×

Inventoriable-object control and tracking system

  • US 5,801,628 A
  • Filed: 09/05/1996
  • Issued: 09/01/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/08/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An object tracking system for tracking the removal of an object from a location and the replacement of the object at the location, said object tracking system comprising:

  • a trackable unit associated with the object to be tracked, said trackable unit carrying electronic memory means storing data uniquely identifying said trackable unit and its associated object, said electronic memory means having first and second electrically conducting surfaces for transmission of its stored data;

    a panel defining a row and column matrix of receptacles, said trackable unit being selectively insertable in and removable from any of said receptacles of said matrix;

    an electrical connector associated with each of said receptacles of said matrix for operatively engaging said memory means of said trackable unit when said trackable unit is inserted into the receptacle;

    each electrical connector having a first contact associated with the column of its receptacle for engaging said first surface of said memory means and a second contact associated with the row of its receptacle for engaging said second surface of said memory means;

    said first contact of each electrical connector in one column of said matrix being electrically connected to a common column data line and said second contact of each electrical connector on one row of said matrix being electrically connected to a common row data line, said row data lines and said column data lines defining a row and column matrix of data lines;

    a pull-up resistance connected between each column data line and a voltage source;

    a bleeder resistance connected between each row data line and a grounding potential, said pull-up resistances and said bleeder resistances preventing false triggering of memory devices located in said receptacles as a result of cross-talk; and

    control means coupled to said row and column data lines for accessing and processing the data stored in said electronic memory means of said trackable unit when said trackable unit is present in one of said receptacles to determine the presence or absence of said trackable unit.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×