Coded file locator system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An automated file locator system for at least one file holder, said file holder having a housing and at least one folder carrier for holding a plurality of folders, said folder carrier being movable between an open and a closed position, comprising:
- a machine-readable code mounted on each of said folders;
at least one code-reading means mounted on said housing adjacent said carrier, said code-reading means positioned on said housing such that movement of said carrier between the open and closed positions causes said code-reading means to automatically scan the machine-readable codes on said folders, said code-reading means generating signals corresponding to said codes in response to the scanning thereof; and
control means for receiving the signals from said code-reading means and indicating that a folder with a particular code is located in said folder carrier.
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Accused Products
Abstract
File folders are provided with unique machine-readable indicia representing the contents therein. Scanners sensitive to the machine-readable indicia are mounted to filing cabinets so that, upon opening or closing a drawer, the indicia on the folders within that drawer are automatically scanned. The indicia scanned are then input to a computer system that logs the scanned folders as being located in that drawer.
242 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An automated file locator system for at least one file holder, said file holder having a housing and at least one folder carrier for holding a plurality of folders, said folder carrier being movable between an open and a closed position, comprising:
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a machine-readable code mounted on each of said folders; at least one code-reading means mounted on said housing adjacent said carrier, said code-reading means positioned on said housing such that movement of said carrier between the open and closed positions causes said code-reading means to automatically scan the machine-readable codes on said folders, said code-reading means generating signals corresponding to said codes in response to the scanning thereof; and control means for receiving the signals from said code-reading means and indicating that a folder with a particular code is located in said folder carrier. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An automated file locator system for a plurality file cabinets, each of said file cabinets having a housing and a plurality of drawers for holding a plurality of folders, said drawers being movable between an open and a closed position, said folders comprising hanging folders suspended transverse to a direction of travel of said drawers, said system comprising:
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a unique machine-readable code mounted on each of said folders, wherein said machine readable code is a bar code embedded in an interchangeable tab attached to a top surface of said folders; at least one code-reading means mounted on said housing adjacent a corresponding drawer, said at least one code-reading means positioned on said housing such that movement of said drawer between the open and closed positions causes said code-reading means to scan the machine-readable codes on said folders, said code-reading means generating signals corresponding to said codes in response to the scanning thereof; at least one computer connected to a memory device for receiving the signals from said code-reading means and indicating that a folder with a particular code is located in said drawer, each of said file cabinets having at least one indicator connected to said at least one computer; and at least one remote code-reading means mounted remote from said housing and outputting signals to said at least one computer when said bar code on one of said folders passes by one of said remote code-reading means.
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18. A file cabinet for use in an automated file locator system having a plurality of file folders, said folders each having a machine-readable code, comprising:
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at least one folder carrier, said carrier movably mounted within said cabinet; and at least one code-reading means mounted adjacent said carrier and positioned to automatically read said codes in response to movement of said carrier within said housing.
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19. A method of processing file location information, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a cabinet having at least one drawer and a scanner adjacent to said drawer; (b) providing at least one file folder having a machine-readable code; (c) automatically scanning said code in response to movement of said drawer in said cabinet, such that said code passes said scanner, said scanner producing signals corresponding to said code; (d) storing said signals and said location; and (e) outputting said code and said location. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. An automated file locator system for a file cabinet having a housing and a plurality of drawers for holding a plurality of folders, said drawers being movable between an open and a closed position, said folders comprising hanging folders suspended transverse to a direction of travel of said drawers, said system comprising:
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a unique machine-readable code mounted on each of said folders; at least one code-reading means mounted on said housing adjacent a corresponding drawer, said at least one code-reading means positioned on said housing such that movement of said drawer between the open and closed positions causes said code-reading means to scan the machine-readable codes on said folders, said code-reading means generating signals corresponding to said codes in response to the scanning thereof; at least one computer connected to a memory device for receiving the signals from said code-reading means and indicating that a folder with a particular code is located in said drawer, each of said file cabinets having at least one indicator connected to said at least one computer; and at least one remote code-reading means mounted remote from said housing and outputting signals to said at least one computer when said bar code on one of said folders passes by one of said remote code-reading means. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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24. An automated file location system comprising:
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a plurality of drawers; a plurality of scanners, each of said scanners adjacent to a corresponding one of said drawers; and a plurality of file folders wherein each drawer contains at least one of said file folders, each of said file folders having a detachable tab on a top surface of said folder, wherein a machine-readable code is formed on said tab, said code supplying information to said system through one of said scanners when one of said drawers is moved past said one of said scanners.
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Specification