Multi-Function Tool

Abstract

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.

1 . A tool for fixing or releasing a the fastening element, the tool comprising:
 means for fixing or releasing the fastening element by direct physical contact; and   means for detecting an attribute of the fastening element without direct physical contact with the fastening element, wherein the attribute is selected from the group comprising:
 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, and 
 shape of a slot on the fastening element for engagement with the means for fixing or releasing the fastening element. 
   
     
     
         2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the means for detecting an attribute of
 the fastening element detects an attribute 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 fastening element, 
 authorization requirements of the fastening element, and 
 shape of a slot on the fastening element for engagement with the means for fixing or releasing the fastening element. 
   
     
     
         3 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising means for automatically adjusting the means for fixing or releasing the fastening element based on detection of the size of the fastening element. 
     
     
         4 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising means for automatically adjusting a protrusion in the means for fixing or releasing the fastening element based on detection of the shape of a slot on the fastening element. 
     
     
         5 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of parts. 
     
     
         6 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the means for detecting detects a plurality of attributes of the fastening element. 
     
     
         7 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising means for displaying information relating to the fastening element. 
     
     
         8 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising means for recording information relating to the fastening element. 
     
     
         9 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising means for transmitting information relating to the fastening element. 
     
     
         10 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising means for receiving a report from the fastening element. 
     
     
         11 . The tool of  claim 10 , further comprising means for transmitting the received report. 
     
     
         12 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising means for accepting information from a source other than a fastening element. 
     
     
         13 . The tool of  claim 12 , wherein the means for accepting 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. 
     
     
         14 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the means for detecting the attribute uses infra red, radio frequency, electromagnetic, microwave or ultrasound technology. 
     
     
         15 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the means for detecting the attribute is adapted to operate via a remote center. 
     
     
         16 . A tool for fixing or releasing a fastening element, the tool comprising:
 means for fixing or releasing the fastening element by direct physical contact; and   means for detecting an attribute of the fastening element, wherein the attribute is   selected from the group consisting of:
 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, and 
 shape of a slot on the fastening element for engagement with the means 
 for fixing or releasing the fastening element by direct physical contact. 
   
     
     
         17 . The tool of  claim 16 , further comprising means for automatically adjusting the means for fixing or releasing the fastening element based on detection of the size of the fastening element. 
     
     
         18 . The tool of  claim 16 , further comprising means for automatically adjusting a protrusion in the means for fixing or releasing the fastening element based on detection of the shape of the slot on the fastening element. 
     
     
         19 . The tool of  claim 16 , further comprising a plurality of parts. 
     
     
         20 . The tool of  claim 16 , wherein the means for detecting detects a plurality of attributes of the fastening element. 
     
     
         21 . The tool of  claim 16 , further comprising means for displaying information relating to the fastening element. 
     
     
         22 . The tool of  claim 16 , further comprising means for recording information relating to the fastening element. 
     
     
         23 . The tool of  claim 16 , further comprising means for transmitting information relating to the fastening element. 
     
     
         24 . The tool of  claim 16 , further comprising means for receiving a report from the fastening element. 
     
     
         25 . The tool of  claim 24 , further comprising means for transmitting the received report. 
     
     
         26 . The tool of  claim 16 , further comprising means for accepting information from a source other than a fastening element. 
     
     
         27 . The tool of  claim 26 , wherein the means for accepting 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. 
     
     
         28 . The tool of  claim 16 , wherein the means for detecting the attribute is adapted to operate via a remote center.