of the data stored in the memory device 92, PDA 90, and remote computer 98 can be assured. However, it is contemplated that lower level personnel may have write privileges as to certain data fields of the memory device, PDA and/or computer. It would be particularly useful for such personnel to be able to make notations concerning operation of the tool that can be stored in the memory device to communicate operation information to other tooling press operators that may be working different shifts at a plant. Also, the memory device may be programmed so that certain information is permanently burned into memory by the tool manufacturer. A good example of suitable information for permanent burning is a tool identification indicia, usually a tool identification number, which should be permanent so that the history of the tooling is always associated with it. Other examples, include initial tooling specifications and requirements such as, for example, target cycle time, estimated maintenance intervals, parts inventory, bill of material, anticipated life of the tool, anticipated date of requiring a replacement tool. This stored data can be imported in the manner discussed above into a TMS running on a remote computer system so that the tool storage room manager and operations persomiel can track maintenance tasks and analyze whether the tool was meeting or exceeding the predicted parameters stored in memory. Referring now to FIG. 15, the cycle counter 35 is shown with a direct connection to a remote computer system 99 running a PMOS system. Most of the tooling presses have a PMOS system which includes computerized or programmable logic control for operating the press and an interface with a process monitoring system located on a computer system at a remote location. The use of such systems allows a monitoring of the tooling molding press with respect to operation and operating parameters. The prefeπed way to link a tooling press with the computer system is through a coded junction box that is mounted to the press frame such as the devices sold by Progressive Components International Corporation of Wauconda, Illinois. In the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 16, the prefeπed means of linking the memory device 92 of the cycle counter 35 would be connected to the PMOS system at junction box. Preferably, the electrical connection would supply power to the memory device 92 so that tooling identification indicia and other information stored in memory could be entered directly into the memory of the PMOS system. In this way, manual entry of mold identification information into the PMOS with the attendant chance for human eπor can be avoided. However, it is to be understood that other means of connecting the memory device 92 to the PMOS may be used including for example, an Ethernet port, firewire, parallel, serial, USB (any version), or other network port. If power is supplied to the memory device 92, the connection may also be wireless using ER., RF, and in addition may be a wireless network protocol such at 802.1 la-g or bluetooth. As best seen in FIGS. 17-18, in another embodiment of the invention an electronic cycle counter 235 is provided which has an electronic chip 292 having an electronic counter circuit 238. The chip 292 is housed within a tough exterior housing 245. The chip 292 preferably includes a switch 260 that is actuated when the mold block is raised as described above. In one prefeπed embodiment, the lower surface of a mold half depresses a plunger actuator 236 to close the switch contact 260 (FIG. 17) to cause operation of the counter mechanism 238 for one cycle. However, it also contemplated that the actuator may be a proximity switch which does not require physical contact with a mold half to be actuated. The chip 292 includes a memory device 265 which is programmed to stores the cuπent cycle count. It is prefeπed that the counter 235 have a number of other functions which are provided by the circuitry of the electronic chip 260. An input/output, display device, preferably a PDA 290, can be utilized to store a part identification indicia or other information into the memory 265 so that each part being run on the mold may be specifically identified. Further, it is prefeπed that the chip 260 also include a settable date and time clock 264 by which the date and the time of day are kept. The date and clock device are particularly useful for retaining the history of operation of the mold in a memory 265. The memory 265 is programmed to keep a log of the dates when the mold is in used and also may record the number of cycles to count to number of parts that have been made during each of those production runs. Particularly, where the mold is used for just-in-time production, there may be a series of dates stored in memory and a total count of the number of parts made over the time periods when the mold was actually in the press and producing parts. Whatever the particular aπangement, the date and clock may be used to provide in memory a history of the particular times of usage of the tool. It is prefeπed that there be communication input and output ports 270 are connected to PDA 290 in the same manner as described above. Preferably, the PDA 290 is a suitably programmed with a TMS program and has communication input and out components, whether wired or wireless, to send and receive data from the chip 292. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, the ports 270 could be comiected or be coimectable to a remote computer or computer system 299 which could inteπogate the counter for a complete readout, for specific information, or calculations that which has been stored in memory 265. In addition, it is prefeπed that the counter display, as shown in FIG. 17, have an average cycle time circuit or means 275 by which the cycle times are accumulated and then averaged; so that the average cycle time to make and eject a part can be displayed or read out, such as through the ports 270. Alternatively, a separate display may be provided on the counter face to show the average cycle time or display other data stored in memory 265. This may be accomplished by having a toggle switch 241 on the face of the counter 235 that is programmed to display a variety of data when pressed in a predetermined sequence. For example, the memory 265 may be simultaneously storing a count down from a preset cycle count to a reading or zero indicating that scheduled maintenance is to be performed, the number or parts made in a particular production run, the sum total of parts made in different production runs of the same part, and the total number of mold cycles for the life of the mold. These counts may be serially displayed on alternate digital display (243) by depressing the toggle switch in a predetermined sequence. Further, the memory 265 can be programmed to simultaneously store multiple countdowns or deadlines for schedules maintenance. Preferably, the monitor not only includes the counter 235, which accumulates the total number of cycles which have occuπed, but also includes the maintenance switch means 242 which can be set to a specific number, and when the counter 235 reaches this specific number set in the maintenance switch means 242, the latter actuates the alarm or indicator 244 to indicate to the press operator that the mold needs to receive preventive maintenance. The maintenance switch means 244 and alarm indicator can be reset either by use of a reset bottom (not shown) on the exterior to the housing 245 or by use of the input device. By way of example only, data displayed on the readout device from the counter 294 on the mold may be, as follows:

