Drawer Patents (Class 340/570)
  • Patent number: 11023854
    Abstract: An electronically addressable a-polar document receptacle identification circuit has first and second terminals adapted to be connected to a two conductor data bus for supplying data signals to the terminals and for receiving responses from the circuit. The circuit has a two phase diode bridge circuit with first and second nodes connected to the first and second terminals. The diode bridge circuit is connect to the data signal input of a circuit microcontroller having an output connected to the first and second nodes for furnishing response signals to the nodes. The associated receptacle can be a file folder removably received in a file cabinet or a notebook binder removably received on a cabinet shelf. The circuit will function correctly regardless of the orientation of the terminals with respect to the data bus conductors so a file folder or a notebook binder can be installed in either one of two possible orientations without affecting the functionality of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: iMICRODATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Patent number: 8994534
    Abstract: A documents management system with remote location and retrieval of documents contained in file folders positioned in file drawers in a collection of file cabinets. Each document has an RFID tag containing a document identifier and the contents of the document stored in a read-only memory. Each file folder has a circuit containing a unique identifier for that folder. Each file cabinet has a control unit which searches for a specific file folder in response to receipt of a file folder request from a source. If the folder is found, each cabinet has an R.F. reader which searches for a specific document in response to receipt of a document request from the source. If the document is found, the R.F. reader extracts the document contents and transmits them to the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ZMicrodata Corporation
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Patent number: 8963716
    Abstract: A storage container for use in a documents management system with remote location of file folders positioned on support members mounted between walls of the storage container. The support members are electrically connected to an electrical input connector which supplies file folder search signals to the container and receives response signals from address decoder circuits located in each file folder removably received in the container. Each container has an electrical output connector which can be connected to the electrical input connector of another container so that several containers can be connected to one another. Each container can be removably installed in a file cabinet drawer and electrically connected to the file drawer conductive rails to communicate with a file cabinet based file management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: iMicrodata Corporation
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Patent number: 8894577
    Abstract: A method of monitoring health parameters of subjects within a defined space and over a period of time includes collecting first data corresponding to a physiological parameter of an ambulatory subject, collecting second data corresponding to a behavioral and cognitive parameter of the ambulatory subject, collecting third data corresponding to an identity and a location of the one of the subjects, collecting fourth data corresponding to the one of the ambulatory subjects from third party sources, generating a data record for the one of the ambulatory subjects based upon the first, second, third, and fourth data, and outputting a modified data record, the modified data record containing portions of the data record, the portions selected based upon an access level of a person requesting the data record and a format of the modified data record selected based upon the access level and community needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Elite Care Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Reed, Lydia Lundberg, William (Bill) Pascoe, Shannon Lundberg
  • Patent number: 8884763
    Abstract: A sensor suite for a vehicle, the sensor suite comprising a 3D imaging system, a video camera, and one or more environmental sensors. Data from the sensor suite is combined to detect and identify threats during a structure clearing or inspection operation. Additionally, a method for detecting and identifying threats during a structure clearing or inspection operation. The method comprises: gathering 3D image data including object range, volume, and geometry; gathering video data in the same physical geometry of the 3D image; gathering non-visual environmental characteristic data; and combining and analyzing the gathered data to detect and identify threats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: iRobert Corporation
    Inventors: Edison Hudson, Scott Lenser, Ivan Kirigin
  • Patent number: 8852096
    Abstract: A method of monitoring health parameters of subjects within a defined space and over a period of time includes collecting first data corresponding to a physiological parameter of an ambulatory subject, collecting second data corresponding to a behavioral and cognitive parameter of the ambulatory subject, collecting third data corresponding to an identity and a location of the one of the subjects, collecting fourth data corresponding to the one of the ambulatory subjects from third party sources, generating a data record for the one of the ambulatory subjects based upon the first, second, third, and fourth data, and outputting a modified data record, the modified data record containing portions of the data record, the portions selected based upon an access level of a person requesting the data record and a format of the modified data record selected based upon the access level and community needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Elite Care Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Reed, Lydia Lundberg, William (Bill) Pascoe, Shannon Lundberg
