Abstract: A mobile object tracking system is provided for tracking the removal and use of specific objects within a group checked out from storage between the time the objects are checked out and the replacement of the objects in the storage. The system includes a system controller and a storage unit that receive and store a series of object carriers therein. Each object carrier includes a series of object holders in which id tags for the group of objects checked out of the storage are received. The object carrier monitors the time each object is removed from the object carrier, which information is thereafter communicated to the system controller.

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: 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.