Abstract: An embodiment includes a lot management system. The lot management system includes a transmitter comprising a location determination module having a GPS data pathway to an RF transmission module and a receiver including an RF antenna and a receiver processor.

Abstract: The modular asset storage system includes a main panel, the main panel including a computer command module and one or more asset containment modules. The asset containment modules are in data communication with the computer command module.

Abstract: The modular asset storage system includes a main panel, the main panel including a computer command module and one or more asset containment modules. The asset containment modules are in data communication with the computer command module.

Abstract: An automobile auction system to receive scanned automobile bar codes and function bar codes along with location data and to process the scanned bar codes. The system includes a first interface for receiving scanned bar codes, GPS coordinates, scanner ID, and time of scan from a custom scanning device. A second interface is to receive a map of an auto auction facility from a map source. A server is to process the bar codes and the GPS coordinates received from the scanning device and to associate the GPS coordinates to the map of the auto auction facility received from the map source. The system may process bar codes associated with functions, such as employees, shops or staging operations, specific tasks, and work orders. The function bar codes may, for example, assign scanners to employees, record tasks being performed, record employee performing the tasks, and record shop or staging operations opened/completed.

Abstract: A user-portable deployable RFID device including a battery, a battery charging device connected to the battery, and an RFID reader connected to the battery configured to receive a locating signal from an RFID tag, a modem is connected to the RFID reader, the modem is configured to receive tag position data from the RFID reader and to transmit the tag position data, an antenna is connected to one or more of the RFID reader and the modem. A method of tracking a position of an entity within an entity area and a system for tracking the position of an entity within an area are also provided.

Abstract: An enhanced object tracking system for tracking and controlling access to a plurality of objects such as keys is disclosed. The object tracking system implements many improvements including automated user identification using biometric data extracted from the user with a minimum of user interaction, tracking of objects both inside and outside their storage units, the locking of objects within slots of their storage unit to guard against illicit removal and return of keys and to insure random slot rotation, image and visual based inventory verification methodologies, and tracking of objects during times when they are checked out of the system. The result is an intelligent object tracking system with automated control functions and high reliability.

Abstract: The object control and tracking system of the present invention includes a computer, a system controller, and at least one object storage drawer housed within a security cabinet. The system controller provides a bi-directional communication link between the computer and a printed circuit board located within the object storage drawer. The objects are symmetrically shaped acrylic key fobs each containing a touch memory device to store information about as set of keys or other valuable objects associated with the fob. A dress plate, incorporating a plurality of slots for interfacing with the fobs, is within the drawer and provides the mechanical support for the key fobs. The key fobs are generally symmetrically shaped to fit into the slot. The slot spacing is staggered in the array so that it is easier for a user to replace or to locate the key fob if the array is almost fully occupied.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An enhanced object tracking system for tracking and controlling access to a plurality of objects such as keys is disclosed. The object tracking system implements many improvements including automated user identification using biometric data extracted from the user with a minimum of user interaction, tracking of objects both inside and outside their storage units, the locking of objects within slots of their storage unit to guard against illicit removal and return of keys and to insure random slot rotation, image and visual based inventory verification methodologies, and tracking of objects during times when they are checked out of the system. The result is an intelligent object tracking system with automated control functions and high reliability.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking and controlling access to objects such as keys includes a lockable storage cabinet adapted to receive, store, and dispense objects within transparent security containers. A control computer is operably coupled to the cabinet. Information about objects, such as their weight, an image, or magnetic characteristics, is extracted by sensors when the objects within their containers are dispensed to a user or checked in by a user. This information is compared to a data base of the same information previously extracted for these objects. From the comparison, the connected control computer verifies that the objects present in the security container are the objects expected to be in the security container. If they are not, then theft or tampering is indicated and the computer takes remedial actions such as setting alarms or notifying security personnel.

Abstract: An object tracking system is provided for tracking the removal of objects from a location and the replacement of the objects at the location. The system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to each of the objects to be tracked and each tag has an antenna. When activated, the RFID tag of an object transmits a unique code identifying the object. A storage unit is provided at the location and the storage unit has a plurality of receptacles configured to receive objects replaced at the location. Each receptacle has an associated antenna for activating the RFID tag of an object in the receptacle and receiving the radio frequency transmitted code of the object. The antennae of the system can be capacitive plates for conveying the radio frequency transmissions through capacitive coupling or inductive loops for conveying the transmissions through inductive coupling.

Abstract: A mobile object tracking system is provided for tracking the removal and use of specific objects within a group checked out from storage between the time the objects are checked out and the replacement of the objects in the storage. The system includes a system controller and a storage unit that receive and store a series of object carriers therein. Each object carrier includes a series of object holders in which id tags for the group of objects checked out of the storage are received. The object carrier monitors the time each object is removed from the object carrier, which information is thereafter communicated to the system controller.

Abstract: There is disclosed a key access fob, key access devices, a key access system, key access methods. A fob may comprise a receiver, a transmitter, and a light pipe running from a bottom end of the fob to a top end of the fob. A docking unit may comprise a plurality of receivers configured to receive a fob. Each receiver may include three openings. The docking unit may also comprise a plurality of receiving units, one receiving unit for each of the receivers, each receiving unit including a transmitter, a receiver, and a light emitting diode (LED). A key access system may include one or more docking units in one or more drawers in one or more cabinets, the cabinets coupled to a computing device running an application program. The application program in conjunction with other devices may execute key access methods.

Abstract: The invented system and its components utilize RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to store and locate assets or asset control devices within security enclosures of a wide range of sizes and configurations.

Abstract: Object carriers are provided for use with an object tracking and control system of the type having a storage receptacle with a tray provided with an array of slots for receiving ID tags bearing touch memory devices. A computer-based controller is provided for detecting the absence or presence and identity of ID tags disposed in the slots. The carrier of this invention includes a container with an openable panel for placing objects in and removing objects from the carrier. A thin plastic tongue projects from the carrier and bears a touch memory device. Carriers bearing objects to be tracked are placed in the storage receptacle with their tongues extending into the slots of the receptacle. The controller can thus detect and log the removal and replacement of the carrier in the storage receptacle. In one embodiment, the opening and closing of the carrier when it is not stored in the receptacle is detected and logged for tracking access to the carrier in more detail.

Abstract: An object control and tracking system and related methods using separate object identification and location detection mechanisms for objects, such as keys, that are maintained in a secure enclosure, such as a key drawer. A plurality of object slots are located on the top tray of the enclosure to receive object tags that include both an RFID tag and an object to be tracked. The objects (e.g., keys) are attached to a portion of the object tags that are outside of the enclosure. Presence detectors are used to determine if an object tag is present in the corresponding slot of the enclosure. RFID sensors located on opposite interior side walls of the enclosure interrogate each RFID tag to determine the presence of each RFID tag within the enclosure.

Abstract: Object carriers are provided for use with an object tracking and control system of the type having a storage receptacle with a tray provided with an array of slots for receiving ID tags bearing touch memory devices. A computer-based controller is provided for detecting the absence or presence and identity of ID tags disposed in the slots. The carrier of this invention includes a container with an openable panel for placing objects in and removing objects from the carrier. A thin plastic tongue projects from the carrier and bears a touch memory device. Carriers bearing objects to be tracked are placed in the storage receptacle with their tongues extending into the slots of the receptacle. The controller can thus detect and log the removal and replacement of the carrier in the storage receptacle. In one embodiment, the opening and closing of the carrier when it is not stored in the receptacle is detected and logged for tracking access to the carrier in more detail.