  • Patent number: 8686859
    Abstract: A method of identifying articles, each of which has a data carrier that includes identifying data of the article, the data carriers having an operation frequency, provides a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored, even when the natural resonance frequency of the enclosure differs from the operation frequency of the data carriers. In one case data carriers comprise, RFID tags. The EM energy at the operation frequency that is injected into the enclosure to form the robust EM field is injected at a selected location in the enclosure so that the reflected phase of the EM energy from enclosure walls equals the location of injection thereby producing a robust EM field to activate and/or detect data carriers. Active impedance matching is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Patent number: 8525674
    Abstract: A collective objects management system for objects such as documents contained in file folders in drawers of file cabinets. Each file folder has an electrical circuit with a visible indicator mounted on the file folder. Each folder circuit has an address decoder with a unique system address which enables generation of a VALID signal whenever an incoming address from a source is a match, and a circuit for deriving operating power for the address decoder from an incoming address signal. A local microcomputer and optional encoder receive incoming object identification signals from the source and supplies the desired object address to all the file folders in the cabinet. To aid the user, each file drawer has a visible indicator mounted on the front panel, the panel indicator being illuminated when the sought folder is contained in that drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: iMicrodata Corporation
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Patent number: 8471717
    Abstract: A collective objects management system for objects such as documents contained in file folders in drawers of file cabinets. Each file folder has an electrical circuit with a visible indicator mounted on the file folder. Each folder circuit has an address decoder with a unique system address which generates a VALID signal whenever an incoming address from a source is a match. A local microcomputer and optional encoder receive incoming object identification signals from the source and supplies the desired object address to all the file folders in the cabinet. To aid the user, each file drawer has a visible indicator mounted on the front panel, the panel indicator being illuminated when the sought folder is contained in that drawer. The invention can be applied to a wide variety of collective objects management systems, such as supermarkets, automobile parts distributors, and various manufacturing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: iMicrodata Corporation
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Patent number: 8451088
    Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing dwelling keys to a structure, and is typically mounted outside the dwelling structure. When properly instructed, usually with a coded message, the dwelling key can be accessed by opening the door to the secure compartment; such message can be manually entered on a keypad, or a programmed electronic key device can make the process more automatic. A lock box system uses a transponder at a dwelling base station (typically within the dwelling structure) to relay lock box status or access event information over a short range radio from the lock box to a remote central computer by using a more traditional communication system that is available within the dwelling. Additional sensors can be used to monitor the status of vandalism attempts. Furthermore, the lock box/transponder communications may be programmed so as to allow detection if the lock box is stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: SentriLock, LLC
    Inventor: Scott R. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8384545
    Abstract: An automatic data collection system tracks articles by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each article respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting unique data identified with each article. Where the frequency of the EM field coupled to the enclosure differs from the natural resonance frequency of the enclosure, the placement of a probe to couple energy to the enclosure is selected to have the reflected phase of the EM energy from walls equal at the probe location thereby producing a robust EM field to activate and/or detect data carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Patent number: 8285607
    Abstract: A product inventory management system including a cabinet configured to contain an inventory of product units having RFID tags and further configured to monitor the inventory by wirelessly detecting the RFID tags, and a server system configured to communicate over a network with the cabinet, the server system capable of managing the inventory of the cabinet. There is also a method for product inventory management, including receiving, in a server system and via a network, inventory data from a cabinet, the inventory data corresponding to an inventory of product units stored in the cabinet, and generating an order to have additional product units added to the cabinet according to the cabinet inventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Amerisourcebergen Specialty Group
    Inventor: Dale Danilewitz
  • Patent number: 8164452
