Abstract: A personnel management system and method is disclosed. The personnel management system comprises beacons distributed around an employer facility to assist in tracking employee movement, automating punch-in and punch-out events, automating timecard record keeping, and providing navigation services within the employer facility. Detection of an employee in proximity to a particular beacon triggers a server system to log the time of the detection and update of the employee's timecard with a punch-in event, if confirmed by the employee. Similarly, detection of the employee later triggers the server system to log the time of the detection and update of the employee's timecard with a punch-out event. In some embodiments, the beacons interact with employee mobile phones via a BLUETOOTH protocol. Automation of these operations improves the accuracy and convenience of employee timekeeping while preventing some types of fraudulent behavior, thereby saving employers money.

Abstract: An electronic security clearance system and method that comprises generating an electronic badge, sending the digital badge to an employee, and verifying the electronic badge at a reader. The digital badge is embedded with information that controls access by time, location, and security. The present invention is directed to providing a cost effective security clearance system and method that efficiently generates security clearance identification (e.g. for temporary workers), and provides additional control features an employer might desire.

Abstract: A toy product comprising a soft, plush football having a removable blanket contained therein such that the football, when stuffed with a blanket, is approximately the same size, shape, and weight as a real football, and is therefore, capable of being used as a typical football, but safer for children. At a picnic, or “tailgate,” the football can be unzipped to reveal the blanket, which can be used to keep the user warm and protected from the elements, The football of the present invention has been designed so that the blanket functions, in part, much as air would function in an actual football—to occupy the interior space of the football so that it is aerodynamic and can be used to play the game or toss the ball back and forth. The invention described herein may also be used as a novelty item or promotional product.