Fastener system and associated methods for industrial sites

Abstract

The present disclosure provides embodiments of fastener systems and associated methods for reduced risk of injury in industrial sites. In an embodiment, a system for securing industrial components includes a lock-out tag-out station that secures a plurality of different bits. The bit has a keyed interface and a recess operable to insert a tool. The system further includes two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners. Each fastener has a keyed junction that is operable to matingly interface with the keyed interface from the bit when positioned therein. The keyed interface of a first bit is inoperable to matingly interface with a second set of the plurality of fasteners and the second bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the first set of the plurality of fasteners.

Description

FASTENER SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR INDUSTRIAL SITESInventors: Timothy NEAL; Brien BEACH; Sean HARKINSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 806,520, filed May 15, 2025, titled “FASTENER SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR INDUSTRIAL SITES,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 775,844, filed March 21, 2025, titled “GRATING FASTENER SYSTEM, KIT, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR INDUSTRIAL SITES,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 651,859, filed May 24, 2024, titled “GRATING FASTENER SYSTEM, KIT, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR INDUSTRIAL SITES,” each of the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a fastener system, kit, and associated methods. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to embodiments of a fastener system, kit, and associated methods for industrial sites.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fastener systems are utilized in industrial applications to connect various objects together. These fastener systems may be further utilized in areas that are plagued with a high risk of injury to personnel, such as near, or on, rotating or electrical equipment. In one example, industrial gratings are fastened to structural components to provide a fixed industrial platform. These industrial gratings are repaired or replaced periodically in several industrial sites. These repairs, or installations, may be necessitated due to failure of the grating or as an access to equipment positioned above or below the grating in need of access. Hazards exist when grating work is being performed as an opening in the flooring is present.

[0004] In another example, electrical cabinets may be secured to structural components with a fastener system. These electrical cabinets may be relocated in, for example, expansion projects of the industrial site. Additionally, the electrical cabinets may house electrical components that may require service or maintenance periodically. In some examples, the electrical cabinets may havea cover that is fastened to prevent entry to access the electrical components. Hazards exist when electrical cabinet work is being performed as an unsecure electrical cabinet poses a risk of electrocution or falling that may increase the likelihood of personnel injury.

[0005] Applicant has recognized that the implementation of proper training, tools, and techniques to perform industrial fastener containing work has not achieved a suitable reduction of risk for injury to personnel.SUMMARY

[0006] There remains a need for reduction of risk for performing industrial fastener containing work. Applicant has recognized that injury hazards exist while performing industrial fastener containing work, thereby causing avoidable injuries, increased operational costs to the industrial site, and a reduced personnel moral. Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially reduce risk of injury from performing repair, or installation, work in an industrial site by implementation of a lock-out tag-out procedure associated with a fastener system and assembly.

[0007] Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, include grating fastener system and associated methods for industrial sites. In an embodiment, a system for securing industrial components located in an industrial site comprises a lock-out tag-out station having a plurality of locking mechanisms to independently house and secure a plurality of different bits such that access to a first bit of the plurality of different bits does not provide access to a second bit of the plurality of different bits. The first bit is operable to drive a first fastener different than a second fastener operably driven by the second bit. Further, each of the plurality of different bits has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion includes a connection operable to independently receive one or more standard tools to rotate a bit of the plurality of different bits when used, and the lower portion includes a keyed interface that has a non-standard shape. The keyed interface of the first bit of the plurality of different bits matingly interfaces with a first set of a plurality of fasteners. The keyed interface of the second bit of the plurality of different bits matingly interfaces with a second set of the plurality of fasteners. The keyed interface of the first bit is different than the keyed interface of the second bit such that the first bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the second set of the plurality of fasteners and the second bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the first set of the plurality of fasteners. The system further includes two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners where each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion has: (a) a top surface,(b) a truncated flare extending inwardly from the top surface such that a first outer diameter of the top surface has a greater diameter than a second outer diameter of the lower portion, and (c) a keyed junction positioned between the top surface and the lower portion, the keyed junction operable to matingly interface with the keyed interface from a matingly associated bit when connected, and the lower portion has a fastening device to secure an industrial component.

[0008] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the connection of the upper portion of each of the plurality of different bits includes a recess operable to receive the one or more standard tools to rotate an associated bit of the plurality of different bits when used. The recess has a first recess portion operable to receive a first standard tool of the one or more standard tools and a second recess portion operable to receive a second standard tool of the one or more standard tools different than the first standard tool. The first recess portion extends axially from an upper surface of each of the plurality of different bits to a shoulder positioned within the recess. The shoulder connects the first recess portion to the second recess portion. The shoulder is operable to provide an entry limit surface for the first standard tool into the second recess portion such that the first standard tool abuttingly contacts the first recess portion to independently rotate the associated bit when used. Additionally, the second recess portion extends axially from the shoulder to an end surface of the recess and the second recess portion is operable to abuttingly contact the second standard tool when positioned therein to independently rotate the associated bit.

[0009] In another embodiment of the disclosure, the first standard tool includes a socket driver, and the second standard tool includes a Phillips driver, a tri-wing driver, a triangular driver, a hex drive, a bar, or a combination thereof. The first standard tool is inoperable to drive the associated bit within the second recess portion of the associated bit and the second standard tool is inoperable to drive the associated bit within the first recess portion of the associated bit.

[0010] In still another embodiment, the shoulder of the recess includes a first shoulder, and the end surface includes a first end surface. The recess of the associated bit further includes a second shoulder that connects the second recess portion to a third recess portion and the third recess portion is operable to receive a third standard tool when used. The third recess portion axially extends from the second shoulder to a second end surface of the recess and the second shoulder is operable to further provide an entry limit surface for the second standard tool into the third recess portion such that the first standard tool abuttingly contacts the first recess portion to independently move the associated bit when used. The second standard tool abuttingly contacts the second recessportion that is operable to independently move the associated bit when used. Further, the third standard tool abuttingly contacts the third recess portion that is operable to independently move the associated bit when used.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the keyed interface includes a keyed extension opposite the upper portion and the keyed junction includes a keyed recess that extends from the top surface toward the lower portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lower portion of each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners includes a bottom surface and a cylindrical portion that extends axially from the bottom surface towards and connected to the upper portion. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion includes an inner recess and the cylindrical portion of the first set of the plurality of fasteners further includes an indicator to identify a shape of the keyed recess or the matingly associated bit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the system further includes a plurality of bushings operable to dampen movement and positioned between each of the plurality of fasteners and an industrial component thereby to reduce each of the plurality of fasteners from unfastening from vibrational movements when installed. The plurality of bushings includes an elastic material and the plurality of fasteners, and the plurality of different bits are each 3D printed.

[0014] In other embodiments of the system, the plurality of fasteners and the plurality of different bits include: (a) a glass nylon material, thereby to be positioned in explosion-proof designated areas, or (b) a metal.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the system further includes a controller in signal communication with the lock-out tag-out station. The controller includes one or more processors and memory in communication with the one or more processors and the memory has one or more software programs stored therein and further operable with the one or more processors. The one or more software programs include a ledger module operable to record information associated with an assignment of a bit of the plurality of different bits and a location where an assigned bit will be used, thereby to inform personnel of the location of work being performed when the assigned bit is in use.

[0016] In still another embodiment, the controller includes a first controller and further, the system further includes a second controller in signal communication with the first controller. The second controller is positioned in a remote location. The second controller includes one or more processors and memory in communication with the one or more processors and additionally, thesoftware programs are stored therein are operable with the one or more processors. The one or more software programs include a unique shape generator sequence module that when instructed by the one or more processors, produces unique shapes applicable to a mating interface between the keyed junction and the keyed interface.

[0017] In another embodiment, the one or more software programs of the memory of the second controller further includes a ledger module that logs and stores unique shapes associated to an end user, and the second controller further is in communication with a printer configured to generate a geometric code used to three dimensionally print a bit or a fastener that has the mating interface between the keyed junction and the keyed interface.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the second controller further is in signal communication with a printer. The printer is connected to metal powder supply and further has a laser to sinter metal powder when operated to produce a three dimensional metal print of a bit or a fastener that has the mating interface between the keyed junction and the keyed interface.

[0019] The present disclosure also contains an embodiment directed towards a fastener system for securing industrial components. The fastener system includes two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners and where the two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners further including a first set of the plurality of fasteners and a second set of the plurality of fasteners. Each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has: (a) a top surface, (b) a truncated flare that extends inwardly from the top surface such that a first outer diameter of the top surface has a greater diameter than a second outer diameter of the lower portion, and (c) a keyed junction positioned between the top surface and the lower portion. The keyed junction is operable to matingly interface with a keyed interface from a matingly associated bit when connected. The keyed junction has three or more contact sites operable to abuttingly contact a matingly interfaced keyed interface of a first bit so as to rotate an associated fastener when used. The lower portion has a fastening device to secure an industrial component. The two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners further includes a first set of the plurality of fasteners and a second set of the plurality of fasteners. The first set of the plurality of fasteners is operable to matingly interface with a keyed interface of the first bit and the second set of the plurality of fasteners is operable to matingly interface with a keyed interface of a second bit. The first set of the plurality of fasteners is inoperable to matingly interface with the keyed interface of the secondbit and the second set of the plurality of fasteners is inoperable to matingly interface with the keyed interface of the first bit.

[0020] The present disclosure further contains yet another embodiment directed towards a system for securing industrial components that includes a plurality of different bits. Each of the plurality of different bits has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a connection operable to independently receive one or more standard tools to rotate a bit of the plurality of different bits when used. The lower portion has a keyed interface with a non-standard shape. The keyed interface of a first bit of the plurality of different bits is operable to matingly interface with a first set of a plurality of fasteners. Additionally, the keyed interface has three or more contact sites operable to abuttingly contact a matingly interfaced keyed junction of an associated fastener so as to rotate the associated fastener when used. The keyed interface of a second bit of the plurality of different bits is operable to matingly interface with a second set of the plurality of fasteners. The keyed interface of the first bit is different than the keyed interface of the second bit such that the first bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the second set of the plurality of fasteners and the second bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the first set of the plurality of fasteners.

[0021] The present disclosure further contains still another embodiment directed towards a system for securing industrial components that includes a plurality of different bits and two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners. Each of the plurality of different bits has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a multi-tier structure operable to independently receive one or more standard tools to rotate a bit of the plurality of different bits when used, and the lower portion has a keyed interface with a non-standard shape. The keyed interface of a first bit of the plurality of different bits is operable to matingly interface with a first set of a plurality of fasteners. Further, the keyed interface has three or more contact sites operable to abuttingly contact a matingly interfaced keyed junction of an associated fastener so as to rotate the associated fastener when used. The keyed interface of a second bit of the plurality of different bits is operable to matingly interface with a second set of the plurality of fasteners. The keyed interface of the first bit is different than the keyed interface of the second bit such that the first bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the second set of the plurality of fasteners and the second bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the first set of the plurality of fasteners. Each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has: (a) atop surface, (b) a truncated flare that extends inwardly from the top surface such that a first outer diameter of the top surface has a greater diameter than a second outer diameter of the lower portion, and (c) a keyed junction positioned between the top surface and the lower portion. The keyed junction is operable to matingly interface with the keyed interface from a matingly associated bit when connected and the lower portion has a fastening device to secure an industrial component.

[0022] The present disclosure even further contains yet another embodiment directed towards a method to generate unique shapes applied to fastener system. The method includes providing an input base shape to a controller configured to generate unique shapes per the input base shape, providing an input guideline to the controller configured to generate unique shapes per the input guideline, generating one or more unique shapes that define an interface between a bit and a fastener of the fastener system into a database, selecting desired unique shapes from the database for extraction, extracting the desired unique shapes from the database such that each of the desired unique shapes contains a unique file name, logging each unique file name associated to an end user on a ledger, where the ledger the configured to store one or more unique file names for one or more end users, generating additional unique shapes into a database, thereby to create more unique shapes for selection, providing an extracted unique shape to a slicing and nesting program configured to generate a geometric code, generating a geometric code configured to guide a printer to print a three dimensional component of the fastener system, printing the three dimensional component of the fastener system, and providing the three dimensional component to a distribution unit for storage, shipping, or order fulfillment.

[0023] Aspects and advantages of these exemplary embodiments and other examples, are discussed in detail herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing information and the following detailed description provide merely illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiment and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. Accordingly, these and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present disclosure, will become apparent through reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain principles of the embodiments discussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of this disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the embodiments discussed herein and the many ways in which they may be practiced. According to common practice, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure more clearly.

