Patent Publication Number: US-2023144664-A1

Title: Wireless tracking of power tools and related devices

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/551,445, filed Dec. 15, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/412,886, filed Aug. 26, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/728,580, filed Dec. 27, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,159,942, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/257,978, filed Jan. 25, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,531,304, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/959,934, filed Dec. 4, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,237,742, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/662,093, filed Oct. 26, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,467,862, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/551,793, filed Oct. 26, 2011; U.S. Provisional Application 61/638,102, filed Apr. 25, 2012; and U.S. Provisional Application 61/676,115, filed Jul. 26, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to systems and methods for tracking power tools and related devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     Theft and misplacement of power tools at job sites and during transportation are significant problems for professional power tool users. Higher costing and higher quality power tools often are subject to a greater risk of thievery. In some instances, potential buyers choose lower costing and lower quality power tools to reduce the chances or impact of theft. Additionally, periodically checking inventory of such tools, for instance, to ensure all tools are returned at the end of a work day, can be a burdensome and cumbersome process. The burden is particularly significant for businesses responsible for maintaining a large corral of tools. 
     Finding a low cost method for tool owners to remotely monitor and locate their power tools provides owners with a powerful theft deterrent system, and also improves the efficiencies of day-to-day work by allowing a new way to track and monitor the use and location of their tools. For example, tool inventory can be done automatically before work starts in the morning, and once again at the end of the day to verify tools are returned to the proper location. 
     Embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to address the above-noted issues and to provide other benefits, as will become apparent from consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a gateway device including a power interface, a wireless network module, a cellular module, and a translation module. The power interface is configured to selectively engage a power source interface of at least one of a power tool battery, a power tool battery charger, and a worksite audio device. The wireless network module is configured to wirelessly communicate with a wireless network having at least one power tool device. The cellular module is configured to wirelessly communicate via a cellular network. The translation module is coupled to the wireless network module and the cellular module. Additionally, the translation module is configured to provide translated communications received from the wireless network via the wireless network module to the cellular module for output to the cellular network, and translated communications received from the cellular network via the cellular module to the wireless network module for output to the wireless network. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a gateway device including a power interface, a wireless network module, and a cellular module. The power interface is configured to selectively engage a power source interface of a power tool battery, which is operable to engage and provide power to a power tool when not engaged to the power interface. The wireless network module is coupled to the power interface to receive power therefrom. Additionally, the wireless network module is configured to wirelessly communicate, at a first power level, with a wireless network having at least one power tool device. The cellular module is coupled to the power interface to receive power therefrom. Additionally, the cellular module is configured to wirelessly communicate via a cellular network at a second power level, the second power level being greater than the first power level. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides worksite audio device-gateway including a housing, a power circuit, an audio circuit, and a gateway device. The power circuit receives power from one of a removable DC source and an AC source. The audio circuit is coupled to the power circuit for receipt of power and is positioned within the housing. Additionally, the audio circuit generates audio signals and provides the audio signals to a speaker. The gateway device is coupled to the power circuit for receipt of power. The gateway device includes a wireless network module configured to wirelessly communicate with a wireless network having at least one power tool device, and a cellular module configured to wirelessly communicate via a cellular network. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a gateway device including a power interface, a wireless network module, and a cellular module. The power interface is configured to selectively engage a power source interface of a power tool battery charger, which is operable to engage and charge a power tool battery via the power source interface when not engaged to the power interface. The wireless network module is coupled to the power interface to receive power therefrom. Additionally, the wireless network module is configured to wirelessly communicate, at a first power level, with a wireless network having at least one power tool device. The cellular module is coupled to the power interface to receive power therefrom and configured to wirelessly communicate via a cellular network at a second power level. The second power level is greater than the first power level. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of operating a gateway device comprising a power interface, a wireless network module, a cellular module, and a translation module. The method includes selectively engaging the power interface with a power source interface of at least one of a power tool battery, a power tool battery charger, and a worksite audio device. The method further includes wirelessly communicating, via the wireless network module, with a wireless network having at least one power tool device; and wirelessly communicating, via the cellular module, with a cellular network. The translation module is coupled to the wireless network module and the cellular module. Additionally, the translation module translates communications received from the wireless network via the wireless network module to the cellular module for output to the cellular network, and translates communications received from the cellular network via the cellular module to the wireless network module for output to the wireless network. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a two-piece gateway including an external portion and an internal portion on opposite sides of a divider, such as a wall or lid. The external portion includes at least one wireless network antenna and a cellular antenna. The internal portion includes a power interface, a wireless network module, a cellular module, and a translation module. The power interface is configured to selectively engage a power source interface of a battery, such as a power tool battery. The wireless network module is coupled to the wireless network antenna and is configured to wirelessly communicate via the wireless network antenna with a wireless network having at least one power tool device. The cellular module is coupled to the cellular antenna and configured to wirelessly communicate, via the cellular antenna, with the cellular network. The translation module is coupled to the wireless network module and the cellular module. Additionally, the translation module is configured to provide translated communications received from the wireless network via the wireless network module to the cellular module for output to the cellular network, and translated communications received from the cellular network via the cellular module to the wireless network module for output to the wireless network. 
     In some instances, the internal portion further includes an internal wireless network module. The internal wireless network module is coupled to the wireless network module and is used to communicate with wireless devices on the internal portion side of the divider. In some instances, the two-piece gateway is mounted to a job box, which is used to tools and/or materials, such as on a worksite. The two-piece gateway may be mounted to the lid of the job box such that the lid is the divider. The external portion is outside of the job box and the internal portion is within the job box, e.g., when the lid is closed. In some instances, the two-piece gateway is mounted to a vehicle, such as a truck or van with a space for storing tools and/or materials. The two-piece gateway may be mounted to a divider near the top of the space of the vehicle used to store tools and/or materials. In some instances, the external portion is covered by a rigid, protective covering, such as polyurethane dome. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a wireless tool tethering method. The method includes storing a first security code in a power tool powered by a battery; detecting, by a controller of the power tool, a trigger activation by a user; and initiating a handshake with the battery in response to the detected trigger activation. The controller receives a second security code from the battery and determines whether the second security code matches the first security code. When the second security code matches the first security code, the tool is enabled to operate in a normal mode. When the second security code does not match the first security code, the tool is placed in one of a lock-out mode and a limp mode. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides another wireless tool tethering method. The method includes storing a first security code in a power tool battery; receiving, wirelessly by a battery controller of the power tool battery, a second security code from a fob; and determining, by the battery controller, whether the second security code matches the first security code. The battery controller further receives a handshake request from a power tool coupled to the power tool battery. In response to the handshake request, the battery controller provides to the power tool the first security code to the power tool, when the second security code is determined to match the first security code, and an indication of an invalid security code, when the second security code is determined to not match the first security code. In response to receiving the indication of the invalid security code, the power tool is placed in one of a lock-out mode and a limp mode. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides another wireless tool tethering method. The method includes storing a first security code in a power tool battery; receiving, wirelessly by a battery controller of the power tool battery, a second security code from a fob; and determining, by the battery controller, whether the second security code matches the first security code. The battery controller receives a handshake request from a power tool coupled to the power tool battery. In response to the handshake request, the battery controller provides a simulated error code to the power tool, when the second security code is determined to not match the first security code, and a handshake response to the power tool indicating that the battery is operating normally, when the second security code is determined to match the first security code. In response to the simulated error code, the power tool is placed in one of a lock-out mode and a limp mode. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a tool tracking system having a monitored tool, a fob device, a gateway device, and a remote monitoring device. The monitored tool includes a tracking unit and one of a power tool battery and a connector for receiving power from an external AC power source. The tracking unit includes an energy storage device that powers the tracking unit, a tool communication unit that communicates over a mesh wireless network, and a user output device that, in response to receiving a chirp message via the tool communication unit, generates user output to alert a user. The fob device includes a fob communication unit, a tool database, a chirp module, a locate module, a geo-fence module, and a tool security module. The fob communication unit communicates with the monitored tool over the mesh wireless network, a tool database storing a tool identifier (ID) of the monitored tool. The chirp module sends the chirp message, in response to user input, to the monitored tool over the mesh wireless network. The locate module sends a locate message to the monitored tool, receives a response from the monitored tool, and determines a distance between the fob device and the monitored tool based on the response. The geo-fence module receives a tool boundary, determines a position of the monitored tool, compares the position to the tool boundary, and determines whether the monitored tool has exceeded the tool boundary. The tool security module sends a lock command to the monitored tool via the communication unit in response to the geo-fence module determining that the monitored tool has exceeded the tool boundary. 
     The gateway device of the tool tracking system includes a mesh network communications module, a cellular communications module, and a translation controller. The mesh network communications module communicates with the fob device and the monitored tool over the mesh wireless network. The cellular communications module communicates with a remote monitoring device over a cellular network. The translation controller (a) receives incoming mesh network messages from the mesh network communications module, translates the incoming mesh network messages to outgoing cellular messages, and outputs the outgoing cellular messages via the cellular communications module, and (b) receives incoming cellular messages from the cellular communications module, translates the incoming cellular messages to outgoing mesh network messages, and outputs the outgoing mesh network messages via the mesh network communications module. 
     The remote monitoring device of the tool tracking system includes a cellular communications radio that communicates with the gateway device via the cellular network, and a tool monitoring module. The tool monitoring module includes a remote tool polling module, a remote geo-fence module, a remote tool security module, and a remote tool database. The remote tool polling module sends, in response to a user request, a poll command to the monitored tool via the gateway, and receives, in response to the poll command, tool data from the monitored tool via the gateway. The remote geo-fence module receives a second tool boundary, receives position data for the monitored tool from the gateway, compares the position data to the second tool boundary, and determines whether the monitored tool has exceeded the second tool boundary. The remote tool security module sends a lock command to the monitored tool via the communication unit in response to the geo-fence module determining that the monitored tool has exceeded the second tool boundary. The remote tool database stores tool identification information and the position data received from the communication unit. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a tool tracking system including a monitored tool, a fob device, a gateway device, and a remote monitoring device. The monitored tool includes a tracking unit and one of a power tool battery and a connector for receiving power from an external AC power source. The tracking unit includes an energy storage device that powers the tracking unit, a tool communication unit that communicates over a mesh wireless network, and a user output device that, in response to receiving a chirp message via the tool communication unit, generates user output to alert a user. The fob device includes a fob communication unit that communicates with the monitored tool over the mesh wireless network and a tool database storing a tool identifier (ID) of the monitored tool. 
     The gateway device includes a mesh network communications module that communicates with the fob device and the monitored tool over the mesh wireless network, and a cellular communications module that communicates with a remote monitoring device over a cellular network. The gateway device further includes a translation controller that (a) receives incoming mesh network messages from the mesh network communications module, translates the incoming mesh network messages to outgoing cellular messages, and outputs the outgoing cellular messages via the cellular communications module, and (b) receives incoming cellular messages from the cellular communications module, translates the incoming cellular messages to outgoing mesh network messages, and outputs the outgoing mesh network messages via the mesh network communications module. The gateway device also includes at least one of battery terminals that receive a power tool battery for powering the gateway device, and battery charger terminals that receive a power tool battery charger for powering the gateway device. The remote monitoring device includes a cellular communications radio that communicates with the gateway device via the cellular network, and a tool monitoring module. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a worksite radio-gateway having a housing, an audio circuit within the housing for generating audio signals provided to an audio output device, and a gateway device. The gateway device includes a mesh network communications module that communicates with a monitored tool over the mesh wireless network and a cellular communications module that communicates with a remote monitoring device over a cellular network. The gateway device further includes a translation controller that (a) receives incoming mesh network messages from the mesh network communications module, translates the incoming mesh network messages to outgoing cellular messages, and outputs the outgoing cellular messages via the cellular communications module, and (b) receives incoming cellular messages from the cellular communications module, translates the incoming cellular messages to outgoing mesh network messages, and outputs the outgoing mesh network messages via the mesh network communications module. 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a tool tracking system including a monitored tool and a tool monitoring module. The monitored tool includes a tracking unit and one of a power tool battery and a connector for receiving an external AC power source. The tracking unit includes an energy storage device that powers the tracking unit, a global positioning satellite (GPS) unit that determines the location of the monitored tool, and a cellular unit that communicates the location of the monitored tool via a cellular network as position data. The remote monitoring device includes a tool monitoring module and a communication unit that communicates with the monitored tool and receives the position data. The tool monitoring module includes a tool polling module, a geo-fence module, a tool security module and a tool database. In response to a user request, the tool polling module sends a poll command to the monitored tool via the communication unit, and receives, in response to the poll command, tool data from the monitored tool via the communication unit. The geo-fence module receives a tool boundary, receives the position data from the communication unit, compares the position data to the tool boundary, and determines whether the monitored tool has exceeded the tool boundary. The tool security module sends a lock command to the monitored tool via the communication unit in response to the geo-fence module determining that the monitored tool has exceeded the tool boundary. The tool database stores tool identification information and the position data received from the communication unit. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a tool tracking system including a monitored tool and a remote monitoring device. The monitored tool includes a tracking unit and one of a power tool battery and a connector for receiving an external AC power source. The tracking unit includes an energy storage device that powers the tracking unit, a global positioning satellite (GPS) unit that determines the location of the monitored tool, and a geo-fence module that receives a tool boundary, receives the location from the GPS unit, compares the location to the tool boundary, and determines whether the monitored tool has exceeded the tool boundary. The tracking unit further includes a controller that locks the monitored tool in response to the geo-fence module determining that the monitored tool has exceeded the tool boundary, and a cellular unit that communicates position data, including the location of the monitored tool and an indication that the monitored tool has exceeded the tool boundary, via a cellular network. The remote monitoring device includes a tool monitoring module and a communication unit that communicates with the monitored tool and receives the position data. The tool monitoring module includes a tool security module that receives the indication that the monitored tool has exceeded the tool boundary via the communication unit and that forwards the indication to one of an owner of the monitored tool and another entity (a contact entity). The tool monitoring module also includes a tool database that stores tool identification information and the position data received from the communication unit. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the monitored tool further includes a cellular antenna integrated with one of a gear case and a housing of the monitored tool. In some embodiments, the remote monitoring device further includes a display screen with a graphical user interface enabling a user to specify the tool boundary and that displays a map with an indication of the location of the monitored tool based on the position data. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface (1) displays a map and receives a boundary line drawn by a user dragging a graphical drawing instrument on the map, (2) receives user input that specifies a shape of the tool boundary, a radius of the shape, and a center point of the shape, (3) indicates the location of the monitored tool and locations of other tools monitored by the remote monitoring device, and/or (4) graphical user interface further displays one or more of a status, location, and type of the monitored tool and other tools. In some instances where the center point is specified, the center point is one of a geographical location, a street address, and a dynamic location of a GPS-enabled device. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface further receives from the user a selection of one or more of the monitored tool and other tools listed, and one of a poll request, map request, lock request, and unlock request. In some embodiments, the cellular unit communicates a serial number of the monitored tool and/or tool status and usage data, via a cellular network, to the remote monitoring device. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a tool tracking method that includes displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a monitoring device and receiving, via the GUI, a request to poll a tool, wherein the request specifies the tool to be polled. The method further includes obtaining contact information for the tool, and sending a poll command to the tool using the contact information. The method also includes receiving tool data wirelessly output by the tool and displaying the tool data on the GUI. The tool data includes at least one of tool status data, tool usage data, and tool position data. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a tool tracking method that includes displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a monitoring device and receiving, via the GUI, a tool boundary for a tool. The method further includes receiving position data wirelessly output by the tool, wherein the position data indicates a location of the tool, and comparing the position data to the tool boundary to determine whether the tool has exceeded the tool boundary. In response to a determination that the tool has exceeded the tool boundary, the method includes performing a security action. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a tool tracking method that includes displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) on a monitoring device and receiving, via the GUI, a tool boundary for a plurality of tools. The method further includes receiving position data wirelessly output by the plurality of tools, wherein the position data indicates a location of each of the plurality of tools. Thereafter, the method includes comparing the position data to the tool boundary to determine a quantity of the plurality of tools that have exceeded the tool boundary. The quantity of the plurality of tools determined to have exceeded the boundary is then compared to a predetermined threshold that is greater than one. If the quantity exceeds the predetermined threshold, the method includes performing a security action. The security action may include at least one of sending a lock command to the tool, obtaining additional contact information for the tool and sending an alarm message to an entity indicated by the contact information, and sending a message to government authorities. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a tool tracking method that includes receiving, by a tool, a tool boundary for the tool from a remote monitoring device. The tool determines a position of the tool based on global positioning satellite signals and compares the position to the tool boundary to determine whether the tool has exceeded the tool boundary. In response to a determination that the tool has exceeded the tool boundary, the tool performs a security action. The security action may include at least one of locking the tool such that the tool ceases to function normally, generating one of an audible, visual, and vibratory alarm, and wirelessly outputting a message to the remote monitoring device indicating that the tool has exceeded the tool boundary. 