identification

Part Name: Bezel

Part I.D. #: 5639-4

Mold I.D. #: 322

Number of Mold Cavities: 8

Manufacturer: XYZ Corp.

History:

Date: 12/4/99 - 3/4/99

Number of cycles: 345,604

Average production cycle: 10.0 seconds

Date: 3/16/99 - 6/1/99

Number of cycles: 330,488

Average production cycle: 11.5 seconds

Resin Run ABC Corp. PVC X-127

Maintenance Schedule: Cycles

Total Cycles Life of Mold: 750,000

Cycles Since Last Routine Lubrication 10,000

Next Schedule Routine Lubrication 40,000

Cycles Since Last Wear Parts Maintenance: 50,000

Next Scheduled Wear Parts Maintenance: 800,000

Cycles Since Last Total Overhaul 250,000

Next Scheduled Total Overhaul: 1 ,000,00

Preferred Replacement Parts: Ejector Pins XYZ Corp #34526-2

Bushings XYZ Corp #356596-3s

Core Pins XYZ Corp #398290-A

The information set forth above would typically be displayed on the PDA is groups of data on successive screens that are accessible through the PDA user interface. Referring now to FIG. 19, in another embodiment of the invention, the electric cycle counter 235 is electrically connected through I/O ports 270 directly to a remote computer system 298 programmed with a TMS program. In this way, the cycle count any other information gathered on the chip 292 can be directly fed into the remote computer 298. This avoids having to sink the PDA 290 with the remote computer 298 to input information into the cycle counter 235 as is necessary with the embodiment of FIG. 14. The prefeπed connection to the cycle counter 235 is through a hardwire connection to a junction box as described above with reference to FIG. 15. If such a connection is to be made, the hardwire connection can be used to draw power from the junction box and the battery 239 may be omitted from the electric cycle counter 235. Even when the electric cycle counter is hardwired, it is prefeπed that at least one I/O port 270 be accessible for connection to the PDA 290 so that information stored on the chip 292 may be accessed or written by the personnel to the tool. In the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 20, the electrical counting 235 is shown connected to 290 PDA which in turn can be synchronized and linked to remote computer system 299 programmed with PMOS program. In this way, the information stored on in the memory 265 of the electric cycle counter 235 can be entered into the PMOS system. Such a linkage can provide stored tool maintenance information that may be useful in assisting with a production scheduling utility of the PMOS. The coimections between the electrical cycle counter, PDA and remote computer system are preferably the same as those discussed above with regard to FIG. 14. Referring now to FIG 21, an alternate design of an electrical tool cycle counter 335 is provided which differs from the electrical tool cycle counter 235 chiefly in that it has a processor 329 on board chip 393. The other structures an function of the electrical cycle counter 335 are similar to those described above having coπesponding reference numbers, including, battery 339, maintenance alarm 344, counter 338, maintenance indicator 344, part ID 362, date and clock 364, memory 365, I/O ports 370, average cycle timer 375. The inclusion of the processor 329 allows the tool cycle counter to use date stored in memory 365 as well as current gathered information, such as the cuπent cycle time, cycle count, etc., to perform additional calculations which can be communicated in real time to a remote computer programmed with a PMOS. The processor 329 can be programmed to process data stored in the memory device or input data and/or calculate useful operational information from such data. Utilizing these programmable features, the counter can track useful operational information, such as, for example, the cycle time for a particular part, dates on which the mold was in production, part name, part number, materials used for a particular part, part counts per run, total part counts for multiple runs, total mold cycles during the mold life, identification of tooling supplier, mold serial number, recommended maintenance schedules, the actual maintenance history of the mold, operational history, count down from last maintenance to next scheduled maintenance, bill of materials, recommended replacement tooling components, cycles remaining before next recommended maintenance, calculating the time period until the next recommended maintenance based on cuπent or historical operation parameters, etc. With the date and time information, as well as the specific parts being run, there may be provided a history with respect to the number of specific parts made and the date of their manufacture, as well as their average cycle time or other information so as to provide a better history of the mold operation. The prefeπed means of linking the memory device 365 of the cycle counter 335 would be to connected to the PMOS system at a junction box in manner similar to that described above. Preferably, the electrical connection would supply power to the chip 393 so that a battery could be omitted. Of course, the memory device 365 would provide real time tooling identification indicia and other information stored in memory directly into the memory of the PMOS system which avoids manual entry of mold identification information into the PMOS with the attendant chance for human eπor. However, it is to be understood that other means of connecting the I/O 370 to the remote computer 299 programmed with PMOS may be used including for example, an Ethernet port, firewire, parallel, serial, USB (any version), or other network port. If power is supplied to the chip 392, the connection may also be wireless using IR, RF, and in addition may be a wireless network protocol such at 802.11 a-g or bluetooth. Referring