[0025] FIG. 1A-F are environmental views of an embodiment of a fastener system using lockout tag-out operations for grating work in an industrial site, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2A is a sectional view of an embodiment of a bit with a socket driver recess and a hex drive recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2B is a top view of an embodiment of a bit from FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2C is a bottom view of an embodiment of a bit from FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIGS. 2D and 2E are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit with a socket driver recess and a Phillips driver recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2F is a top view of an embodiment of a bit of FIG. 2D with a square socket driver within to illustrate contact sites from use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2G is a top view of an embodiment of a bit from FIGS. 2D and 2E with a Phillips driver within to illustrate contact sites from use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIGS. 2H and 21 are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit with a square socket driver recess and a tri-wing driver recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2J is a top view of an embodiment of a bit from FIGS. 2H and 21 with a tri-wing driver within to illustrate contact sites from use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 2K and 2L are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit with a socket driver recess and a triangular driver recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2M is a top view of an embodiment of a bit from FIGS. 2K and 2L with a triangular driver within to illustrate contact sites from use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIGS. 2N and 20 are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit with a socket driver recess and a recess for a Phillips driver or a tri-wing driver, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGS. 2P and 2Q are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit with a socket driver recess, a hex drive recess, and a recess for a Phillips driver or a tri-wing driver, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 2R and 2S are a side sectional view and a top sectional view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit with a bar recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3A is a sectional view of an embodiment of a fastener, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional exploded view of an embodiment of a fastener assembly with a bit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 5A is a side view of an embodiment of a fastener assembly with a bit positioned thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener assembly with a bit positioned thereon of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 6A is a schematic sectional side view of an installed fastener assembly with a bit positioned thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 6B and 6C are sectional top views of a keyed junction of a fastener that matingly interfaces with a keyed interface of a bit taken along line 6B of FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 6D is a schematic sectional side view of an installed fastener assembly with a bit positioned thereon having an alternative keyed interface as compared to FIG. 6B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 7A is a schematic top view of an embodiment of grating panels with the fastener assembly installed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 7B and 7C are embodiments of a fastener system utilized on various industrial equipment, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bit positioned within an open casing structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 8B is a top view of an embodiment of a bit positioned within a closed casing structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 8C is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a bit positioned within an open casing structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method for lock-out tag-out operations for a fastener system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fastener system kit, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram illustrating a control system for managing data collected from the lock-out tag-out procedure, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method for generation of unique shapes applicable to a fastener system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram illustrating a control system for managing data for generation and handling of unique shapes, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0057] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated into other embodiments without further recitation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The present disclosure describes various embodiments related to a fastener system, and associated methods for reduced risk of injury while performing work in an industrial site, such as lock-out tag-out system for fastener containing work. In one example, gratings, such as grating panels, are utilized in multiple industrial sites. Offshore platforms use gratings as flooring for weight reduction purposes and onshore facilities, such as chemical plants, use gratings for tall structures to improve modularization of their facilities or view workers from below, among other reasons. These gratings may be subjected to corrosive environments necessitating repairs or replacements of the grates. Conventionally, grating repairs or replacements are performed by use of safety tape, such as caution tape, about a perimeter to alert others of the potential opening in the flooring. Furthermore, the grating repairs or replacements may be performed with surrounding operating equipment. These problematic environments for performing grating work may increase the risk of injury of personnel leading to increased operational costs and a reduced personnel moral. Implementation of proper training, tools, and techniques to perform grating work has not achieved a suitable reduction of risk for injury to personnel. As such, the present disclosure significantly reduces the risk of injury for grating work performed in an industrial site by implementing a lockout tag-out technique for obtaining a bit that drives a keyed fastener grating assembly.

[0059] While the below disclosure will disclose a fastener system and associated methods focused on an embodiment of use on grating panels at in industrial site, it is to be understood the fastener system, assembly, and associated methods may be applicable beyond the use on grating panels, such as on electrical cabinets, rotating equipment securement, static vessel securement, insulation straps, cable tray securement, or the like. The fastener system disclosed below may be utilized in various industrial places that may benefit from lock-out tag-out systems to reduce a risk of injury to personnel working in an area that utilizes fasteners. Thus, the below embodiments of the fastener system, assembly, and associated methods are not limited to the fastening of grating panels but is applicable to other industrial equipment that contains fastening systems.

[0060] The description may use the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in various embodiments,” “in an embodiment,” “in one embodiment, or “in example,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiment. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous. The term “plurality” as used herein refers to two or more items or components.The terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting example, these terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

[0061] The terms “removing,” “removed,” “reducing,” “reduced,” or any variation thereof, when used in the claims and / or the specification includes any measurable decrease of one or more components in a mixture to achieve a desired result. The use of the words “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with any of the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” or “having,” in the claims or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The terms “wt. %”, “vol. %”, or “mol. %” refers to a weight, volume, or molar percentage of a component, respectively, based on the total weight, the total volume of material, or total moles, which includes the component. In a nonlimiting example, 10 grams of a component in 100 grams of the material is 10 wt. % of the component. Furthermore, dimensional data presented within the disclosure include a + / - 5%. In a non-limiting example, a 10 inch data point has + / - 5% margin therefore, the data point range is defined as about 9.50 inch to about 10.50 inch.

[0062] For purposes of understanding, the lock-out tag-out operations disclosed below adopt the definition of the lock-out tag-out from Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s “OSHA” website. The definition is provided as “LOTO or lockout / tagout is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous equipment is safely shut off and cannot be restarted until maintenance or repair work is completed. This includes anything from shutting down electrical circuits and valves to neutralizing extreme temperatures and securing moving parts. LOTO protects workers against sudden equipment or machinery startups that could harm or kill them if not properly controlled.” “Lockout and tagout differ in the type of devices they use, though they work in tandem. While the tagout device alerts workers that the equipment should not be operated, the lockout device physically prevents workers from running the equipment. In essence, a tagout device is the first line of defense against harmful equipment usage, while a lockout device is the second.” “To lock out equipment is to secure it with a lock that prohibits energy release.” “Doing so allows for trained workers to use equipment when it is safe to do so. During servicing and maintenance activities, locking out is used to prevent the unexpected activation or energizing of machinery and equipment.” “Tagout refers to warning tags that advise against turning on a switch or otherwise powering equipment. To tag out a piece of equipment is to attach a visible tag to a switch to warnpeople not to turn it on. Unless locking out the equipment is impractical, tagout should only be used in conjunction with lockout.”

[0063] FIGS. 1A-1F are environmental views of an embodiment of a fastener system on a grating system using lock-out tag-out operations for grating work in an industrial site, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A illustrates an offshore platform 100 having a topside 102 and a hull 104 positioned over a body of water 106. The topsides 102 may include various operational equipment such as, for example, an oil derrick 108, a pump 110 and associated pump motor 120, and the like, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The topsides 102 may further include operational buildings such as a health, safety, and environment “HSE” room 112, a control room, a container building, living quarters (not shown), or the like, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. FIG. 1A shows the oil derrick 108, the pump 110 and associated pump motor 120 in the operational “on” position, and the HSE room 112 positioned in four sections of the topsides 102, labeled as “zone” and followed by a numerical identifier. In one embodiment, the topsides 102 has four sections labeled as zones 1-4, however, an industrial site may have a varied number of zones, including various sizes of these zones. Each of the zones 1- 4 have gratings 116 attached to the topsides 102 via grating fasteners 114. Each of the grating fasteners 114, discussed in greater detail below, have a keyed recess to receive a keyed extension of a bit to drive the grating fastener 114. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the keyed extension of the bit, used to drive the grating fasteners 114 of each zone 1-4, are not compatible to drive the keyed fasteners of another zone. Stated differently, each of the zones 1-4 will have a unique keyed grating fastener 114 such that, for example, a keyed extension of a bit that drives a keyed grating fastener 114 of zone 1, will not be able to drive the keyed grating fastener 114 of zone 2, zone 3, or zone 4, and vice versa. Moreover, the bit, as discussed above and in greater detail below, may be available for use on a tool by a lock-out tag-out procedure. While FIG. 1A illustrates an offshore platform 100, it is to be understood an industrial site may include various locations on land, boat, or on bodies of water.

[0064] In one embodiment as shown in FIG 1A, for example, the fastener system using a lockout tag-out procedure may begin with a worker 118 tasked with repairing a grating positioned within zone 1. The worker 118 enters the HSE room 112 and may be instructed by the head operator (not shown) of the location of the zone 1 bit for the grating work. Once the worker 118 is instructed of the location of the bit within the HSE room 112, the worker 118 may be assigneda key 122 to gain access to a lock-out station 128 positioned within cabinet 124 that houses the unique bits. In one embodiment, the key 122 may unlock one of a plurality of locking mechanisms, including lock-out tag-out cabinets, security measures, safety charting panels, or the like, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, for example, the lock-out station 128 may be connected to a controller 126 operable to record information, such as, for example, which bit is removed from the lock-out station 128. In one embodiment, the controller 126 is connected to a ledger (such as shown in FIG. 11) to maintain records of information related to activity within the cabinet, such as removal or the return of a bit designated to a particular zone. In yet another embodiment, the controller 126 sends alerts, or alarms, to inform other personnel on the offshore platform 100 that an activity will commence, or conclude, using a component, such as a bit, positioned within the cabinet 124. The controller 126 may have a variety of functions, as discussed above, to provide information of any lock-out station 128 activity and to generally generate a group of patterns custom to a site, or portions of a site, and periodically change those as may be requested by a customer with relative ease to enhance security if desired.

[0065] Turning to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram illustrating a control system 1100 for managing the data collected from the lock-out tag-out procedure using, for example, the lock-out station 128, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In some examples, the control system 1100 includes the controller 126 or one or more controllers. Certain examples include the controller 126 being in signal communication with various other controllers throughout or external to an industrial site, such as the offshore platform 100 discussed above. Additionally, the controller 126 may be considered a supervisory controller or other suitable control component for managing the lock-out tag-out procedure, as discussed herein. The controller 126 of various examples disclosed herein include one or more processors, such as processor 1104, in communication with a memory or machine-readable storage medium, such as memory 1106. As used herein, a “machine-readable storage medium” may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage apparatus to contain or store information such as executable instructions, data, and the like. For example, any machine-readable storage medium described herein may be any of random access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, a storage drive, a hard drive, a solid state drive, any type of storage disc, and the like, or a combination thereof. The memory 1106 stores or includes instructions, such as one or more software programs, executable by the one or more processors, such as processor 1104. As used herein, a “processor” includes,for example, one processor or multiple processors included in a single device or distributed across multiple computing devices. The processor 1104 may be at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field- programmable gate array (FPGA) to retrieve and execute instructions, a real time processor (RTP), other electronic circuitry suitable for the retrieval and execution instructions stored on a machine- readable storage medium, or a combination thereof. Also, as used herein, “signal communication” refers to electric communication such as hard wiring two components together or wireless communication, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, hard wiring two components may be by modbus, profibus, industrial ethernet, foundation fieldbus, or the like, while wireless communication may be Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ZigBee, or forms of near field communications. In addition, signal communication may include one or more intermediate controllers or relays positioned between elements that are in signal communication with one another. Therefore, the controller 126 includes instructions to commence or conclude the lock-out tag-out procedure 1108 according to the examples disclosed herein.

[0066] The below disclosure will discuss assignment of bits of a fastener system to distinct “zones,” however, the exemplary “zone” may also be equally applicable to a specific equipment (rather than a zone), such as a first of multiple rotating equipment, a first of multiple vessels, a first of multiple electrical cabinets, or the like. Thus, the assigned bit description below may be operable to secure, or unsecure, fastener systems utilized on specific equipment or locations. In some embodiments, the assigned bit may operate fasteners that secure equipment within various locations, such as an assigned bit operable to secure, or unsecure, fastener systems on all, for example, rotating equipment across an entire industrial site. Therefore, it is not the intention of the below description to limit use of the assigned bits fastener systems to “zones”.

[0067] Referring back to FIG. IB, as shown, the cabinet 124 contains the lock-out station 128. The lock-out station 128 has several casing structures 132, each assigned to a distinct zone. The casing structures 132, as discussed in greater detail below, house the unique bits. The worker 118 may gain access to the cabinet 124 and use the key 122 to open a lock 130 that secures the casing structure 132 locked closed. In one embodiment, the lock 130 may be a digital combination lock with a key override, a digital encryption lock, or the like, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the worker 118 may gain access to the bit 134 designated for zone 1, as shown in FIG. IB. In one embodiment, the worker 118 takes possession of the lock 130and the bit 134 designated for zone 1. As discussed above, the controller 126 may record information related to the worker 118 taking the bit 134 and the lock 130 in possession and provide that information to the ledger (not shown) for historical records. In one embodiment, the controller 126 may contain information about the worker 118 and frequency of lock-out tag-out procedures, as discussed in FIGS. 1 A-F.