     Embodiments of the invention enable a tool tracking system to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a tool monitoring system according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an exemplary tool in the tool monitoring system. 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate exemplary monitoring units of the tool monitoring system. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a tool monitoring module according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  illustrate various graphical user interfaces for use in the tool monitoring system. 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  illustrate a tool polling method and geo-fence method according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a tool monitoring method according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrate alternate embodiments of the tool to be monitored in the tool monitoring system. 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  illustrate other devices related to tools that may be monitored in the tool monitoring system. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates another tool monitoring system according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS.  11 A-B  illustrate communications between elements of the tool monitoring system of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    illustrates an exemplary tool of the tool monitoring system of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIGS.  13 A-C  illustrate an exemplary fob of the tool monitoring system of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIGS.  13 D-G  illustrate an exemplary ISM phone of the tool monitoring system of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  14    illustrates an exemplary gateway of the tool monitoring system of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIGS.  15 A-B  and  16 A-E illustrate embodiments of an exemplary gateway of the tool monitoring system of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIGS.  17 A-B ,  18 , and  19  illustrate embodiments of a combined worksite radio-gateway for use in the tool monitoring system of  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a worksite having an ISM network. 
         FIGS.  21 A-B  illustrate puck repeaters according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  22    illustrates an ISM battery in communication with a power tool and an ISM-enabled fob. 
         FIGS.  23 - 24    illustrate tethering methods for use with a power tool and power tool battery. 
         FIGS.  25 A-C  illustrate a job box gateway according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  26    illustrates a cross-section A-A of the job box gateway of  FIG.  25 C . 
         FIG.  27    illustrates a vehicle gateway according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  28    illustrates a two-piece gateway according to embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a tool monitoring system  100  including a tool  105 , a satellite  110  (representing a series of global positioning satellites), a cellular network antenna  115  (representing a cellular network), a smart phone  120 , the Internet  125 , a wireless router  130 , a personal computer  135 , and a tool monitoring server  140 . The tool monitoring system  100  enables a user to monitor status, usage, and position information of the tool  105  remotely via, for example, the smart phone  120  or computer  135 . 
     The tool  105  is a battery-operated power drill that includes a tool controller  145 , tracking unit  150 , sensors  155 , battery  160 , and a motor  165 . The tool controller  145  selectively applies power from the battery  160  to the motor  165  to cause the motor  165  to rotate in response to depression of a trigger  170 . Rotation of the motor  165  is conveyed to an end output unit  175  (e.g., a bit holder), which causes a bit held by the end output unit  175  to rotate to drill a hole in a work piece, drive in a screw, etc. The motor  165  may be a brushless motor, a brushed motor, a permanent-magnet motor, an AC motor, a DC motor, or another type of motor. 
     Although the tool  105  is depicted as a power drill, other types of tools and accessories may also be monitored by the tool monitoring system  100 . For instance, the tool monitoring system  100  may monitor battery packs, battery chargers, other power tools, test and measurement equipment, vacuum cleaners, worksite radios, outdoor power equipment, and vehicles. Power tools can include drills, circular saws, jig saws, band saws, reciprocating saws, screw drivers, angle grinders, straight grinders, hammers, multi-tools, impact wrenches, rotary hammers, impact drivers, angle drills, pipe cutters, grease guns, and the like. Battery chargers can include wall chargers, multi-port chargers, travel chargers, and the like. Test and measurement equipment can include digital multimeters, clamp meters, fork meters, wall scanners, IR thermometers, laser distance meters, laser levels, remote displays, insulation testers, moisture meters, thermal imagers, inspection cameras, and the like. Vacuum cleaners can include stick vacuums, hand vacuums, upright vacuums, carpet cleaners, hard surface cleaners, canister vacuums, broom vacuums, and the like. Outdoor power equipment can include blowers, chain saws, edgers, hedge trimmers, lawn mowers, trimmers, and the like. The battery pack can also be attachable to and detachable from devices such as electronic key boxes, calculators, cellular phones, head phones, cameras, motion sensing alarms, flashlights, worklights, weather information display devices, a portable power source, a digital camera, a digital music player, a radio, and multi-purpose cutters. Additionally, the tool monitoring system  100  is operable to monitor multiple devices simultaneously. 
     The sensors  155  detect various status and usage information from the tool  105 . For instance, the sensors  155  may include a motor sensor to track the number of motor rotations and to detect motor rotation speed and acceleration; a torque sensor to detect motor torque; a battery sensor to detect the battery charge level and the rate of increase or decrease of the battery charge level; a trigger sensor to detect whether the trigger is depressed; an acceleration sensor to detect movement of the tool, including abrupt decelerations (e.g., caused by dropping); and a temperature sensor to detect the temperature within the tool housing. 
     The tool controller  145  is in communication with the sensors  155  to receive the obtained sensor data from the sensors  155  and to control the operation of the sensors  155  (e.g., to enable or disable particular sensors). The tool controller  145  includes a memory  180  (see  FIG.  2   ) to store the sensor data for later export from the tool  105 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
     The battery  160  is a removable, rechargeable energy storage device that provides power to the components of the tool  105 . The battery  160  may comprise electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. For instance, the battery  160  may include lithium ion, nickel-metal hydride, and/or nickel-cadmium cells. Other battery cells may also be used. The battery  160  includes a base  160   a  and projection  160   b  including a positive and a negative electrical contact. The projection  160   b  slides into a receiving cavity in the bottom handle of the tool  105  and locks into engagement with the tool  105  such that the battery  160  remains engaged with the tool  105  unless a release tab (not shown) is actuated. In some embodiments, other battery connections and configurations are possible for the tool  105  including an internal, non-removable battery. 
     The tracking unit  150  of tool  105  includes one or more antennas  185  for communication with the satellite  110 , cellular network antenna  115 , wireless router  130 , and/or other wireless communication networks and devices. Turning to  FIG.  2   , the antennas  185  include a cellular antenna  190 , a WLAN antenna  195 , and a global positioning system (GPS) antenna  200 , which are associated with a cellular unit  205 , WLAN unit  210 , and GPS unit  215 , respectively. In some embodiments, the WLAN antenna  195  and WLAN unit  210  facilitate wireless communication according to IEEE 802.11 protocols, also referred to as Wi-Fi®. In some embodiments, other antennas may be included in addition to or in place of the antennas  185  to enable other types of wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth™, radio frequency identification (RFID), satellite phone, etc.) and the tracking unit  150  may also include wired connection interfaces (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire®, etc.) for communicating with other devices (e.g., smart phone  120 , PC  135 , and tool monitoring server  140 ). Accordingly, the WLAN and cellular communications described below that occur between the tool  105  and remote devices (e.g., smart phone  120 , PC  135 , and tool monitoring server  140 ) may also be carried out by way of the other types of wireless and wired communication interfaces. 
     Rotating of the motor  165  may cause interference that is detrimental to performance of one or more of the antennas  185 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, if the motor  165  is rotating, transmissions from the tracking unit  150  are delayed until rotation has ceased. However, if the transmissions are high priority, for instance, to indicate a possible theft of the tool  105 , the transmissions are not delayed until rotation of the motor  165  ceases. Additionally, if the motor  165  rotates for a prolonged, uninterrupted period, particularly if the battery  160  is low, the transmissions of the tracking unit  150  are not delayed until rotation of the motor  165  ceases. Moreover, the antennas  185  may be positioned in the tool  105  away from potential sources of interference, such as the motor  165 . For instance, the antennas  185  may be positioned at the base of the handle of tool  105 . Furthermore, one or more of the antennas  185  may be integrated with a housing or gear case within the tool  105  to improve transmission and reception performance. 
     The tracking unit  150  further includes a controller  220  in communication with the cellular unit  205 , WLAN unit  210 , GPS unit  215 , and a memory  225 . The memory  225  may store instructions that, when executed by the controller  220 , enable the controller  220  to carry out the functions attributable to the controller  220  described herein. Although the tracking unit  150  is generally powered by the battery  160 , in some instances, an additional energy storage device  230  is included. The additional energy storage device  230  enables the tracking unit  150  to operate even when the battery  160  is not inserted into the tool  105 . That is, if the battery  160  is not present in the tool  105 , or if the battery  160  is below a low power threshold, the tracking unit  150  may operate based on power from the additional energy storage device  230 . For instance, the controller  220  may receive an indication from the tool controller  145  that the battery  160  is not present or below a low power threshold. In turn, controller  220  is operable to open or close a switch (not shown) to connect the energy storage device  230  to the other components of the tracking unit  620 . 
     The additional energy storage device  230  may be non-rechargeable, primary battery that is generally not removable from the power tool  105 , except during repairs or the like. In some instances, the primary battery is designed to have a life expectancy of between about five to seven years. For instance, the primary battery may be soldered or otherwise mounted to a printed circuit board that includes other components of the tracking unit  150 . In some embodiments, the additional energy storage device  230  is a rechargeable battery (e.g., lithium ion) and/or an ultra capacitor. In some embodiments, in combination or in place of the other power sources, the tracking unit  150  may be powered by a solar cell mounted externally on the tool  105  and/or a fuel cell within the tool  105 . 
     The controller  220  is also in communication with the tool controller  145 , for instance, to retrieve tool status and usage data, such as that which is stored in the memory  180  or being obtained by the tool controller  145  (e.g., from the sensors  155 ) in real-time or near real-time. 
     In operation, the tracking unit  150  receives global positioning satellite (GPS) signals via the GPS antenna  200  from satellite  110 . The GPS signals are transmitted from the GPS antenna  200  to the GPS unit  215 . The GPS unit  215  interprets the GPS signals to determine a position of the tracking unit  150 . The determined position is output by the GPS unit  215  to the controller  220  as position data. The controller  220  also obtains tool status and usage data (whether from memory  225  or tool controller  145 ) which, in combination with the position data, is collectively referred to as “tool data.” The controller  220  then outputs the tool data to the cellular unit  205 . The cellular unit  205 , via the cellular antenna  190 , is operable to convert the position data to an appropriate format and transmit the position data to a remote cellular device, such as smart phone  120 , via the cellular network antenna  115 . In some instances, the remote cellular device is a base station (not shown) that converts the cellular transmission to another communication protocol, such as an Internet-compatible protocol, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc., for transmission to a remote monitoring device (e.g., smart phone  120 , PC  135 , or server  140 ). The cellular unit  205  may transmit the position data to the cellular network antenna  115  in a format compatible with an analog cellular network, a digital cellular network (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Short Message Service (SMS)), as well as other cellular network protocols. 
     In addition to, or as an alternative to, the controller  220  outputting the tool data via the cellular unit  205 , the controller  220  may also output the tool data via the WLAN unit  210 . The WLAN unit  210  converts the tool data to a WLAN-compatible format and transmits the tool data to a remote device, such as a tool monitoring server  140 , PC  135 , or internet-enabled smart phone  120 , via the wireless router  130 . In some embodiments, the wireless router  130  facilitates wireless communication according to IEEE 802.11 protocols, also referred to as Wi-Fi®. In some instances, the wireless router  130  may be a type of wireless access point (WAP) device other than a router, such as a hub. 
     In some embodiments, the GPS unit  215  is an assisted GPS (aGPS) unit that communicates with the cellular unit  205  and/or WLAN unit  210  in addition to monitoring GPS radio signals to determine the position of the tool  105 . For example, the aGPS unit may communicate with remote devices (not shown) via the cellular unit  205  and/or WLAN unit  210  to obtain information that assists in more quickly acquiring satellites. The information may include orbital data for GPS satellites (e.g., satellite  110 ), precise time data, position information based on triangulation between cellular towers (e.g., cellular network antenna  115 ) or WLAN routers (e.g., wireless router  130 ), etc. In some instances, the GPS unit  215  may transmit GPS signal data received via the GPS antenna  200  to a remote GPS server (not shown) via the cellular unit  205  or WLAN unit  210 . The GPS server is then operable to generate the position data and provide the position data back to the GPS unit  215 , controller  220 , or a remote monitoring device. In some embodiments, the tracking unit  150  determines the position of the tool  105  using cellular triangulation, rather than using the GPS unit  215 . 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates the smart phone  120 , an exemplary remote monitoring unit, in greater detail. The smart phone  120  includes a processor  250  for executing instructions (e.g., stored in memory  252 ) for carrying out the functionality of the smart phone  120  as described herein. The processor  250  is in communication with a display  254  for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) to a user of the smart phone  120 . The processor  250  is further in communication with a cellular unit  256 , GPS unit  258 , and WLAN unit  260 . The cellular unit  256  is coupled to a cellular antenna  262  and, in combination, they enable the smart phone  120  to communicate via a cellular network (e.g., via cellular network antenna  115 ). The GPS unit  258  is coupled to GPS antenna  264  to receive GPS signals and enable the smart phone  120  to determine its position. The WLAN unit  260  is coupled to a WLAN antenna  266  and, in combination, they enable the smart phone  120  to communicate via a WLAN network (e.g., via wireless router  130 ). In some embodiments, the WLAN antenna  266  and WLAN unit  260  facilitate wireless communication according to IEEE 802.11 protocols, also referred to as Wi-Fi®. In some embodiments, like the GPS unit  215 , the GPS unit  258  is an assisted GPS (aGPS) unit that uses communications from the cellular unit  256  and WLAN unit  260  to improve the GPS position locating functionality. 
     The smart phone  120  further includes a tool monitoring module  270 . The tool monitoring module  270  includes software and/or hardware for carrying out the functionality of the tool monitoring module  270  described herein. Additionally, although shown in  FIG.  3 A  separately, in some embodiments, the tool monitoring module  270  is combined with the processor  250 , memory  252 , and other components of the smart phone  120 . For instance, the tool monitoring module  270  may be an application, or “app,” downloaded or otherwise installed on the memory  252  and executed by the processor  250  of the smart phone  120  or PC  135 . The tool monitoring module  270  will be described in more detail with respect to  FIG.  4    below. 
     Turning to  FIG.  3 B , the PC  135  is illustrated in greater detail. The PC  135  includes several components similar to the smart phone  120 , and, accordingly, these components are numbered alike. The PC  135  may be a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, or other computing device that generally does not include a cellular antenna. The PC  135  includes an Ethernet unit  272  and Ethernet port  274  for receiving an Ethernet cable to enable the PC  135  to communicate via a wired connection to the Internet  125 . Although not shown in  FIG.  3 A or  3 B , additional input and output devices may be coupled to the smart phone  120  and PC  135 , such as speakers, an auxiliary display, a keyboard, a mouse, disk drives, etc. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates the tool monitoring module  270  in greater detail. The tool monitoring module  270  enables a monitoring unit (e.g., smart phone  120 , PC  135 , and server  140 ) to remotely monitor, communicate with, and control the tool  105 . The tool monitoring module  270  includes a tool polling module  275 , a tool status module  285 , a geo-fence module  290 , a tool security module  295 , and a chirp module  297 . 