    Abstract: A system for and method of generating a notification regarding post office box contents. The system comprises at least one indicator transmitter arranged to generate and transmit a notification signal regarding contents of the post office box responsive to an operator actuation, and at least one receiver/network interface communicatively coupled with the at least one indicator transmitter and arranged to transmit a first signal responsive to receipt of the notification signal from the at least one indicator transmitter. The method comprises generating a notification signal responsive to an operator actuation responsive to a change of the contents of a post office box, and transmitting the generated notification signal to a client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Moses, Richard Moses
  • Patent number: 8115629
    Abstract: A collective objects management system for objects such as documents contained in file folders in drawers of file cabinets. Each file folder has an electrical circuit with a visible indicator mounted on the file folder. Each folder circuit has a pair of crystals which are responsive to R.F. signals of specific frequencies, the frequencies of each pair being different for each folder circuit. An associated computer operates an R.F. signal generator to produce R.F. signals at the frequencies of the particular folder circuit of the file folder selected for retrieval. To aid the user, each file drawer has a visible indicator mounted on the front panel, the panel indicator being illuminated when the sought folder is contained in that drawer. The invention can be applied to a wide variety of collective objects management systems, such as supermarkets, automobile parts distributors, and various manufacturing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Microdata Corporation
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huarg
  • Patent number: 7956749
    Abstract: A system for determining compatibility between various items is disclosed. A wireless communication device is used to scan a machine-readable tag which includes a plurality of information fields. The information fields include at least identification information of the primary object to which the tag is affixed, list of compatible items, characteristic information of the primary object or other objects, etc. The scanned information from the tag is compared to information in other tags. If the at least some of the information in the tag affixed to the primary object matches the information in one or more other tags, a notification event is triggered to inform the user of the match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Stephan Hartwig, Georg Ullenboom
  • Patent number: 7859417
    Abstract: Various embodiments of object tracking systems and related methods and devices are disclosed. One enclosure for object tracking comprises an interior space that is designed to contain radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The enclosure further includes top, bottom and side walls that form the interior space. The walls are designed to prevent very little or no radio frequency (RF) signals leakage outside of the enclosure. The side walls include a front wall that includes at least one slot to facilitate accessing the interior space. The enclosure further includes at least one access member that is designed to move in and out of the enclosure via the at least one slot. The access member includes extending members that are designed to cover the openings between the access member and slot, thus preventing very little or no RF signals leakage outside of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Winware, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Edward Harper, Derry Thomas DeNise
  • Patent number: 7843339
    Abstract: A point of sale device including a housing, a protected enclosure located within the housing, information storage functionality located within the protected enclosure and storing information to be protected information, a capacitance sensor based security system including at least one capacitance sensor operative to sense the capacitance of at least one of at least part of the housing and at least part of the protected enclosure at a reference time and thereafter and to provide an alarm indication of at least a predetermined change in the capacitance sensed by the at least one capacitance sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Verifone, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehud Kirmayer
  • Patent number: 7573385
    Abstract: A portable carryall container with identifiable contents, comprising at least one first half-shell and one second half-shell, which are mutually coupled so as to form a compartment for accommodating items and are movable with respect to each other from at least one open configuration to a closed configuration, the portable carryall container comprising at least one transponder, which is suitable to be activated by an appropriately provided reader with a radio frequency signal, the reader being provided at at least one fixed station and being connected functionally to a processing unit, so as to decode the information stored in the transponder and related to the identification of the container and of its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: G.T. Line - S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Tonelli
  • Publication number: 20080283596
    Abstract: A storing apparatus (4) is provided with RFID readers (10, 11), and an ID of an article on a shelf (6) is read. Reading is performed when the shelf (6) is opened and at the time of closing it, and the ID of the article taken out and the ID of the article set are detected from a change made during the period. The ID of the article taken out or set is recorded as history information, and when the ID of the article is inappropriate, a monitor (28) gives warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: MURATA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masato Ishida
  • Patent number: 7385521