[0068] FIG. ID shows the worker 118 with possession of the bit 134 and the lock 130. The worker 118 may also possess warning tags (as shown in FIG IE) and any necessary tools (as shown in FIG. IF) to perform work on, for example, the grating 116. FIG. ID further shows the worker 118 approaching zone 1, the location of the grating 116 in need of repair and the location of operational equipment, such as pump 110 and associated pump motor 120. FIG. IE illustrates the worker 118 positioning the lever 136 from the “on” position to the “off’ position, thereby to shut down the operation of the pump 110. Furthermore, the worker 118 may use the lock 130 to secure, and lock, the lever 136 in the “off’ position, thereby to ensure the lever remains in the “off’ position. In one embodiment, the worker 118 may also tag the pump motor 120 in the “off’ position with a tag 138 to caution others that the pump motor 120 must remain in the “off’ position. In one embodiment, for example, the tag 138 may be a sign that states a date, time, “Caution”, “Danger”, “Warning”, “Do not operate”, “Do not cut”, “Must be removed by: [worker signature, or name]”, “Intentionally out of service”, or the like, as will be understood by those skilled in the art that such equipment should not be energized, or activated, without authoritative override of clearance to operate. In some embodiments, the worker may also provide information on the tag 138 of their location of, for example, grating work to provide the reader, or other personnel, a location to seek the worker 118.

[0069] FIG. IF illustrates the lever 136 of the pump motor 120 in the “off’ position with the lock 130 and the tag 138 positioned thereon. As shown, the worker 118 is using a handheld tool, such as a drill 140, to fasten or unfasten the grating fastener 114 in zone 1 to perform the necessary grating repair, or installation, of gratings 116 with a significantly reduced risk of injury as nearby operating equipment is not energized, and thus, not operating. As previously discussed, the grating fastener 114 in zone 1 is inoperable to interface with the bit 134 with a grating fastener of zone “n” (wherein “n” is a number different than “1”), for example.

[0070] The worker 118 may reverse the disclosed lock-out tag-out procedure discussed above to return the bit to the casing structure 132 positioned in the lock-out station 128 within the HSE room 112 when the grating work is completed, or otherwise stopped.

[0071] While the above disclosure illustrates an exemplary fastener system using a lock-out tagout procedure, it is to be understood that varied lock-out tag-out processes may exist and be in implementation in industrial sites. Furthermore, the fastener system, as described, may be incorporated into existing and operational lock-out tag-out processes. The fastener system also includes the individual components of the exemplified grating fastener 114, discussed above.

[0072] FIG. 2A is a sectional representation of an embodiment of a bit 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A shows the bit 200 that may be defined, for example, by a body 202 having an underside surface 206, an upper-side surface 208, an upper portion 210, a lower portion 212, and a recess 204 (or “connection”) within the body 202. In one embodiment, the upper portion 210 has a length 214 greater than a length 216 of the lower portion 212. In another embodiment, for example, the bit 200 may have a height of about 1 inch to about 1.25 inch, such as about 1.07 inch to about 1.19, such as about 1.12 inches. The lower portion 212 may have a keyed extension 218 extending in a direction away from the upper-side surface 208. In one embodiment, the underside surface 206 is positioned at an end 220 of the keyed extension 218. In another embodiment, for example, the keyed extension 218 may have a length of about 0.10 inch to about 0.35 inch, such as about 0.19 inch to about 0.29 inch, such as about 0.24 inches. In yet another embodiment, the upper-side surface 208 may have the recess 204 further including a first recess portion 222 and a second recess portion 224. In one embodiment, for example, the first recess portion 222 may have a depth of about 0.30 inch to about 0.60 inch, such as about 0.44 inch to about 0.54 inch, such as about 0.49 inches. In another embodiment, for example, the second recess portion 224 may have a depth beyond the depth of the first recess portion 222 of about 0.06 inch to about 0.26 inch, such as about 0.11 inch to about 0.21 inch, such as about 0.16 inches. In still another embodiment, for example, the second recess portion 224 may have a depth referenced from the upper-side surface 208 of about 0.50 inch to about 0.80 inch, such as about 0.60 inch to about 0.70 inch, such as about 0.65 inches. The second recess portion 224 may positioned a depth greater than the first recess portion 222. In one embodiment, the second recess portion 224 is positioned at a depth substantially near or within the lower portion 212 of the bit 200. In one embodiment, for example, the transition between the first recess portion 222 and the second recessportion 224 includes a shoulder 226 that faces inward towards a Center Line (“C / L”) of the bit 200. In one embodiment, the recess 204 is configured to receive one or more handheld tools for driving or moving the bit 200, such as, for example, a rachet socket driver, drilling tool, an adaptor, or the like, as understood by those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the first recess portion 222 and the second recess portion 224 are configured to receive a different tool to independently drive the bit 200 into movement, such as rotation, when used. Stated differently, the first recess portion 222 is configured to receive a tool to drive the bit 200 that is different and not compatible with the second recess portion 224, thus the shoulder 226 provides an entry limitation of a tool not compatible with the second recess portion 224. For example, in one embodiment, the first recess portion 222 is configured to receive a first drive, e.g., a 3 / 8-inch square drive, and the second recess portion 224 is configured to receive a second drive, e.g., a 3 / 16-inch hex drive. Therefore, the bit 200 may be configured to be advantageously compatible with a large number of tools to drive the bit 200, thereby to allow a user flexibility in the tools available to drive the bit 200. FIGS. 2D-2S further illustrate other embodiments of the bit 200 configured to receive a large number of tools, such as one or more tools, or two or more tools, to drive the bit 200 within the recess 204, including unique recesses for each unique tool.

[0073] FIG. 2B is a top view representation of an embodiment of a bit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the bit 200 includes an outer surface 214D, a first recess portion wall 228 and a second recess portion wall 230. In one embodiment, the outer surface 214D may have an identification number, or code 522, to visually identify the keyed bit 200, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In one embodiment, for example, the outer surface 214D may have a diameter of about 0.50 inch to about 0.80 inch, such as about 0.60 inch to about 0.70 inch, such as about 0.65 inches. The first recess portion wall 228 may have one or more walls to partially enclose the recess 204. In one embodiment, for example, the first recess portion walls 228 create a square shape, commonly referred to as a “square drive”, however, other shapes are contemplated, as would be understood by those skilled in the art to receive a first set of tools to drive the bit 200, as discussed above. In another embodiment, for example, the second recess portion walls 230 create a hexagon shape, commonly referred to as a “hex drive” or a “hex-key”, however, other shapes are contemplated, as would be understood by those skilled in the art to receive a second set of tools to drive the bit 200, as discussed above. In yet another embodiment, for example, the first recess portion 222, having the first recess portion walls 228, is configured to receive the sameshaped, but different sized tool as the second recess portion 224, having the second recess portion walls 230. For example, a large hex -key, having a hexagon shape, may be used to drive the bit 200 via the first recess portion 222 while a small hex-key may be used to drive the bit 200 via the second recess portion 224. In one embodiment, the first recess portion 222 and the second recess portion 224 possess one or more gripping recesses 232 configured to receive a gripping extension (not shown) of a tool to be positioned and keep the tool from falling out without an intentional tool removal force, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0074] FIG. 2C is a bottom view representation of an embodiment of a bit 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C shows the end 220 with the underside surface 206 having a security recess 234 and one or more keyed teeth 236 positioned within a diameter 216D, equivalent to the length 216 of the lower portion 212. In one embodiment, for example, the diameter 216D is about 0.20 inch to about 0.12 inch, such as about 0.40 inch to about 0.10 inch, such as about 0.07 inches. As illustrated, the security recess 234 is configured to receive a security pin 334 extending from the fastener first recess surface 328, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In one embodiment, the keyed teeth 236 may be positioned as one or more radial extensions positioned about the security recess 234, or a center of the end 220. In one embodiment, each of the keyed teeth 236 are a single trapezoidal shape, however various shapes and quantity of teeth are contemplated to provide a large amount of custom keyed extensions 218. As shown, the one or more keyed teeth 236 resemble a gear shape, however, other shapes are contemplated including curved, straight, or both, curved and / or straight edges. Furthermore, the security recess 234 may also have various shapes, such that the combination of the custom-shaped keyed teeth 236 and the custom-shaped security recess 234 further increase the non-standard and / or custom keyed extension 218 shapes of the bit 200. In yet another embodiment, the security recess 234 may not be present. In another embodiment, the security recess 234 and the keyed teeth 236 together make a unique keyed extension 218. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the various combinations of the security recess 234 and the keyed teeth 236 together allow a greater selection of unique bit 200. The uniqueness of the keyed extensions 218 of the bits 200 advantageously enable various zones, each having a unique or custom bit for performing grating work without having a repeat bit 200 for other zones. Statedly differently, the greater combination of unique bits 200 allow for various zones to exist wherein each zone uses a varied bit 200 to perform, for example, grating work.

[0075] FIGS. 2D and 2E are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit 200 with a square socket driver recess and a Phillips head driver recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the FIG. 2A embodiment extend to the features of the embodiments of FIGS. 2D and 2E. Similar to the structure of FIG. 2A, the bit 200’A of FIG. 2D also possesses a recess 204 within the upper portion 210. The recess 204 of FIG. 2D also has a first recess portion 222 and a second recess portion 224. In one embodiment, the first recess portion 222 of bit 200’A is configured to receive a first drive 260, e.g., a 3 / 8-inch square drive or a 1 / 2-inch square drive (also commonly referred to as a “socket drive(r)” or a “square socket drive(r)”), and the second recess portion 224 is configured to receive a second drive, e.g., a quad-winged driver 262, such as a Phillips head driver, to drive the bit 200’A into rotation when in use. While the illustration shows the end surface 240 of the second recess portion 224 as substantially flat, it is contemplated to configure the end surface 240 as having a point to accommodate pointed quad-winged drivers 262, such as a Phillips head driver or a Frearson driver, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0076] FIG. 2F is a top view of an embodiment of a bit 200’A of FIG. 2D with a square socket driver (first drive 260) within to illustrate contact sites 250 from use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Similarly, FIG. 2G is a top view of an embodiment of a bit 200’A from FIGS. 2D and 2E with a quad-winged driver 262, such as a Phillips driver, within to illustrate contact sites 250 from use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, rotation direction 261 may be a rotational force applied to the bit 200’A to operate the bit 200’A when engaged with fastener 300 of FIG. 3, for example, secure or unsecure the fastening system 400, discussed below.

[0077] FIGS. 2H and 21 are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit 200 with a socket driver recess and a tri-wing driver recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the FIG. 2A embodiment extend to the features of the embodiments of FIGS. 2H and 21. The bit 200’B of FIG. 2H also possesses a recess 204 within the upper portion 210. The recess 204 of FIG. 2H also has a first recess portion 222 and a second recess portion 224. In one embodiment, the first recess portion 222 of bit 200’B is configured to receive a first drive 260, e.g., a square socket drive, and the second recess portion 224 is configured to receive a second drive, e.g., a tri-wing driver 264, to drive the bit 200’B into rotation when in use, via rotational direction 261, as discussed above.FIG. 2J is a top view of an embodiment of a bit 200’B from FIGS. 2H and 21 with a tri-wing driver 264 within to illustrate at least three or more contact sites 250 from use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIGS. 2K and 2L are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit 200 with a socket driver recess and a triangular driver recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the FIG. 2A embodiment extend to the features of the embodiments of FIGS. 2K and 2L. The bit 200’c of FIG. 2K also possesses a recess 204 within the upper portion 210. The recess 204 of FIG. 2K also has a first recess portion 222 and a second recess portion 224. In one embodiment, the first recess portion 222 of bit 200’c is configured to receive a first drive 260, e.g., a square socket drive, and the second recess portion 224 is configured to receive a second drive, e.g., a triangular driver 266, to drive the bit 200’c into rotation when in use, via rotational direction 261, as discussed above. FIG. 2M is a top view of an embodiment of a bit 200’c from FIGS. 2K and 2L with a triangular driver 266 within to illustrate at least three or more contact sites 250 from use, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIGS. 2N and 20 are a side sectional view and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit 200 with a socket driver recess and a recess for a Phillips driver or a tri-wing driver, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the FIG. 2A embodiment extend to the features of the embodiments of FIGS. 2N and 20. The bit 200’D of FIG. 2N also possesses a recess 204 within the upper portion 210. The recess 204 of FIG. 2N also has a first recess portion 222 and a second recess portion 224. In one embodiment, the first recess portion 222 of bit 200’D is configured to receive a first drive 260, e.g., a square socket drive, and the second recess portion 224 is configured to receive multiple drives. In the illustration of FIG. 20, the second recess portion 224 may be configured to accept either a quadwinged driver 262 as shown in FIG. 2G, or a tri-winged driver 264 as shown in FIG. 2J. While FIG. 20 illustrates the second recess portion 224 configured to receive at least two drivers, the second recess portion 224 may be modified to receive alternative drivers as compared to those shown within the recess 204 of the upper portion 210. The feature of multiple drives within the recess 204 of the upper portion 210 is advantageous to provide the user options of the tools available to drive the bit 200’D to secure or unsecure the fastening system 400, discussed below.