     The tool database  285  stores information about the tools to be monitored, such as tool  105 . The tool database  285  includes a tool IDs database  285   a  and tool information database  285   b.  The tool IDs database  285   a  includes identifying information for each tool being monitored. For instance, for tool  105 , the tool IDs database  285   a  may store one or more of a tool serial number, contact addresses/numbers for communicating with the tool  105  (e.g., a phone number for the cellular unit  205  or an IP address), owner information (e.g., the name of a business that is registered as owner of the tool and contact information, such as a phone number or email address), the type of tool (e.g., hammer drill), the model number of the tool  105 , and user information (e.g., name, contact information, job title, licensing, and skill level). The tool information database  285   b  stores information obtained from the tools through monitoring, including the tool data (i.e., tool status, usage, and position data). The tool information database  285   b  may store a history of tool data obtained over time for analysis by an owner, tool manufacturer, or tool maintenance personnel. 
       FIG.  5 A  depicts the smart phone  120  including the display  254 , a speaker  300 , a microphone  302 , and a keypad  304 . The display  254  is a touch screen display depicting a GUI  306  produced by the tool monitoring module  270  in conjunction with the other components of the smart phone  120 . Although the GUI  306  is described above with respect to the smart phone  120 , the GUI  306  may also be implemented on the PC  135  or another remote monitoring device. 
     The GUI  306  includes a tool list  310  that lists the tools of tool database  285 . The user may enter a tool ID or other tool characteristics (e.g., the tool properties stored in tool database  285 ) in the search tool bar  312  to locate a particular tool in the tool database  285 . In some instances, the user can apply filters to (e.g., tool type, tool location, owner, etc.) and sort the tools in the tool list  310 . The user may touch one or more tools displayed in the tool list  310  to select particular tools, or may touch the “all” button  314 , group A button  316 , or group B button  318 . The user may assign a particular set of tools (e.g., all drills, or all tools at a particular worksite) to the group A button  316  and group B button  318 . For instance, one technique for assigning tools includes a user highlighting multiple tools within the tool list  310 , then touching the group A button  316  for predetermined amount of time (e.g., 5 seconds). After an assignment, the user may quickly select a particular set of tools by touching the group A button  316  and group B button  318 . The GUI  306  also includes an obtain tool data button  320 , a locate button  322 , a set geo-fence button  324 , a lock/unlock button  326 , and a map button  328 , which are described below in further detail. In general, however, the actions taken as a result of touching one of the buttons  320 - 328  are applied to the one or more tools of tools list  310  that have been selected by a user. Further, a separate chirp button (not shown) may be included on the GUI  306  to activate the chirp module  297 . Alternatively, the locate button  322  may be used to activate the chirp module  297 , which is described below. 
     After selecting one or more tools, the user may poll the selected tool(s) by touching the obtain tool data button  320 , which initiates a method  340  for polling monitored tools (see  FIG.  6 A ). In step  345 , the tool polling module  275  receives the user request via a GUI  306 , which specifies the tools to be polled. In step  350 , the tool polling module  275  accesses the tool IDs database  285   a  to obtain contact information for each tool to be polled. In step  355 , the tool polling module  275  outputs a polling command to the requested tools. The polling command is sent according to the obtained contact information. For instance, the polling command may be transmitted via cellular network antenna  115  to the cellular unit  205  of the tool  105  and/or via the Internet  125  and wireless router  130  to the WLAN unit  210  of the tool  105 . In some instances, the tool database  285  is stored remotely (e.g., on tool monitoring server  140 ). In these instances, identifiers for the selected tools are sent to the tool monitoring server  140 , which locates the tool contact information and returns the tool contact information to the tool polling module  275  or transmits the polling command to the appropriate tools. 
     Once the poll command is received by the tool  105 , the controller  220  of the tool  105  gathers tool data for transmission. The controller  220  may gather new tool data or may assemble the most recently gathered tool data (i.e., tool data gathered before the poll command was received). The gathered tool data is then output back to the requesting tool polling module  275  via one of the various available communication paths. In step  360 , the tool polling module  275  receives the tool data sent by the tool  105 , including the tool ID, position data, status data, and usage data. In step  365 , the tool polling module  275  displays the received tool data to the user on the GUI  306  and/or stores the received tool data in the tool information database  285   b.    
     Turning back to  FIG.  5 A , the user may also touch the locate button  322  to obtain just the position data of the selected tools. In these instances, the method  340  is performed, but only position data is gathered and transmitted by the tool  105 , not the tool status and usage data. Once the position data is received, whether from the locate button  322  or obtain tool data button  320 , the GUI  306  may indicate the location of the selected tools on a map and/or update the location characteristic of the tool list  310 . The location characteristic of the tool list  310  indicates whether a tool is within a geo-fence (“on site”), in a warning area of the geo-fence (“warning”), or outside of the geo-fence (“off site”). If the user touches the map button  328 , the GUI  306  displays a mapping of the selected tools based on the obtained position data. For example, as shown in  FIG.  5 B , the GUI  306  is displaying a map  370  including tools  105   a  and  105   b  based on their associated position data. The tool monitoring module  270  may automatically update the map  370  by periodically requesting position data from the tools  105   a  and  105   b.  The user may specify the updating period to be short to provide a real-time map, or to be longer to conserve battery power and reduce data transmission rates. 
     The user may select a chirp button (not shown) of the GUI  306 , or, in some instances, selecting the locate button  322  initiates the chirp feature. Selecting the chirp button causes the chirp module  297  to receive a chirp request specifying the tool(s) currently highlighted in the GUI  306 . The chirp module  297  accesses the tool IDs database  285   a  to obtain contact information for each tool to chirp. The chirp module  297  then outputs a chirp message to the specified tools. Upon receipt by the tool  105 , the tool  105  outputs a chirp noise or other audible sound to assist the user in locating the tool  105 . The tool  105  may repeatedly output the chirp noise to guide the user for a preset amount of time in response to the chirp message. Once the user locates the tool  105 , the user may depress the trigger or another button on the tool  105  to cease the chirp noise. In some embodiments, the tool  105  includes a light that flashes and/or a vibration element that vibrates in combination with or in place of the chirp noise to assist the user in locating the tool  105 . In some embodiments, the user may select via the GUI  306  whether the tool  105  is to output an audible indicator (e.g., chirp), a visual indicator (e.g., light flash), a tactile indicator (e.g., vibration) or a combination thereof, in response to the chirp message. In some embodiments, the tool  105  stores an audio message in the memory  225  or the memory  180  that indicates the owner of the tool  105 . Upon receiving an owner request, the tool  105  outputs the audio message (e.g., “This tool is owned by Acme Company”). In some instances, the owner request is made by a user via an owner request button (not shown) of the GUI  306  or by depressing a button on the tool  105 . 
     To set a geo-fence, the user selects one or more tools via the GUI  306  as described above, and touches the set geo-fence button  324 .  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a method  375  of implementing a geo-fence. In step  380 , the geo-fence module  290  receives tool IDs that identify the tools for which the user desires to set geo-fence boundaries. For example, the user may highlight tools in the tool list  310  and touch the set geo-fence button  324  to select the tools for setting a geo-fence. In step  382 , the geo-fence module  290  receives geo-fence boundaries for the selected tools. In some embodiments, step  382  includes the GUI  306  displaying a map  385 , as shown in  FIG.  5 C . The user may focus the map  385  on a particular area, such as the worksite where the selected tools will be used, using pan and zoom controls  390 . Thereafter, the user may draw boundaries by first touching a GUI drawing instrument  395 , then dragging a pointer around the map  385  to create boundary  397 . Using the GUI drawing instrument  395  to create boundary  397  allows custom boundaries for worksites that are irregularly shaped, that are spread across streets, etc. The user may then indicate when the boundaries have been completed via the keypad  344  or another software button of GUI  306 . Other boundary-drawing techniques, such as the placement and re-sizing of a circle, square, or other shapes, may also be used in step  380 . Once the boundaries are received, they are associated with the tool IDs obtained in step  380  and stored in geo-fence module  290 . 
     In step  400 , the geo-fence module  290  receives tool position data associated with tool IDs, for instance, using the method  340  described above. In step  405 , the geo-fence module  290  compares the position data for a particular tool with the previously set boundary, and determines whether the tool is within the boundary. If the tool is within the boundary, the location characteristic of the tool is updated to indicate that the tool is “on site.” If the tool is outside of the boundary, the location characteristic of the tool is updated to indicate that the tool is “off site.” In some embodiments, a warning buffer is added to the boundary such that when the tool is near, but has not yet exceeded, the boundary (e.g., within 2 meters), the location characteristic is updated to indicate a warning. Although not shown, the size of the warning buffer may be specified via the GUI  306 . The location characteristic may be stored in tool database  285  or the geo-fence module  290  and is displayed in the tool list  310 , as shown in  FIG.  5 A . 
     In step  410 , the geo-fence module  290  determines whether to take actions (i.e., security actions) in response to the determination of step  405 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  5 B , tool  105   a  is within the boundary  397  (on site), and tool  105   b  is outside of boundary  397  (off site). For a tool determined to be off site, such as tool  105   b,  the geo-fence module  290  may automatically send a lock signal to the tool  105   b  (e.g., via the cellular network antenna  115  or wireless router  130 ). In response, the tool  105   b  disables itself to prevent further use of the tool  105   b  until the tool  105   b  is unlocked, either manually via lock/unlock button  326  or upon the tool  105   b  returning within the set boundary. To disable the tool  105   b,  the tool controller  145  may disconnect the battery  160  from the motor  165  by opening or closing one or more particular relays or switches (e.g., MOSFETs) as appropriate, or by taking another disabling action. 
     Another security action includes a limp mode in which performance of the tool  105  is degraded. For instance, the power output of the tool  105  may be reduced by the tool controller  145 . In the case of a brushless motor, the power reduction may be accomplished by changing the timing and/or duration of FET driving signals. Additionally, the period of continuous output by the tool  105  may be limited, for example, to one or a few seconds. In the limp mode, a user is made aware that the tool  105  still functions, albeit at a reduced level. Thus, the user can infer that a security action has taken place, rather than a malfunction of the motor of the tool  105  or a drained battery. Additionally, a visual (e.g., a limp mode light), audible (e.g., a beep), or tactile signal may be provided to the user by the tool  105 . 
     Another exemplary security action includes automatically debiting an account. For instance, a user may be responsible for a particular tool  105 , and if the tool  105  exceeds the boundary  397 , a monetary or credit account of the user may be automatically deducted or charged. Another security action includes automatically populating a report (e.g., an electronic document) with information relating to the breach of the boundary  397 , including the tool type, serial number, the date and time of the breach, the last known location and heading of the tool  105 , owner contact information, etc. The report may then be sent to government authorities and/or one or more contact entities associated with the tool  105  according to information stored in the tool database  185  or a memory within the tool  105 . 
     In some embodiments, the security action is delayed for a particular period of time. For instance, the security action may be delayed for a particular period of time (e.g,. a few minutes, hours, days, etc.), or until a particular action (e.g., removing the battery, inserting a new battery, releasing or depressing the trigger, etc.). Accordingly, if the tool  105  returns within a boundary before the delayed security action is enacted, the security action is cancelled. This delayed action prevents the tool  105  from being locked-out, put in limp mode, etc., momentarily based on wireless outages or temporary movements outside of a geo-fence. 
     As described above, a geo-fence may be set for a plurality of tools. In some embodiments, one or more thresholds are associated with such a geo-fence. For instance, the user may set a threshold at four tools, such that, upon four monitored tools  105  exceeding the boundary  397 , one or more security actions are taken (e.g., locking the tools, alerting the owner(s), etc.). Alternatively, the threshold may be a monetary limit and each tool may be assigned a monetary value. Accordingly, when the sum of the tools  105  outside of the boundary  397  exceeds the monetary threshold (e.g., $1000), one or more security actions are taken. Furthermore, in some embodiments, multiple thresholds are set and the security actions taken in response to a particular threshold being exceeded depends on which threshold is exceeded. For instance, if one tool  105  exceeds the boundary  397 , the tool  105  is locked. If two tools  105  exceed the boundary  397 , the tools  105  are locked, and a primary contact (e.g., an on-site supervisor) is contacted via a text message, email, or phone call. If five tools  105  exceed the boundary  397 , primary and secondary contacts (e.g., off-site supervisors or management) are contacted. If ten tools  105  exceed the boundary  397 , in addition to the other security actions, the authorities are contacted. The various security actions may be performed by the tool  105 , a remote monitoring unit (e.g., PC  135 ), or a combination thereof. 
     A time-component may also be associate with a boundary threshold. The security actions taken may vary depending on the threshold that is exceeded. For instance, if a large number of tools are moved outside of the boundary  397  nearly simultaneously (e.g., twenty tools within five minutes of each other), it could indicate that a large theft may be in progress, and authorities (i.e., the police) may be contacted. If a modest number of tools exceed the boundary over the course of a week, an email or text message may be sent to the owner to indicate a summary of the activity and possibly highlight long-term trends. Additionally, security actions taken in response to exceeded thresholds may vary depending on the time of day. For instance, if a worksite is generally only operating during the day (e.g., 7:00 am to 5:00 pm), but a tool is moved beyond the boundary  397  at midnight, authorities may be contacted immediately and the owner may be called with an automatic voice message. In contrast, if a tool is moved beyond the boundary  397  at noon, the owner may receive a text message, and authorities are not immediately contacted. 
     Additionally, the geo-fence module  290  may automatically send an alarm signal to the tool  105   b.  In response, the tool  105   b  may vibrate, sound an audible alarm, or take other actions to indicate to the user that the tool  105   b  has exceeded the set boundary. Additionally, the geo-fence module  290  may automatically send an alarm to the owner of the tool using contact information from the tool IDs database  285   b.  For instance, the geo-fence module  290  may cause a text message, automated voice message, email, page, etc. to be sent to the owner to indicate that the tool  105  has exceeded the set boundary. The owner may then determine whether to take actions, such as to call authorities (in the case of theft), lock or unlock the tool  105   b,  etc. In some instances, upon determining that the tool  105   b  is approaching a boundary (e.g., a warning zone), the geo-fence module  290  sends a warning message to the owner and/or a warning signal to the tool  105   b  to cause the tool  105   b  to vibrate or sound an audible warning alarm. 
       FIG.  5 D  illustrates the GUI  306  with an alternate technique for defining a boundary for a geo-fence in step  380 . After receiving tool IDs in step  380 , the GUI  306  displays screen  415  including a center point  420 . In this alternate technique, the boundary takes a regular shape, such as a circle, square, or a polygon, and is centered on center point  420 . The user selects the boundary shape by touching one of the shapes  425 , and selects the radius of the boundary shape by selecting or specifying one of the ranges  430  or by dragging the boundary perimeter. In  FIG.  5 D , the user has selected a circle shape with a radius of 100 m. Although not depicted, the user may also select a distance between the boundary  435  and the warning boundary  440 . 