to FIG. 22, the electrical cycle counter 335 is shown connected to a remote computer programmed with both a PMOS module and a TMS module or alternately, two remote computers 298, 299 programmed with PMOS and TMS, respectively and linked together. The term "module" referenced in this disclosure is meant to broadly cover various types of software code including but not limited to routines, functions, objects, libraries, classes, members, packages, procedures, methods, or lines of code together performing similar functionality to these types of coding. This connection allows the plant personnel to do sophisticated planning of production schedules. For example, the integration of production and maintenance schedules allows plant production managers to see that scheduled maintenance is upcoming and have it performed prior to lengthy production runs, rather than having a tool pulled for maintenance during a run. The PDA 394 would provide the press operator with an extensive operation and maintenance history of the tool prior to setup. For example, set notes could include instructions and suggestions to optimize performance of the tool based on prior production runs. Details as small as the type of packaging or boxing to be used with the part could be stored on the tool in memory 365 and be displayed to the press operator. Referring to FIG. 23, a plurality of electrical cycle counters 260 are linked to a remote location computer 299. The maintenance history and other data is available from the counter memory 265. The production manager can monitor a production program and maintenance schedule simultaneously, in real-time. This allows rapid reaction by the production manager to any deviation from the production of maintenance schedule. The tool cycle counters are communicating with the PMOS and a part identification number is associated with a multiple-component product, production program. Such a system can be used by a manager to track real-time progress on a multiple component production program when the manager gives an instruction the PMOS to show the real time production count for each of the parts associated with the production program. Preferably, the cycle counter memory device also includes a real time tool maintenance cycle count which is also accessible to the PMOS. That real time count can be used to monitor the timing for the next scheduled maintenance and be compared with scheduled production counts from the tool press to anticipate tooling down time. The PDA 390 may be programmed to run both the PMOS program and the TMS program so that a detailed display of stored information can be made while personnel are located at the tool. Referring to FIG. 24, a series of smart identification tags 400 are placed on a plurality of tools. The smart tags include a memory device. The smart tags store a tool identification number and associate that number with a part identification number. Similar to the cycle counter 35 described herein, it can be connected to a remote computer system 410 programmed with a PMOS. The PMOS system records the production count from the press and has the part identification automatically provided from the smart tag memory device. The remote computer system 410 is connected to a remote access communications system preferably by a secure internet connection. In this way, a program manager for production of multiple parts or a multi-component parts can monitor the progress of a job and compare it to its production schedule. Parts that are outside of the parameters of the production schedule can be immediately called to the attention of the plant responsible for production of the lagging part. The system allows a remotely located manager to closely track a multitude of parts in real time. In another embodiment of the invention, a system for tracking the location of a tool is provided in which tooling location is input into the memory device of the on board tooling counter and communicated to a remote computer system programmed with PMOS or TMS. Preferably, if the cycle counter is provided with a hardwire connection to the remote computer system, the connector is provided with a unique identifying signal which is matched with a tool identifying signal generated by the memory device of the cycle counter which is stored in the remote computer. Further, the tool room may be provided with hardwire comiection outlets to the remote computer system with such identifying signals so that the location of the tool can be tracked whether it is in the tool room or in a press. Also, the last known location of the tool can be stored in the memory of the PMOS or TMS so that someone tracking a tool has a place to begin a search if a tool happens to be in transit between plants. Preferably, an authentication or password scheme is used by the smart counter to allow information access segregation ("IAS"). IAS means that a user is only presented with, and only has access to, information relevant to their task and/or purpose. IAS is advantageous for several reasons. First, a user is only presented with information relevant to their task which means the user can avoid having to navigate through, or be confused by, non-relevant information. Second, lower level personnel, or personnel with specialized purposes, cannot delete or overwrite information for which they are not granted access. This provides for better data integrity and allows a more focused determination of who could have made a change to the data when production problems arise. Although many different user categorizations may be used, the following represents one embodiment of an IAS scheme. Each category describes or identifies the user along with a related description of that user's purpose: (1) Tooling Engineer /Procurement