18405867. WIRELESS TRACKING OF POWER TOOLS AND RELATED DEVICES simplified abstract (MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION)

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WIRELESS TRACKING OF POWER TOOLS AND RELATED DEVICES

Organization Name

MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Jeffrey M. Zeiler of Pewaukee WI (US)

Leslie J. Reading of Lakeside CA (US)

WIRELESS TRACKING OF POWER TOOLS AND RELATED DEVICES - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18405867 titled 'WIRELESS TRACKING OF POWER TOOLS AND RELATED DEVICES

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and prevent theft or misplacement. Here are some key points from the abstract:

  • Power tools and batteries have wireless transmitting capabilities to communicate with a fob, puck repeater, and gateway over an ISM network.
  • The gateway translates and sends ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a computer or smartphone.
  • The gateway can also translate and send cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit back to ISM communications over the ISM network.
  • A wireless tethering system is included, where an ISM battery can put a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode if it remains outside of ISM communications for an extended period.

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in construction sites, warehouses, and other industrial settings to track and manage tools and equipment efficiently.

Problems Solved

This technology helps prevent theft and loss of valuable tools, streamlines inventory management, and improves overall job site efficiency.

Benefits

The system provides real-time tracking of tools, reduces the risk of theft, saves time and money on inventory management, and enhances overall security on job sites.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications include tool rental companies, construction companies, manufacturing facilities, and any business that relies on the use of power tools and equipment.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be RFID tracking systems used in warehouses and logistics to track inventory and assets. However, the specific application of wirelessly tracking power tools with ISM technology may be a novel innovation.

Unanswered Questions

How does the system handle multiple tools being used simultaneously on a job site?

The patent application does not provide details on how the system manages and tracks multiple tools being used concurrently in a busy job site environment.

What is the cost of implementing this technology on a large scale?

The patent application does not address the potential costs associated with deploying this system across a large job site or industrial facility.


Original Abstract Submitted

A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.

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