     Additionally, the boundaries  435  and  440 , as well as the positions of the tools, may be overlaid on a map similar to map  385 . Accordingly, the center point  420  may be dragged to an appropriate map position by a user. Alternatively, the center point  420  may be the location of a street address or geographic coordinates (i.e., longitude and latitude) entered by the user, such as the address or coordinates of a warehouse, a factory, a construction site, etc. In some embodiments, the center point  420  is tied to a GPS-enabled device that can periodically report its GPS coordinates and, therefore, the position of the center point  420  may be dynamic. For example, the GPS-enabled device may be a cell phone of a construction site supervisor, a vehicle, a tracking device secured to a construction-site headquarters or trailer, or another device. In some embodiments, the center point  420  is tied to another tool  105  such that the geo-fence boundary for one or more tools  105  is centered about the location of another tool  105 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  4   , the tool security module  295  is operable to limp, unlimp, lock or unlock the tool  105  and to cause an alarm to activate on the tool  105 . For instance, in response to the tool  105  exceeding a geo-fence boundary, or in response to user selection of the lock/unlock button  326 , the tool security module  295  may lock or unlock the tool  105 . 
     The tool monitoring module  270  is also operable to communicate via one of the various communication networks (e.g., the cellular network antenna  115  or the Internet  125 ) software or firmware updates to the tool  105  to update the tool  105  remotely. For instance, if a new firmware update is provided by the tool manufacturer, the tool owner may remotely install the firmware update on the tool  105 . Remote updating allows the tools to remain in the field and avoids the need to bring the tool to a manufacturer or maintenance person. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a method  450  of monitoring a tool (e.g., tool  105 ) whereby the tool self-reports tool data independent of polling commands from a remote monitoring device. Accordingly, tool  105  periodically and automatically determines when the tool  105  has exceeded a geo-fence boundary, has a low battery, or has maintenance issues, and reports the determination to the remote monitoring device. 
     In step  455 , the tool  105  receives a geo-fence boundary from the tool monitoring module  270 . For instance, the geo-fence boundary is entered by a user using one of the above-noted techniques, and transmitted to the tracking unit  150 . The user may also specify a particular reporting time (e.g., every 10 seconds, every 10 minutes, every hour, etc.) for the tracking unit  105  to provide tool data back to the tool monitoring module  270 . In step  460 , the tracking unit  150  sets a timer according to the specified reporting time or, if none was provided, uses a default time. In step  465 , the tracking unit  150  determines if the timer has elapsed, which will not be the case in the first iteration. 
     In step  470 , the tracking unit  150  obtains position data, status data, and usage data as described above. In step  475 , the tracking unit  150  compares the position data to the geo-fence boundary received in step  455 . If the boundary has been exceeded, in step  480 , the tracking unit  150  causes the tool  105  to be locked and sets off an alarm (e.g., audible, tactile, or visual) to notify the tool user that the boundary has been exceeded. Additionally, the tracking unit  150  proceeds to step  485  and outputs the tool data to the tool monitoring module  270 , including an indication that the boundary has been exceeded and the tool serial number or other identifier. The tool monitoring module  270  may then take the appropriate actions, such as notify the owner and/or authorities. By including the serial number of the tool  105  or other identifying information specific to the tool  105 , along with the position data, the owner of the tool  105  may more easily prove to the appropriate authorities that he or she is the true owner of the tool  105 . 
     In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of checking-in with the tool monitoring module  270  after a boundary or warning boundary has been exceeded, the tracking unit  150  may send a text message, automated voice message, email, page, or other communication directly to a contact person associated with the tool  105  (e.g., the owner), to indicate that the tool  105  has exceeded the set boundary and to provide the tool serial number. The serial number of the tool  105  may be stored in memory  225  of tracking unit  150 , as well as the contact information (e.g., phone number or email address) for the contact person. The contact information may be remotely updated via the tool monitoring module  270 . 
     If the geo-fence boundary has not been exceeded, in step  490 , the tracking unit determines whether the geo-fence warning boundary has been exceeded (e.g., boundary  435  of  FIG.  5 D ), which may also be received in step  455 . If the geo-fence warning boundary has been exceeded, the tracking unit  150  may issue a warning in step  495  (e.g., sound an audible alarm, cause the tool to vibrate, etc.), and then proceeds to step  485  to output tool data to the tool monitoring unit  270 , including an indication that the warning boundary has been exceeded. 
     If neither geo-fence boundary has been exceeded, the tracking unit  150  proceeds to step  500  where all alarms and tool lock-outs remain disabled or become disabled. Thus, if tool  105  momentarily exceeds the geo-fence boundary, the tool  105  will initially be locked, but the tool  105  will be unlocked upon returning within the geo-fence boundary. In some embodiments, the tool  105  remains locked out until a reset action by the tool monitoring module  270  or other reset action. 
     In step  505 , the tracking unit  150  determines whether the state of charge of the battery  160  has dropped below a low level threshold. If the battery  160  is low, the tracking unit  150  proceeds to step  510  where the timer length used in step  515  during a timer reset is increased to a second, longer timer. The longer timer reduces the amount of reporting by the tracking unit  150  to conserve energy. In some instances, in response to user preferences, step  510  is bypassed and the timer is not changed. In some embodiments, other power reduction techniques may also be used. For instance, movement data from an accelerometer of the tool  105  may be used to reduce the rate of communications from the tool  105 . For instance, if the accelerometer indicates that the tool  105  has not moved recently, the tool  105  does not determine or output location data, since the location data would be duplicative of the previous output. This determination may be made after step  465  and before step  470 . For instance, after the timer is determined to have elapsed in step  465 , the controller  220  determines whether movement has occurred since the previous timer expiration. If movement has occurred, the method proceeds to step  470 ; if not, the method returns to step  460  to reset the timer. 
     After optionally adjusting the timer length in step  515 , the tracking unit  150  determines whether the low battery status has previously been reported to the tool monitoring module  270 . If the low battery status has not been previously reported, the tracking unit  150  reports the low battery along with the other tool data to the tool monitoring module  270  in step  485 . If the low battery status has already been reported, the tracking unit returns to step  465 . 
     In step  525 , the tracking unit  150  determines whether a maintenance issue is present on the tool  105 . For example, the tool controller  145  or controller  220  may monitor the use of tool  105  and determine it is due for a standard check-up based on total hours in operation. Additionally, the tool controller  145  may determine that the tool is overheated based on output from sensors  155 , or some other mechanical issue is present. If a maintenance issue is determined to exist in step  525 , the tracking unit  150  will report the issue to the tool monitoring module  270 , unless the issue has already been reported as determined in step  520 . 
     Although described above as being executed by the tool  105 , the method  450  may be adopted for execution by the tool monitoring module  270  of the smart phone  120  or PC  135 . For instance, the tool monitoring module  270  may carry out steps  455 - 465 , then, in step  470 , poll the tool  105  (see e.g., method  340 ) to obtain tool data. The tool monitoring module  270  uses the obtained tool data to carry out the decision steps  475 ,  485 ,  505 , and  525 , and executes the remaining steps of method  450  accordingly, except that the tool check-in step  485  is no longer necessary, as the tool monitoring module  270  has already obtained the tool data. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  depict alternate embodiments of the tool  105 . In  FIG.  8 A , a tracking unit  550  is secured to the external housing  555  of a tool  560 . The tool  560  is similar to tool  105 , and the tracking unit  550  is similar to the tracking unit  150 , except as noted below. The tracking unit  550  includes a battery  565  for powering the tracking unit  550 , and a mount  570  for securing the tracking unit  550  to the external housing  555  of the tool. The tracking unit  550  and tool  560  are not drawn to scale, and, in practice, the tracking unit  550  would be positioned in such a way as to avoid obstructing an operator of the tool  560 . In some embodiments, the tracking unit  550  would be mechanically coupled to the tool  560 , but not electrically. Thus, the tracking unit  550  is able to report position data, but not communicate with the sensors  155  to obtain status and usage data and not able to receive battery power from the battery  160 . The tracking unit  550  may include sensors, however, for gathering status and usage data measurable from outside of the housing  555  (e.g., temperature, vibrations, etc.) The external tracking device  550  may be mounted to other devices as well, such as a battery charger, battery pack, work-site radio, vehicle, ladder, or construction materials. 
     The tracking unit  550  may be programmed via a wireless or wired connection such that the tracking unit  550  stores the type of tool or device to which it is secured. (e.g., drill, battery charger, ladder, vehicle, etc.) For instance, the smart phone  120  or monitoring device  135  may include software for communicating with and programming the tracking unit  550 . Thereafter, when transmitting the ID of the tracking unit  550 , the tracking unit  550  may also identify to a receiving device the type of tool or device to which it is attached. 
       FIG.  8 B  depicts a tool  575  that receives AC power from an AC mains outlet  580 . The tool  575  is similar to tool  105  except as noted below. The tool  575  includes a rectifier  585  for converting the received AC power to DC power for powering the internal circuitry of the tool  575 , such as tracking unit  150 , tool controller  145 , and sensors  155 . In some embodiments, the motor  165  is powered by AC power, while, in other embodiments, the motor  165  is powered by DC power. In tool  575 , the tracking unit  150  includes the optional energy storage device  230  to enable the tracking unit  150  to operate even when the tool  575  is not coupled to the AC mains outlet  580 , similar to the tracking unit  150  of tool  105  operating when the battery  160  is removed. For instance, the controller  220  may detect from the tool controller  145  that the tool  575  is not receiving power from the AC mains outlet  580 . In turn, the controller  220  may close or open a switch to connect the energy storage device  230  to the other components of the tracking unit  150 . 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 B  depict devices related to power tools in which a tracking unit  150  may be used.  FIG.  9 A  depicts a battery  590  with a projection  591  and base  592 . The stem includes electrical contacts  594  for engaging contacts of a receiving tool or other device (e.g., a work-site radio). A battery controller  593  is within the battery  590 . The battery controller  593  is operable to monitor one or more of the state-of-charge of the battery, current charge/discharge rate, temperature, and other battery characteristics. The battery controller  593  is also operable to communicate with a tool or device. For example, the battery controller  593  may communicate via the electrical contacts  594  the monitored battery characteristics and an identifier that identifies, for example, the type and capacity of the battery  590 . The battery controller  593  may also receive tool status and usage data from the tool. The tracking unit  150  operates as described above with respect to tool  105 . Accordingly, a remote user is able to locate and monitor the battery  590  via the tool monitoring module  270 , as well as receive information about the device to which the battery  590  is coupled. 
       FIG.  9 B  depicts a battery charger  595  with a slot  596  for receiving a battery projection (e.g., battery  160   b  or  591 ) and a plug  597  for coupling the battery charger  595  to an AC mains outlet. Within the slot are electrical contacts (not shown) for engaging contacts of an inserted battery. A charger controller  598  is within the battery charger  595  to control the charging and discharging of an inserted battery. The charger controller  598  is also operable to monitor characteristics of the charger  595  and an inserted battery. For example, the charger controller  598  monitors the state of charge of an inserted battery, the rate of charge/discharge, temperature, etc. The tracking unit  150  operates as described above with respect to tool  105 , except that the characteristics monitored by the charger controller  598  are communicated, rather than tool status and usage data. Accordingly, a remote user is able to locate and monitor the battery charger  595  via the tool monitoring module  270 . 
       FIG.  10    depicts a tool monitoring system  600  that utilizes industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band communications. The system  600  includes tools  605 , a key fob  610 , and a gateway  615 , along with the satellite  110 , the cellular network antenna  115 , the smart phone  120 , the Internet  125 , the personal computer  135 , and the tool monitoring server  140  described above with respect to  FIG.  1   . The tool monitoring system  600  enables a user to monitor status, usage, and position information of the tool  105  remotely via, for example, the smart phone  120  or computer  135 . The tool monitoring system  600  further enables a user to communicate with the tools  605  via the key fob  610 . 
     As compared to the tool monitoring system  100  ( FIG.  1   ), the tool monitoring system  600  has shifted the longer range, cellular communication capability from the tools  105  to the gateway  615 , and utilizes a shorter-range, lower cost, lower power ISM band communication network to allow the tools  605 , fobs  610 , and the gateway  615  to communicate with one another. The tools  605 , fobs  610 , and gateway  615  make up an ISM network  616 . In some embodiments, the individual ISM communications have a range of approximately 1000 feet, but the range may vary depending on obstacles, optimizations, and other factors. 
     In some embodiments, the tools  605  and fobs  610  have a transmit power over the ISM network  616  of approximately +10 dbm to balance energy efficiency and communication range, while the gateway  615  has a transmit power over the ISM network  616  of approximately +27 dbm to increase communication range. Various transmit power ranges may be implemented. For example, the power tools  605  and fobs  610  may have a transmit power between +5 dbm to +15 dbm, less than +5 dbm, or between +15 dbm and +27 dbm. Likewise, the gateway  615  may have a transmit power in the range of +15 dbm to +27 dbm, or less than 15 dbm. Generally, however, the gateway  615  has an average transmit power that is greater than the transmit power of the power tools  605  and fobs  610 . Additionally, although the gateway  615  is capable of using a transmit power above +27 dbm, government regulations may prohibit such power levels for transmissions on the ISM network  616 . 
     Additionally, the ISM network may be configured as a mesh network implementing a store and forward protocol. Thus, the other tools  605  and fobs  610  may serve as bridges to the gateway  615 , effectively increasing the maximum communication range between tools  605 , fobs  610 , and gateways  615 . An example of a message communicated via the store-and-forward protocol is described below with respect to  FIG.  11 A . 
     In some embodiments, one or more gateways  615  are positioned at a construction site to enable communications between the ISM network  616  and a cellular network  617 . The gateway  615  serves as an intermediary communication device allowing the tools  605  of the ISM network  616  to communicate with remote monitoring devices (e.g., smart phone  120 , PC  135 , and tool monitoring server  140 ) via the cellular network antenna  115 . Accordingly, potentially expensive and higher power consuming cellular communication circuitry is limited to the gateway  615 , rather than being within each tool  605 , resulting in an overall reduction in system costs and extended battery life of the tools  605 . 
     The tool monitoring system  600  is scalable for use by individuals with a single tool, contractors at a single worksite with several tools, and large construction companies with hundreds of tools at worksites spread around the world. For instance, in a small-scale implementation, the system  600  includes one or more fobs  610  and one or more tools  605 , but does not include the gateway  615  or elements connected to the gateway  615  (e.g., cellular network  115 , PC  135 , tool monitoring server  140 ). See, for example,  FIG.  11 A . In the small-scale implementation, the fob  610  enables a user to wirelessly interact with and monitor the tools  605 , as is described in greater detail below. 
       FIG.  11 B  illustrates a medium-scale implementation, in which the fob  610  is directly coupled to, or otherwise in local communication with, a local computing device  618  (e.g., a laptop, tablet, or smart phone). The local computing device  618  generally executes more powerful software and has more powerful processing hardware than the fob  610 . In addition to providing the functions of the fob  610 , the local computing device  618  provides a more robust graphical user interface and additional features for interacting with the tools  605  (e.g., larger tool database, more configurable tool monitoring options, etc.). The fob  610  then facilitates the communication between the tools  605  and the local computing device  618 . In other embodiments, the local computing device  618  includes integrated ISM communications circuitry and is not coupled to the fob  610  for communicating with the ISM network  616 . 
