Systems and methods to gather, store and transfer information from electro/mechanical tools and instruments
First Claim
1. A communication system, comprising:
- (a) a first fastener having a first coupling end, said first fastener having an integrated circuit positioned to be electrically coupled to a first communication interface on said first coupling end of said fastener;
(b) a second fastener having a second coupling end, said second coupling end having a second communication interface, said first communication interface and said second communication interface electrically coupled together when said first fastener and said second fastener are fastened together.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fastener and corresponding communication system comprises a first fastener having a first end and a second fastener having a second end. The first fastener has an integrated circuit positioned to be electrically coupled to a first communication interface on the first end of the fastener. The second end also has a second communication interface, the first communication interface and the second communication interface electrically coupled together when the first fastener and the second fastener are fastened together. The first fastener preferably has a hollow cavity therethrough and the integrated circuit is positioned inside the first fastener. At least one electrical signal line, preferably only one, exists through the hollow cavity in communication with the integrated circuit. The method comprises coupling a first fastener and a second fastener together and receiving and transmitting information via a first signal line and a second signal line extending through the first fastener and the second fastener to an integrated circuit positioned in the first fastener.
82 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A communication system, comprising:
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(a) a first fastener having a first coupling end, said first fastener having an integrated circuit positioned to be electrically coupled to a first communication interface on said first coupling end of said fastener; (b) a second fastener having a second coupling end, said second coupling end having a second communication interface, said first communication interface and said second communication interface electrically coupled together when said first fastener and said second fastener are fastened together. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A coupler, comprising
(a) a first coupling end; - and
(b) an integrated circuit incorporated into said coupler to be electrically connected to a first communication interface on said first coupling end of said coupler, so that a second coupler having a second coupling end and a second communication interface can be coupled to said coupler and electrically contact said first communication interface.
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10. A method comprising the steps of:
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(a) coupling a first fastener and a second fastener together; (b) receiving and transmitting information via a first signal line and a second signal line extending through said first fastener and said second fastener to an integrated circuit positioned in said first fastener.
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Specification