Inventoriable-object control and tracking system
View Patent ↗An inventoriable-object control and tracking system comprising, in accordance with its preferred embodiments, an object identification assembly having an electronic device, with a unique electronically-readable identification code, which is connected to an inventoriable-object to enable control over access to the object and tracking of the object to identify a user in possession of the object. The system further includes a row and column matrix of electrical connectors located offset from a panel defining a corresponding row and column matrix of polarized slots for receipt of a plurality of object identification assemblies in a single orientation. Each connector of a matrix of electrical connectors comprises a pair of opposed, spring contacts having independently-deflectable portions to insure proper electrical contact with an electronic device of each object identification assembly. The system also includes a local controller connected to the matrix of electrical connectors and to a remote controller which executes, in accordance with the preferred methods, a plurality of software routines that communicate bi-directionally using a serial protocol, via a parallel data communications interface, to acquire and process data from each object identification assembly present. In accordance with the preferred apparatus, the system additionally comprises a storage unit having a drawer which is withdrawable from an enclosure upon operation of an electronically-actuated locking mechanism. The storage unit includes a slot and electrical connector positioned in a drawer face plate assembly for receipt of a personal identification assembly which enables a user to gain access to the plurality of object identification assemblies residing in the storage unit.
1. A trackable object comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end and a first width;
a tongue extending from the second end of said body, said tongue having a second width smaller than the first width so as to form a shoulder where said tongue extends from the second end of said body; and
an electronic memory device attached to said tongue.
2. The trackable object of claim 1 , wherein said electronic memory device includes an electronic identification code stored therein.
3. The trackable object of claim 1 , wherein said electronic memory device includes an electronic memory.
4. The trackable object of claim 1 , wherein said tongue is elongated and extends from a proximal end adjacent the second end of the elongated body to a distal end.
5. The trackable object of claim 4 , wherein said tongue tapers from said proximal end to said distal end.
6. The trackable object of claim 1 , wherein said electronic device is attached to the distal end of said tongue.
7. The trackable object of claim 1 , further comprising an attachment mechanism on said body for securing items thereto.
8. The trackable object of claim 7 , wherein said attachment mechanism is located at the first end of said elongated body.
9. The trackable object of claim 7 , wherein said attachment mechanism comprises an aperture.
10. The trackable object of claim 9 , wherein said attachment mechanism further comprises a rivet mounted in said aperture.
11. The trackable object of claim 1 , said tongue defined by a first face and a second face, wherein said electronic device protrudes from said first face.
12. The trackable object of claim 11 , wherein said electronic device is substantially flush with said second face.
13. The trackable object of claim 1 , said tongue defined by a first face and a second face, wherein said electronic device protrudes substantially from said first face and minimally from said second face.
14. The trackable object of claim 1 , wherein said elongated body tapers at said first end.
15. The trackable object of claim 14 , further comprising an attachment mechanism located adjacent said taper at said first end.
16. The trackable object of claim 1 , wherein said elongated body is formed of a non-conducting material.
17. The trackable object of claim 1 , wherein said elongated body is formed of plastic.
18. A trackable object comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end and a first width, wherein a shoulder is defined at said second end;
a tongue extending from the shoulder, wherein said tongue is elongated and extends from a proximal end adjacent the shoulder to a distal end and wherein said tongue tapers from said proximal end to said distal end;
an electronic memory device attached to said distal end of said tongue, said electronic memory device having an electronic identification code stored therein; and
an attachment mechanism located on said body at a position removed from said electronic memory device,
wherein said tongue is defined by a first face and a second face and said electronic device protrudes from said first face.
19. An object control and tracking system comprising:
a plurality of trackable objects, each trackable object comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end and a first width;
a tongue extending from the second end of said body, said tongue having a second width smaller than the first width so as to form a shoulder where said tongue extends from the second end of said body; and
an electronic device attached to said tongue and storing an identification code,
a storage unit having a panel with an array of receptacles defined on said panel, each receptacle sized to receive the tongue of said trackable object, such that when a trackable object is seated in a receptacle, the tongue extends through said receptacle and said shoulder of said trackable object abuts said panel;
an electronic circuit associated with each receptacle, said electronic circuit being configured and located adjacent a receptacle to read the identification code of an electronic device when a trackable object is seated in said receptacle; and
a computer controller coupled to said electronic circuit.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein said electronic circuit comprises a set of contacts in said storage unit, said contacts being configured and located to engage an electronic device on a trackable object when said trackable object is seated in a receptacle, and wherein said computer controller is programmed to read the identification code of said electronic device engaged by said contacts.
21. The system of claim 19 , wherein each of said receptacles comprises an elongated slot substantially the shape of the tongue with a wider aperture portion provided along one side of said slot to permit the electronic device to pass therethrough.