Engineer Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for initiating tool specifications and requirements would set and record this information prior to tool design and build. Tool specifications include but are not limited to target cycle time, quantity of parts to be produced, estimated maintenance intervals and hours, spare parts inventor count, anticipated life of the tool, and anticipated replacement tool required. These engineers typically are inputting data and are therefore presented with data fields selected and organized to ease data input. In addition, these engineers may be given access to "hard burn" certain information such as Tool ID. Hard burning refers to writing data pennanently to the memory device or software module such that later users cannot change that data. There may be special procedures for changing hard burned infoπnation, but circumstances leading to a need to change hard burned information are rare. (2) Tool Designer Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for designing the tool would initially record to, and could later access, a relevant design tool or part information such as bill of materials and revision numbers. Tool designers have read and write needs similar to those described for tooling engineers ability to hard burn and are thus similarly presented with data fields organized and selected to ease data input. (3) Tool Builder Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for building the tool would initially record, and could later access part design information such as a tool cost quote and bill of materials info, and could record revision and customer communication history. Tool builders have write access to the memory device and software module components and may require the ability to hard burn and are thus similarly presented with data fields organized and selected to ease data input. (4) Production Plant Manager Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for plant productivity could preview tool information prior to a tool run, would store ancillary information such as secondary equipment required, part packaging/container info, and so forth. Production plant managers require both read and write access. The software module presents data fields organized and selected to read data output for the production plant manager's scheduling purposes. (5) Tool Setup Personnel Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for efficient and consistent tool setup could record settings and setup preferences, ancillary equipment and container/packaging specifications, and later access and potentially revise this data prior and during subsequent tool setup. Tool setup personnel are typically granted read access only and are locked out from changing any information on the memory device or software modules. The module presents only the information selected to assist in the tool setup which is presented in an easy to read format. (6) Tooling Process Technician on the Floor Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for maintaining production would record any changes to process parameters, would record cavitation blockage, and could review production expectations, along with last maintenance actions and upcoming maintenance scheduled. Tooling process technicians are typically granted read access only and are locked out from changing any information on the memory device or software modules. The module selects and present data needed by the tooling process technician in an easy to read format. (7) Tool Maintenance Personnel Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for coπect and consistent tool maintenance would record last actions performed, next scheduled action that is prefeπed, and assembly/disassembly information. Also replacement parts required to be on-hand for each tool (ex. spare cores), along with generic replacement parts (ex. ejector pins) would be managed by this user. In one embodiment, recording tool maintenance actions would update inventory data. Managers performing tool maintenance have read and write access, while lower level tool maintenance personnel are typically only granted read access to information on the memory device or in the software modules. The software module will present fields selected and organized for ease of data input or present the data in an easy to read format according to the type of access the tool maintenance person has. (8) Production Scheduling Personnel Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for parts shipment timing could preview scheduled preventative tool maintenance points and estimated maintenance time required. Production scheduling personnel are given read access to monitor the number of parts made, projected or scheduled completion times, scheduled maintenance, tool status and other scheduling information. Such information is presented in convenient and organized formats for ease of reading. In certain circumstances, production scheduling persomiel may be given write access to update scheduling information as needed. In such circumstances, the module presents data fields organized and selected to ease data input for the production scheduling personnel's purposes. (9) Plant Owners /Finance Managers Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for profitability of the organization could audit tool production performance and maintenance costs, while reviewing scheduling patterns to evaluate efficiency, average cavitation history, and upcoming costs scheduled. Plant Owners and Finance Managers typically have read access to financial information. Such information is presented by the software module in convenient and organized formats for ease of reading and financial analysis. (10) Program Managers Module: Persons who use this module are responsible for the complete assembled product, such