Apparatus for supervising access to individual items
First Claim
1. Apparatus for monitoring access to individual items each of which is provided with a unique identifying code, comprising:
- (a) a plurality of identical receptacles for receiving one of a plurality of individual items, respectively, each of said receptacles including(1) means for interrogating the unique identifying code of each item;
(2) means for releasably securing an item within said receptacle; and
(3) indicator means for indicating the presence and absence of an item relative to said receptacle;
(b) identfication means operable by a potential user for identifying himself and a desired item;
(c) detection means for detecting in which one receptacle of said plurality of receptacles the desired item is arranged; and
(d) control means connected between said receptacles and said identification and detection means for operating said securing means associated with said one receptacle to release the desired item in response to the correct identification of the potential user and the desired item, said control means further operating said indicator means associated with said one receptacle when said securing means associated with said one receptacle is released.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. Apparatus for monitoring access to individual items each of which is provided with a unique identifying code, comprising:
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(a) a plurality of identical receptacles for receiving one of a plurality of individual items, respectively, each of said receptacles including (1) means for interrogating the unique identifying code of each item; (2) means for releasably securing an item within said receptacle; and (3) indicator means for indicating the presence and absence of an item relative to said receptacle; (b) identfication means operable by a potential user for identifying himself and a desired item; (c) detection means for detecting in which one receptacle of said plurality of receptacles the desired item is arranged; and (d) control means connected between said receptacles and said identification and detection means for operating said securing means associated with said one receptacle to release the desired item in response to the correct identification of the potential user and the desired item, said control means further operating said indicator means associated with said one receptacle when said securing means associated with said one receptacle is released. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification