US Patent 10208776 Clamp and method of use

A clamp and method of use may be configured to detect whether a clamp is properly secured to an object, and whether that proper securement is maintained. One embodiment of a clamp may include a first portion and a second portion. The relative positions of the first and second portions may be selectively adjusted using a positioner. A sensor assembly may be secured between said first and second portions to determine if the first portion engages the work piece with the proper force. Multiple clamps may be used on a single work piece, and those clamps may be in communication with a common controller to alert the user when any clamp experiences a force other than the force the user desires.