as program managers, could monitor production status of all tooling (be it in-house or remote), and track tool location. Program manager have read and write access to information similar to that available to production scheduling managers. When a program managers needs to write information, the software module presents data fields organized and selected to ease data input for the program manager's purposes. For writing data, the software module presents data fields organized and selected to ease data input for the program manager's needs. IAS may be installed on the memory device on the counter, in the TMS, in the POMS, or any combination of these components. All user definitions, i.e. the set of information a particular user has access to, may be part of one software module, or each user definition may be separately stored within an individual software module. In the prefeπed embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 25-33, a tooling counter 435 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) device 436 which is preferably embedded in a plastic housing 434. One major advantage of using RFID technology is avoidance of a wired connection from the tool to a hand held computing device (PDA), remote computer programmed with a PMOS or TMOS program. This is shown in schematic from in FIGS. 29 and 30 in which the RFID device 436 of the counter 435 communicates via radio waves with RFID reader 450 and ultimately with by a computer system 470 programmed with a PMOS or TMS system. It is prefeπed that the RFID chip utilized in this embodiment include a read/write capability so that information can be added to the chip by the tool maker and/or end user. It is further prefeπed that a portable RFED reader is used to enter the information stored into the computer running the PMOS or TMS program. As shown in FIG. 25, an enlarged view of a square shaped passive RFID device 437 which may be used in the counters of the invention. The RFED device 437 illustrates a typically passive RFID architecture which includes a device antenna 440, which is linked by through contacts 446 to a transponder chip 444, which in turn, is electrically connected to a capacitor 442. FIGS. 27 and 30 show schematic illustration of the operation of the RFID reader 470 and RFED device 436. When the RFED reader 470 is energized, it sends for a radio frequency signal 451 from reader antennae 452 to device antennae 440. The signal passes to the transponder chip 444 and some of the energy from the signal is used to activate the transponder chip 444. The prefeπed data transfer rate between the RFID reader 450 and RFED device 436 is at least 26kbit/s. The prefeπed RFID device 436 is aNARIO RFID tag, which is a CMOS integrated circuit operating at 13.56 MHz and having a 2 kilobits EEPROM memory. The prefeπed RFID device 436 may be configured by the user in write inhibited areas, read protected or continuous read areas. The RFID device 436 utilizes al3.56 MHz carrier frequency compliant with SC31/WG4 ISO work item. The prefeπed RFID device is GEMWAVE compatibility and should have at least 220 bytes of user accessible memory within the prefeπed 2 kilobits of EEPROM. This memory is preferably "multi- page" organized, that is partitioned into 8 blocks, each of them containing four 64 bit "pages". Each page of the accessible memory is preferably user programmable with user lockable with the use of two 64 bit passwords. Preferably, the chip is programmed to accept a two level password system to suit applications where information is recorded in successive steps and where only part of the stored data is relevant to a particular operation. Both the RFID reader 450 and transponder chip 444 are programmed with simple commands that enable the end user to write to the EEPROM, to update the passwords, to read a specific memory area or to reset the logic. It is prefeπed that the user may select any block to read in any order (RBD function). The first memory block (not shown) is dedicated to operation of the transponder chip 444. The block preferably contains the two 64 bits passwords and gives the memory location on which the passwords apply, either as read and/or as write protectors. For compatibility purposes, the TAG ID sections of the desired chip are identical to the mapping of a read only, non-erasable chip. With the above referenced memory configurations, it is possible to have up to 1000 billion unique tag identifications for the RFED device. As mentioned above and best illustrated in FIG. 30, a RFID 450 reader is necessary to read the information stored on the RFID transponder 444. The RFID reader 450 has a microprocessor 457, which includes energizer 453, demodulator 454 and decoder circuits 454 for generating the RF signal, processing and decoding the information carried in the signal, respectively. The RFID reader 450 also typically includes a capacitor 456 and antennae 452. As best seen in FIGS. 28 and 30, the antennae 452 of the RFID reader 450 is significant larger than the device antennae 440. This is due the significantly higher power output required by the RF signal 451 sent to the RFID reader than the return signal 458 delivered by the device antennae 442. The prefeπed RFID readers include a Northern Apex DP120 (shown in FIG. 32), where a connection to a USB com ection to a computer system is accessible, or to a Northern Apex XP81000SM (shown in FIG. 33) where a USB connection to a computer system is not readily available at a tooling press, tool room or other tool storage area. In some cases, a press operating system will include a PC or similar computer device on the press or adjacent to it. Under those circumstances, the PC or computer device will typically have an open USB port to which an RFID reader 466 having a USB connector

