Identification tag and attachment
An identification tag for attaching to a tool to automatically identify the tool, including, a base with a small footprint for attaching to the tool on one end of the base, an identification attachment with a larger footprint that is attached to the tool by the base at a second end of the base. Wherein the identification attachment includes, an encasement that is connected to the second end of the base, an identification circuit that fits into the encasement, a cover to seal the encasement, and wherein the identification circuit accepts communication queries and transmits identification information related to the tool wirelessly from within the encasement.
1. An identification tag for attaching to a tool to automatically identify the tool, comprising:
a base with a small footprint for attaching to the tool on one end of the base;
an identification attachment with a larger footprint that is attached to the tool by said base at a second end of the base;
wherein said identification attachment comprises:
an encasement that is connected to the second end of said base;
an identification circuit that fits into said encasement;
a cover to seal the encasement; and
wherein the identification circuit accepts communication queries and transmits identification information related to the tool wirelessly from within the encasement.
2. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the base and the tool are made from the same material family.
3. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the base is attached to the tool by a laser welding process.
4. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the base is attached to the tool by an ultra-sonic process.
5. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the identification information is preprogrammed to include manufacturing information of the attached tool.
6. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is sealed by an ultra-sonic process.
7. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the encasement is shaped like a cylindrical cup.
8. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the size of the footprint of the identification attachment is at least double the size of the footprint of the base.
9. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the second end of the base includes two arms extending from the base and forming an arc.
10. An identification tag according to claim 9 , wherein one side of the arms has jagged teeth.
11. An identification tag according to claim 1 , wherein the encasement is formed as an over-mold over the base.
12. A method of forming an identification tag to identify a tool, comprising:
attaching one end of a base with a small footprint to a selected position on the tool;
coupling a second end of the base to an identification attachment;
wherein said identification attachment comprises:
an encasement that is connected to the second end of said base;
an identification circuit that fits into said encasement;
a cover to seal the encasement; and
wherein the identification circuit accepts communication queries and transmits identification information related to the tool wirelessly from within the encasement.
13. A method according to claim 12 , wherein said base is made from the same material family as the tool.
14. A method according to claim 12 , wherein the base is attached to the tool by a laser welding process.
15. A method according to claim 12 , wherein the base is attached to the tool by an ultra-sonic process.
16. A method according to claim 12 , wherein the cover is sealed by an ultra-sonic process.
17. A method according to claim 12 , wherein the encasement is shaped like a cylindrical cup.