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: 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: A system for tracking objects such as keys is provided. The system includes a plurality of units, each associated with an object to be tracked. Each unit carries a memory device storing a unique code identifying the unit and its associated object. A receptacle for receiving and storing the units has a top panel with a plurality of slots each configured to recieve one of the plurality of units. A backplane is mounted in the receptacle underlying the top panel. The backplane is provided with a plurality of connectors each aligned with a corresponding one of the slots in the top panel for engaging a unit disposed in the slot. The connectors are configured for readably coupling with the memory devices of objects disposed in the slots to read the unique codes of the objects.

Abstract: A process for detecting the presence or absence of a specific nucleic acid sequence or antibody in a sample using an oligonucleotide to bind to the nucleic acid sequence or antibody to be detected, forming double-stranded nucleic acid sequence using the bound oligonucleotide in conjunction with another oligonucleotide or DNA synthesis, synthesizing RNA transcripts from the thus-formed double-stranded nucleic acid sequence, and detecting the existence of the RNA transcripts, and oligonucleotides and kits useful in carrying out such a process.

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: A process for detecting the presence or absence of a specific nucleic acid sequence or antibody in a sample using an oligonucleotide to bind to the nucleic acid sequence or antibody to be detected, forming double-stranded nucleic acid sequence using the bound oligonucleotide in conjunction with another oligonucleotide or DNA synthesis, synthesizing RNA transcripts from the thus-formed double-stranded nucleic acid sequence, and detecting the existence of the RNA transcripts, and oligonucleotides and kits useful in carrying out such a process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of identifying individuals or determining paternity by using Multiple Presence Polymorphic (MPP) probes. The invention also relates to Test Kits and Probes based on the process. The procedure uses multiple nucleic acid probes in separate hybridization tests, such as in different wells of a microtiter plate. The probes bind to nucleic acid sequences in some individuals, but not to others. The hybridization results convert to a unique pattern that can be used to identify an individual.

Abstract: A process for detecting the presence or absence of a specific nucleic acid sequence or antibody in a sample using an oligonucleotide to bind to the nucleic acid sequence or antibody to be detected, forming double-stranded nucleic acid sequence using the bound oligonucleotide in conjunction with another oligonucleotide or DNA synthesis, synthesizing RNA transcripts from the thus-formed double-stranded nucleic acid sequence, and detecting the existence of the RNA transcripts, and oligonucleotides and kits useful in carrying out such a process.

Abstract: An electrical inertia switch that closes a first electrical contact upon switch acceleration and closes a second electrical contact upon switch deceleration. The miniature switch can be inserted within an archer's arrow and used to activate a radio transmitter signal so as to locate the arrow by a directional signal receiver from a remote location.

Abstract: A prefillable type of hypodermic syringe assembly is disclosed herein. This assembly utilizes an open-ended glass barrel in combination with a rubber sealing bung located across the front end of the barrel and a rubber plunger slidably disposed within the barrel behind the sealing bung so as to define an internal medication chamber. In this way, medication stored within the chamber comes in contact with glass and rubber only until the syringe assembly is used. At that time, a syringe needle is placed in fluid communication with a cooperating opening through the sealing bung which serves to pass medication from the internal chamber to the needle. Until the syringe assembly is used, the sealing bung is maintained in a collapsed condition to close its through opening, thereby ensuring that only rubber and glass come in contact with the stored medication.