465 and reader body 464, such as the DP 120, can be directly connected. Where a USB port to connect to a computer is not accessible, the use of a sled style RFID reader 459, such as the XP8 lOOOSM is prefeπed. The sled style RFID reader 459 forms a pocket 460 portion for receipt of hand held PC or PDA 461, preferably the SYMBOL SPT8100 WIN

CE based pocket PC computer. Such a hand held device (PC or PDA) can then in turn communicate, by either wireless or hardwired connection, to the resident computer or network programmed with a PMOS and or TMS (shown schematically in FIG. 29). By use of either system, tool data stored in the RFED memory can be transfeπed to and from the resident computer or network identifying without a hard wired connection to the tool or an energy source such as a battery on the counter. Use of this system, can substantially reduce the chance that the employee will neglect or forget to record information concerning performance of maintenance tasks. When service or maintenance of a tool is required, the portable computing device

461 serving as an interface would be combined with RFID reader 459 can retrieve this data from the RFID transponder 444. It is a particular advantage of the present invention that tool maintenance personnel can enter information into the memory of the hand held

RFID reader 459 immediately after having performed a maintenance task. Thus, the transponder 444 memory can be immediately updated with information, such as, the identity of the person doing the work, the nature of work performed, and the date the work was performed. Preferably, the memory can record at least the following information in the memory of the RFED device 436.

