TOOL LOCATOR DEVICE AND SYSTEM

• US 20140015672A1
• Filed: 07/11/2013
• Published: 01/16/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Isaac Ponce
• Original Assignee: Isaac Ponce
• Inventors: PONCE, Isaac
• Granted Patent: US 9,082,281 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/539.32
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 26/00 Alarm systems in which substations are interrogated in succession by a central station

Abstract

A device and system for electronically tracking one or more objects, such as tools or equipment is provided. The tool locator device and system of the present invention provides an electronic checklist specially designed to keep track of a set of tools or accessories.

Claims

1. An object locator system comprising:

a transmitter device comprising an electronic control circuit for producing control signals, the transmitter device having a panel display for viewing a list of objects to be tracked; and

one or more receiver tags comprising an electronic circuit for receiving the control signals from the transmitter device, and for transmitting a response signal to the transmitter device, each one of the receiver tags being attachable to an object from the list;

wherein the transmitter device provides a visual or audible signal representing the presence or absence of the objects of the list relative to a predetermined distance from the transmitter device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control signals are radiofrequency signals.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter device includes a keypad for entry of the objects of the list.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter device includes activation buttons to initiate transmission of the signals.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter device has a touch panel display.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual signals are configured to vary in color, intensity and duration.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the audible signals are configured to vary in intensity and duration.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver tags are configured for attachment to the objects with a Velcro fastener, glue, tape, adhesive, or a magnet.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter device is hand-held.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter device is wall-mounted.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver tags are removable and reusable.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter device receives data from a computer electronically linked to the device.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter device is rechargeable.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter device is powered with an AC/DC adapter.