[0080] FIGS. 2P and 2Q are a side sectional view, and a top view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit 200 with a socket driver recess, a hex drive recess, and a recess for a Phillips driver or a tri-wing driver, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the FIG. 2 A embodiment extend to the features of the embodiment of FIGS. 2P and 2Q. The bit 200’E of FIG. 2P also possesses a recess 204 within the upper portion 210. The recess 204 of FIG. 2P has a first recess portion 222, a second recess portion 224, and a third recess portion 223 to define a multi-tier structure within the recess 204. The third recess portion 223 may extend axially from a second shoulder 225 of the second recess portion 224 to a second end surface 241, such that the third recess portion 223 may have a depth beyond the depth of the second recess portion 224 of about 0.06 inch to about 0.26 inch, such as about 0.11 inch to about 0.21 inch, such as about 0.16 inches. In one embodiment, the first recess portion 222 of bit 200’E is configured to receive a first drive 260, e g., a square socket drive, the second recess portion 224 is configured to receive a second drive, e g., a hex drive, as discussed in FIG. 2B, and the third recess portion 223 is configured to receive multiple drives, as discussed in FIG. 20. In one embodiment, each of the first drive, the second drive, and the multiple drives (operable within the third recess portion 223) are different and distinct from one another. The embodiment of bit 200’E of FIG. 2P is a multi-tier structure operable to independently receive one or more standard tools to rotate the bit 200’E when used. The feature of the multi-tier structure is advantageous to provide the user options of the tools available to drive the bit 200’E to secure or unsecure the fastening system 400, discussed below. The multi-tier structure is additionally advantageous as 3D printing enables production of components that may be difficult to mill, forge, cast, weld, or otherwise produce as the third recess portion 223 is compatible with a tool that may be larger than the tool compatible with the second recess portion 224, as illustrated.

[0081] FIGS. 2R and 2S are a side sectional view and a top sectional view, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a bit 200 with a bar recess, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise noted, the features of the FIG. 2A embodiment extend to the features of the embodiment of FIGS. 2R and 2S. The bit 200’F of FIG. 2R further possesses an opening 270 within the upper portion 210. The opening 270 may be configured to receive a bar 268, to define a bar recess. While not illustrated, the opening 270 may be keyed to receive a matingly interfaced bar 268. For example, the bar 268 may have a cross-sectional shape of a triangle. Similarly, the opening 270 may have a matingly interfaced triangular opening operable to receivethe cross-sectional triangular shape of the bar 268. The bar 268 may be utilized, via rotational direction 261, to engage contacts sites 250 to drive the bit 200’F to secure or unsecure the fastening system 400, discussed below. Additionally, it is foreseeable the upper portion 210 may have a channel, rather than an opening 270, to receive the bar 268 from the upper-side surface 208. The embodiments of each of the FIGS. 2A-2S may be combined to advantageously provide the user multiple options of the tools available to drive the bit 200.

[0082] FIG. 3A is a sectional representation of an embodiment of a fastener, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A shows a fastener 300 that may be defined, for example, by a body 302 having upper portion 310, and a lower portion 312, a first recess 304 within the upper portion 310, and a second recess 305 within the lower portion 312. In one embodiment, for example, the body 302 of the fastener 300 may have a length of about 0.90 inch to about 1.20 inch, such as about 1.00 inch to about 1.12 inch, such as about 1.06 inches. In another embodiment, the upper portion 310 has a top surface 308 and a truncated flare 348 extending inwardly from the top surface 308 such that a first outer diameter 314 of the top surface 308 is greater than a second outer diameter 316 of the lower portion 312. In some embodiments, the truncated flare 348 is conical. The second outer diameter 316 of the lower portion 312 is connected to the upper portion 310. In one embodiment, the first recess 304 extends from the top surface 308 in a direction towards the lower portion 312 and ends at a first recess surface 328. In one embodiment, the first recess 304 is keyed and operable to matingly interface and to receive the keyed extension 218 from the bit 200 when positioned therein. Stated differently, the first recess304 is configured to accept the keyed extension 218 from the bit 200. In one embodiment, the first recess 304 has the security pin 334 shaped to matingly interface with the bit 200.

[0083] The lower portion 312 includes a bottom surface 306 and a cylindrical portion 311 extending upwardly from the bottom surface 306 towards the upper portion 310. The cylindrical portion 311 may have an outer surface 320 and the second recess 305 that extends upwardly from the bottom surface 306. In one embodiment, the second recess 305 may be operable to receive a fastening device 606 attached to a support surface such as, for example, a threaded stud secured to a support surface 604, as shown in FIG. 6A. In one embodiment, for example, the second recess305 may have a depth into the fastener 300 of about 0.50 inch to about 0.90 inch, such as about 0.70 inch to about 0.80 inch, such as about 0.75 inches. In one embodiment, the outer surface 320 may have an identification number, or code 520, to visually identify the keyed first recess 304shape, as shown in FIG. 5 A. The lower portion 312 of the fastener 300 also includes a third outer diameter 318 and a fourth outer diameter 322. The third outer diameter 318 has a larger diameter than the second outer diameter 316. The fourth outer diameter 322 has a larger diameter than the third outer diameter 318. FIG. 3B is a perspective view representation of an embodiment of the fastener 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a first shoulder 324 connects a surface having the second outer diameter 316 and a surface having the third outer diameter 318. Similarly, a second shoulder 326 connects a surface having the third outer diameter 318 to a surface having the fourth outer diameter 322.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional exploded view of an embodiment of the bit 200 with a fastener assembly 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates the positioning of the bit 200 and the fastener assembly 400 aligned along C / L. As shown, the fastener assembly 400 includes the fastener 300, discussed above, a bushing 420, and a plate 460. When installed, the bushing 420 is slipped onto the fastener 300 and the fastener 300 may then be inserted through the plate 460, such that the fastener assembly 400 is positioned as shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B. In some embodiments, the bushing 420, when installed, may have an end 468 that protrudes the plate 460, thereby to provide a visual indication of proper installation through the plate 460, prior to installation onto the fastening device 606, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. Furthermore, as necessary to drive the fastener 300, the keyed extension 218 of the bit 200 may be inserted into the keyed first recess 304 of the fastener 300. In one embodiment, for example, the bushing 420 includes a length 428 of about 0.25 inches to about 0.50 inches, such as about 0.28 inches to about 0.40 inches, such as about 0.33 inches.

[0085] In one embodiment, bushing 420 includes a first inner bushing wall 430, a second inner bushing wall 432, a third inner bushing wall 434, a first outer bushing wall 422, a second outer bushing wall 436, and a third outer bushing wall 438. The first inner bushing wall 430 is configured to abuttingly contact the truncated flare 348 of the fastener 300 when the bushing 420 is installed on the fastener 300. The second inner bushing wall 432 is configured to abuttingly contact the surface having the third outer diameter 318 of the fastener 300 when the bushing 420 is installed on the fastener 300. In one embodiment, for example, the second inner bushing wall 432 has an innermost diameter 426 of about 0.25 inches to about 0.50 inches, such as about 0.30 inches to about 0.40 inches, such as about 0.36 inches. The third inner bushing wall 434 is configured to position into abuttingly contact the second shoulder 326 when the bushing 420 isinstalled on the fastener 300, thereby to substantially restrict axial movement of the bushing 420 on the fastener 300. Stated differently, the third inner bushing wall 434 has a shape that advantageously holds the bushing 420 in position above the cylindrical portion 311 of the fastener 300 by the contact of the second shoulder 326, thereby to prevent the bushing from falling onto the cylindrical portion 311 and further to expand into abutting contact with the surface having the second outer diameter 316 of the fastener 300. Thus, the shape of the bushing 420 enables the bushing 420 to maintain the desired position by, at least, 1) upwardly contacting the second shoulder 326, to prevent a downward slippage, and 2) by inwardly expanding the second inner bushing wall 432 into the surface that is defined by the second outer diameter 316 of the fastener 300, thereby to further utilize an upward contact between the second inner bushing wall 432 against the a first shoulder 324 of the lower portion 312 of the fastener 300. In some embodiments, the first shoulder 324 and the bushing 420 may provide a consistent wall thickness with the fourth outer diameter 322 to advantageously reduce gaps when the fastener 300 and bushing 420 combination is installed.

[0086] In one embodiment, for example, the first outer bushing wall 422 of the bushing 420 has a diameter 424 of about 0.50 inches to about 0.75 inches, such as about 0.57 inches to about 0.68 inches, such as about 0.61 inches. The second outer bushing wall 436 may be configured to abuttingly contact an inner plate angled wall 462 of the plate 460 when the bushing 420 is installed on the fastener 300 and the fastener 300 is installed through the plate 460. The third outer bushing wall 438 may be configured to abuttingly contact an innermost plate wall 464 of the plate 460 when the bushing 420 is installed on the fastener 300 and the fastener 300 is installed through the plate 460. In one embodiment, for example, the innermost plate wall 464 has a diameter of about 0.30 inches to about 0.50 inches, such as about 0.37 inches to about 0.470 inches, such as about 0.42 inches. In one embodiment, the bushing 420 is constructed from an elastic material, such as rubber or the like material, as would be understood by those skilled in the art to dampen vibrational movement between the grating 602 (through motion of the fastener 300) and the plate 460. In another embodiment, the bushing 420 is constructed from three-dimensionally printing, however, other methods of manufacturing are also contemplated including extrusion, molding, or the like.

[0087] FIG. 5 A is a side view of an embodiment of a fastener assembly 400 with a bit positioned thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener assembly with a bit positioned thereon of FIG. 5 A, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B illustrates a bit 200 positioned into a fastener 300, which is positioned into a bushing 420, which is positioned into a plate 460. The fastener 300 in FIG. 5B is unfastened to, for example, a fastening device 606 of FIG. 6A thus a gap 588 may be present between the fastener 300 and the bushing 420, for illustrative purposes. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plate 460 includes an upper surface 568, an under surface 570, and an outer plate wall 572. As discussed above, the upper surface 568 may have a flared recess, defined by the inner plate angled wall 462, extending towards the under surface 570. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the upper surface 568 having a tread pattern 574, such as, for example, a diamond-shaped tread, or a roughened surface, to reduce slippage or, stated differently, to add grip to the upper surface 568. However, various tread patterns are contemplated to reduce a worker 118 from, for example, slipping when walking on the upper surface 568 of the plate 460. Additionally, the upper surface 568 may have a contour 580 that resembles a dome shape where the apex 582 is positioned near the inner plate angled wall 462 of the plate 460. In some embodiments, the under surface 570 may substantially mirror the contour 580, such that the under surface 570 enhances contact, at perimeter site 584, between, for example, a grating 602 and the plate 460, as illustrated in FIG. 6A. The contour 580 is advantageous over, for example, conventional, or flat, washer-type plates, as the contour 580 improves fastening power by increasing the available fastener pressure to compress the apex 582 of the plate 460, when the fastener 300 is tightened into, for example, fastening devices 606, discussed below. An installed fastener may be tightened on to the fastening devices 606 such that the apex 582 of the plate 460 reduces the curvature of the contour 580, thereby to increase a contact pressure at perimeter site 584 between the plate 460 and the corresponding surface to be fastened, for example, the grating 602. In one embodiment, the under surface 570 may have one or more structural veins 466. The structural veins 466 may have a radial distance R which radially extends over 50% of the diameter of the plate 460, defined by the outer plate wall 572. The structural veins 466, and its corresponding radial distance R, advantageously provide structural strength to the plate 460 support to reduce, or substantially eliminate, buckling of the plate 460 under a substantially perpendicular, or orthogonal, force, such as, for example, a weighted pressure or a fastening pressure, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Opposite the structural veins 466, positioned on the upper surface 568 of the plate 460, are channels 586 that may drain fluids, such as water, collected from splashes or weather onto the plate 460. In some embodiments, thechannels 586 may have a slope defined by the difference of inner plate height A and outer plate height B. The slope may enable drainage towards the outer plate wall 572, thereby to substantially reduce environmental wear of the fastener assembly 400, such as oxidation, erosion, or the like, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5B, the channels 586 may have an inner width C distance greater than an outer width D distance to advantageously utilize the surface tension of a fluid, or the capillary effect, to draw water towards the width D, thereby to drain the fluid towards the outer plate wall, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. The inner width C is positioned adjacent the bushing 420, when installed, and may taper towards the outer plate wall 572. The each of the channels 586 may be positioned, and designed, with inner width C to accommodate a total fluid collected at the interface between the fastener 300, the bushing 420, and the plate 460, such that at the interface between the fastener 300, the bushing 420, and the plate 460 does not retain fluids. Furthermore, the under surface 570 may have structural supports 576 positioned about the innermost plate wall 464 of the plate 460. In one embodiment, the structural supports 576 may be compression spring-like supports that maintain a desired distance between the under surface 570 and the grating 602. Stated differently, the structural supports 576 may behave like a compression spring, thereby to separate the under surface 570 from the grating 602 to provide a tight-fitting fastener assembly 400 when installed over the grating 602. In still another embodiment, the structural supports 576 may be a cup-like structure that seats the bushing 420 therein to enable level installation of a fastener 300 onto the one or more fastening devices, such as a stud. For example, the surfaces being fastened, such as gratings, or the fastening device to which the fastener 300 is secured to when installed, may not be level. The structural supports 576, having the cup-like structure therein, may advantageously enable the repositioning of the plate 460 to contact a non-level surface while simultaneously enabling the fastener 300 to be discretely installed, such as flush or positioned below the contour 580 when installed. In grating installations, the above feature advantageously reduces a tripping hazard. In some embodiments, the under surface 570 and the grating 602 abuttingly contact when the grating fastener assembly is installed. In all embodiments, the under surface 570 abuttingly contacts the grating 602 to secure the grating 602 into a desired position by the downward force provided from the driving of the fastener 300 onto the one or more fastening devices 606, discussed below. In another embodiment, for example, a distance 578, defined by the upper surface 568 and the under surface 570 (including any structural veins 466 and structural supports 576), is about0.30 inches to about 0.60 inches, such as about 0.30 inches to about 0.50 inches, such as about 0.39 inches. In another embodiment, for example, the outer plate wall 572 has a diameter of about 3.00 inches to about 3.50 inches, such as about 3.15 inches to about 3.35 inches, such as about 3.23 inches. In one embodiment, the under surface 570 of the plate 460 has a drain hole (not shown) to drain water collected from splashes or weather when the fastener assembly 400 is installed. In still another embodiment, the bushing 420 has a channel, or a groove, (not shown) positioned on either the inner side or outer side, such that the channel is a conduit to drain water collected between the fastener 300 and the plate 460, when installed.

