Abstract: A cabinet having a plurality of drawers, each drawer having at least one compartment. The cabinet includes a computer and a panel pivotally coupled to one of the drawers. The panel is disposed in a covering relationship with the compartments within the drawer and includes at least one opening. The opening corresponds with the compartment. A cover is pivotally connected to the panel and covers the opening. A locking mechanism is interconnected with the drawer and the cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal from the computer to position it in one of a locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: A cabinet having a plurality of drawers, each drawer having at least one compartment. The cabinet includes a computer and a panel pivotally coupled to one of the drawers. The panel is disposed in a covering relationship with the compartments within the drawer and includes at least one opening. The opening corresponds with the compartment. A cover is pivotally connected to the panel and covers the opening. A locking mechanism is interconnected with the drawer and the cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal from the computer to position it in one of a locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: A door assembly including a frame with an opening having a first portion and a second portion. The door assembly includes a first panel movable between a closed position in which the first panel generally covers the first portion of the opening and an open position in which the first panel generally does not cover the first portion. The door assembly has a second panel movable between a closed position in which the second panel generally covers the second portion of the opening and an open position in which the second panel generally does not cover the second portion. The second panel is configured to block the first panel from moving to its open position when the second panel is in its closed position. The door assembly further includes a controller operatively coupled to the second panel to selectively block or enable movement of the second panel from its closed position to its open position or from its open position to its closed position.

Abstract: An access and storage system including a storage component configured to store an item therein or thereon in an associated storage position, wherein the storage component is configured to provide a user direct manual access to the item in the storage position. The system further includes a sensor system configured to track at least one of a user's removal of the item from the associated storage position or replacement of the item to the associated storage position. The sensor system operates independently of any sensor component secured to the item.

Abstract: An access and storage system including a storage component configured to store items therein or thereon in an associated storage position, wherein the storage component is configured to provide a user direct manual access to the items in the storage positions. The system further includes a sensor system configured to track at least one of the user's removal of an item from the associated storage position or replacement of an item to the associated storage position and an identification system for identifying the user. The system also has an authorization database operatively coupled to the identification system for tracking which of the items a particular identified user is authorized to access.

Abstract: A cabinet suitable for use in storing items. The cabinet includes a drawer having a base. A plurality of cassettes are arranged within the drawer. Each cassette is individually movable in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the base. A plurality of locking mechanisms cooperate to inhibit movement of each of the plurality of cassettes. A controller is operable to actuate one or more locking mechanisms to release one of the plurality of cassettes for movement.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing items. The system includes a base that has first and second compartments. The base can rotate about an axis. An item can be stored in one of the first and second compartments. The system also includes a cover that covers the base, the first compartment, and the second compartment. Furthermore, the cover has an opening. The system also includes a handle that is coupled to the cover. The handle can be used to actuate the cover to rotate about the axis to align the opening with one of the first and second compartments. The system also includes an ejector that ejects the item from the compartment when the handle aligns the ejector with the opening.

Abstract: A cabinet suitable for use in storing items. The cabinet includes a drawer having a base. A plurality of cassettes are arranged within the drawer. Each cassette is individually movable in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the base. A plurality of locking mechanisms cooperate to inhibit movement of each of the plurality of cassettes. A controller is operable to actuate one or more locking mechanisms to release one of the plurality of cassettes for movement.

Abstract: A cabinet having a plurality of drawers, each drawer having at least one compartment. The cabinet includes a computer and a panel pivotally coupled to one of the drawers. The panel is disposed in a covering relationship with the compartments within the drawer and includes at least one opening. The opening corresponds with the compartment. A cover is pivotally connected to the panel and covers the opening. A locking mechanism is interconnected with the drawer and the cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal from the computer to position it in one of a locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically dispensing machine tools, kits of tools and related supplies. The system includes one or more automatic tool dispensers interconnected and controlled by a host computer. Automatic tool dispensers may be placed at various locations about manufacturing and other facilities to provide decentralized distribution of reusable and perishable tools and supplies near work stations, providing constant, but controlled, access to tools. Data entry device are used to operate the automatic tool dispensers. Indicia may be entered to selectively operate the automatic tool dispensers to dispense a tool, or a plurality of tools as a kit. The data entry devices also provide data which can assist in inventory control, tracking and tool usage. Tool delivery system are provided in the automatic tool dispenser including adjustable helical coil delivery devices and robotic delivery systems.