    Abstract: A tamper indication device includes a first component, a second component, and an alarm device. The alarm device indicates relative displacement of the first component and the second component. The alarm device includes an alarm circuit that detects the relative displacement and generates an alarm signal, and an alarm indicator that receives the alarm signal and generates an alarm indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Ideaz, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Macari
  • Patent number: 7342494
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Key Control Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Maloney
  • Patent number: 7312706
    Abstract: The present invention is a battery powered, portable microprocessor based early warning alarming ashtray. It provides the smoker two different time limited unattended cigarette alarms, as well an alarm for a tipped ashtray; an alarm for a bumped ashtray; an alarm based on nearby or lower elevation smoke by either of the two smoke detection devices; and a low power alarm. It offers “full protection” for most of the likely scenarios encountered by smokers that could result in a fire. Emptying of the ashtray by tipping overrides and disables the tipping alarm momentarily. Since the apparatus is microprocessor controlled, the timing intervals and magnitude of the different alarm notifications can be preprogramed as well as the sensitivity of the smoke detector devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Tony Chavers Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7245225
    Abstract: A failure monitor designed to monitor a failure in operation of a motor drive control system. The system works to drive a motor-driven member through an output shaft and includes an angular position sensor for determining an angular position of the output shaft for use in controlling the motor. The failure monitor includes a storage device retaining an output shaft stop position that is the angular position of the output shaft, as determined upon a stop of the motor. The failure monitor detect the presence of failure of the angular position sensor based on a comparison between the angular position of the output shaft, as measured upon initiation of a motor start request, with the output shaft stop position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Kamio, Yasuhiro Nakai
  • Patent number: 7183915
    Abstract: A security system for use in an enclosure which may be an ATM. The security system includes a first electronic module housed within the enclosure and at least one removable container for storing valuables. A second electronic module is housed within the removable container. The modules communicate with each other wirelessly within the enclosure. The first module includes one or more inputs for receiving an output of at least one sensor for sensing an activity predetermined to indicate a security threat, a first logic circuit in communication with the inputs, and a first wireless communication device connected to the logic circuit. The second electronic module includes a second wireless communication device; a second logic circuit connected to the second communication device; and at least one output for sending an activation signal to a theft deterrent device in response to a pre-programmed sequence of events, including at least one communication from the first module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: 3SI Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Bartholf, Michael J. Grajewski, Mitchell Lee Ingle
  • Patent number: 7119683
    Abstract: A system for controlling gemstones employs RFID chips adhered to each stone. A display or storage area includes a radiator for generating activating emission for the RFID chips and an antenna for picking up the resultant RF signals including serial number. Both the radiator and antenna are connected to a computer supporting a database with an inventory of the chips and anti-collision circuitry for identifying the chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Walter Rubinstein
  • Patent number: 7116226
    Abstract: A cash register alarm system for sounding an alarm to the police without delay. The cash register alarm system includes a cash drawer having a bottom wall and a back wall, and also includes a tray having a bottom wall and a back wall and plurality of partitions spaced apart and forming compartments therebetween, and further includes a plurality of sensors disposed in the compartments in the bottom wall of the tray, and also includes a plurality of electrical current contact members disposed upon the back walls of the cash drawer and the tray. More than one compartment without paper money will expose the sensors to light which will acutate the alarm system to the police.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: William Reginald Pollard
  • Patent number: 7102516
    Abstract: A waterproof, portable storage container for storing financial/legal documents and financial/legal help documents has an upper case molding having a top wall and four sidewalls defining an upper case cavity and a bottom case molding having a bottom wall and four sidewalls defining a bottom case cavity. A financial/legal document retention device is selectively secured to one of the upper case molding and the bottom case molding, for storing financial and legal documents, said financial/legal document retention device having a plurality of folders to store a plurality of classes of documents, and being a generally rectangular accordion-like file folder system wherein each of the folders is moveably flippable. The storage container further includes a computer-readable-medium holder, selectively secured to the bottom case molding, which stores at least one computer-readable medium having encoded thereon financial/legal help documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignees: Hay House, Inc.