[0088] FIG. 6A is a schematic sectional side view of an installed fastener assembly 400 with a bit 200 positioned thereon, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the fastener assembly 400 is installed on a grating 602 positioned over a support surface 604. In one embodiment, the support surface 604 is positioned along a perimeter of the grating 602, such that a center of the grating 602 is not contacting the support surface 604. In one embodiment, the support surface 604 may have one or more fastening devices 606, such as for example, a threaded stud, hex stud, tap end stud, flange stud, a wheel stud, or the like, secured to a support surface 604, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the one or more fastening devices 606 may be permanently coupled to the support surface 604, thereby to position the fastener assembly 400 when installed and to prevent, or significantly restrict, vertical movement. As discussed above, the bit 200 may drive, via use of a tool, the fastener 300, positioned through the bushing 420 and the plate 460, onto the one or more fastening devices 606, such as, for example, to wind or unwind the fastener 300 to access the grating 602 for repair or replacement work. In another embodiment, the one or more fastening devices 606 may be couplers (not shown), such as keyed quick connects, capable to releasingly engage with the second recess 305 of the fastener 300, through use of the keyed fastener assembly 400, as discussed above.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bit 200, the plate 460, and the fastener 300 are constructed from metal, such as, for example, stainless steel, including 316, 316L, super duplex, 304, 304L, or the like, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the bit 200, the plate 460, and the fastener 300 are three dimensionally (“3D”) metal printed, e.g., laser sintering of metal powders, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, for example. In one embodiment, the bushing 420 may be 3D printed from rubber, or another elastic and weather resistant material, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. In stillanother embodiment, the bushing 420 may be injection molded or the like, to include elastic or weather resistant material. In yet another embodiment, the material of the plate 460 and the fastener 300 may be constructed from glass nylon for explosion proof applications. It is contemplated the material of the bushing 420 may be selected from a material suitable to position, maintain separation, or dampen vibrational movements between the plate 460 and the fastener 300. Therefore, the bushing 420, in some embodiments, may include a rubber, metal, or glass nylon material. It is to be understood that each of the aforementioned 3D printer technologies is connected to a raw material supply, such as a metal powder supply for 3D laser sintering printing technology.

[0090] The above disclosure may directionally reference positions, orientations, movements, in a vertical, lateral, or a directional movement, however, it is to be understood the directional references made in the disclosure are illustrative of the positioning shown within the figures of the application and are not to be understood as limiting to the directional reference made to clarify aspects of the disclosure.

[0091] FIG. 6B and 6C are sectional top views of a keyed junction 612 of a fastener 300 that matingly interfaces with a keyed interface 620 of a bit 200 taken along line 6B of FIG. 6A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposes of providing clarification to the following terms, the keyed extension 218 of the bit 200 may be broadly referred to as a “keyed interface” 620 of a bit 200 and the keyed first recess 304 of the fastener 300 may be broadly referred to as a “keyed junction” 612 of the fastener 300, as will be further discussed below. As discussed above, the keyed interface 620 of a bit 200 may be operable to matingly interface with the keyed junction 612 of the fastener 300. Both the keyed interface 620 and the keyed junction 612 may be a non-standard shape, or custom -shaped. As illustrated, the bit 200 and the fastener 300 each possess or accommodate six keyed teeth 236 to matingly interface with each other and further optionally having a security pin 334 and recess 234, for example. When matingly interfaced, the bit 200 may secure or unsecure the fastener 300 via rotational direction 610 by engaging several contact sites 608, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Each of the contacts sites 608 may be designed as per input guidelines applied to a unique shape generator sequence module 1308, discussed in at least FIG. 13. The number contact sites 608 may be advantageously designed such that the material of the bit and the fastener substantially reduce a risk of stripping, when used, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Applicant hasrecognized that three or more contact sites 608 substantially reduces the risk of stripping between the bit and the fastener. For illustrative purposes to emphasize the location of the contact sites 608, the keyed interface 620 of a bit 200 is illustrated as smaller than the size of the keyed first recess 304 of the fastener 300, thereby illustrating a gap between the fastener and the bit. However, it is to be understood the tolerance of the fastener and the bit may be minimal thereby to enable a tight fit between the fastener and the bit, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0092] FIG. 6D is a schematic sectional side view of an installed fastener assembly 400’ with a bit 200’G positioned thereon having an alternative keyed interface 620 as compared to FIG. 6B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 6D illustrates an embodiment of fastener assembly 400’ having an inverse mating interface between the keyed interface 620 of the bit 200 and the keyed junction 612 of the fastener 300, as compared to FIGS. 4 and 6A. Stated differently, the keyed interface 620 of the bit 200’G is operable to receive the keyed junction 612 of the fastener 300’ that protrudes outward of the body 302 of the fastener 300’. The inverse mating interface of this embodiment may also incorporate features as disclosed and available from FIGS. 2A, 2C, 4, and 5A-6C or features disclosed between the connection of a bit and a fastener. Thus, the keyed interface bit 200’G may be a keyed recess while the keyed junction of the fastener 300’ may be a keyed extension from a top surface of the fastener 300’. The embodiment of FIG. 6D is advantageous as custom shapes generated to matingly interface between a bit and a fastener, are at least doubled such that, for example, a six keyed teeth example (as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C) may be applied to extend from the bit (and received by the fastener) and also may be applied to extend from the fastener (and received by the bit) which doubles the options available for bit and fastener interface usable in at least two zones, as discussed above. Thus, the generation of unique shapes, discussed in FIG. 13 below, may be advantageously reduced in quantity. Additionally, while not illustrated, it is foreseeable to utilize an inverse mating interface between a fastener (either 300 or 300’) and the fastening device 606. Stated differently, the fastener (either 300 or 300’) may have a male connection positioned in its lower portion 312 that may be received by a female connection of the fastening device 606 or operated directly to the support surface 604, such as, e.g., drilled into the support surface 604, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0093] FIG. 7A is a schematic top view of an embodiment of one or more grating panels 700 with the fastener assembly 400 installed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.In one embodiment, a fastener assembly 400 may be positioned at each of the four comers of the grating panel 700, thereby to prevent, or substantially reduce, bowing of the grating panel 700 or prevent, or substantially reduce, any uneven surfaces between adjacent grating panels 700. In another embodiment, a fastener assembly 400 may be positioned between two grating panels 700, as illustrated. As discussed above, the grating panels 700, commonly and interchangeably referred to as “gratings”, such as grating 602, may be secured to the support surface 604 with the fastener assembly 400, thereby to provide, for example, a walkable surface across the industrial site. Generally, grating panels may be manufactured with a variety purposes, such as, but not limited to, to provide a weight bearing surface to walk on, or a light-weight panel to prevent access. Heavy duty grating panels, such as those used in industrial sites, are configured to support weight bearing activities, such as walking, supporting equipment thereon, and / or driving. Some grating panels have an upper surface pattern, or texture, to facilitate a grip for the above-mentioned activities. Furthermore, grating panels may be constructed of a plurality of materials including, fiberglass, plastic, and metals. Some grating panels 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, are constructed with a plurality of bearing bars 702 structurally connected by cross bars 704. The bearing bars 702 are typically rectangular bars which have a narrow end facing upwards to provide strong shear strength when positioned onto a support surface 604 ledge (not shown), as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0094] FIG. 7B and 7C are embodiments of a fastener assembly 400 utilized on various industrial equipment, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B features a fastener assembly 400 applied to an electrical system 750. The electrical system 750 may include various electrical panels 730 or electrical cabinets 720 that may be electrically interconnected, or electrically connected to equipment at the industrial site, via electrical cables 732. As illustrated, each of the electrical panels 730 or electrical cabinets 720 may utilize a fastener assembly 400 to secure the panel or cabinet in a closed position or to mount to a surface, such as shown inside of electrical panels 730 (mounting the electrical panels 730 to the wall through securement positioned on the inner flange of the electrical panels 730). Additionally, each of the electrical panels 730 or electrical cabinets 720 may be designated as a “zone”. Thus, a different fastener assembly 400 may be operable to the electrical panels 730 than utilized on the electrical cabinets 720. Similarly, the fastener assembly 400 may be utilized on specific equipment, such as pump 734. Pump 734 may have a various locations that necessitate being secured, such as a motor 740, a casing 742, apump baseplate 744, a ground connection 746, a terminal block 748, or the like. The fastener assembly 400 may be positioned at each of the above locations to utilize the above discussed LOTO operations to substantially reduce risk of injury. Additionally, pump 734 may be designated as a zone while other pumps may be designated as separate and distinct zone thereby to decrease a risk of injury, via the LOTO operations.

[0095] FIGS 8A-8C are perspective views of embodiments of the casing structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bit positioned within an open casing structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a top view of an embodiment of a bit positioned within a closed casing structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8C is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a bit positioned within an open casing structure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] The casing structure 132, as discussed above in FIGS. 1A-1F, is configured to secure a bit 200 within a lock-out station 128, for example, as shown in FIG. IB. The casing structure 132 may include an upper portion 802 and a lower portion 850. In one embodiment, the upper portion 802 includes a first horizontal surface 804, a second horizontal surface 806, a first wall 808, a truncated rectangular pyramid 810, a first side wall 812, and a second side wall 814 positioned opposite the first side wall 812. In one embodiment, for example, the upper portion 802 has height, referenced from the closed position, of about 1.10 inch to about 1.50 inch, such as about 1.20 inch to about 1.40 inch, such as about 1.32 inches. In one embodiment, the first horizontal surface 804 has a first aperture 816 positioned therethrough. In another embodiment, the second horizontal surface 806 is positioned above a plane of the first horizontal surface 804. In still another embodiment, the first wall 808 connects the first horizontal surface 804 and the second horizontal surface 806. Furthermore, the first wall 808 has a first bit identifying mark 818 corresponding to a keyed extension 218 of the bit 200 that faces towards the first aperture 816. In one embodiment, the truncated rectangular pyramid 810 extends away from the second horizontal surface 806 and has a base surface area 820 smaller than a surface area of the second horizontal surface 806. Furthermore, the truncated rectangular pyramid 810 has a top surface 822 and side surfaces 824. The structure of the truncated rectangular pyramid 810 advantageously provides a reduced space to store the bit 200 within. In one embodiment, for example, the top surface 822 of the truncated rectangular pyramid 810 has a width of about 0.40 inch to about 0.80 inch, such as about 0.50 inchto about 0.70 inch, such as about 0.59 inches. In one embodiment, for example, there are four side surfaces 824 however, a varied amount of side surfaces 824 may exist. In yet another embodiment, the top surface has a second aperture 826 configured to provide a viewport of the keyed extension 218 of the bit 200 when the bit 200 is encased within the casing structure 132, as shown in FIG. 8B. In still another embodiment, at least one of the side surfaces 824 has a second bit identifying mark 828 corresponding to the keyed extension 218 of the bit 200. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the at least one of the side surfaces 824 having second bit identifying mark 828 also has an arcuate wall shape. Therefore, the casing structure 132 provides various visual verification indicators to advantageously confirm the bit 200 withdrawn from the lock-out station 128 is the intended bit 200 to perform the intended grating work.

