Air tool monitoring apparatus, air tool incorporating same, system for monitoring multiple air tools equipped with same, and methods of using same

An air tool monitoring apparatus, comprising:

• a housing configured for placement in an air supply line for a pneumatic air tool and to receive an air stream passing therethrough during operation of the air tool, the housing comprising a main housing body having a hollow chamber formed therein, and also having an inlet and an outlet formed therein, each of the inlet and an outlet being in fluid communication with the chamber, and at least one end plate removably connected to the main housing body with fasteners, to permit selective access to an interior of the main housing body;
• a first sensor for operatively detecting air flow through the housing;
• a second sensor operatively attached to the housing for sensing a condition indicative of tool wear;
• a battery disposed in the housing;
• a microprocessor operatively connected to the housing and comprising a timer, RAM, ROM, and a unique identifier;
• and
• a communication device for sending data from the microprocessor to a data collection device.