System and method for data retrieval in AC power tools via an AC line cord
US7346406B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B2203/5483
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing device for analysis and/or recording.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.