    Inventor: Suze Orman
  • Patent number: 6965310
    Abstract: The method for identifying the presence of an item to a user interface entails using a container having a loading opening and a collection opening, passing the item through the loading opening activating a first sensor, sending a first signal from the first sensor to an intelligent device, creating a first intelligent device signal from the intelligent device, communicating the first intelligent device signal to a communication system, opening the collection opening to collect the item, thereby activating a second sensor, sending a second signal from the second sensor to the intelligent device, creating a second intelligent device signal from the intelligent device, communicating the second intelligent device signal to the communication system, and using a software interface to process the first intelligent device signal and the second intelligent device signal and present the intelligent device signals processed by the software interface to the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Gauging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Hoben, Allen Westmoreland, Larry Fly
  • Patent number: 6919795
    Abstract: Method and an apparatus for registering and supervision of the positions and time of storage of articles entered into a cabinet or other delimited space. A preferred fields of application is refrigerators in which one or several cameras at selected occasions take pictures of the interior of the refrigerator. These pictures are treated in an image analyzer which transfers clear pictures of all articles stored on each shelf in the refrigerator to a computer for registration. In the computer there is stored for each article information on the time of entry in a list containing article denominations. For distance communication the computer can be connected to a central computer having information about all articles marketed on a national basis and including both pictures and denominations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Rutger Roseen
  • Patent number: 6850160
    Abstract: A system for controlling gemstones employs RFID chips adhered to each stone. A display or storage area includes a radiator for generating activating emission for the RFID chips and an antenna for picking up the resultant RF signals including serial number. Both the radiator and antenna are connected to a computer supporting a database with an inventory of the chips and anti-collision circuitry for identifying the chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Walter Rubinstein
  • Patent number: 6831559
    Abstract: A security alarm with a wired remote triggering device consists of a triggering switch with two spring blades and a flexible sleeve tube holding both spring blades together. The security alarm with a strap is hung on the doorknob inside a door or placed inside a drawer, and the triggering device is set up from outside of the door or the drawer by pulling off the flexible sleeve tube. The two spring blades will thus be clipped in a gap between the door and its frame to keep the alarm circuitry open. When any unauthorized person opens the door or the drawer, the triggering device will fall off from the gap; thus the two spring blades will automatically open to keep the alarm circuitry in close status so as to activate the alarm, so the theft deterrent purpose is consequently achieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Motedo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 6827256
    Abstract: A system is described for the identification, localization, storage and output of objets which carry electronically stored identity information. The system comprises at least one storage container with a reading device for reading the identity information, a display device for displaying the presence, position, or absence of the objects and an output device for releasing the objects which are stored inaccessibly or blocked. The electronically stored identity information can be read wirelessly by the reading device via a transponder located in the respective object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: ASTRA Gesellschaft für Asset Management mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Anatoli Stobbe
  • Patent number: 6816074
    Abstract: An automated, flexible and programmable system to update delivery and inventory status for an aggregate of remote mailboxes, bins, shelves, sorter bins, and/or a plurality of bins to distant customers and vendors through email, pager, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular phone mail, voice mail at call centers and/or web site mailboxes. It can function as a delivery notice to mailbox recipients or as inventory stock management to store owners and vendors at remote locations. Various sensors mounted on flexible circuit boards located on the mailboxes, bins, or shelves together with distributed microcontrollers report status through a common bus to a master controller and then to a computer system. The computer in turn dispatches reports and information to various owners and vendors via a remote network operation center accessed through a dedicated line, a wireless service or an Internet Service Provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chon Meng Wong
  • Patent number: 6803856
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for sentimental electronic memorabilia includes a memory and processor for the storage and manipulation of files within which memorabilia is stored, and a monitor for assimilating the memorabilia; in the case of visually assimilable files, the monitor is a visual monitor. Each file is associated with an artefact which acts as a vehicle for the establishment of sentimental links to electronically stored information. The artefacts are stored within a box which also houses the monitor and processor. The association of artefacts with files is through the provision of an rf tag identifier on the artefact. Once the identifier is read by an rf tag reader on the box, the file corresponding to the identifier is retrieved from the memory and furnished to a user in an assimilable form by means of the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rachel Lucy Murphy, David Mark Frohlich
  • Publication number: 20040164862
