Abstract: A key fob for retaining a key or other object, including: a body structure manufactured from a printed circuit board material; a key ring structure manufactured from the printed circuit board material coupled to the body structure; and a conductive loop disposed one or more of within, on a surface of, and coupled to the printed circuit board material of the key ring structure. Optionally, the body structure and the key ring structure are integrally formed from the printed circuit board material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an asset retention device, including: a housing including a base portion and an end portion, wherein the base portion and the end portion each include electrical contacts; and an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the end portion and the associated electrical contacts of the housing, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing; wherein, if the continuity of the asset attachment structure is broken, the electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing is broken. The base portion of the housing is configured to be selectively coupled to a main console, such that the electrical circuit is present through the asset attachment structure, the housing, the base portion of the housing, and the main console. The main console includes a controller/processor operable for detecting a break in the continuity of the asset attachment structure and the associated electrical circuit.

Abstract: An asset retention device, including: a housing including a base portion and a cap portion, the base portion and the cap portion containing a plurality of electrical contacts; and an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the cap portion and making electrical contact with the plurality of electrical contacts, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing; wherein, if the continuity of the asset attachment structure is broken, the electrical circuit is broken. The base portion of the housing is configured to be selectively coupled to a main console including a controller/processor operable for detecting a break in the continuity of the asset attachment structure and the associated electrical circuit. The asset retention device also includes an identifying chip. The asset attachment structure includes a plurality of hooked ends that extend through channels manufactured into an interior portion of the cap portion of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an asset retention device, including: a housing including a base portion and an end portion, wherein the base portion and the end portion each include electrical contacts; and an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the end portion and the associated electrical contacts of the housing, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing; wherein, if the continuity of the asset attachment structure is broken, the electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing is broken. The base portion of the housing is configured to be selectively coupled to a main console, such that the electrical circuit is present through the asset attachment structure, the housing, the base portion of the housing, and the main console. The main console includes a controller/processor operable for detecting a break in the continuity of the asset attachment structure and the associated electrical circuit.

Abstract: An automated asset management and security system for providing selective authorized access to an asset disposed within or associated with a remotely located lockable device, including: a control console, including: a processor executing one or more algorithms operable for identifying a user, authorizing a predetermined level of access based upon the identity of the user, receiving a command from the user to provide access to the asset disposed within or associated with the remotely located lockable device, and generating a corresponding command for the lockable device; and a communications channel for delivering the corresponding command to the lockable device; wherein the lockable device includes: a controller having a unique address executing one or more algorithms for implementing the corresponding command; and an actuation mechanism operable for selectively providing access to the asset disposed within or associated with the lockable device responsive to the corresponding command.

Abstract: The invention is a serial bus identification circuit for a module that enables a microcontroller or microprocessor to identify one or many modules, each having an iButton digital device. The invention enables electronic activating and identifying the digital device amongst a plurality of similar devices. Each digital device has a unique digital registration number, and is an element of a module. In addition to the digital device, the module has a dual addressable switch component having a first switch and second switch, where the dual addressable switch component has a unique digital address; a light emitting source; and a source of electrical power. The dual addressable switch component and the unique digital device are in electrical communication with the serial data bus, and can be added as modules.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic circuit for detecting, identifying, and/or activating a digital device, including a touch-and-hold connector configured to hold an object of interest, the digital device coupled to the touch-and-hold connector, for example, wherein the digital device has a unique digital registration number, a microcontroller that reads the unique digital registration number of the digital device, a storage receptacle configured to selectively receive the touch-and-hold connector, a light-emitting source coupled to the storage receptacle and associated with the touch-and-hold connector, and an electrical power source.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides a keyless management system for automating selective access to a lockable device and a method for selectively granting access.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic activation and identification module that includes a holder device configured to hold an object of interest; a digital device coupled to the holder device, wherein the digital device has a unique digital registration number; a storage receptacle configured to selectively receive the holder device; a light-emitting source coupled to the storage receptacle and associated with the holder device; and an electrical power source. Optionally, the digital device consists of a microprocessor disposed within a protective housing and the light-emitting source comprises a light-emitting diode. Preferably, the digital device is in electrical communication with a serial data bus. The light-emitting source provides an identifying position signal indicating when the holder device is one of being received by the storage receptacle and not being received by the storage receptacle.

Abstract: An asset management system, comprising: a remote storage device coupled to a controller collectively configured to selectively retain an asset and selectively release the asset to an authorized user; and a mobile device configured to execute a mobile application in communication with one or more of the remote storage device and the coupled controller via one or more networks, wherein the mobile application is operable for directing operation of the one or more of the remote storage device and the coupled controller. The mobile device comprises a QR scanner operable for scanning a QR code and subsequently authorizing the authorized user. The mobile device also comprises a barcode scanner operable for scanning a barcode associated with the asset or a related asset.