Abstract: A container for securing and uniquely identifying objects are provided for use with an asset tracking system of the type having a latching device to physically hold the container in place and to automatically sense the memory device which is part of the container. The container includes a surface for being physically latched in place, a device for securing objects such as keys and includes a circuit board which hosts the memory device. Containers are generally rectangular in shape, but include beveled surface to ensure that they can only be inserted into the asset tracking system in one direction. In one embodiment, the container is equipped with reusable metal lanyards to attach keys to the container.

Abstract: The telephone system of the present invention is realized by a unique dynamic time slice architecture which allows for up to 480 transfers of data. A dual port RAM is utilized in which are stored two pages of data, containing time slice information identifying the sending and receiving devices for each time slice slot within the frame. The time slice configuration can be easily modified to accommodate a change in the current system configuration, for example, a handset connecting or disconnecting from a central office line, or the initiation of a conference call. The time slice configuration is modified by updating the second page and swapping the two pages at the beginning of the next frame so that the time slice controller accesses the second page and the configurations specified therein. Thus the system can be updated and controlled in real time with no delays to the users of the telephone system.