Tool or implement storage system using wireless devices to facilitate tool control
First Claim
1. An object tracking system allowing a user to monitor the presence or absence of objects, comprising:
- a. a portable enclosure, capable of being transported by a user to different locations without interrupting its operation, wherein said portable enclosure includes an enclosed interior and an access member moveable between an open position and a closed position so as to permit or deny access to said enclosed interior;
b. a radio frequency identification tag placed on each of a plurality of objects placed within said portable enclosure, capable of receiving a radio frequency signal and emitting a unique responsive radio frequency signal identifying the particular object to which it is affixed;
c. a communications/scanning unit affixed to said portable enclosure;
d. control means, connected to said communications/scanning unit, capable of causing the transmission of a radio frequency signal and receiving each of said unique responsive radio frequency signals, thereby determining whether each of said objects is present or absent; and
e. display means capable of providing information concerning whether any of said objects is absent.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved storage enclosure with the ability to query individual objects within the enclosure in order to verify the presence or absence of each object. It also possesses the capability of wirelessly transmitting this verification information to a central control unit for further processing and maintenance coordination. The proper recording of these verifications will provide increased security against the likelihood of adverse incidents resulting from misplaced objects such as tools. In addition, the storage enclosure may be programmed to report its position, based on proximity to vehicles or other objects having a known position.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. An object tracking system allowing a user to monitor the presence or absence of objects, comprising:
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a. a portable enclosure, capable of being transported by a user to different locations without interrupting its operation, wherein said portable enclosure includes an enclosed interior and an access member moveable between an open position and a closed position so as to permit or deny access to said enclosed interior;
b. a radio frequency identification tag placed on each of a plurality of objects placed within said portable enclosure, capable of receiving a radio frequency signal and emitting a unique responsive radio frequency signal identifying the particular object to which it is affixed;
c. a communications/scanning unit affixed to said portable enclosure;
d. control means, connected to said communications/scanning unit, capable of causing the transmission of a radio frequency signal and receiving each of said unique responsive radio frequency signals, thereby determining whether each of said objects is present or absent; and
e. display means capable of providing information concerning whether any of said objects is absent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An object tracking system allowing a user to monitor the presence or absence of a plurality of objects, comprising:
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a. an enclosure, including an enclosed interior and a lid moveable between an open position and a closed position so as to permit or deny access to said enclosed interior;
b. wherein said enclosure includes at least one drawer, capable of sliding between a closed position wherein its contents are held within said enclosed interior and an open position wherein its contents are accessible;
c. a radio frequency identification tag placed on each of a plurality of objects placed within said enclosure, capable of receiving a radio frequency signal and emitting a unique responsive radio frequency signal identifying the particular object to which it is affixed;
d. a communications/scanning unit affixed to said enclosure;
e. control means, connected to said communications/scanning unit, capable of causing the transmission of a radio frequency signal and receiving each of said unique responsive radio frequency signals, thereby determining whether each of said objects is present or absent; and
f. display means capable of providing said user information concerning whether any of said objects is absent. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification