Smart tool systems

A system comprising:

• a registration-and-control component;
• at least one mobile device remote from the registration-and-control component;
• a tool having data storage provisions, communication provisions, and electronic lock provisions;
• a first cellular communication link between the tool and the registration-and-control component;
• a second cellular communication link between the mobile device and the registration-and-control component.

A method for governing operation of a tool, the method comprising:

• providing a system including (i) a registration-and-control component;
• (ii) at least one mobile device, and (iii) at least one tool including communication provisions and electronic locking provisions;
• setting a parameter to govern tool operation using the mobile device;
• the mobile device sending the parameter to the registration-and-control component and upon receipt by the registration-and-control component, the mobile device receiving authorization from the registration-and-control component;
• the mobile device sending instructions to the tool and upon receipt by the tool, the mobile device receiving confirmation from the tool;
• the mobile device sending confirmation to the registration-and-control component;
• the registration-and-control component updating a master registry.

A method for governing operation of a tool, the method comprising:

• providing a system including (i) a registration-and-control component;
• (ii) at least one mobile device, and (iii) at least one tool including communication provisions and electronic locking provisions;
• setting a parameter to govern tool operation using the mobile device;
• the mobile device sending the parameter to the registration-and-control component;
• the registration-and-control component verifying authorization and saving the parameter;
• the registration-and-control component sending instructions to the tool and upon receipt by the tool, receiving confirmation by the tool;
• the registration-and-control component updating a master registry.

A system comprising:

• a registration-and-control component;
• at least one mobile device remote from the registration-and-control component;
• a tool having data storage provisions, communication provisions, and electronic lock provisions;
• wherein the electronic lock provisions are configured to prohibit tool use based upon at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of (i) tool operational time period, (ii) number of cycles or intervals of tool operation, (iii) end date or time, (iv) operating range(s) of tool, and (v) combinations of (i)-(iv).

A smart tool system (10A) comprising:

• a registration-and-control component (40′);
• at least one mobile device (30) functionally and operatively configured to communicate electronically with the registration-and-control component (40′);
• and
• at least one smart tool (20) configured to have smart-tool provisions selected from the group consisting of:
• electronic tool-lock provisions, wireless and/or cellular communication provisions, data-storage provisions, and combinations thereof;
• wherein a first cellular communication link (G) is functionally and operatively configured for enabling data transmission between the at least one mobile device (30) and the registration-and-control component (40′);
• wherein a second cellular communication link (F) is functionally and operatively configured for enabling data transmission between the registration-and-control component (40′) and the at least one smart tool (20);
• and
• wherein the tool-lock provisions are functionally and operatively configured to prevent smart tool use and/or functionality based upon at least one parameter limit.

A smart tool system (10B) comprising:

• a registration-and-control component (40′);
• at least one mobile device (30) functionally and operatively configured to communicate electronically with the registration-and-control component (40′);
• and
• at least one smart tool (20) configured to have smart tool provisions selected from the group consisting of:
• electronic tool-lock provisions, wireless and/or cellular communication provisions, data-storage provisions, and combinations thereof;
• wherein a wireless communication link (H) is functionally and operatively configured for enabling data transmission between the at least one mobile device (30) and the at least one smart tool (20);
• wherein a cellular communication link (J) is functionally and operatively configured for enabling data transmission between the at least one mobile device (30) and the registration-and-control component (40′);
• and
• wherein the tool-lock provisions are functionally and operatively configured to prevent smart tool use and/or functionality based upon at least one parameter limit.

A method for setting up and operating a smart-tool system (10A), the method comprising:

• providing a smart-tool system (10A) comprising:
• at least one smart tool (20) operatively configured to have smart-tool provisions selected from the group consisting of:
• tool-lock provisions, wireless and/or cellular data transmission and/or electronic communication provisions, data-storage provisions, and combinations thereof;
• and
• at least one mobile device (30) functionally and operatively configured to communicate with a registration-and-control component (40′);
• wherein the tool-lock provisions are functionally and operatively configured to prevent smart-tool functionality based upon at least one parameter limit;
• providing data transfer and cellular communication information effective for enabling a user to establish a first cellular communication link (G) effective for sending and/or receiving data including the at least one parameter limit between the at least one mobile device (30) and the registration-and-control component (40′);
• and
• providing data transfer and cellular communication information effective for enabling a user to establish a second cellular communication link (F) effective for sending and/or receiving data including the at least one parameter limit between the at least one smart tool (20) and the registration-and-control component (40′).

A method for setting up and operating a smart-tool system (10B), the method comprising:

• providing a smart-tool system (10B) comprising:
• at least one smart tool (20) operatively configured to have smart-tool provisions selected from the group consisting of:
• tool-lock provisions, wireless and/or cellular data transmission and/or electronic communication provisions, data-storage provisions, and combinations thereof;
• and
• at least one mobile device (30) functionally and operatively configured to communicate with a registration-and-control component (40′);
• wherein the tool-lock provisions are functionally and operatively configured to prevent smart-tool functionality based upon at least one parameter limit;
• providing data transfer and wireless communication information effective for enabling a user to establish a wireless communication link (H) effective for sending and/or receiving data including the at least one parameter limit between the at least one smart tool (20) and the at least one smart tool (20);
• and
• providing data transfer and cellular communication information effective for enabling a user to establish a cellular communication link (J) effective for sending and/or receiving data including the at least one parameter limit between the at least one mobile device (30) and the registration-and-control component (40′).