System and device for storing objects

• US 6,131,808 A
• Filed: 04/20/1995
• Issued: 10/17/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Morse Watchmans, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Morse Watchmans, Inc.
• Inventors: Pires, Manuel, Moskwa, Russell
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Michael G
• Application Number:
  US08/407,275
• Time in Patent Office: 2,007 Days
• Field of Search: 235/375, 235/381, 235/382, 235/383, 235/385, 364/479, 364/407, 340/825.31, 340/825.35, 340/825.34
• US Class Current: 235/375
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 29/10 Key holders; Key boards key cases A45C11/32
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00936 for key cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/62 in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0042 for hiring of objects
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage system and identification device for storing objects associated with the devices in stations. Each identification device includes an electronic memory device with a unique code. The storage system receives information relating each identification device with both its code and its associated object. A user can enter information as to a particular object and the system identifies the location of the station holding the identification device. Thus, identification devices can be returned randomly. This can be used for many objects as small as keys and very large objects connected to the identification devices.

Claims

1. A storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects each associated with an identification device, said system comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of station means in said frame operable to receive said identification devices;

electronic memory means, operable for storing a unique readable code, rotatable housed within at least one of the identification devices;

reading means coupleable to said electronic memory means and operable for selectively reading the respective codes of corresponding ones of said electronic memory means;

input means operable for inputting information to corresponding ones of said electronic memory means to relate the associated code of each of said electronic memory means to the associated object and to said identification device, and also for inputting information to a corresponding one of said electronic memory means as to a selected one of said identification devices and its associated object;

processing means operable for processing inputted information to said input means and for processing information from said reading means; and

display means responsive to said processing means and operable for indicating the location of an identification device engaged in one of said station means based on inputted information;

whereby rotation of the electronic memory means provides for the reduction of wear on said electronic memory means due to said coupling with said reading means.

2. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said station means further comprises locking means operable to inhibit the disengagement of said identification device and responsive to said processing means.

3. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display means comprises a light source.

4. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said station means are physically arranged in a predetermined pattern and said display means can display the position of the station means engaged with the selected identification device.

5. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a lockable cabinet for said storage system and for preventing access to said identification devices engaged with said station means.

6. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said identification device further includes locking means operable for inhibiting the disengagement of said identification device from said station means unless said processing means receives predetermined information from said input means.

7. The storage system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said locking means comprises a physical shape.

8. The storage system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said locking means comprises a notch.

9. The storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reading means includes contact strips to achieve said coupling to said electronic memory means and to urge rotation of said electronic memory means as said identification device is inserted into one of said plurality of station means.

10. An identification device for use in a storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects, with each object being associated with one of said identification devices, wherein the storage system comprises a frame, a plurality of stations in said frame operable to receive said identification devices, reading means for reading information stored in the identification device, and a display for indicating the location of an identification device engaged in one of said stations based on inputted information;

the identification device comprising;

a body;

connecting means operable for connecting said body to a predetermined object;

electronic memory means rotatable mountable in said body, operable for storing a unique readable code and suitable for use with the storage system, the electronic memory means engagable with the reading means wherein the reading means selectively reads respective codes stored in the respective electronic memory means;

whereby the rotational mounting of said electronic memory means within the identification device reduces wear on said electronic memory means caused by the contact with said reading means.

11. An identification device for use in a storage system suitable for storing a plurality of objects, with each object being associated with one of said identification devices, wherein the storage system comprises a frame, a plurality of stations in said frame operable to receive said identification devices, reading means for reading information stored in the identification device, and a display for indicating the location of an identification device engaged in one of said stations based on inputted information;

the identification device comprising;

a body having an interior cavity;

connecting means operable for connecting said body to a predetermined object, wherein said connecting means comprises a wire having a first end and a second end, a ball coupled to said first end and fixedly coupled within said interior cavity of said body, a rod coupled to said second end, and a plate, disposed in said body, having an opening adapted to receive said rod inserted, in a first direction, through said opening and to substantially prevent a withdraw of said rod through said opening in a direction opposite said first direction; and

electronic memory means rotatably mountable in said body, operable for storing a unique readable code and suitable for use with the storage system, the electronic memory means engagable with the reading means wherein the reading means selectively reads respective codes stored in the respective electronic memory means;

whereby the rotational mounting of said electronic memory means within the identification device reduces wear on said electronic memory means caused by the contact with said reading means.