     The tool monitoring system  600  illustrated in  FIG.  10    is considered a large-scale implementation because it includes the gateway  615 , which connects the ISM network  616  to the cellular network  617 . In some large-scale embodiments, the gateway  615  is replaced or supplemented with an embodiment of the local computing device  618  having the ability to communicate with the cellular antenna  115 , thus interfacing the ISM network  616  with the cellular network  617 . The system  600  is further expandable to include multiple gateways  615  at a single worksite or at various worksites. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , the tool  605  is a battery-operated power drill that, similar to tool  105 , includes the tool controller  145 , sensors  155 , battery  160 , and motor  165 . Although the tool  605  is depicted as a power drill in  FIG.  10   , other types of tools and accessories may also be monitored by the tool monitoring system  600 , such as those described above with respect to system  100 . The tool  605  further includes a tracking unit  620 , rather than the tracking unit  150  of the tool  105 . The tracking unit  620  is similar to the tracking unit  150 , but includes an alternate wireless communication arrangement. The tracking unit  620  includes an ISM antenna  625  for communication with the fob  610 , gateway  615 , and/or other tools  605 . The ISM antenna  625  is associated with an ISM unit  630 , which facilitates wireless transmissions via the ISM antenna  625 . Similar to the tracking unit  150 , while the tracking unit  620  is generally powered by the battery  160 , in some instances, the additional energy storage device  230  is included. As described above, the additional energy storage device  230  enables the tracking unit  620  to operate even when the battery  160  is not inserted into the tool  605 . 
     In some embodiments, the tracking unit  620  is secured to the outside of the tool  605 , similar to the tracking unit  550  of  FIG.  8 A . For instance, the mounted version of the tracking unit  620  includes a separate power source akin to battery  565  and a mount akin to mount  570 . The mounted version of the tracking unit  620  may include sensors for monitoring the tool  605  to which it is mounted, and may be mounted to other devices as well, such as a battery charger, battery pack, work-site radio, vehicle, ladder, construction materials, etc. Additionally, the mounted version of the tracking unit  620  may be programmed via a wireless or wired connection such that the tracking unit  620  stores the type of tool or device to which it is secured. (e.g., drill, battery charger, ladder, vehicle, etc.) For instance, one or more of the smart phone  120 , monitoring device  135 , fob  610 , and local computing device  618  may include software for communicating with and programming the tracking unit  620 . Thereafter, when transmitting the ID of the tracking unit  620 , the tracking unit  620  may also identify to a receiving device the type of tool or device to which it is attached. 
     Various frequency bands may be selected for communications of the ISM network  616 . For example, the ISM communications may occur at approximately, 300 MHz, 433 MHz, 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, or 5.8 GHz. The different frequency bands have various benefits. For instance, the 300 MHz range allows better penetration of construction site obstacles, such as walls, tool containers, etc. However, in some instances, government regulations allow more data transmissions in the 900 MHz range. In general, the ISM communications of the tracking unit  620  consume less power than the cellular communications of the tracking unit  150 . Additionally, the ISM circuitry (e.g., ISM unit  630  and ISM antenna  625 ) generally has a lower cost than cellular circuitry. 
     The ISM frequency bands are approximate and, in practice, may have various ranges based on geography. For example, the 900 MHz range may more particularly include 902 to 928 MHz in the United States and other western hemisphere countries, and 863 to 870 MHz in Europe and Asia. Similarly, the 433 MHz band may include 420 to 450 MHz, the 2.4 GHz band may include 2.390 to 2.450 GHz, and the 5.8 GHz band may include 5.650 to 5.925 GHz. 
     In some embodiments, the ISM communications are implemented using a frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technique. In an FHSS technique, the transmitters and receivers in the ISM network switch over multiple frequencies for sending and receiving communications. For instance, the transmitters and receivers are both aware of a pre-determined sequence of frequency channel switching such that the receivers know which frequency to be monitoring for incoming messages at a given moment in time. An FHSS transmission scheme can improve the ISM network&#39;s resistance to interference and improve communication security. 
     The tools  605 , fobs  610 , and gateways  615  may further include a real time clock for synchronizing communications over the ISM network  616 . For instance, the real time clock may be used by the ISM devices to determine precisely when to transmit and when to receive transmissions (e.g., for time multiplexed communications). In some instances, particular ISM devices are assigned receive and transmit time windows, which allows the devices to reduce power consumption as they may power down or enter a standby mode during periods in which the devices are not receiving or transmitting data. Furthermore, a list of time assignments for one or more ISM devices may be maintained by one or more of the ISM devices. For instance, one of the gateways  615  may maintain a list of time assignments of all ISM devices on the network  616 . 
     In some embodiments, the ISM devices dynamically modify the strength of their wireless transmissions. For example, if a device&#39;s battery is low the ISM device may reduce the power at which wireless transmissions are output. Although the maximum distance that the wireless transmission may travel is reduced, the time period in which the device may continue to make these reduced power transmissions is increased. Additionally, the power at which wireless transmissions are output may be reduced if the ISM device is in close proximity to other ISM devices as determined by, for instance, signal strength. For instance, if the ISM network  616  is contained in a small area (e.g., one room), the ISM devices may detect an unnecessarily high signal strength in their communications and, in turn, reduce their transmission power. Thus, power consumption by the ISM device to carry out ISM communications is reduced. Similarly, if the signal strength of ISM communications is detected to be low, the ISM devices may increase the power at which transmissions are output to increase the range of the communications. 
       FIGS.  13 A-C  illustrate the fob  610  according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG.  13 A , the fob  610  includes an energy storage device  638  (e.g., a battery) for powering the other components of the fob  610 . The energy storage device  638  may be a primary battery that is replaced upon depletion, or a secondary (rechargeable) battery. In the case of a rechargeable battery, the battery may be charged in-unit by coupling the fob  610  to an external charger, or the fob  610  may include internal charger circuitry. The charging circuitry, whether internal or external, may be coupled to a power source (e.g., an AC wall outlet, USB port, etc.). In some instances, the energy storage device  638  is temporarily removed from the fob  610  for recharging. 
     The fob  610  further includes a controller  640  in communication with a memory  642 , a display  644 , user input  646 , user output  648 , an ISM unit  650 , an ISM antenna  652 , a USB port  654 , and a power input port  656 . The memory  642  may store instructions that, when executed by the controller  640 , enable the controller  640  to carry out the functions attributable to the controller  640  described herein. The user output  648  includes output components other than the display  644 , such as one or more speakers, lights, and vibration elements to communicate with or alert a user. The power input port  656  is used to couple the fob  610  to an AC wall outlet. Transformer circuitry (not shown) may be found internal or external to the fob  610  to transform AC power received via the power input port  656  to DC power for the fob  610 . The power input port  656  may provide power for the components of the fob  610  and charge the energy storage device  638 . The USB port  654  similarly may provide power for the components of the fob  610  and charge the energy storage device  638 . Additionally, the USB port  654  enables the fob  610  to communicate with a host USB device, such as the local computing device  618 , as described with respect to  FIG.  11 B . 
       FIGS.  13 B-C  illustrate an exemplary fob  610  implemented with a chirp button  658 , navigation controls  660 , hand grips  662  (including ridges for finger placement), and an aperture  664  for receiving a key ring or otherwise attaching the fob  610  to an item. The chirp button  658  and navigation controls  660  are part of the user input  646 . In some instances, the display  644  is a touch screen display and may replace or supplement portions of the user input  646 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  13 A , the fob  610  further includes the tool monitoring module  270  (see  FIG.  4   ), which includes the tool database  285 . The number of tools  605  and the amount of information for each tool  605  stored in the tool database  285  may be selected based on the amount of memory available in the fob  610 . In some embodiments, information for over one hundred of the tools  605  is stored within the tool database  285 . 
     For the fob  610 , the tool database  285  may be populated using one or more techniques. For instance, the fob  610  may include a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to navigate (e.g., with navigation controls  660 ) to manually add, edit, and delete tools  605  and associated information of the tools database  285 . Additionally, the user can control the fob  610  to perform a scan of the ISM network  616  to automatically populate the database  285  by broadcasting an identify request to the tools  605 . The user may also control the fob  610  to selectively add nearby tools  605 . For instance, a user can hold the fob  610  near a tool (e.g., within 6, 12, or 24 in.) and navigate the GUI to select an add-a-tool option. In this add-a-tool option, the fob  610  detects the tool  605  with the strongest signal, which indicates that the tool  605  is the nearest to the fob  610 , and adds the tool  605  to the tool database  285 . The tools  605  may output, in response to a fob  610  request, a tool identifier and other stored information (e.g., status information) for purposes of adding the information to the tool database  285 . Further, the tool database  285  may be populated remotely by sending tool information from the remote monitoring station to the fob  610 . 
     As noted above, the fob  610  may communicate with the tools  605  via ISM communications (i.e., using ISM unit  650  and ISM antenna  652 ). In addition to populating the tool database  285 , the communication may be used for tool identification, tool locating, geo-fencing, and other tool management and status monitoring. Communications between the tools  605 , fobs  610 , and gateway  615  include messages that may include a particular destination address (e.g., a tool/fob serial number, tool/fob ID, etc.) or may be a broadcast message (e.g., addressed to all or a subset of tools/fobs). When the controller  640  of the tool  605  receives a message, the controller  640  determines whether the message is intended for itself based on the destination address, if the message is intended for another tool  605 , or if the message is a broadcast message. If the message is addressed to the particular controller  640 , the message is handled as appropriate and, generally, is not repeated. However, if the message is addressed to a different tool  605  or is a broadcast message, the tool  605  will re-transmit the message. In the case of a broadcast message, the tool  605  will handle the message as appropriate in addition to forwarding the message. 
     Returning to  FIG.  11 A , an example of tools  605   a - c  and the fob  610  communicating over a store-and-forward mesh network is shown. In  FIG.  11 A , the fob  610  outputs a message addressed to tool  605   c,  but tool  605   c  is outside of the range of the initial transmission of the fob  610 . However, tool  605   a  is within range and receives the message. Tool  605   a  temporarily stores the message, recognizes that the message is not intended for the tool  605   a,  and re-transmits the message. Tool  605   b  receives the forwarded message and, similarly, forwards the message. Tool  605   c  then receives the forwarded message and recognizes that the forwarded message was addressed to itself (tool  605   c ). The tool  605   c  then outputs a response addressed to the fob  610 , which follows the same path through tools  605   b  and  605   a  back to the fob  610 . Assuming that each transmission is 1000 feet in this example, the store and forward technique has tripled the range of the fob  610  from 1000 feet to 3000 feet. Accordingly, the store-and-forward mesh network increases the distance over which the tools  605 , fobs  610 , and gateway  615  can communicate. Although  FIG.  11 A  illustrates two tools  605   a - b  forwarding messages, the store-and-forward protocol generally does not limit the number of times a message may be forwarded. 
     As noted above, the fob  610  includes the tool monitoring module  270 . In the system  100  ( FIG.  1   ), the tool monitoring system  270  within the remote monitoring devices (e.g., smart phone  120 ) relied on GPS data and cellular communications with the tools. In contrast, the tool monitoring system  270  of the fob  610  relies on ISM communications for sending commands, receiving tool data, and determining tool position, for example, based on strength of signal determinations. For example, the chirp module  297  of the tool monitoring module  270  within the fob  610  communicates using the ISM network  616 . A user navigates a GUI of the fob  610  to select the particular tool  605  from the tool database  285  (e.g., by searching tool type or ID, scrolling, categorizing by tool, or a combination thereof), then depresses the chirp button  658 . In response, the fob  610  outputs a chirp message over the ISM network  616  addressed to the tool  605  selected by the user. 
     Upon receipt by the tool  605 , the tool  605  outputs a chirp noise or other audible sound to assist the user in locating the tool  605 . The tool  605  may repeatedly output the chirp noise to guide the user for a preset amount of time in response to the chirp message. Once the user locates the tool  605 , the user may depress the trigger or another button on the tool  605  to cease the chirp noise. In some embodiments, the tool  605  includes a light that flashes and/or a vibration element that vibrates in combination with or in place of the chirp noise to assist the user in locating the tool  605 . In some embodiments, the user may select via the fob  610  whether the tool  605  outputs an audible indicator (e.g., chirp, or ownership message), a visual indicator (e.g., light flash), a tactile indicator (e.g., vibration) or a combination thereof, in response to the chirp message. 
     In some embodiments, the tool  605  stores an audio message in the memory  225  or the memory  180  that indicates the owner or serial number of the tool  605 . Upon receiving an owner request, the tool  605  outputs the audio message (e.g., “This tool is owned by Acme Company”). In some instances, the owner request is made by a user via an owner request button (not shown) on the GUI  306  or by depressing a button on the tool  605 . 
     In some embodiments, the tools  605  include a chirp button to assist in locating one of the fobs  610 . Since a display may not be included on the tools  605 , the tools  605  may store an identifier for a “home” fob  610 , and depressing a chirp button of the tool  605  would cause the home fob  610  to chirp. The fob  610  may be used to store the identifier of the home fob  610  in the tool  605 . 
     The geo-fence module  290  of the tool monitoring module  270  within the fob  610  also communicates using the ISM network  616  to, for instance, deter theft of tools  605 . For example, the user may navigate the GUI of the fob  610  to select a tool from the tool database  285  and activate a geo-fence. The GUI and navigation controls  660  allow the user to specify a geo-fence range by, for instance, indicating a radius around fob  610  in which the tool  605  is intended to operate. Thereafter, the fob  610  is in continuous or periodic communication with the tool  605  and detects the strength of the signal(s) from the tool  605  to estimate the distance between the tool  605  and the fob  610 . For instance, the fob  610  may periodically poll the tool  605  and receive a response from the tool  605  with an identifier, or the tool  605  may periodically broadcast its identity for receipt by the fob  610 , which then detects the strength of the signal from the tool  605 . As other tools  605  and fobs  610  may be configured to forward messages received as part of a mesh network communication scheme (described below), a forwarded message may include an indicator signifying that the message has been forwarded and, therefore, the strength of the signal may not represent the actual distance between the tool  605  and the fob  610 . 
     In some embodiments, the geo-fence range is not specified by a radius but, rather, is the direct communication range of the fob  610 . For instance, if the tool  605  is able to directly communicate with the fob  610 , rather than via message forwarding by another tool  605  or fob  610 , then the tool  605  is within the geo-fence. However, if the tool  605  is not able to directly communicate with the fob  610 , the tool  605  is considered outside of the geo-fence. 
     In some instances, the geo-fence range is specified by the number of message forwards over the mesh network. For instance, with reference to  FIG.  11 A , the tools  605   a - c  may have a range specified as a single message forward relative to the fob  610 . Accordingly, the tool  605   a  is within range, as it can directly communicate with the fob  610 . Tool  605   b  is also within the geo-fence, because the fob  610  communicates with the tool  605   b  through a single message forward (by tool  605   a ). Tool  605   c,  however, is outside the geo-fence, as a message from fob  610  must be forwarded twice to reach the tool  605   c —once by tool  605   a  and once by tool  605   b . When a message is forwarded by the tool  605 , the tool  605  may alter or add to the message to one or more of: 1) indicate that the message has been forwarded, 2) increase a forwarded counter to indicate how many times the message has been forwarded, and 3) include an identifier of itself so that a future receiving device is aware of the identity of the various devices that forwarded the message. In the geo-fence context, as well as in other communications over the ISM network  616 , if the tool  605  receives a message more than once within a particular time frame, e.g., once directly from the sending device and once indirectly from another device, the tool  605  may ignore the second (repeat) message. In some instances, a message may include an identifier so that a receiving device can discern whether a duplicate message has been received via an alternate store-and-forward path. 
     In some instances, tools  605  may be assigned multiple geo-fences to define a permitted area, a warning area, and an alarm and lock-out area, as described above with respect to  FIG.  5 D . In some instances, multiple devices in the system  600  cooperate to triangulate the location of a particular tool  605  using, for instance, strength-of-signal determinations made by the multiple fobs  610 , the gateway  615 , and other tools  605 . 
     Turning to the security module  295  of the tool monitoring system  270  within the fob  610 , a user is able to remotely limp or lock-out one of the tools  605 . The user may navigate a user interface of the fob  610  to select a particular one of the tools  605 , and then select a lock-out function. In response, the controller  640  outputs a lock-out message addressed to the tool  605 . The lock-out message is transmitted over the ISM network  616  and received by the tool  605 . The tool controller  145  then locks out the tool  605  to prevent further operation. 
