Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for supervising access to individual items

US4635053A · kind A · utility

95Cited by
8References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 6, 1984
Grant dateJan 6, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 6, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07C2009/00936
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Apparatus for monitoring and/or restricting access to individual items each provided with a unique identifying code comprises a console provided with a plurality of identical receptacles each for retaining one of a plurality of items. The receptacles are scanned one by one by a microprocessor and the identity of each of the items in the receptacles is obtained and recorded. When a user wishes to obtain an item he first identifies himself to the microprocessor using an identity card read by a card reader and by inputting a personal identity number by a keyboard. The item the user wishes is then identified to the computer using a keyboard and if all input information relating to user and item is correct the microprocessor causes an indicator lamp to be lit adjacent the receptacle containing the desired item and for a retaining latch holding the item in the receptacle to be released thus permitting the user to take the item. Details relating to the user, the item taken and the time of day are recorded.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.