[0097] In one embodiment, the first side wall 812 is positioned transversely to a plane of the first horizontal surface 804 and connects the first horizontal surface 804, the second horizontal surface 806, and the first wall 808. In another embodiment, the second side wall 814 is positioned transversely to a plane of the first horizontal surface 804 and connects the first horizontal surface 804, the second horizontal surface 806, and the first wall 808. In one embodiment, the first side wall 812 and second side wall 814 have a hinge coupling 830 such that the upper portion 802 is operable to pivot to open or close in reference to the lower portion 850 of the casing structure 132 therefore, the upper portion 802 contacts the lower portion 850 when the casing structure 132 is in a closed position. In one embodiment, for example, the first side wall 812 and second side wall 814 are separated a distance of about 1.20 inch to about 1.60 inch, such as about 1.30 inch to about 1.50 inch, such as about 1.41 inches. In one embodiment, the hinge coupling 830, in reference to the upper portion 802, may include a first female hinge coupling positioned on the first side wall 812 and a second female hinge coupling positioned on the second side wall 814. In that embodiment, the hinge coupling 830, in reference to the lower portion 850, may include a first male extension positioned on a first lower portion side wall 862 and a second male extension positioned on a second lower portion side wall 864 such that the male extensions of the lower portion 850 may insert into the female hinge couplings of the upper portion 802 to enable the casing structure 132 to pivot open or pivot closed. In another embodiment, the hinge coupling 830 includes a pin (not shown) positioned through the lower portion 850 and the upper portion 802 such that the pin enables the casing structure 132 to pivot open or pivot closed.

[0098] In one embodiment, the lower portion 850 includes a first horizontal bottom surface 854, a second horizontal bottom surface 856, the first lower portion side wall 862, the second lower portion side wall 864 positioned opposite the first lower portion side wall 862, and a second wall 874. In one embodiment, the first horizontal bottom surface 854 has a third aperture 866 positioned therethrough. It is to be understood the first aperture 816 and the third aperture 866 are configured to concentrically align such that the aligned apertures are operable to position a locking device, such as lock 130, therethrough. In one embodiment, for example, the first aperture 816 and the third aperture 866 same a similar diameter of about 0.20 inch to about 0.55 inch, such as about 0.30 inch to about 0.45 inch, such as about 0.38 inches. In another embodiment, the second wall 874 connects the first horizontal bottom surface 854 and the second horizontal bottom surface 856. In another embodiment, the second horizontal bottom surface 856 is positioned above a plane of the first horizontal bottom surface 854. In still another embodiment, the second horizontal bottom surface 856 has a recessed surface 858 positioned within a surface area of the second horizontal bottom surface 856, thereby to create a dike about the recessed surface 858 with a depth equivalent to a distance between the recessed surface 858 and the second horizontal bottom surface 856.

[0099] The recessed surface 858 has a positioning extension 868 extending towards the second horizontal bottom surface 856 that is operable to position the bit 200 within the casing structure 132 such that the keyed extension 218 of the bit 200 faces the second aperture 826 when the casing structure 132 is in the closed position. In one embodiment, for example, the positioning extension 868 is a 3 / 8-inch square drive configured to fit the first recess portion 222 of the bit 200. In another embodiment, the first lower portion side wall 862 is positioned transversely to a plane of the first horizontal bottom surface 854 and connects the first horizontal bottom surface 854 and the second horizontal bottom surface 856. In still another embodiment, the second lower portion side wall 864 is positioned transversely to a plane of the first horizontal bottom surface 854 and connects the first horizontal bottom surface 854, the second horizontal bottom surface 856 and the second wall 874. In one embodiment, the first lower portion side wall 862 and the second lower portion side wall 864 of the lower portion 850 have a distance smaller than a distance between the first side wall 812 and the second side wall 814 of the upper portion 802 such that the first side wall 812 and the second side wall 814 cover the first lower portion side wall 862 and the second lower portion side wall 864 when the casing structure 132 is in the closed position. In another embodiment, the lower portion 850 has a wraparound portion 870 having one or more shelves 872configured to engage one or more steps 840 of the upper portion 802 to fasten the one or more shelves 872 to the one or more steps 840, thereby to clip the casing structure 132 in the closed position. In one embodiment, for example, the lower portion 850 has a length of about 2.50 inch to about 3.00 inch, such as about 2.68 inch to about 2.82 inch, such as about 2.75 inches and a width of about 0.85 inch to about 1.20 inch, such as about 0.95 inch to about 1.10 inch, such as about 1.02 inches.

[0100] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method 900 for lock-out tag-out operations for a fastener system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method details exemplary operations for securing, for example, a plurality of gratings to a support surface located in an industrial site that may further occur when utilizing a lock-out tag-out procedure for grating repair or replacement work, as discussed above. It is to be understood, that alternate methods may be utilized to execute a lock-out tag-out procedure in an industrial site, as would be further understood by those skilled in the art.

[0101] The method 900 begins at block 902 by assigning a bit, positioned within a casing structure corresponding to a first plurality of fasteners, to a user by, for example, the head operator overseeing grating work to be performed on the topsides 102. The first plurality of fasteners may be located in a first zone, such as zone 1, which may secure a plurality of gratings that require repair, replacement, or securing work.

[0102] At block 904, the user acquires the assigned bit by removal of a locking device positioned on the casing structure, as discussed within FIGS. 1B-1D. Further, as discussed above, the assigned bit has a keyed extension extending away from an upper-side surface. In one embodiment, the upper-side surface of the assigned bit has a recess operable to insert one or more handheld tools for moving the bit, as discussed above.

[0103] At block 906, the controller 126 may log data corresponding to the acquirement of the assigned bit, the user, and for which zone the assigned bit will be used. In one embodiment, as discussed below in FIG. 11, the information the controller 126 records may inform other users of a protection area within the first zone of the plurality of gratings through use of a virtual ledger or safety system inputs.

[0104] At block 908, the user locks an operational equipment, such as pump 110 and associated pump motor 120 positioned in the first zone, in an “off’ mode. As illustrated in FIG. IE, the user,such as the worker 118, may position the lever 136 from the “on” position to the “off’ position, thereby to shut down the operation of the pump 110.

[0105] At block 910, the user may tag the locked operational equipment with a sign, such as tag 138, as shown in FIG. 1E-1F, thereby to locally inform other users, or workers, of a protection area within the first zone of the plurality of gratings. Stated differently, the user may tag the locked and shut down equipment with a sign to inform others that work is being performed locally and that the equipment should not be initiated or energized.

[0106] At block 912, the user may use the assigned bit to perform any repair work on the plurality of gratings within the first zone. Further, each of the plurality of gratings may be secured to the support surface by the first plurality of fasteners. As discussed above, each of the fasteners has a keyed recess operable to receive and to matingly interface with the keyed extension from the assigned bit when positioned therein and further has an inner recess extending into the fastener from a bottom surface. In one embodiment, the inner recess is operable to receive a fastening device 606 secured to a support surface such as, for example, a threaded stud secured to a support surface 604, as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0107] At block 914, the user may remove the sign, such as tag 138, on the locked operational equipment. The action of removing the tag 138 informs other users, or workers, that the first zone is cleared for activity as work may no longer be in progress or being performed.

[0108] At block 916, the user may switch the operational equipment positioned within the first zone to a “ready” mode (not shown in FIGS 1 A-1F). As would be understood by those skilled in the art, some operational equipment has various modes, such as “on”, or “running”, “off’, and “ready, or “stand-by” modes. Each operational equipment having a mode setting, may send signals, or status indication, to the controller 126, as illustrated in FIG. 11. In particular, the “ready”, or “stand-by” modes may be used in safe charts for start-up procedures of various equipment signaling the equipment is, for example, primed, or the like, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0109] At block 918, the user may return the assigned bit to the corresponding casing structure after work has been performed. As shown in block 920, the controller 126 may log data corresponding the return of the assigned bit to record information, such as duration, workers involved, or the like, and to inform other users, such as the head operator, that the first zone is cleared for activity. At block 922, the user may secure the locking device, such as lock 130, to thecasing structure 132 with the assigned bit positioned therein. The method 900 may conclude with the starting the operational equipment positioned within the first zone as work has been completed on the gratings, thereby substantially reducing risk of injury from performing grating repair, or installation, work in an industrial site by implementing the exemplary method 900 associated to the fastener system and assembly.

[0110] Furthermore, while not illustrated in FIG. 9, the method 900 may be repeated for grating work required in a different zone, such as zone 2, zone 3, or zone 4, as shown in FIG. 1A & ID. In those embodiments, the users may be assigned a second bit having a keyed extension inoperable to matingly interface with the keyed recess of the fasteners within zone 1, as discussed above. Therefore, as discussed above, the keyed extensions of the bits are only operable to fasten the fasteners having a corresponding keyed recess assigned to a designated zone of gratings. The above method focused on grating work, however, the method 900 may be similarly applied to other equipment or uses, as mentioned above.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fastener system kit, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In all embodiments, the fastener system kit 1000 includes a container 1002. The container 1002 may be a wrapper, a wooden or plastic box, a crate, or a pallet, wherein the container 1002 is configured to house or keep the components within the fastener system kit 1000 together or in a specific position. In one embodiment, the container 1002 has a locking feature or a tamper-resistant feature to reduce unauthorized or inadvertent opening of the container 1002.

[0112] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a fastener system kit 1000 for a fastener system and includes a first bit 200, a first casing structure 132 with the first bit identifying mark 818 and the second bit identifying mark 828 corresponding to the first bit 200 of the fastener system kit 1000, a plurality of first fasteners 300 keyed to receive the first bit 200 within the kit, a plurality of plates 460, and a plurality of bushings 420. In another embodiment, while not illustrated, the fastener system kit 1000 further includes a second bit, a second casing structure identifying the second bit, a plurality of second fasteners keyed to receive the second bit within the kit, a second plurality of plates 460, and a second plurality of bushings 420. In yet another embodiment, the fastener system kit 1000 may further include a third bit and associated parts related to the third bit as described for the first bit 200 and the second bit within the kit.

[0113] In one embodiment, the fastener system kit 1000 includes more components as illustrated in FIG. 10 such as, for example, the plurality of bushing 420. In another embodiment, the fastenersystem kit 1000 includes fewer components as illustrated in FIG. 10. Further, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the fastener system kit 1000 also may include instructional manuals, video tutorials, degreaser packages, grease, cleaning wipes or cloth, adaptors, and / or the like, configured to fit the bit 200, positioned with the container 1002 such as for use during or instructions for repair or installation, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The components as illustrated within the fastener system kit 1000 of FIG. 10 are not representative of the actual size, or quantity, but rather are enlarged to view component details and numerals.

[0114] As discussed above, FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram illustrating a control system 1100 for managing the data collected from the lock-out tag-out procedure using, for example, the lockout station 128, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, a user interface 1110 may be positioned in the HSE room 112 as, for example, a computer screen, a handheld device, or the like, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. The user interface 1110 may communicate with the controller 126 that governs the lock-out tag-out procedure sequence 1108. It is to be understood the lock-out tag-out procedure sequence 1108 may be a sequence determined by end users, such as the industrial site, or the safety policy directed by the governing company of the industrial site. In one embodiment, a safety system 1150 may be communicating with the controller 126 to provide periodic, or real-time, updates on desired status of the offshore platform 100. Similarly, sensors on the operating equipment 1160 may provide status indication so as to provide the lock-out tag-out procedure sequence 1108 Boolean logic information to satisfy, for example, safe charts (not shown), as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, as discussed above, the lock-out station 128 may record information directly to the ledger module 1131 to provide information of lock-out station activity 1130. In one embodiment, the ledger module 1131 is operable to record, for example, information associated with an assignment of a bit and the location where an assigned bit will be used, thereby to inform personnel of a location of work being performed when the assigned bit is in use, as discussed above. In one embodiment, as discussed above, the lock-out tag-out procedure sequence 1108 may have an override module 1141 that may energize operational equipment, such as pump 110, upon receiving an authoritative override 1140 from, for example, the head operator.

[0115] The controller 126 may further utilize instructions received by the user interface 1110 to, for example, order additional components of the fastener system, such as the bit, fastener, bushing, or plates to repair, or replace, installed components. Thus, the controller 126 may be in furthersignal communication, via signal communication 1 170, with other controllers, such as controller 1302 from FIG. 13, via signal communication 1326, to request replacement unique components, or request additional components as those utilized by the end user. In some embodiments, the controller 126 is positioned at the industrial site while the controller 1302 is positioned at a location remote to the industrial site, such as a manufacturing facility for components of the fastener system. Additionally, the controller 126 and the controller 1302 may communicate information between each other, such as information on additional component orders, status of order fulfillment, or the like information.

