Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for locating mobile objects. The system includes many signposts positioned within a monitored area and many mobile objects. The monitored area is subdivided into subareas. Many signposts are positioned in each subarea. Each signpost transmits a vote signal having encoded therein a subarea code identifying the subarea that the signpost is positioned in. The mobile objects receive the vote signals and detect the subarea codes encoded therein. The location of a mobile object is determined to be one of these subareas having a maximum count of signposts that are positioned in that subarea and that are in range of the mobile object.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of using a subscriber location indicating system and a telephone switch to provide location dependent person locator telephone service for called subscribers. In accordance with the service, a called party may provide that a call directed to a personal number unique to the called party be completed in different manners according to the location of the called party when the call is made. A subscriber location indicating system tracks subscribers and provides the location of subscribers to a database. A telephone switch where a call is initiated sends the personal number unique to the called party to the data base. Information that depends on the present location of the called party and that specifies how the call is to be completed is returned to the telephone switch, and the call is completed accordingly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of using a personnel locating system and a plurality of visitor stations to provide location dependent visitor dispatching service for visited subscribers. In accordance with the service, a subscriber may provide that a visitor directed to a personal number unique to the subscriber be dispatched in different manners according to the location of the subscriber when the visitor arrives. A personnel locating system tracks subscribers and provides the location of subscribers to a database. A visitor station where a visit is initiated sends the personal number unique to the visited party to the data base. The database accesses the current location of the visited party. The database accesses information that specifies a method of visitor dispatchment according to the current location of the visited party. The methods of visitor dispatchment include paging the visited party and displaying a message at the visitor station.

Abstract: A pocketknife is formed with a latching mechanism that includes a catch and latch for releasibly holding a key ring.