Unique Die ID # • Date of Last Service Date of Tool Mfr. • Mold Service Technician hi Service Date • Mold Location Date Shipped • Unique RFED transponder Ser. # Date Received Manufacturer Last Maintenance Performed Identity of Maintenance performed Identity of the technician performing the service • Date Service performed Information that is to be permanently stored on the memory device 436, such as the transponder serial number and tool identification number, is entered in the write protected area of the EEPROM by either the device manufacture, tool manufacturer, or authorized personnel of the end user. The remainder of the information listed above may be stored in the accessible memory and may be over written by authorized personnel having the access to the appropriate password. Another particular advantage is to be able to easily enter tool set update data and comments onto the RFID reader. Thus, maintenance and operation personnel have access to stored information concerning the tool at their fingertips during set up and maintenance operations. It is prefeπed that the device can also be used in conjunction with a software package such as the ProFile® mold maintenance software available from Progressive Components, Wauconda, Illinois, USA to track movement of a tool from service to storage and out to production. The data entered in the handheld environment is preferably synchronized with the main data system to allow cycle count and maintenance data to be updated on the tool as well as in the main computer system. In one alternate embodiment of the invention, a passive RFID device is mounted to or embedded within a planar housing (not shown) to form an identification tag. The planar housing is preferably formed from a tough, non- conductive thermoplastic material. Preferably, the housing has at least one surface that will visible from the exterior of the tool when installed therein. The visible surface is preferably provided with a surface where written indicia may be recorded and viewed. In another alternate embodiment of the invention, a RFID an active RFID transponder (not shown) may be used which differ from the passive RFID transponder described above chiefly in that it would include a microprocessor and a power source, such as a battery. Such an active RFID transponder would be used where there is perceived need for greater information storage and/or processing. When an active RFID transponder is used, it is prefeπed that the microprocessor receives a signal from an electrical counter which may be continually or periodically update the memory of the RFID transponder of the cuπent cycle count. Using such a system RFID device(s) and RFID reader(s), real time systems for updating a tooling count can constructed similar to that shown forth in FIGS. 20-24. Such systems would have the advantage of not requiring a hardwire connection to the counter or tool. This is a

Claims

significant advantage since hardwiring a large number of tooling presses and tooling involves considerable cost and operational difficulties.What is claimed:

1. A production tool identification device for entering tool identification information for a tool into a production tooling operating system comprising: an input for receiving tool identification data; an output for transferring the tool identification data to the production tool operating system; a memory device for storing the tool identification data; and a housing for protecting the memory device and attaching to the tool.

2. The production tool identification device in accordance with Claim 1 wherein the housing is a substantially planar structure.

3. The production tool identification device in accordance with Claim 1 wherein the memory device has tool identification information permanently stored thereon by a production tooling manufacturer.

4. A production tool cycle counter for attachment to a production tool to tracking opening and closing cycles of the tool, comprising: a numerical display for viewing a stored tooling cycle count; a counting member for recording the occuπence of a tooling cycle, the counter member being operably connected to the numerical indicia; an input for receiving tooling identification data; a memory device for storing the tooling identification data; an output for transferring the tooling identification data stored on the memory device to a production monitoring operating system; and a housing enclosing the counter assembly and memory device.

5. The production tool cycle counter of Claim 4 wherein the output is directly connected to a production monitoring operating system.

6. The production tool cycle counter of Claim 4 wherein the output is directly connected to a tooling monitoring system.

7. A production tool identification device for entering tool identification information into a production tool operating system comprising: a radio frequency identification device having a memory component for storing tool identification data and having an antennae for transferring the tool identification data to a radio frequency identification reader; and a housing for protecting the radio frequency identification device.

8. The production tool identification device in accordance with Claim 7 wherein the radio frequency identification device is mounted to a substantially planar housing.

9. The production tool identification device in accordance with Claim 7 wherein the memory component is a read/write memory device.

10. A production tool cycle counter for attachment to a production tool to tracking opening and closing cycles of the tool and for storing tool identification data, comprising: a numerical display for viewing a stored tooling cycle count; a counting member for recording the occuπence of a tooling cycle, the counter member being operably connected to the numerical indicia; a radio frequency identification device having a memory component for storing tool identification data and having an antennae for transferring the tool identification data to a radio frequency identification reader; and a housing protecting the counter assembly and radio frequency identification device.

