Multi-function tool

• US 20040003683A1
• Filed: 01/03/2003
• Published: 01/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Telezygology, Inc. (TZ Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Telezygology, Inc. (TZ Ltd.)
• Inventors: Rudduck, Dickory
• Granted Patent: US 8,166,836 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 81/52
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/12 the jaws being slidable
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/00 Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers bolt tensioners B25B29/02
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/14 Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers couplings for transmitting rotation or clutches F16D; devices for measuring torque per se G01L
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/1425 by electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53022 with means to test work or product
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/598 Transversely sliding pin

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool which has more than one function. As a first function, the tool is capable of activating a fastening element, either by direct physical contact or by remote activation. As a second function, the tool is capable of detecting an attribute of the fastening element. The attribute can include position or location of the fastening element, status of the fastening element, identity of the fastening element, environmental factors affecting the fastening element, size of the fastening element, sequence in which the fastening element must be activated, history of the fastening element, authorization requirements in relation to the. fastening element, or activation requirements of the fastening element.

Claims

1. A tool for activating a fastening element, the tool comprising:

a first function whereby the tool is capable of activating the fastening element, and

a second function whereby the tool is capable of detecting an attribute of the fastening element,

wherein the or each attribute is selected from the group consisting of;

location of the fastening element,

status of the fastening element (excluding torque or angle),

identification of the fastening element,

one or more environmental factors affecting the fastening element,

size of the fastening element,

sequence of activation of the fastening element compared with other fastening elements,

history of the fastening element,

authorization requirements of the fastening element, and

activation requirements of the fastening element (excluding torque or angle).

2. The tool of claim 1, comprising a plurality of parts.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is capable of detecting a plurality of attributes of the fastening element.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is also capable of detecting torque of the fastening element, torque required to activate the fastening element, or angle of the fastening element.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is also capable of displaying information relating to the fastening element.

6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is also capable of recording information relating to the fastening element.

7. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is also capable of transmitting information relating to the fastening element.

8. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is also capable of receiving a report from the fastening element.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein the tool is also capable of transmitting the received report.

10. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is also capable of accepting information from a source other than the fastening element.

11. The tool of claim 10, wherein the tool is capable of receiving the information from the other source by downloading or insertion of a memory card.

12. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is capable of using infra red, radio frequency, electromagnetic, microwave, or ultrasound technology to detect the or each attribute.

13. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is capable of using energy transmission and/or digital instruction in activating the fastening element.

14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the energy transmission is selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic pulse, induction, ultrasound, infra red, radio frequency, electromagnetic, microwave, or ultrasound energy.

15. The tool of claim 1, wherein the or each attribute is detected via a remote center.

16. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is capable of remote activation of the fastening element.

17. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is capable of activating the fastening element by direct physical contact with the fastening element.