Induction heating systems having close proximity communication devices

An induction heating system, comprising:

• an induction power source configured to generate induction-type power, and provide the induction-type power to an induction heating tool configured to use the induction-type power to perform a heating operation;
• a port of the induction power source, or of a junction box in electrical communication with the induction power source, the port being configured for an electrical connection with the induction heating tool, such that the induction-type power can be provided through the port to the induction heating tool via the electrical connection;
• a communication device associated with the induction power source, the communication device being positioned proximate the port, the communication device being configured to read data from a memory device attached to the induction heating tool using a close proximity communication protocol when the memory device is in close proximity to the communication device, the memory device being in close proximity to the communication device when the electrical connection is established between the induction heating tool and the port;
• and
• control circuitry configured to determine whether the electrical connection has been established between the induction heating tool and the port, and in response to determining the electrical connection has been established, track an amount of time the electrical connection between the induction heating tool and the port is maintained, the communication device being configured to update the data stored by the memory device, using the close proximity communication protocol, based on the amount of time the electrical connection between the induction heating tool and the port is maintained.

An induction heating tool, comprising:

• a coil configured to receive electrical power to perform a heating operation, the coil comprising an electrically conductive cable that is sheathed within an insulating jacket, the electrically conductive cable terminating at a first end at a first connector, and terminating at a second end, opposite the first end, at a second connector;
• and
• a memory device configured to store data relating to the induction heating tool, the memory device being positioned proximate the first or second connector, wherein:
• the first and second connectors are configured to connect to first and second ports of an induction power supply, or of a junction box in electrical communication with the induction power supply, to establish an electrical connection between the induction heating tool and the first and second ports,
• the induction heating tool is configured to receive induction-type power through the electrical connection to the first and second ports,
• the memory device is positioned such that the memory device is in close proximity to the induction power supply or the junction box when the electrical connection is established between the induction heating tool and the first and second ports, and
• the memory device is configured to communicate data with a communication device of the induction power supply or the junction box when the memory device is in close proximity to the induction power supply or the junction box, the data comprising an amount of time the induction heating tool has been in use.