Rechargeable tool and battery status monitoring in an automated tool control system
US10379167B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An automated tool control system provides both inventory control of items stored in the system and monitoring of the charging status of rechargeable inventory items such as tools and batteries stored in the system. For these purposes, the tool control system includes storage locations for storing tools and other inventory items, and the storage locations include at least one storage location located in a charger operative to charge a rechargeable tool, battery, or battery pack disposed therein. In operation, the tool control system may monitor the charging status of any tool, battery, or battery pack disposed in the storage location of the charger through monitoring of battery status indicators of the tool, battery, battery pack, or charger; through monitoring of current or voltage drawn by the tool, battery, battery pack, or charger; or through wired or wireless communication with a communication enabled tool, battery, battery pack, or charger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.