[0116] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method 1200 for generation of unique shapes applicable to a fastener system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 1200 will be discussed using system reference numerals of FIG. 13. The method 1200 details exemplary controller 1300 operations for generating a plurality of unique shapes applicable to, for example, a bit 200 and a fastener 300 interface, as discussed above. It will be understood that various commercial unique shape generator programs may be used, such as SolidWorks by Dassault Systems, Inc. or Fusion by AutoDesk, Inc., for example, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Also, software programs such as Live Sinter by Desktop Metal, Inc. for simulation and Live Build MFG by Desktop Metal, Inc. for nesting with a simulated volume, for example, may be used along with these other packages to enhance or simulate the process when 3D printed, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the aforementioned blocks of method 1200 do not need to be performed in sequence but rather may be performed as optional block operations or nonsequential block operations. In some examples, some of the blocks of method 1200 are bypassed, or skipped, as the block operation is unavailable.

[0117] The method 1200 may begin at block 1202 where a user may input, via a user interface 1314, a base shape into a controller 1302 configured to generate unique shapes from that base shape. The controller 1302 may be programmed to count shape components, such as sides, planes, joints, or both, and the like, as data points. For example, a user may input a base shape as a two dimensional triangle into the controller 1302. The controller 1302 may process the exemplary two dimensional triangle to contain three sides, zero planes, and three joints. The controller 1302 may utilize these data points as desired parameters to generated unique shapes thereafter.

[0118] The method 1200 may also begin at block 1204 where a user may input, via a user interface 1314, a guideline into the controller 1302 configured to generate unique shapes thatadhere to, or not deviated from, the input guideline(s). For example, a user may input a guideline to generate, or not to generate, shapes with, for example, greater than four sides, more than four contact sites (between a bit 200 and a fastener 300 when used), desired insertion depth, desired printer cut depth, degrees of freedom, number of contact sites, or the like parameters, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. The controller 1302 may utilize these input guidelines as restriction parameters to remove, or prevent, generation of shapes extending beyond the boundaries of the guidelines.

[0119] The operations of blocks 1202 and 1204 may be optional inputs into the controller 1302. In some examples the user may desire to generate shapes absent limitations, such as an input base shape or input guidelines.

[0120] At block 1206, the method 1200 may generate one or more unique shapes. For example, the unique shape generator sequence module 1308 may generate 10 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more unique shapes at a time. To facilitate understanding, unique shapes are shapes that differ from each other and not repeated, thus every shape generated is distinct from the other shapes generated.

[0121] The generated unique shapes of diamond 1208 may be evaluated within the controller 1302 to verify each of the generated unique shapes adhere to the inputs, such as from blocks 1202 and 1204, or not repeated. If the generated unique shapes do not meet requirements, that generated shape may be recycled to block 1206 for regeneration, thus providing a new unique shape for evaluation of meeting requirements of the inputs. If the generated unique shapes meet requirements, those generated unique shapes are provided to the user in a database for selection.

[0122] At block 1210, the user may evaluate the generated unique shapes to select any desired shapes for extraction at block 1212. In some examples, the selection of the desired shapes may be automated via a ranking of parameters satisfied, per the input(s) requirement(s). The selected shapes are extracted at block 1214 and then logged with unique serial numerals, or file names, at block 1214. The operation of logging the extracted unique shape files with unique serial numerals may be categorized in a database, such as a ledger module 1310, for example, to differentiate between end users. One such example of a ledger module 1310 may be Excel®, or the like databases for storage of unique serial numerals to associated unique shape files. For example, selected shapes for one end user, such as a client using the bit 200 and a fastener 300 system from above, may be logged with distinct serial numerals, different than those shapes generated, selected,extracted, and logged, for a different end user, thereby to reduce, substantially eliminate, or prevent, a risk of providing two end users with the same shape for used on their bit 200 and a fastener 300 system.

[0123] The method 1200 may continue from block 1214 by prompting the user to create additional unique shapes for an end user at diamond 1216, or to print one or more shapes of the unique shape generated, selected, extracted, and logged at diamond 1218. At diamond 1216, if the user selects to create additional shapes for a particular end user, the operation sequence recycles to block 1206. If the user selects to not create additional shapes, the method may conclude at end block 1220. Optionally, referring back to diamond 1218, the user may select to not print the desired shapes which concludes the method 1200 at end block 1220. If the user selects to print the desired shapes, the method 1200 proceeds to block 1222.

[0124] At block 1222, the method 1200 continues by inputting the selected shape fde for printing into a slicing and nesting program to generate a geometric code (g-code), as would be understood by one skilled in the art. It is to be understood, that various commercial slicing and nesting programs may be available, such as Desktop Metal®, Markforged®, or other programs provided by Hewlett-Packard (HP®) or General Electric (GE®) , for example, as would be further understood by those skilled in the art. The generated g-code may be used to guide printing equipment, for example, a metal CNC printer, to three dimensionally render the shape desired. At block 1224, the g-code may be provided to the printer to 3D print the shape selected from diamond 1218.

[0125] After the component is printed, the method 1200 may perform quality check at diamond 1228 to verify satisfactory printing components. If the quality check is unsatisfactory, the printed component, or part, may be recycled at block 1230. If the quality check is satisfactory, the printed component may be sent to block 1232, which may be a distribution unit 1318, for shipping, storage, or order fulfillment. The method 1200 may then conclude at end block 1220.

[0126] As discussed above, FIG. 13 is a simplified diagram illustrating a control system 1300 for managing data for generation and handling of unique shapes, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. To facilitate understanding, connectivity descriptions and technology utilized by the controller 126 is equally applicable to the connectivity descriptions and technology utilized by the controller 1302. For example, the controller 1302 may contain, and be in signal communication with, one or more processors, such as processor 1304, which may be in communication with memory 1306. Stored within the memory 1306 may be software programs such as a unique shapegenerator sequence module 1308 that when executed by a processer, is operable to generate unique shapes, as discussed below. Additionally, the memory 1306 contain a ledger module 1310 and a quality control module 1312. The controller 1302 may also be in signal communication with a user interface 1314, a printer 1316, or a distribution unit 1318.

[0127] The user interface 1314 may be utilized to communicate inputs, such as inputs from block 1202 and 1204, to the controller 1302. The user interface 1314 may be, for example, a computer screen, a handheld device, or the like, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. The user interface 1314 may communicate with the controller 1302 that governs the unique shape generator sequence module 1308 stored within memory 1306. The memory 1306 may contain a computer- readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor 1304, cause it to perform a specified method, such as method 1200, or a portion of the method 1200, for example.

[0128] The controller 1302 may send instructions, files, or data, to the printer 1316 for printing components as discussed at block 1222 of FIG. 12. Additionally, the printer 1316 may provide data that the instructions, files, or data, was received or is being processed by the printer 1316. In some examples, sensors (not illustrated) within the printer may provide data to the controller 1302, as discussed above.

[0129] The distribution unit 1318 may be in signal communication with the controller 1302. The distribution unit 1318 may contain a shipping unit 1320, a storage unit 1322, or an order fulfillment unit 1324. In one example, after the selected shape is printed via block 1226, the component produced may be shipped to, or stored for, an end user. Either of these units may communicate with an order fulfillment unit 1324 to verify the end user desired shapes are shipped, stored, or handled otherwise, per their request.

[0130] The ledger module 1310 may be utilized to log and store shape files, as discussed in block 1214. The shape files may be of various data sizes, depending on the complexity of the guidelines input, via block 1204. The unique shape files logged within the ledger module 1310 may be stored indefinitely or may be retained for a desired time duration requested per end user. The ledger module 1310 may contain a database that may be sorted, searched, or indexed, based on end user’s unique serial numerals associated to the unique shape files, or both the unique serial numerals and the unique shape file names.

[0131] The quality control module 1312 may be an internal program to verify if conditions are satisfied, such as operations at diamonds 1208 or 1228, for example. The quality control module1312 may be redundant to guidelines or input parameters but may nevertheless control quality of the operations performed, thereby to reduce, substantially eliminate, or prevent, a risk of software glitch, or hallucinations (should artificial intelligence be applied to any of the operations of method 1200).EXPERIMENTS AND EXAMPLES

[0132] The below experiments are presented to provide experimental pull testing data for the fasteners discussed above.

[0133] Experiment: Pull testing data was performed on the fasteners 300, as discussed above. The experiment selected a random lot of fasteners and divided the quantity in two portions. The first portion was subjected to Test 1 and the second portion was subjected to Test 2. Each test recorded the results at two points of failure. The first point of failure, or the “Initial Stop”, was defined as the first visual structural failure of the truncated flare 348 of the upper portion 310 of the fastener 300 visually compressing or bending out of shape when a pulling force was applied in a direction opposite the eyebolt in inch-pound units (“in / lbs”). The second point of failure, or the “Final Stop” was defined as the force required for total structural failure. The test results are shown below in the respective sections.Test 1: The first portion of fasteners were mated with an eyebolt and torqued to about 3-foot pounds (“ft / lbs”) prior to testing. Table 1 below illustrates the results of Test 1 .Table 1. Analysis Results of the Pull Force Test on Fasteners from Test 1.Test 2: The second portion of fasteners were also mated with an eyebolt but were over torqued to exceed about 5 ft / lbs prior to testing. Table 2 below illustrates the results of Test 2.Table 2. Analysis Results of the Pull Force Test on Fasteners from Test 2.

[0134] In some experimental tests, the eyebolt was the common failure point initiating the recording of the final stop. However, it was noted that eyebolt separation only occurred after the initial stop data recording and during the continuation of the pull seeking the total structural failure recorded as the final stop. In other experimental tests, the fastener structurally failed mid-shaft.

[0135] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 775,844, filed March 21, 2025, titled “GRATING FASTENER SYSTEM, KIT, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR INDUSTRIAL SITES,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 651,859, filed May 24, 2024, titled “GRATING FASTENER SYSTEM, KIT, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR INDUSTRIAL SITES,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0136] Other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the foregoing figures, detailed description, and embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the figures, detailed description, and embodiments, while indicating specific embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only and are not meant to be limiting. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. In further embodiments,features from specific embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments. For example, features from one embodiment may be combined with features from any of the other embodiment. In further examples, additional features may be added to the specific embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for securing industrial components located in an industrial site, the system comprising: a lock-out tag-out station having a plurality of locking mechanisms to independently house and secure a plurality of different bits such that access to a first bit of the plurality of different bits does not provide access to a second bit of the plurality of different bits, the first bit operable to drive a first fastener different than a second fastener operably driven by the second bit; each of the plurality of different bits having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion includes a connection operable to independently receive one or more standard tools to rotate a bit of the plurality of different bits when used, and the lower portion including a keyed interface having a non-standard shape, the keyed interface of the first bit of the plurality of different bits matingly interfaces with a first set of a plurality of fasteners, the keyed interface of the second bit of the plurality of different bits matingly interfaces with a second set of the plurality of fasteners, the keyed interface of the first bit different than the keyed interface of the second bit such that the first bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the second set of the plurality of fasteners and the second bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the first set of the plurality of fasteners; and two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners, each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having: (a) a top surface, (b) a truncated flare extending inwardly from the top surface such that a first outer diameter of the top surface has a greater diameter than a second outer diameter of the lower portion, and (c) a keyed junction positioned between the top surface and the lower portion, the keyed junction operable to matingly interface with the keyed interface from a matingly associated bit when connected, and the lower portion having a fastening device to secure an industrial component.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the connection of the upper portion of each of the plurality of different bits includes a recess operable to receive the one or more standard tools to rotate anassociated bit of the plurality of different bits when used, the recess having a first recess portion operable to receive a first standard tool of the one or more standard tools and a second recess portion operable to receive a second standard tool of the one or more standard tools different than the first standard tool, the first recess portion extending axially from an upper surface of each of the plurality of different bits to a shoulder positioned within the recess, the shoulder connecting the first recess portion to the second recess portion, the shoulder operable to provide an entry limit surface for the first standard tool into the second recess portion such that the first standard tool abuttingly contacts the first recess portion to independently rotate the associated bit when used, the second recess portion extending axially from the shoulder to an end surface of the recess, the second recess portion operable to abuttingly contact the second standard tool when positioned therein to independently rotate the associated bit.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first standard tool includes a socket driver and the second standard tool includes a Phillips driver, a tri-wing driver, a triangular driver, a hex drive, a bar, or a combination thereof, wherein the first standard tool inoperable to drive the associated bit within the second recess portion of the associated bit, and wherein the second standard tool inoperable to drive the associated bit within the first recess portion of the associated bit.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the shoulder of the recess comprises a first shoulder, wherein the end surface comprises a first end surface, wherein the recess of the associated bit further includes a second shoulder connecting the second recess portion to a third recess portion, the third recess portion operable to receive a third standard tool when used, the third recess portion axially extending from the second shoulder to a second end surface of the recess, the second shoulder operable to further provide an entry limit surface for the second standard tool into the third recess portion such that the first standard tool abuttingly contacts the first recess portion to independently move the associated bit when used, the second standard tool abuttingly contacts the second recess portion operable to independently move the associated bit when used, and the third standard tool abuttingly contacts the third recess portion operable to independently move the associated bit when used.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the keyed interface comprises a keyed extension opposite the upper portion, and wherein the keyed junction comprises a keyed recess extending from the top surface toward the lower portion.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the lower portion of each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners include a bottom surface and a cylindrical portion extending axially from the bottom surface towards and connected to the upper portion, and wherein the cylindrical portion includes an inner recess, wherein the cylindrical portion of the first set of the plurality of fasteners further includes an indicator to identify a shape of the keyed recess or the matingly associated bit.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bushings operable to dampen movement and positioned between each of the plurality of fasteners and an industrial component thereby to reduce each of the plurality of fasteners from unfastening from vibrational movements when installed, wherein the plurality of bushings includes an elastic material, and wherein the plurality of fasteners and the plurality of different bits are each 3D printed.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fasteners and the plurality of different bits include: (a) a glass nylon material, thereby to be positioned in explosion-proof designated areas, or (b) a metal.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller in signal communication with the lock-out tag-out station, the controller including one or more processors and memory in communication with the one or more processors, the memory having one or more software programs stored therein and operable with the one or more processors, the one or more software programs including a ledger module operable to record information associated with an assignment of a bit of the plurality of different bits and a location where an assigned bit will be used, thereby to inform personnel of the location of work being performed when the assigned bit is in use.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller comprises a first controller, wherein the system further comprises a second controller in signal communication with the first controller, the second controller positioned in a remote location, the second controller including one or moreprocessors and memory in communication with the one or more processors and having software programs stored therein operable with the one or more processors, the one or more software programs including a unique shape generator sequence module that when instructed by the one or more processors, produces unique shapes applicable to a mating interface between the keyed junction and the keyed interface.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more software programs of the memory of the second controller further includes a ledger module that logs and stores unique shapes associated to an end user, and wherein the second controller further is in communication with a printer configured to generate a geometric code used to three dimensionally print a bit or a fastener having the mating interface between the keyed junction and the keyed interface.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the second controller further is in signal communication with a printer, the printer connected to metal powder supply and further having a laser to sinter metal powder when operated to produce a three dimensional metal print of a bit or a fastener having the mating interface between the keyed junction and the keyed interface.