     For the tool polling module  275  of the tool monitoring system  270  within the fob  610 , a user is able to poll a tool  605  to obtain tool information. The user may navigate a user interface of the fob  610  to select a particular one of the tools  605 , and then select a poll tool function. In response, the controller  640  outputs a poll message addressed to the tool  605 . The poll message is transmitted over the ISM network  616  and received by the tool  605 . The tool controller  145  then sends a response message to the fob  610  including tool information. 
     The tool monitoring module  270  may include additional features when implemented in the fob  610 . For instance, the tool monitoring module  270  may further include an identify module (not shown) for identifying tools  605 . At a worksite, a user may find a tool unattended and wish to identify the tool. Similar to the add-a-tool technique, a user can hold the fob  610  near the unattended tool and navigate the GUI to select an identify option. The fob  610  may broadcast an identify request and then detect the tool  605  that responds with the strongest signal. The tool  605  responding with the strongest signal is determined to be nearest to the fob  610 . The fob  610  may then display the tool information provided by the tool  605  with the strongest signal, which will correspond to the unattended tool, along with associated tool information stored in the tool database  285 . If the unattended tool is not within the tool database  285 , the user may opt to add it. 
     In some embodiments, the ISM antenna  652  of the fob  610  includes two ISM antennas  652 . The two ISM antennas  652  are operable to implement radio frequency direction finding (RFDF) to detect the direction from which RF signals are coming. For instance, the ISM antennas  652  may use a Doppler RFDF or a very high frequency (VHF) omni-directional radio range (VOR) technique. In other words, characteristics (timing, strength of signal, etc.) of transmissions received by the two antennas are measured and a direction and distance from which the transmissions were received are extrapolated from differences in the characteristics between the two antennas. In response, the fob  610  may display a direction pointer indicating the direction of incoming communications to assist leading a user to a particular tool  605  or other fob  610 . An approximate distance that the wireless communication traveled may also be displayed based on, for instance, a strength-of-signal analysis. 
       FIGS.  13 D-G  illustrates a smart phone  120  having an ISM case  670 . The smart phone  120  and the ISM case  670  are collectively referred to as ISM phone  671 . The ISM case  670  receives the smart phone  120  and may snap onto or have a friction fit with smart phone  120  to keep the ISM case  670  secured thereto. The ISM case  670  protects the smart phone  120  from damage due to bumping, dropping, and other physical contact. Accordingly, the ISM case  670  includes a perimeter  672  that surrounds the outer sides of the smart phone  120 , a back  674 , and, in some instances, a clear front panel (not shown) to protect the touch-screen display  254 . Additionally, the ISM case  670  includes an integrated ISM antenna  676  for communicating over the ISM network  616 , e.g., with the tools  605 , fobs  610 , the gateway  615 , and other ISM phones  671 . In  FIG.  13 F , the integrated ISM antenna  676  includes one or more antennas  676  in the perimeter  672 . 
     In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  13 D-F , the smart phone  120  communicates with the ISM case  670  via the plug  678 , which is received via a female port  679  on the bottom of the smart phone  120 . The ISM case  670  may further include a female port  680  that is similar to the female port  679  of the smart phone  120 . The ISM case  670  may then act as a pass-through for power and communications that would normally be provided to the smart phone  120  via the female port  679 . In some embodiments, the case  670  communicates with the smart phone  120  via a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth®. In these instances, the case  670  may include an additional antenna to enable the wireless communications with the smart phone  120 . 
       FIG.  13 G  illustrates the case  670  including the antennas  676 , the pass-through port  680 , a communication module  682 , a memory  684 , and a controller  686 . The memory  684  may store instructions that, when executed by the controller  686 , enable the controller  686  to carry out the functions attributable to the case  670  described herein. The communication module  628  enables the case  670  to communicate with the smart phone  120 , for instance, via the plug  678  and port  679  or via Bluetooth®. 
     The ISM phone  671  is operable to perform the functions of the fob  610 . For instance, the ISM phone  671  is operable to track and communicate with tools  605 , other fobs  610 , and other ISM phones  671 . Additionally, the ISM phone  671  is operable to communicate on the cellular network  617  via the gateway  615  or via its own cellular radio. 
     In some embodiments, the ISM phone  671  uses the antennas  676  to implement an RFDF technique as described above with respect to the fob  610 . For instance,  FIG.  13 D  illustrates a direction pointer  688  and approximated distance  690  to a wireless communication source, such as one or more of the tools  605 , fobs  610 , and other ISM phones  671 . The direction pointer  688  points in the direction of an ISM device emitting wireless communications. In this example, wireless ISM communications from one of the tools  605  are originating from a position approximately 10 meters north-west of the ISM phone  671 . A similar display including the direction pointer  688  and approximated distance  690  may be incorporated into the fob  610 . 
       FIG.  14    illustrates the gateway  615  according to some embodiments. The gateway  615  includes a translation controller  700  including a memory  705  storing instructions that, when executed by the controller  700 , enable the controller  700  to carry out the functions attributable to the controller  700  described herein. The gateway  700  includes an ISM band antenna  710  and ISM unit  715  for ISM communications; a GPS antenna  720  and GPS unit  725  for receiving GPS signals from satellite  110 ; and a cellular antenna  730  and cellular unit  735  for cellular communications. The components of the gateway  615  are powered via power converter/charger  740 . The power converter/charger  740  is operable to receive and convert power for supply to the components of the gateway  615 . For example, the power converter/charger  740  is coupled to AC power cord terminals  745 , which may be coupled to an AC power source  750 , for instance, via a power cord. The power converter/charger  740  converts the received AC power to an appropriate DC power level for use by components of the gateway  615 . 
     The gateway  615  further includes battery terminals  755  (i.e., a power interface) for receiving terminals  756  (i.e., a power source interface) of a battery  760 . The battery  760  is a rechargeable and selectively removable DC power tool battery, such as usable to power the tool  105  and tool  605 . The battery  760  may include a pack housing containing several battery cells, such as lithium ion or NiCad cells. In some embodiments, the battery  760  is not a power tool battery but, rather, is a primary battery or rechargeable battery of another type. When the gateway  615  is disconnected from the AC power source  750 , the power converter/charger  740  draws power from the battery  760  for powering the components of the gateway  615 . When the gateway  615  is connected to the AC power source  750 , the power converter/charger  740  uses the received AC power to charge the battery  760  (as necessary). The gateway  615  further includes battery charger terminals  765  (i.e., a power interface) for coupling terminals  757  (i.e., a power source interface) of a battery charger  770  thereto. In some embodiments, the battery charger  770  is a power tool battery charger, such as used to charge the power tool battery  760 . When coupled to the battery charger  770 , however, the gateway  615  acts as a power consuming device similar to a battery being charged by the battery charger  770 . Accordingly, the battery charger  770  provides DC power to the power converter/charger  740 , which is then used to power the components of the gateway  615 . 
     In some embodiments, the gateway  615  includes one of the battery terminals  755  and the battery charger  770 , but not both. For instance,  FIGS.  15 A-B  illustrate the gateway  615  including battery terminals  755  (not within view) for slidingly-engaging the battery  760 . The battery  760  includes latches  772  coupled to respective hooks  774  positioned along respective rails  776 . The gateway  615  includes grooves  778  that correspond to the rails  776  for sliding engagement. When the latches  772  are depressed, the hooks  774  move inward to become flush with the rails  776  such that the gateway  615  may be selectively disengaged from the battery  760 . The gateway  615  further includes a data port  780 , such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB®) port. The data port  780  enables the gateway  615  to communicate with devices, such as a local computing device  618 , and to receive power from such devices. The data port  780  may be used to update firmware of the gateway  615 , or to communicate data to/from the gateway  615  in conjunction with or in place of its cellular communications. In some embodiments, a stem-type power tool battery pack having a projection extending away from a base of the battery pack is used, rather than the sliding groove/rail engagement system of the battery pack  760 . 
     In some embodiments, the battery  760  includes battery cell monitoring circuitry to detect low charge and excessive battery temperature situations. In turn, the battery cell monitoring circuitry is operable to emit a battery status signal indicative of the detection to a device coupled thereto, such as the gateway  615 . The battery status signal is communicated, for instance, over a data terminal of the battery terminals  756  and battery terminals  755  of the gateway  615 . In response, the gateway  615  shuts down to prevent draining the battery charge level below a low threshold or heating the battery above a high temperature threshold, each of which could damage the battery  760 . 
       FIGS.  16 A-B  illustrate the gateway  615  including battery charger terminals  765  (not within view) for slidingly-engaging the battery charger  770  via rails  776  and grooves (not shown). As in the embodiments of  FIGS.  15 A-B , the gateway  615  of  FIGS.  16 A-B  includes a data port  780  with similar functionality. 
       FIGS.  16 C-E  illustrate a multi-bay battery charger  770   a  having a rigid construction with a base  782  and handle assembly  784 . The handle assembly  784  includes a handle  786  and connecting arms  788  that also protect the multi-bay battery charger  770   a  from impacts. The multi-bay battery charger  770   a  includes six power source interfaces  757  for receiving one or more power tool battery types, such as the power tool battery  760 , for recharging. Additionally, the power source interfaces  757  are operable to accept and power the gateway  615 , similar to the battery charger  770  of  FIGS.  16 A-B . In some embodiments, the multi-bay battery charger  770   a  includes more or fewer power source interfaces  757 , such as two, four, or eight power source interfaces. In some embodiments, the multi-bay battery charger  770   a  is further able to power the gateway  615  using power from one or more battery packs coupled to the other power source interfaces  757 , such as the power tool battery  760 . 
       FIG.  16 D  illustrates the AC power source  750 , the battery  760 , and the gateway  615  coupled to the multi-bay battery charger  770   a  having three power source interfaces  757   a - c,  also referred to as “bays.” The AC power source  750  supplies power to the power converter/charger  790 , which charges the battery  760  and powers the gateway  615 . In  FIG.  16 E , the AC power source  750  is not coupled to the multi-bay battery charger  770   a.  Rather, the gateway  615  is powered by the battery  760 . In both  FIGS.  16 D and  16 E , the power source interfaces  757   c  is open, but could accept another battery  760  for charging or assisting in supplying power to the gateway  615 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  14   , as noted above, the gateway  615  provides an interface between the ISM network  616  and the cellular network  617 . Communications from the ISM network  616  destined for a device of the cellular network  617  (e.g., the smart phone  120 ) are received by the controller  700  via the ISM band antenna  710  and ISM unit  715 . The controller  700  converts the communications to a cellular protocol and transmits the message to the cellular network  617  via the cellular antenna  730  and cellular unit  735 . Communications from the cellular network  617  destined for a device of the ISM network  616  (e.g., the tools  605  or fobs  610 ) are received by the controller  700  via the cellular antenna  730  and cellular unit  735 . The controller  700  converts the communications to an ISM protocol and transmits the message to the ISM network  616  via ISM band antenna  710  and ISM unit  715 . 
     The gateway  615  is further operable to receive GPS signals from satellite  110  via GPS antenna  720  and GPS unit  725  for determining the position of the gateway  615 . For instance, the controller  700  may determine the position of the gateway  615  and provide the position information to a user at a remote monitoring device, such as PC  135  or smart phone  120 . The user is further able to request that the gateway  615  determine which tools  605  and fobs  610  are on the ISM network  616  associated with the gateway  615 . Accordingly, by determining where the gateway  615  is located and receiving an indication of which tools  605  and fobs  610  are in communication with the gateway  615 , a remote user is able to remotely determine the general location of the tools  605  and fobs  610 . 
     Further still, the gateway  615  may determine a distance between itself and one of the tools  605  and/or fobs  610  based on a determined strength of signal of incoming messages from the tools  605  and/or fobs  610 . Using strength of signal determinations enables a more precise determination of the location of tools  605  and fobs  610 . Additionally, the gateway  615  may use strength of signal determinations made by other fobs  610  and tools  605  with respect to a particular tool  605  or fob  610  to be located, in conjunction with the strength of signal determination made by the gateway  615 , to triangulate the position of the particular tool  605  or fob  610 . Thus, the user is able to remotely perform an inventory check and locate one or more tools  605  and fobs  610  that are within range of the ISM network  616 . 
     Additionally, the gateway  615  may include a geo-fence module (not shown) that enables the gateway  615  to perform the geo-fence capabilities described above with respect to the fob  610 . For instance, the gateway  615  may be programmed by the fob  610  or remote monitoring devices to store one or more geo-fences with respect to one or more tools  605  and/or fobs  610 . The gateway  615  is able to monitor the location of the one or more tools  605  and/or fobs  610 , as noted above. Upon detecting one of the tools  605  exceeding a geo-fence, the gateway  615  may take appropriate action, such as generating an alert to one of the fobs  605  and/or remote monitoring devices, locking the tool, etc. 
     In the system  600 , the methods  340 ,  375 , and  450  of  FIGS.  6 A,  6 B, and  7    may be implemented by the fob  610 , local computing device  618 , the gateway  615 , one of the remote monitoring devices, or a combination thereof. However, the tool data (including position and status data) and boundaries are obtained and monitored over the ISM network  616 , rather than via GPS data and direct cellular communications between the tools and remote monitoring devices. Furthermore, the user interface illustrated in  FIGS.  5 A-D  may be incorporated into the fob  610 , local computing device  618 , or remote monitoring devices (e.g., smart phone  120  or PC  135 ) of system  600  to enable the set-up of a geo-fence, monitoring of the position of the tool  605 , etc., using communications over the ISM network  616 , rather than GPS data. 
     The smart phone  120  and/or PC  135  in system  600  may provide a user interface that is generally similar to that which is described above for system  100 . For instance, the user interface of the smart phone  120  described with respect to  FIGS.  5 A-D  may be generally similar to a user interface provided on the fob  610 . However, (1) strength of signal and triangulation techniques are used on the ISM network to locate tools  605  and fobs  610 , rather than GPS data, and (2) an intermediate device (gateway  615 ) is used to transmit and translate data communications between devices on the cellular network  617  and the tools  605  and fobs  610  on the ISM network  616 . 
     Although embodiments of system  600  have been described as including tools  605  and fobs  610  that do not include GPS units, in some embodiments, some or all of the tools  605  and/or fobs  610  include GPS units, similar to the tools  105  of  FIG.  2   , for locating, tracking, and geo-fence purposes. However, the tools  605  and fobs  610  communicate GPS position data across the ISM network  616  to the gateway  615  to reach the cellular network, rather than including cellular radios. 
       FIGS.  17 A-B  illustrate embodiments in which the gateway  615  is secured to a worksite radio  800 . The worksite radio  800  may be a rugged radio that is better able to withstand physical damage common at a worksite relative to a typical portable radio. For example, the worksite radio  800  may include a weather proof/resistant construction, shock absorbing elements, hard case, etc. The radio  800  may provide a physical attachment portion  802  that enables the gateway  615  to be securely attached to the radio  800  such that the gateway  615  will not detach through normal movement of the worksite radio  800 . For instance, the gateway  615  may include tabs for snapping onto the radio  800 , a rail and groove arrangement for a sliding engagement, a friction fit arrangement, etc. In some instances, the gateway  615  fits into a receptacle of the worksite radio  800 , which is selectively covered by a pivoting or sliding door. The radio  800  also includes a protective frame  805  that extends above the gateway  615  to provide some level of protection to the otherwise exposed gateway  615  shown in  FIG.  17 B . In some embodiments, the radio  800  includes a compartment, with or without a door, padding, etc., for receiving the gateway  615  to provide an additional level of protection from physical damage. 
