Item locator system

• US 6,501,378 B1
• Filed: 09/27/2001
• Issued: 12/31/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Peter J. Knaven
• Original Assignee: Peter J. Knaven
• Inventors: Knaven, Peter J.
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/965,734
• Time in Patent Office: 460 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539, 340/573.2, 340/686.6, 340/568.1, 340/568.6, 340/568.7, 340/571, 340/572.1, 340/825.36, 340/825.49
• US Class Current: 340/539.1
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0227 System arrangements with a plurality of child units
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0247 System arrangements wherein the alarm criteria uses signal strength
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0283 via a telephone network, e.g. cellular GSM
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0288 Attachment of child unit to child/article
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0294 Display details on parent unit
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

A item locator system for locating lost personal articles. The item locator system includes a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space. The first device includes a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each has a distinct frequency. A microprocessor actuates the first transceiver and determining the distinct transmitted signal. The microprocessor is operationally coupled to the first transceiver. A speaker emits an audible sound, is operationally coupled to the microprocessor and actuated when the first transceiver receives a signal. A plurality of input actuators input information into the microprocessor and are operationally coupled to the microprocessor. A plurality of second devices receives and transmits signals over free space. Each of the second devices is adapted for receiving one of the distinct signals and transmitting a signal to the first transceiver. Each of the second devices is positionable on one of the articles.

Claims

1. An article location system for locating a plurality of personal articles, said system comprising:

a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space, said first device including;

a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each having a distinct frequency;

a control means for actuating said first transceiver and determining said distinct transmitted signal, said control means being operationally coupled to said first transceiver, said control means comprising a microprocessor;

a speaker means for emitting an audible sound, said speaker means being operationally coupled to said control means and actuated when said first transceiver receives a signal, said control means being adapted for causing said speaker means to emit a quickening pulsating sound as said signal received by said first transceiver becomes stronger and a slowing pulsating sound as said signal becomes weaker;

a plurality of input actuators for inputting information into said control means and being operationally coupled to said control means, each of input actuators having number and letter indicia thereon, a first of said input actuators being adapted for selectively turning said control means on or off;

a display means for viewing inputted information, said display means being operationally coupled to said control means and comprising a liquid crystal display;

a memory means for storing inputted information, said memory means being operationally coupled to said control means;

an interface means for interfacing a plurality of second transceivers with said control means, said interface means being operationally coupled to said control means;

a communication means for communicating over free space, said communication means comprising a cordless telephone;

a power supply for powering said control means being operationally coupled to said control means, said power supply comprising a battery;

a plurality of second devices for receiving and transmitting signals over free space, each of said second devices being adapted for receiving one of said distinct signals, each of said second devices being positionable on one of said articles, each of said second devices comprising;

a second transceiver having a transmitter adapted for sending signal to said first transceiver and a receiver adapted for turning said transmitter on when said receiver receives a signal from said first transceiver;

a second power supply for powering said second transceiver being operationally coupled to said second transceiver and comprising a battery; and

wherein each of said second transceivers is interfaced with said control means via said interface means such that each of said second transceivers may be assigned a value based on an associated distinct signal, wherein said value is stored in said memory means such that said control means may cause said first transceiver to send the associated distinct signal when a value is selected.

2. An article location system for locating a plurality of personal articles, said system comprising:

a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space, said first device including;

a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each having a distinct frequency;

a control means for actuating said first transceiver and determining said distinct transmitted signal, said control means being operationally coupled to said first transceiver;

a speaker means for emitting an audible sound, said speaker means being operationally coupled to said control means and actuated when said first transceiver receives a signal;

a plurality of input actuators for inputting information into said control means and being operationally coupled to said control means;

a plurality of second devices for receiving and transmitting signals over free space, each of said second devices being adapted for receiving one of said distinct signals and sending a signal to the first transceiver, each of said second devices being positionable on one of said articles; and

said first device further including a display means for viewing inputted information from said control means when said input actuators are actuated, said display means being operationally coupled to said control means, said display means comprising a screen member being operationally coupled to said control means such that said screen member is for displaying inputted information to be viewed.

3. The article location system as in claim 2, wherein said control means is adapted for causing said speaker means to emit a quickening pulsating sound as said signal received by said first transceiver becomes stronger and a slowing pulsating sound as said signal becomes weaker.

4. The article location system as in claim 2, wherein a first of said input actuators being adapted for selectively turning said control means on or off.

5. The article location system as in claim 2, said first device further including a memory means for storing inputted information, said memory means being operationally coupled to said control means.

6. The article location system as in claim 5, further including:

an interface means for interfacing a plurality of second transceivers with said control means, said interface means being operationally coupled to said control means;

each of said second devices comprising;

a second transceiver having a transmitter adapted for sending signal to said first transceiver and a receiver adapted for turning said transmitter on when said receiver receives a signal from said first transceiver; and

wherein each of said second transceivers is interfaced with said control means via said interface means such that each of said second transceivers may be assigned a value based on an associated distinct signal, wherein said value is stored in said memory means such that said control means may cause said first transceiver to send the associated distinct signal when a value is selected.

7. The article location system as in claim 6, further including a communication means for communicating over free space.

8. The article location system as in claim 2, further including a communication means for communicating over free space.