Patent ID: 8810370

Claim:
A method of collecting data related to stress on a fastener having a fastener head with a recess containing a sensor, comprising: removably attaching a cap to the fastener, the cap having a cap head and sides configured to surround the fastener head; bringing a set of electrical contacts in the cap into engagement with the sensor and the fastener, whereby sensor data is transmissible from the sensor to the cap; sensing at least one temperature varying parameter on the fastener related to the stress on the fastener when the fastener mechanically joins at least two separate structural members together; sensing the temperature of the fastener; generating a data packet in the cap containing the sensed temperature varying parameter and the sensed temperature; wirelessly transmitting the data packet from the cap to a reader; receiving the data packet at the reader; and adjusting the temperature varying parameter at the reader using the sensed temperature.