Unique identifier insert for perishable or consumable tooling

• US 9,430,725 B2
• Filed: 08/27/2015
• Issued: 08/30/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Inventors: Prince, Scott Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Labaze, Edwyn
• Application Number:
  US14/837,704
• Publication Number:
  US 20160063288A1
• Time in Patent Office: 369 Days
• Field of Search: 235/385, 235/375, 235/487
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/04 characterised by the shape
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/20 Administration of product repair or maintenance

Abstract

A device for tracking a consumable or perishable tool is provided including a connector configured to couple to a body of the consumable or perishable tool such that the connector remains in constant contact with the consumable or perishable tool for a life of the tool. The connector includes an exposed unique identifier configured to provide identification information about the tool when access by an asset management software.

Claims

1. A device for tracking a consumable or perishable tool, comprising:

a connector configured to couple to a body of the consumable or perishable tool such that the connector remains in constant contact with the consumable or perishable tool for a life of the tool, the connector including a first piece and a second piece complementary to the first piece, the first piece and the second piece being configured to couple about the body to restrict movement of the body relative to the connector, the connector including an exposed unique identifier configured to provide identification information about the tool when accessed by an asset management software.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the unique identifier is configured to additionally track at least one of an expiration date, calibration data, and batch number for the consumable or perishable tool.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to extend through an opening formed in the body of the consumable or perishable tool to couple thereto.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to enclose at least a portion of the body of the consumable or perishable tool to couple thereto.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first piece and the second piece are configured to threadably couple to one another.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is formed from a durable plastic material.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is formed via an additive manufacturing process.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the consumable or perishable tool is a roll of tape.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the consumable or perishable tool is a tube of adhesive, caulk, or other sealant.

10. A tracking assembly comprising:

a consumable or perishable tool having a non-usable body; and

a connector coupled to the body such that the connector remains in constant contact with the consumable or perishable tool for a life of the tool, the connector including a first piece and a second piece complementary to the first piece, the first piece and the second piece being configured to couple about the body to restrict movement of the body relative to the connector, the connector including an exposed unique identifier configured to provide identification information about the tool when accessed by an asset management system.