     In some embodiments, the gateway  615  is also electrically coupled to the radio  800  to enable the gateway  615  to receive power via the radio  800 . For instance,  FIG.  18    illustrates the radio  800  including a gateway connector  810  for selectively coupling the gateway  615  to the radio  800 . For instance, the gateway  615  may be coupled to the radio  800  via one of the battery terminals  755  and battery charger terminals  765 . The radio  800  may be powered by a rechargeable and selectively removable power tool battery  815  that is coupled to the radio  800  via battery terminals  820 . Alternatively, the radio  800  may be coupled to the AC power source  750  via AC power cord terminals  825 . The radio  800  further includes a power converter/charger  830 , which is similar to the power converter/charger  740  in that the power converter/charger  830  may receive power from various sources and convert the power to DC power for consumption by other components. The power converter/charger  830  provides DC power to the gateway  615  via gateway connector  810 , and to the other components of the radio  800  including radio circuitry  835 , audio input/output  840 , and user input/output  845 . The radio circuitry  835  is operable to generate audio signals in response to audio input from the audio input/output  840 . The audio input may include AM or FM transmissions received via an antenna (not shown), compact discs, a digital music player (e.g., an iPod®), etc. The audio input/output  840  receives the audio signals from the radio circuitry  835  and, in response, generates sound via speakers. The user input/output  845  enables a user to select volume levels, select audio input types, and perform other common user interactions with a radio. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a radio  850 , which is similar to radio  800  except that the gateway  615  is integrated with the radio. In other words, the gateway  615  is not selectively removable from the radio  850  without disassembly. The user input/output  845  may provide a user interface to the gateway  615  to allow a user to selectively enable, disable, and otherwise control the gateway  615 . 
       FIG.  20    illustrates the system  600  at a worksite  860  having a building  862 , a fence  864  defining a perimeter around the worksite  860 , a gate  865 , and further including puck repeaters  866  on the ISM network  616 . The puck repeaters  866  receive ISM communications from the tools  605 , fobs  610 , or gateways  615 , and re-transmit the received communications to other tools  605 , fobs  610 , and/or gateways  615  on the ISM network  616 . By repeating the ISM communications, the puck repeaters  866  can extend the range and improve the coverage of the ISM network  616 . The puck repeaters  866  also perform additional functions, as described below. 
     Turning to  FIG.  21 A , a controller  868  of the puck repeater  866  includes a memory  870  for storing instructions that, when executed by the controller  868 , enable the controller  868  to carry out the functions attributable to the controller  868  described herein. The puck repeater  866  further includes a power module  872  for receiving power from one of a battery  874  or an external power source  876 . The power module  872  conditions the received power and supplies the conditioned power to the other components of the puck repeater  866 . The external source  876  is, for example, an external battery, power tool battery, or standard AC source via a wall outlet. The battery  874  may be a primary battery that is replaced upon depletion, or a secondary (rechargeable) battery. In the case of a rechargeable battery, the battery  874  may be charged in-unit by coupling the puck repeater  866  to an external charger, or the puck repeater  866  may include internal charger circuitry, e.g., in the power module  872 . In some instances, the battery  874  is temporarily removed from the puck repeater  866  for charging. 
     To repeat communications over the ISM network  616 , the controller  868  of the puck repeater  866  receives an ISM communication and then transmits the same ISM communication via the ISM band antenna  710  and ISM unit  715 . The puck repeaters  866  can extend the range of the ISM network  616  and also provide a consistent, base-line coverage zone of the ISM network  616 . In other words, since the puck repeaters  866  are generally immobile after placement, unlike the tools  605  and fobs  610 , their coverage does not generally fluctuate. Additionally, since the puck repeaters  866  are generally immobile after placement, the complexity of the ISM network  616  may be simplified, particularly in the case of a mesh network. That is, having mobile nodes in a network can increase its complexity. For instance, a communication path between a transmitter node and receiver node over a network may change over time as the transmitter node and receiver node, as well as any nodes therebetween, vary. Accordingly, including static nodes, such as the puck repeaters  866 , can simplify certain communications over the ISM network  616 . 
     In some instances, the puck repeaters  866  further include the GPS antenna  720  and GPS unit  725  such that the controller  868  of the puck repeater  866  is operable to receive GPS data to determine the location of the puck repeater  866 . In turn, the location information of the puck repeaters  866  is used to determine the position of other elements of the ISM network  616 , such as the tools  605  and fobs  610 . For instance, a distance of one of the tools  605  from a puck repeater  866  may be calculated based on a determined signal strength of communications between the tool  605  and puck repeater  866 . Using the combination of the GPS location data of the puck repeater  866  and the relative distance of the tool  605  from the puck repeater  866 , an approximate location of the tool  605  is determined. Moreover, in some instances, determining the signal strength between an ISM network device (e.g., one of the tools  605 ) and multiple puck repeaters  866  at known positions may be used to triangulate the location of a particular device on the ISM network  616 . 
     A portion of the puck repeaters  866  in  FIG.  20    may be considered perimeter puck repeaters  866 . For instance, the puck repeaters  866  secured to the fence  864  form a perimeter around a worksite  860 . A central monitoring system, such as a remote monitoring system  120  or  135 , the gateway  615 , the tool monitoring server  140 , or the local computing device  618 , is informed of the classification of certain puck repeaters  866  as forming a perimeter. For instance, during setup, the perimeter puck repeaters  866  may output a perimeter signal to the ISM network  616  in response to a user action (e.g., depressing a switch). Alternatively, the central monitoring system may determine that particular puck repeaters  866  form an outer boundary, e.g, based on GPS positioning data, and categorize such puck repeaters  866  as perimeter-type puck repeaters  866 . The perimeter-type puck repeaters  866  form a virtual or geo-fence type boundary around the worksite  860  to detect tools  605 , fobs  610 , and gateways  615  that near or exit the worksite  860  and, in some instances, to cause a security action to be taken instantaneously or with a delay. In some embodiments, puck repeaters  866  are positioned near exits/entrances of the worksite  860 , such as the puck repeaters  866   a  of  FIG.  20    on both sides of the gate  865 . 
     The perimeter puck repeaters  866  are able to detect when a tool  605 , fob  610 , or gateway  615  is near the perimeter of or has left the worksite  860 . For instance, if the signal strength between a particular one of the tools  605  and one or more perimeter pucks  866  increases to a particular level or levels, the tool  605  is considered near the perimeter of the worksite  860 . In some instances, similar to embodiments of the fob  610 , the puck repeaters  866  include two antennas such that they can obtain directional information, in addition to distance information, for ISM devices on the network  616 . In other words, the puck repeater  866  is operable to implement radio frequency direction finding (RFDF) to detect the direction from which RF signals are coming. Accordingly, the perimeter puck repeaters  866  are operable to determine when an ISM device is near or outside of the worksite  860 . In response to detecting an ISM device near or outside of the fence  864 , a warning may be given to a user of the tool  605 , a security action may be taken, and/or a person or device monitoring the location of the tool  605  may be notified, similar to previous geo-fence techniques described above. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the puck repeater  866 , the gateway  615 , the fob  610 , and the tool  605  includes an accelerometer to detect motion. The motion detection capability is used to reduce power consumption by limiting activity of the one or more of the the puck repeater  866 , the gateway  615 , the fob  610 , and the tool  605 . For instance, in some embodiments, the puck repeater  866  selectively determines its GPS location based on an output of the accelerometer. When the puck repeater  866  is moving, as determined by the accelerometer, the puck repeater  866  may periodically determine its GPS location and output the determined location to another device on the ISM network  616 . Once the puck repeater  866  ceases to move, the puck repeater  866  may determine and output its GPS location, then cease GPS activity until further motion of the puck repeater  866  is detected. In some embodiments, rather than ceasing to determine and output its GPS location, the puck repeater  866  introduces longer delays between GPS location determinations. In both instances, the puck repeater  866  reduces power consumption with fewer GPS location determinations. Additionally, as no motion is being detected by the accelerometer, one can infer that the puck repeater  866  has not moved, and the most recent GPS location determined remains accurate. In some embodiments, similar strategies for conserving power by reducing location determinations of the tool  605 , fob  610 , and gateway  615 , whether by GPS or other techniques, based on an accelerometer output are implemented. 
       FIG.  21 B  illustrates the puck repeater  866  having a generally cylindrical shape. The puck repeater  866  has a front side  888   a  and a back side  888   b.  The puck repeater  866  is securable via the back side  888   b  to a surface, such as a wall, desk/table top, ceiling within a worksite (see, e.g., the building  862  of  FIG.  20   ). For instance, the back side  888   b  includes a suction cup, an adhesive, and/or one or more openings or recesses to receive a screw head such that the puck repeater  866  hangs from a screw previously driven into a surface. Although the puck repeater  866  is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape, the puck repeater  866  is constructed with a different shape, such as a cuboid or an irregular shape, in other embodiments. In some instances, the puck repeaters  866  have increased range when positioned higher up off of the ground, such as on a wall, ceiling. 
     In some embodiments, the puck repeaters  866  have a transmit power over the ISM network  616  of approximately +27 dbm, similar to the gateway  615 . In other embodiments, a lower transmit power is used, such as to +5 dbm, +10 dbm, +15 dbm, −20 dbm, +25 dbm, or another transmit power. Generally, however, the puck repeaters  866  have an average transmit power that is greater than the transmit power of the power tools  605  and fobs  610 . 
       FIG.  22    illustrates a tool  900  coupled to an ISM battery  902 . The tool  900  is able to communicate over the ISM network  616  via a connection to the ISM battery  902 . In contrast to the tool  605 , the tracking and wireless communication capabilities have been moved from the tool to the ISM battery  902 . 
     The tool  900  is a battery-operated power drill that, similar to the tool  105  and  605 , includes the tool controller  145 , sensors  155 , and a motor  165 . Although the tool  900  is described as a power drill, the tool  900  is another type of tool or accessory in other embodiments, such as those described above with respect to systems  100  and  600 . The tool further includes a handshake module  904  for communicating with a handshake module  906  of the battery controller  907 , as is described in greater detail below. The tool  900  also includes a terminal block  908  for physically and electrically coupling to battery terminals  910  of the battery  902 . The connection between the terminal block  908  and battery terminals  910  enables the battery  902  to provide power to the tool  900 , and for the battery  902  and the tool  900  to communicate with each other. 
     The battery  902  includes rechargeable battery cells  912 , such as lithium ion or NiCad cells, for providing power to the tool  900  and components of the battery  902 . The battery  902  includes the tracking unit  620  and, accordingly, is an ISM-enabled device that is able to communicate with the fob  610  and other ISM devices on the ISM network  616 . To simplify the description, not all components of the fob  610  are illustrated in  FIG.  22    and the ISM unit  650  and ISM antennas  652  are shown as a single ISM module  614 . 
     The tool  900 , battery  902 , and fob  610  each store a security code  916 , individually referred to as  916   a,    916   b,  and  916   c,  respectively. For the tool  900  to continue to properly operate, (a) the battery  902  periodically receives the security code  916   a  from the fob  610 , which matches the security code  916   b,  and (b) in turn, the battery  902  periodically provides the tool  900  with the security code  916   b,  which matches with the security code  916   c.  The security code  916  may be a string of one or more of letters, numbers, symbols, etc. and may be encrypted for communications. 
       FIG.  23    illustrates a tether method  920  from a perspective of the tool  900  and  FIG.  24    illustrates a tether method  922  from a perspective of the battery  902 . Tether method  920  begins with step  924 , in which the security code  916   c  is stored in the tool  900 . Step  924  may occur, for example, at a point of manufacture, and the security code  916   c  may be stored in a read-only memory such that the security code  916   c  may not be overwritten or changed. In step  926 , the tool controller  145  determines whether a trigger of the tool  900  has been depressed, or whether the tool  900  has otherwise been activated. If the trigger is depressed, the tool controller  145  proceeds to step  928  and initiates a handshake with the battery  902 . In the handshake, the tool  900  communicates with the battery  902  to determine battery information, such as the type of battery, the charge status of the battery, whether the battery is malfunctioning, whether a battery error has occurred, etc. The handshake communications may be encrypted or otherwise secure. 
     During or after the handshake, in step  930 , the tool  900  determines (a) whether a security code has been provided to the tool  900  by the battery  902  and (b) if so, whether the security code provided was the security code  916   b,  i.e., whether the security code provided matches the security code  916   c  stored in the tool  900 . If security code  916   b  has been provided, the tool  900  proceeds to normal operation in step  932  until the trigger is released. The released trigger is detected in step  934 , and the tool controller  145  returns to step  926 . If, in step  930 , the tool  900  determines that no security code or the incorrect security code was provided by the battery  902 , the tool controller  145  places the tool  900  into a lock-out or limp mode. As previously described, in a lock-out mode, the tool  900  is prevented from operating. For instance, the tool controller  145  does not provide motor drive control signals, or the battery  902  is kept disconnected from the motor  165 . In the limp mode, the tool  900  is able to operable, but the tool  900  has reduced performance capabilities. In addition, in step  936 , the tool  900  and/or battery  902  may emit an audible (e.g., alarm or message), visual, or tactile signal to a user of the tool  900  that the handshake failed because of the mis-matched security codes  916   b  and  916   c.  The tool  900  remains in the lock-out or limp mode until the trigger is released, as detected in step  934 . Thereafter, the tool controller  145  returns to step  926 . 
       FIG.  24    illustrates the tether method  922  from a perspective of the battery  902 . In step  940 , the battery  902  determines whether a handshake has been initiated by the tool  900 . If a handshake has not been initiated, the battery controller  907  proceeds to step  942  to determine whether (a) a communication from the fob  610  is being received that includes a security code and (b) if so, whether the received security code is the security code  916   a,  i.e., whether the received security code matches the security code  916   b  stored in the battery  900 . If the fob  610  communication included the security code  916   a,  the battery  902  marks the security code  916   b  as valid in step  944 . Additionally, the battery  902  sets a timer in step  946 . The timer will indicate how often the security code is to be provided to the tool  900  before a lock-out or limp mode is activated. The time period of the timer is variable depending on a particular implementation. For example, in some instances, the timer is set to a short duration, such as one or five minutes, while in other instances, a longer timer is set, such as 12 or 24 hours. Other time periods for the timer may also be selected. The timer begins counting down (or up) after being set in step  946 , and the battery controller  907  returns to step  940 . 
     If, in step  942 , the battery controller  907  determines that the fob  610  has not communicated a security code or that the security code provided is not the security code  916   a , the battery controller  907  proceeds to step  948 . In step  948 , the battery controller  907  determines whether the timer has expired. If the timer has expired, the battery  902  marks its security code  916   b  as invalid in step  950 . Also, in step  950 , an audible, visual, or tactile warning may be provided to the user by the battery  902  or by the tool  900  in response to the battery  902 . For example, a light on the battery  902  or tool  900  may be illuminated after the security code is marked invalid in step  950  to inform the user that he or she should bring the tool within an acceptable range of the fob  610  or ISM network  616  to receive the security code  916  before the timer expires. In some instances, the timer may be reset at the time that the security code  916  is marked invalid to ensure a minimum time period before a lock-out or limp mode is enacted. If the timer is not expired in step  948 , the battery controller  907  returns to step  940 . 
     If a handshake has been initiated, as determined in step  940 , the battery controller  907  determines whether the security code  916   b  is valid in step  952 . The security code  916   b  will be invalid if the timer is expired, which implies that a particular period of time has passed since the previous instance of the fob  610  providing a matching security code (i.e., security code  916   a ). If the code is determined to be valid in step  952 , the security code  916   b  is transmitted to the tool  900  in step  954 . In turn, the tool  900  will operate in a normal mode, as described with respect to method  920  of  FIG.  23   . If the code is determined to be invalid in step  952 , the security code  916   b  is not output to the tool  900 . Additionally, the battery controller  907  may output an invalid code message to the tool  900 , such as in step  956 . Thereafter, as described with respect to method  920  of  FIG.  23   , the tool  900  will be placed in a lock-out or limp mode. Thereafter, the battery controller  907  returns to the step  940  to await a further handshake request or fob  610  communication. 