11. The production tool identification system of Claim 10 wherein the memory component is programmed to store data written thereto by an end user.

12. The production tool identification system of Claim 10 wherein the memory component is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.

13. The production tool identification system of Claim 10 wherein the radio frequency identification device includes a microprocessor for processing information received from the counting member.

14. The production tool identification system of Claim 10 further comprises an energy source to provide power to the processor, display and memory component.

15. A production tool identification system for entering tool identification information into a tooling production computer system comprising: a radio frequency identification device having a memory component for storing tool identification data, having a device antennae for transferring the tool identification data to a radio frequency identification reader, and a housing for protecting the radio frequency identification device; a radio frequency identification reader having a reader antennae for radio communication with the device antennae to read the tool identification information stored on the memory component, the radio frequency identification reader having a communication means for transferring data to and from the tooling production computer program.

16. The production tool identification system of Claim 15 wherein the memory component is programmed to store data written thereto by an end user and wherein the radio frequency identification reader has a data input for gathering information which is written to the memory component.

17. The production tool identification system of Claim 15 wherein the memory component is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory device such that a tool end user may enter data concerning the tool into the memory device.

18. The production tool identification system of Claim 15 wherein the radio frequency identification data includes a processor for record processing information and an energy source to provide power to the processor and memory component.

19. A system for managing tooling maintenance data comprising: a tooling cycle counter having a counting member for recording the occuπence of a tooling cycle, an input for receiving tooling identification data, a memory device for storing the tooling identification data; an output for transferring the tooling identification data stored on the memory device; a housing enclosing the counter assembly and memory device a processor, and a portable remote computing device in communication with the tooling cycle counter, the portable remote computing device having a display for viewing data received from the counter.

20. The system for managing tooling maintenance data of Claim 19 wherein the portable remote computing system has a processor programmed with a tooling maintenance system.

21. The system for managing tooling maintenance data of Claim 19 wherein portable computing device has a port for physically connection through a detachable wire to the tooling cycle counter.

22. The system for managing tooling maintenance data of Claim 19 wherein the portable computing device has a wireless communication device for transferring data between the cycle counter and portable computing device.

23. The system for managing tooling maintenance data of Claim 19 wherein the memory is programmed to store information received from the portable computing device.

24. A system for real time monitoring of at least one production tool comprising: a memory device having stored thereon at least tool identification and part identification information for a tool; a tool cycle counter associated with the memory device, the tool cycle counter keeping a real time production count of parts made with the tool; a computer network programmed with a production mold operating system and communicating with from the memory device and tool cycle counter to receive data therefrom, the computer network having a processor for associating the tool identification and part identification data with the real time production count for the at least one tool.

25. The system of Claim 24 wherein the at least one tool is a plurality tools each having a memory device and a tool cycle counter installed thereon, and each tool cycle counter performing a real time product count of parts made with the tool on which the tool cycle counter is installed .

26. The system of Claim 25 wherein the plurality tools are associated with a part identification number which is encoded to associate the parts with a multiple-component product whereby a production manager may track in real time the progress of production of a multiple part product.

27. A production tool cycle counter for attachment to a production tool to tracking opening and closing cycles of the tool, comprising: a numerical display for viewing a stored tooling cycle count; a microprocessor for recording the occuπence of a tooling cycle, the microprocessor being operably connected to the numerical indicia; a communication means for transferring data from to a remote system, the communication means being operably connected to the microprocessor; a memory device for storing the tooling identification data, the memory device being operably connected to the communication means and the microprocessor; and a housing enclosing the counter assembly and microprocessor.

28. The production tool cycle counter of Claim 27 wherein the microprocessor includes a timer and calendar means for tracking time dependent data that may be used for calculating cycle times and other operational parameters.

29. The production tool cycle counter of Claim 27 wherein the microprocessor is programmed to process data stored in the memory device and calculates useful operational information from such data.

30. The production tool cycle counter of Claim 27 wherein the location of a tool is recorded in the memory device from a signal received by the communication means and wherein the communication means transfers the information to a tooling maintenance software program on a remote computer.