13. A fastener system for securing industrial components, the fastener system comprising: two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners, each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having (a) a top surface, (b) a truncated flare extending inwardly from the top surface such that a first outer diameter of the top surface has a greater diameter than a second outer diameter of the lower portion, and (c) a keyed junction positioned between the top surface and the lower portion, the keyed junction operable to matingly interface with a keyed interface from a matingly associated bit when connected, the keyed junction having three or more contact sites operable to abuttingly contact a matingly interfaced keyed interface of a first bit so as to rotate an associated fastener when used, the lower portion having a fastening device to secure an industrial component, the two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners further including a first set of the plurality of fasteners and a second set of the plurality of fasteners, the first set of the plurality of fasteners operable to matingly interface with a keyed interface of the first bit, the second set of the plurality of fasteners operable to matingly interface with a keyed interface of a second bit, the first set ofthe plurality of fasteners inoperable to matingly interface with the keyed interface of the second bit, and the second set of the plurality of fasteners inoperable to matingly interface with the keyed interface of the first bit.

14. The fastener system of claim 13, wherein the keyed interface comprises a keyed extension, and wherein the keyed junction comprises a keyed recess extending from the top surface toward the lower portion.

15. The fastener system of claim 13, wherein the lower portion of each of the two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners includes an inner recess operable to receive a fastening device to secure an industrial component.

16. The fastener system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of plates, each of the plurality of plates having an upper surface and under surface, the upper surface having: (a) a flared recess inwardly extending towards the under surface operable to receive an associated fastener therein when installed, (b) one or more structural veins extending from a center of the plate towards a circumference of the plate, each of the one or more structural veins having a radius of over 50 percent a total radius to the circumference, and (c) a roughened surface so as to increase grip of the upper surface, thereby to reduce slippage when installed, the under surface operable to directly contact a least a portion of an industrial component.

17. The fastener system of claim 16, wherein the upper surface further comprises: (d) one or more channels opposite the one or more structural veins, each of the one or more channels extending from the center of an associated plate, tapering towards, and having a slope towards the circumference of the associated plate, thereby to drain fluids from the center of the associated plate.

18. The fastener system of claim 16, wherein the roughened surface of the plurality of plates includes a pattern positioned into the upper surface, and wherein the one or more structural veins are positioned to provide strength, thereby to reduce, or substantially eliminate, buckling of each of the plurality of plates under a force.

19. The fastener system of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of bushings configured to dampen movement and positioned between each of the plurality of fasteners and an associated plate thereby to reduce each of the plurality of fasteners from unfastening from vibrational movements, wherein the plurality of bushings includes an elastic material, and wherein the plurality of fasteners are each 3D printed.

20. The fastener system of claim 13, wherein the keyed interface comprises a keyed recess, and wherein the keyed junction comprises a keyed extension extending in a direction away from the lower portion.

21. A system for securing industrial components, the system comprising: a plurality of different bits, each of the plurality of different bits having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion includes a connection operable to independently receive one or more standard tools to rotate a bit of the plurality of different bits when used, and the lower portion having a keyed interface with a non-standard shape, the keyed interface of a first bit of the plurality of different bits operable to matingly interface with a first set of a plurality of fasteners, the keyed interface having three or more contact sites operable to abuttingly contact a matingly interfaced keyed junction of an associated fastener so as to rotate the associated fastener when used, the keyed interface of a second bit of the plurality of different bits operable to matingly interface with a second set of the plurality of fasteners, the keyed interface of the first bit different than the keyed interface of the second bit such that the first bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the second set of the plurality of fasteners and the second bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the first set of the plurality of fasteners.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the matingly interfaced keyed junction comprises a keyed recess, and wherein the keyed interface comprises a keyed extension opposite the upper portion,the keyed extension operable to insert into abuttingly contact with a matingly interfaced keyed recess of an associated set of the plurality of fasteners.

23. The system of claim 22, further comprising two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners, each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having: (a) a top surface, (b) a truncated flare extending inwardly from the top surface such that a first outer diameter of the top surface has a greater diameter than a second outer diameter of the lower portion, and (c) a keyed recess extending from the top surface toward the lower portion, the keyed recess operable to matingly interface and to receive the keyed extension from a matingly associated bit when positioned therein, and the lower portion having a fastening device to secure an industrial component.

24. The system of claim 23, further comprising a plurality of plates, each of the plurality of plates having an upper surface and under surface, the upper surface having: (a) a flared recess inwardly extending towards the under surface operable to receive an associated fastener therein when installed, (b) one or more structural veins extending from a center of the plate towards a circumference of the plate, each of the one or more structural veins having a radius of over 50 percent a total radius to the circumference, and (c) a roughened surface so as to increase grip of the upper surface, thereby to reduce slippage when installed, the under surface operable to directly contact a least a portion of the industrial component.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the roughened surface of the plurality of plates has a pattern positioned into the upper surface, and wherein the one or more structural veins are positioned to provide strength, thereby to reduce, or substantially eliminate, buckling of each of the plurality of plates under a force.

26. The system of claim 25, further comprising a plurality of bushings operable to dampen movement and positioned between each of the plurality of fasteners and an associated plate thereby to reduce each of the plurality of fasteners from unfastening from vibrational movements wheninstalled, wherein the plurality of bushings includes an elastic material, and wherein the plurality of fasteners and the plurality of different bits are each 3D printed.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the connection of the upper portion of each of the plurality of different bits includes a recess operable to receive the one or more standard tools to rotate an associated bit of the plurality of different bits when used, the recess having a first recess portion operable to receive a first standard tool of the one or more standard tools and a second recess portion operable to receive a second standard tool of the one or more standard tools different than the first standard tool, the first recess portion extending axially from an upper surface of each of the plurality of different bits to a shoulder positioned within the recess, the shoulder connecting the first recess portion to the second recess portion, the shoulder further providing an entry limit surface for the first standard tool into the second recess portion such that the first standard tool abuttingly contacts the first recess portion to independently rotate the associated bit when used, the second recess portion extending axially from the shoulder to an end surface of the recess, the second recess portion operable to abuttingly contact the second standard tool when positioned therein to independently rotate the associated bit.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the shoulder of the recess comprises a first shoulder, wherein the end surface comprises a first end surface, wherein the recess of the associated bit further includes a second shoulder connecting the second recess portion to a third recess portion, the third recess portion operable to receive a third standard tool when used, the third recess portion axially extending from the second shoulder to a second end surface of the recess, the second shoulder operable to further provide an entry limit surface for the second standard tool into the third recess portion such that the first standard tool abuttingly contacts the first recess portion to independently move the associated bit when used, the second standard tool abuttingly contacts the second recess portion operable to independently move the associated bit when used, and the third standard tool abuttingly contacts the third recess portion operable to independently move the associated bit when used.

29. The system of claim 21, wherein the matingly interfaced keyed junction comprises a keyed extension, and wherein the keyed interface comprises a keyed recess opposite the upper portion,the keyed extension operable to insert into abutting contact with a matingly interfaced keyed recess of an associated bit.

30. A system for securing industrial components, the system comprising: a plurality of different bits, each of the plurality of different bits having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion includes a multi-tier structure operable to independently receive one or more standard tools to rotate a bit of the plurality of different bits when used, and the lower portion having a keyed interface with a non-standard shape, the keyed interface of a first bit of the plurality of different bits operable to matingly interface with a first set of a plurality of fasteners, the keyed interface having three or more contact sites operable to abuttingly contact a matingly interfaced keyed junction of an associated fastener so as to rotate the associated fastener when used, the keyed interface of a second bit of the plurality of different bits operable to matingly interface with a second set of the plurality of fasteners, the keyed interface of the first bit being different than the keyed interface of the second bit such that the first bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the second set of the plurality of fasteners and the second bit is inoperable to matingly interface with the first set of the plurality of fasteners; and two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners, each of the two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having: (a) a top surface, (b) a truncated flare extending inwardly from the top surface such that a first outer diameter of the top surface has a greater diameter than a second outer diameter of the lower portion, and (c) a keyed junction positioned between the top surface and the lower portion, the keyed junction operable to matingly interface with the keyed interface from a matingly associated bit when connected, and the lower portion having a fastening device to secure an industrial component.31 . The system of claim 30, wherein the multi-tier structure axially extends into an associated bit, each tier of the multi-tier structure having: (a) a different shape to operably receive matingly interfaced tools of the one or more standard tools, and (b) an entry limit surface so as to prevent a non-matingly interfaced tool entry to another tier.

32. The system of claim 30, further comprising a plurality of plates, each of the plurality of plates having an upper surface and under surface, the upper surface having: (a) a flared recess inwardly extending towards the under surface operable to receive an associated fastener therein when installed, (b) one or more structural veins extending from a center of the plate towards a circumference of the plate, each of the one or more structural veins having a radius of over 50 percent a total radius to the circumference, and (c) a roughened surface so as to increase grip of the upper surface, thereby to reduce slippage when installed, the under surface operable to directly contact a least a portion of an industrial component.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the roughened surface of the plurality of plates has a pattern positioned into the upper surface, and wherein the one or more structural veins are positioned to provide strength, thereby to reduce, or substantially eliminate, buckling of each of the plurality of plates under a force.

34. The system of claim 32, further comprising a plurality of bushings operable to dampen movement and positioned between each of two or more sets of the plurality of fasteners and an associated plate, thereby to reduce each of the plurality of fasteners from unfastening from vibrational movements when installed, wherein the plurality of bushings includes an elastic material, and wherein the plurality of fasteners and the plurality of different bits are each 3D printed.

35. The system of claim 32, wherein the keyed interface comprises a keyed extension opposite the upper portion, and wherein the keyed junction comprises a keyed recess extending from the top surface toward the lower portion.

36. The system of claim 32, wherein the lower portion of each of the two or more sets of a plurality of fasteners includes an inner recess operable to receive a fastening device to secure an industrial component.

37. A method to generate unique shapes applied to fastener system, the method comprising: inputting an initial base shape to a controller configured to generate unique shapes per the input base shape; inputting a guideline to the controller configured to generate unique shapes per the input guideline; generating one or more unique shapes that define an interface between a bit and a fastener of the fastener system into a database; selecting desired unique shapes from the database for extraction; extracting the desired unique shapes from the database such that each of the desired unique shapes contains a unique file name; and logging each unique file name associated to an end user on a ledger, the ledger configured to store one or more unique file names for one or more end users.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the method further comprises generating additional unique shapes into a database, thereby to create more unique shapes for selection.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the method further comprises: providing an extracted unique shape to a slicing and nesting program configured to generate a geometric code; generating a geometric code configured to guide a printer to print a three dimensional component of the fastener system; and printing the three dimensional component of the fastener system.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the method further comprises: providing the three dimensional component to a distribution unit for storage, shipping, or order fulfillment.41 . The method of claim 39, wherein the printer is a three dimensional metal printer.

42. The method of claim 40, wherein the input guideline contains insertion depth, cut depth, contact sites, degrees of freedom, contact sites, or a combination thereof.

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