Object carriers and lighted tags for an object control and tracking system
US7109864B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B21/0288
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Object carriers are provided for use with an object tracking and control system of the type having a storage receptacle with a tray provided with an array of slots for receiving ID tags bearing touch memory devices. A computer-based controller is provided for detecting the absence or presence and identity of ID tags disposed in the slots. The carrier of this invention includes a container with an openable panel for placing objects in and removing objects from the carrier. A thin plastic tongue projects from the carrier and bears a touch memory device. Carriers bearing objects to be tracked are placed in the storage receptacle with their tongues extending into the slots of the receptacle. The controller can thus detect and log the removal and replacement of the carrier in the storage receptacle. In one embodiment, the opening and closing of the carrier when it is not stored in the receptacle is detected and logged for tracking access to the carrier in more detail. The invention also includes lighted key tags for use with an object tracking system. Lighted key tags stored in an object tracking system are adapted to emit light when their attached keys are requested by a user. A portio…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.