Importance

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Abstract

A fastener is provided with onboard memory in the form of a non-volatile memory device. The fastener defines a casing with an elongate body and a transverse gripping head, such casing defining a bore into which the nonvolatile memory device is placed. The memory device is mounted on a circuit board having a first side which defines a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for use in communicating with the memory device. The electrically conductive contacts are selectively exposed to provide access to the memory device. The other side of the circuit board is placed inside the casing and covered with potting material. Simple wiring on the small board, using through-hole vias, suffices to route power, ground, and data lines to the memory device, while providing a sealed durable package with at least three external contacts and fastening capabilities.

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First Claim