     In some embodiments, the battery  902  does not determine whether it has a valid security code in step  942 . Rather, the battery  902  stores a security code that it receives in step  942 , overwriting any previously stored security code. After a handshake is initiated in step  940 , the battery  902  bypasses step  952  to provide the currently stored security code to the tool  900 . Thus, the tool  900 , not the battery  902 , determines whether the received security code is valid. Additionally, the timer is reset each time a security code is received and, if the timer expires, the security code is erased in step  950  and not provided to the tool  900  during a handshake. 
     The fob  610  may be configured to communicate the security code  916   a  to the battery  902  periodically to ensure that the timer does not elapse, except when the fob  610  is out of communication range of the battery  902 . Thus, in effect, the fob  610  acts as a wireless tether that, if not within communication range of the battery  902 , prevents the tool  900  from normal operation. In some embodiments, the fob  610  must be able to directly communicate the security code  916   a  to the battery  902  to enable normal operation of the tool  900 . That is, the security code may not pass through other ISM devices on the ISM network  616  to reach the battery  902 , or else the security code will not be considered “correct” in step  942 . However, in some embodiments, the security code  916   a  may be transmitted from the fob  610  over various ISM devices on the ISM network  916  and the security code will be considered correct in step  942 . In some embodiments, rather than particular fob  610 , the battery  902  may receive the security code  916   a  from another ISM device on the ISM network  616 , such as another tool  605 , gateway  615 , or puck repeater  866 . That is, various ISM devices may store the security code  916   a  and, if the battery  902  is within range of at least one of these ISM devices, the battery  902  will have a valid security code  916   b  for providing to the tool  900  to permit normal operation thereof. In some embodiments, the battery  902  periodically outputs an ISM request for the security code  916  in step  942  and proceeds to step  944  or  948  depending on whether a response with the security code  916  is provided. 
     In some instances, rather than a single security code  916  used by the fob  610  (or other ISM device), the tool  900 , and the battery  902 , the fob  610  (or other ISM device) and battery  902  use a first security code (e.g., the security code  916 ), while the battery  902  and the tool  900  use a second security code different from the first security code. 
     In some embodiments, the battery  902  and method  922  are operable with a tool  900  that does not store the security code (i.e., a “predecessor tool”  900 ). For example, the predecessor tool  900  may be a previous model or a new model tool that is compatible with a battery similar to the battery  902 , but not having the security code functionality. The predecessor tool  900  and the battery carry out a handshake operation each time the predecessor tool  900  is operated to obtain battery information, but not a security code that has a time-based expiration as described in methods  920  and  922 . In certain instances, the battery will communicate an error message to the predecessor tool  900  indicating that the battery is not able to provide power to the predecessor tool  900 . For example, if the state of charge of the battery is too low, if the battery is overheated, or if the battery is otherwise malfunctioning, the battery may communicate to the predecessor tool  900  that the battery is inoperable or has reduced capabilities. In response, the predecessor tool  900  will not operate or will limit its performance, for instance, by reducing the output power. 
     The battery  902  is operable to take advantage of the handshaking ability of the predecessor tool  900  to implement the secure tethering method  922 . For instance, the battery  902  may continue to execute the method  922 ; however, in step  956 , after determining that the battery  902  does not have a valid security code, the battery controller  907  simulates an error message to the predecessor tool  900 . Thus, the predecessor tool  900  is deceived and ceases to operate or operates with reduced performance, depending on the type of error message sent and the rules for handling such an error message on the predecessor tool  900 . 
       FIGS.  25 A-C  illustrate a job box gateway  1000  including a job box  1001  and a two-piece gateway  615   a.    FIG.  26    illustrates a cross-section A-A of the job box gateway  1000  shown in  FIG.  25 C . The job box  1001  is a container with walls  1002 , handles  1004 , a base  1006 , and a hinged lid  1008 . The job box  1001  is operable to hold various tools and materials for a user on a worksite. The job box  1001  further includes a locking mechanism (not shown) for selectively locking the lid  1008  shut to prevent unauthorized access to the equipment within the job box  1001 . As shown in  FIG.  25 A , the lid  1008  further includes a cut-out or aperture  1010 . The aperture  1010  enables the two-piece gateway  615   a,  as shown in  FIGS.  25 B and  26   , which includes an external portion  1012  and an internal portion  1014 . 
     The external portion  1012  includes a mounting board  1013  and antennas  1016  mounted thereon. As shown in greater detail in  FIG.  28   , the antennas  1016  include the GPS antenna  720 , the cellular antenna  730 , a second cellular antenna  1017 , and the ISM antenna  710  (see  FIG.  14   ). The GPS antenna  720  receives GPS signals from the GPS satellite  110 . The cellular antenna  730  and second cellular antenna  117  communicate with one or more cellular networks (e.g., network  115 ). The second cellular antenna  117  is optional and may be used as a redundant antenna to assist in communications with the cellular network  115 . In some instances, the second cellular antenna  117  may be tuned slightly different than the cellular antenna  730 . The ISM antenna  710  communicates with the ISM network  616 , which may include, for example, one or more gateways  615 , batteries  902 , tools  605 , fobs  610 , and/or pucks  886 . 
     The external portion  1012  is covered by a dome  1018 . The dome  1018  is constructed of a rugged material, such as polyurethane, with a low dielectric constant to improve transmission capabilities for the antennas  1016 . The dome  1018  protects the antennas  1016  from damage due to impacts, droppage, etc., which are common to a worksite. Protective coverings of shapes other than a dome are used in place of the dome  1018  in some embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, another dome or protective covering (not shown) is included within the job box  1001  to protect the internal portion  1014 . 
     The internal portion  1014  includes a base  1020  with an internal antenna  1022 , power tool battery  760 , and accelerometer  1026 . The power tool battery  760  is selectively engageable with the base  1020  and provides power to the components of the gateway  615   a.  The internal antenna  1022  is an ISM antenna for communicating with wirelessly-enabled equipment inside the job box  1001 , such as tools  605 , battery packs  902 , and fobs  610 . The internal portion  1014  is coupled to the external portion via a connector  1028 . The connector  1028  includes data paths and/or power connections between the antennas  1016  and the other components of the gateway  615   a,  such as the translation controller  700  and power converter/charger  740 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  26   , fasteners  1030  extend through the base  1020 , through the lid  1008 , through the mounting board  1013 , and terminate in flanges  1032  of the dome  1018 . Thus, the fasteners  1030  secure the internal portion  1014 , the external portion  1012 , and the dome  1018  to the lid  1008  of the job box  1001 . By mounting the majority of the components of the gateway  615   a  inside the job box  1001  and including fasteners  1030  accessible only from the inside of the job box  1001 , the gateway  615   a  benefits from the transmission range of an externally mounted antenna, while still being secured against theft. In other words, because the lid  1008  is generally locked shut, a potential thief is not able to access the power tool battery  760 , materials within the job box  1001 , or remove the gateway  615   a,  without first having the ability to unlock the job box  1001 . 
     In general, a standard job box may act as a Faraday cage that inhibits or degrades communications between wireless devices within the standard job box, such as the tool  605 , and devices outside of the standard job box, such as an external gateway  615  or a component of the ISM network  616 . In contrast, the job box  1001  with gateway  615   a  includes an internal antenna  1022  able to communicate with wireless devices within the job box  1001 , and external antennas  1016  for relaying communications to/from wireless devices outside of the job box  1001  (e.g., the cellular network  115  or ISM network  616 ). 
     The internal antenna  1022  is a diversity antenna, which provides improved communications within the job box  1001 . For example, wireless communications within the job box  1001  using a non-diversity antenna may be generally difficult due to internal reflections and other transmission/reception issues. The diversity antenna counteracts these issues and improves communications. In some embodiments, the diversity antenna (internal antenna  1022 ) is circularly polarized, which provides a phase diversity antenna. In some embodiments, the internal antenna  1022  has a transmit power of approximately +10 dbm or less, such as +5 dbm, given the generally close proximity of communications. However, in other embodiments, the internal antenna  1022  has a transmit power greater than +10 dbm, such as +15 dbm, +20 dbm, +25 dbm, or +27 dbm. 
     The accelerometer  1026  is used to detect movement of the lid  1008  and/or the job box  1001 . By monitoring an output of the accelerometer  1026 , the translation controller  700  of the gateway  615   a  is able to determine whether the lid  1008  is open or shut, and whether the job box  1001  is stationary or moving. The gateway  615   a  is operable to transmit this information to external devices, such as the tool monitoring server  140 , smart phone  120 , PC  135 , and fob  610 . Additionally, the gateway  615   a  is operable to enter into a low-power mode upon detecting that the lid  1008  and the job box  1001  are stationary. For example, if the lid  1008  remains shut and the job box  1001  remains stationary, the gateway  615   a  enters a low-power mode in which the frequency of transmissions by the gateway  615   a  is reduced. Since the lid  1008  is closed and the job box  1001  is stationary, the statuses of items within the job box  1001  and the job box  1001  itself remain relatively constant, and fewer transmissions are used. 
     As an example, in a normal mode, the gateway  615  may transmit messages between every 400 ms to 2000 ms, while in a low-power mode, the gateway  615  transmits message every few minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. In some instances, the frequency of transmissions by the gateway  615   a  via the internal antenna  1022  is reduced when the lid  1008  remains closed, but the transmissions by the other antennas  1016  occur at a normal rate. However, if the job box  1001  as a whole is also determined to be stationary for a predetermined time, the gateway  615   a  also enters a lower power mode with respect to communications via the antennas  1016 . 
     In some embodiments, the job box  1001  and/or gateway  615   a  further include the power converter/charger  740 , battery charger  770  and AC power cord terminals  745 , similar to the gateway  615  shown in  FIG.  14   . Accordingly, the gateway  615   a  is operable to be powered by an AC power supply (e.g., from a standard AC wall outlet) and the battery charger  770  is operable to charge the power tool battery  760  via power form the AC power supply. 
       FIG.  27    illustrates vehicle gateway  1050  having the gateway  615   a  integrated with a vehicle  1051 . Similar to the job box gateway  1000 , the gateway  615   a  of the vehicle gateway  1050  includes the external portion  1012  and the internal portion  1014  on either side of a top surface  1052 , like the arrangement on the lid  1008 . The top surface  1052  is part of an enclosed container  1054  of the vehicle  1051 , which further includes sidewalls  1056  and a bottom surface  1058 . The vehicle  1051  also includes a cab portion  1060  in which a driver is operable to drive the vehicle  1051 . The cab portion  1060  further includes a vehicle battery  1062 , such as a 12-V DC battery. The cab portion  1060  also includes an engine (not shown) that uses fuel (e.g., gasoline, biofuel, etc.) to generate rotational mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is converted by an alternator to generate electrical energy that is used to charge the vehicle battery  1062 . 
     The vehicle battery  1062  is coupled to the gateway  615   a  via a power line  1064 . The vehicle battery  1062  acts as a power source for the gateway  615   a,  similar to the AC power source  750  provides power to the gateway  615  as described above with respect to  FIG.  14   . In other words, the vehicle battery  1062  is operable to power the gateway  615   a  and to provide power usable by the gateway  615   a  to charge the battery  760 . The gateway  615   a  may select which power source to use, the power tool battery  760  or the vehicle battery  1062 , based on one or both of their respective charge levels. For example, in some instances, the gateway  615   a  uses the power tool battery  760 , when present, until the charge level drops to a certain low threshold. Thereafter, the gateway  615   a  uses the vehicle battery  1062 , and optionally charges the power tool battery  760 . In some instances, the gateway  615   a  uses power from the vehicle battery  1062  until its charge level drops to a certain low threshold. Thereafter, the gateway  615   a  uses the power tool battery  760 , at least until the vehicle battery  1062  is charged by the vehicle  1051  to be above a certain high threshold. In other embodiments, different powering and charging schemes using the two power sources are implemented. 
     In some embodiments, the vehicle  1051  is a hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle, or another alternative fuel-type vehicle. In these instances, different battery types, fuel sources (natural gas), power generators (fuel cells, photovoltaic array, etc.) are used in the vehicle  1051 . Regardless of vehicle type, however, the vehicle  1051  is operable to output electrical energy, whether DC or AC power, to the gateway  615   a  for general power purposes and for charging the power tool battery  760 . 
     In both the job box gateway  1000  and the vehicle gateway  1050 , the gateway  615   a  is positioned on an upper position (lid  1008  and top surface  1052 ). Generally, the higher the gateway  615   a  is positioned, the better the wireless transmission/reception available. However, in some embodiments, the gateway  615   a  is positioned on a side wall, a top half or third of a side wall, a bottom half or third of a side wall, or a bottom surface of the job box gateway  1000  and the vehicle gateway  1050 . For example, in a vehicle  1051  lacking a top surface (e.g., an open bed truck), the gateway  615   a  is positionable near the top of the side wall  1056  of the truck. 
     The accelerometer  1026  is used in the vehicle gateway  1050  similar to how it is used in the job box gateway  1000  to detect movement of the vehicle gateway  1050 . However, the top surface  1052  of the vehicle  1051  does not open; rather, the back door (not shown) opens to provide access to tools  605 , materials, etc. within the vehicle  1051 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, the accelerometer  1026  is located separate from the gateway  615   a  on an access door of the vehicle  1051 . The accelerometer would remain in communication with the gateway  615   a,  whether wirelessly or via wired connection, to provide acceleration signals related to both the vehicle  1051  as a whole and the opening/shutting of the access door. The accelerometer  1026  on the vehicle gateway  1050  is, thus, similarly able to be used cause the gateway  615   a  to enter into a low-power mode. 
     In some embodiments, rather than accelerometer  1026 , another sensor may be included to detect whether the lid  1008  or back door of the vehicle  1051  is open and shut, such as an optical sensor or pressure sensor. However, the accelerometer  1026  may still be included on the gateway  615   a  to detect general movement of the job box  1001  and vehicle  1051 . 
       FIG.  28    illustrates a block diagram of the gateway  615   a  having the two-piece construction. As shown, the base  1020  is coupled to the mounting board by the connector  1028 . The gateway  615   a  includes external power cord terminals  1064  for optionally coupling to an external power source, such as the vehicle battery  1062 . The gateway  615   a,  like the gateway  615 , translates messages between the ISM network  616  and the cellular network  617 . In some instances, the ISM antennas  1022  and  710  operate on the same ISM network  616  and, for instance, messages transmitted by the ISM band antenna  710  are also transmitted by the internal ISM antenna  1022 . In other instances, the gateway  615   a  operates on and administers two ISM networks  616 , one via the internal antenna  1022 , and one via the (external) ISM band antenna  710 . In these instances, the gateway  615   a  may act as an intermediary between the two ISM networks  616 , or the two ISM networks  616  may remain independent. In some instances, the ISM unit  715 , GPS unit  725 , and cellular unit  735  are also located on the mounting board  1013 . Except for the distinctions set forth above and those apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the gateway  615   a  and the components thereof operate generally similarly to the gateway  615  and its components. Thus, duplicative description was not included. 
     The controllers described herein, including controllers  145 ,  220 ,  640 ,  700 ,  868 , and  907  may be implemented as a general purpose processor, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof, to carry out their respective functions. 
     Thus, the invention provides, among other things, systems and methods for remotely tracking power tools and related devices. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.