File folders for use in an electronic file locating and tracking system
First Claim
1. A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising:
- at least one surface;
an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address;
a first conductor on said surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and
a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device; and
said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders when said adjacent file folders are in any one of a plurality of different positions.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A file tracking system including a processor, which maintains and interfaces with a database, a plurality of file folder retainers, and a plurality of file folders. The file tracking system actively maintains and updates the database, which includes file information, file location, and unique file address for the plurality of files, by providing interactive communication between the processor, the folder retainers, and the file folders. Each file folder may include an indicator light, such as an LED, which a user may cause to blink when trying to locating the file folder at a location accessed from the database.
174 Citations
41 Claims
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1. A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising:
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at least one surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device; and said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders when said adjacent file folders are in any one of a plurality of different positions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system having electrical contacts, comprising:
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a folder adapted to contain media therein; an addressable device located on said folder, said addressable device being adapted to communicate electrically with the electronic file tracking system; and a conductor located on said folder and configured so as to electrically connect said addressable device to the electrical contacts of the electronic file tracking system when said folder is positioned in any one of several different positions. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system having a source of power and means for generating control signals, comprising:
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a folder adapted to contain media therein and having at least one surface; an addressable device located on the folder, said addressable device having an input terminal for receiving both power and control signals from the electronic file tracking system; a first conductor on said surface for removably coupling said input terminal of said addressable device to both the source of power and the means for generating control signals located apart from the folder in the electronic file tracking system when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device, said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising:
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a folded substrate for holding media, said folded substrate having at least one generally planar exterior surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said exterior surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said exterior surface for providing a return path from said addressable device. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system wherein file folders are stored in folder retainers communicatively coupled to the electronic file tracking system, comprising:
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a folder having a contact surface; an addressable device located on said folder; a first conductor on said contact surface for providing control signals sent by the electronic file tracking system to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer of the electronic file tracking system; and a second conductor on said contact surface for providing a return path from said addressable device, wherein said first and second conductors are disposed on said contact surface in a pattern that allows contact with a plurality of differently configured electrical contacts provided in the folder retainers. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35)
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36. A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising:
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at least one surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device; and said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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Specification