초록 ▼

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 a

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.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A tool for fixing or releasing a fastening element by remote activation, the tool comprising: means for fixing or releasing the fastening element without direct physical contact between the tool and the fastening element; andmeans for detecting an attribute of the fastening element, wherein the a

1. A tool for fixing or releasing a fastening element by remote activation, the tool comprising: means for fixing or releasing the fastening element without direct physical contact between the tool and the fastening element; andmeans for detecting an attribute of the fastening element, wherein the attribute is selected from the group consisting of: location of the fastening element,fixed or released status of the fastening element,identity of the fastening element,one or more environmental factors affecting the fastening element,size of the fastening element,position of the fastening element in a predetermined sequence of activation of fastening elements,history of the fastening element,authorization requirements of the fastening element, andnature of energy required for remote fixing or releasing of the fastening element; andwherein the means for fixing or releasing the fastening element is adapted to cause a locking element to move along a channel to and from a fixed position, wherein the locking element blocks a moveable member. 2. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of parts. 3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the means for detecting detects a plurality of attributes of the fastening element. 4. The tool of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying information relating to the fastening element. 5. The tool of claim 1, further comprising means for recording information relating to the fastening element. 6. The tool of claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting information relating to the fastening element. 7. The tool of claim 1, further comprising means for receiving a report from the fastening element. 8. The tool of claim 7, further comprising means for transmitting the received report. 9. The tool of claim 1, further comprising means for accepting information from a source other than the fastening element. 10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the means for accepting the information from the other source further comprises means for downloading the information or means for accepting the information from a memory card inserted in the tool. 11. The tool of claim 1, wherein the means for detecting uses infra red, radio frequency, electromagnetic, microwave, or ultrasound technology to detect at least one of the attributes. 12. The tool of claim 1, wherein the means for remote fixing or releasing uses energy transmission selected from the group consisting of infra red, radio frequency, electromagnetic, microwave, and ultrasound energy to activate the fastening element. 13. The tool of claim 1, wherein the means for detecting is adapted to operate via a remote center.