    Abstract: A security alarm with a wired remote triggering device consists of a triggering switch with two spring blades and a flexible sleeve tube holding both spring blades together. The security alarm with a strap is hung on the doorknob inside a door or placed inside a drawer, and the triggering device is set up from outside of the door or the drawer by pulling off the flexible sleeve tube. The two spring blades will thus be clipped in a gap between the door and its frame to keep the alarm circuitry open. When any unauthorized person opens the door or the drawer, the triggering device will fall off from the gap; thus the two spring blades will automatically open to keep the alarm circuitry in close status so as to activate the alarm, so the theft deterrent purpose is consequently achieve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Han-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 6762681
    Abstract: An identification arrangement for an order fulfillment system includes an identification input associated with each location in an order fulfillment system at which items are handled, such as by removal or placement, for filling an order. Each item storage location includes a switch that is actuated by a user after items have been handled, such as by removing the items for placement into an order receptacle, as in a conventional pick-to-light order fulfillment system. The identification input includes a unique signal emitter carried by the user, such as an infrared transmitter which emits a signal having a unique frequency corresponding to the identity of the user. The signal is received by a signal receiver located adjacent the switch, and which is interconnected with a central controller that stores information on the signals used as identification for each user. The user can remove items from any location in the order fulfillment area to fill any order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Innovative Picking Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Darin L. Danelski
  • Patent number: 6731211
    Abstract: A key control tag is configured for use with the Key-Trak, Inc. key control system, and provides several advantages over the conventional tags of that system. A problem with the Key-Trak, Inc. system, is that electrically conductive objects (keys, paper clips, staples, etc.) can fall into the slots in the drawer of the device, shorting out the electrical contacts within the slots and causing costly damage to the system. The present key control tag includes a laterally extending flange which covers the gap or space between the side of the tag and the edge of the slot, thereby precluding entry of foreign objects into the slot. The present invention also includes a blank embodiment for covering otherwise unused slots. The present tags are also formed of somewhat thicker and stiffer material than the Key-Trak, Inc. tags, reducing bending of the tags when multiple keys or massive objects are attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Micheal A. King
  • Patent number: 6707381
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking and controlling access to objects such as keys includes a lockable storage cabinet adapted to receive, store, and dispense objects within transparent security containers. A control computer is operably coupled to the cabinet. Information about objects, such as their weight, an image, or magnetic characteristics, is extracted by sensors when the objects within their containers are dispensed to a user or checked in by a user. This information is compared to a data base of the same information previously extracted for these objects. From the comparison, the connected control computer verifies that the objects present in the security container are the objects expected to be in the security container. If they are not, then theft or tampering is indicated and the computer takes remedial actions such as setting alarms or notifying security personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Key-Trak, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20040032328
    Abstract: A system for controlling gemstones employs RFID chips adhered to each stone. A display or storage area includes a radiator for generating activating emission for the RFID chips and an antenna for picking up the resultant RF signals including serial number. Both the radiator and antenna are connected to a computer supporting a database with an inventory of the chips and anti-collision circuitry for identifying the chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Walter Rubinstein
  • Patent number: 6664895
    Abstract: A collective objects management system for objects such as documents contained in file folders in drawers of file cabinets. Each file folder has an electrical circuit with a visible indicator mounted on the file folder. Each folder circuit has a crystal which is responsive to an R.F. signal of a specific frequency, the frequency being different for each folder circuit. An associated computer operates an R.F. signal generator to produce an R.F. signal at the frequency of the particular folder circuit of the file folder selected for retrieval. To aid the user, each file drawer has a visible indicator mounted on the front panel, the panel indicator being illuminated when the sought folder is contained in that drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Magnex Corporation
    Inventor: Shengbo Zhu
  • Patent number: 6569508
    Abstract: A label includes an inlay including a conductive material. A sheet is fixed over at least a portion of the inlay, and has a first surface and a second surface. A protective material is fixed to the first surface of the sheet, and an aperture extending through the protective material and sheet is positioned over at least a portion of the conductive material to define a protective cavity. A device is disposed in the protective cavity, and electrically connected to the conductive material, wherein the protective cavity surrounds the device. In another aspect of the present invention, the protective material is expandable from an unexpanded height to an expanded height, and the expanded height is at least 10% greater than the unexpanded height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan M. Babb, Evert M. Berndt, Timothy J. Pomroy
  • Publication number: 20030020614
    Abstract: An anti-smoking system is built into a lidded container that holds cigarette packs. When the lid of the container is opened to grant access to the cigarette pack, an audible anti-smoking message is generated and played by an electrical circuit. Plural messages of differing content are provided so that the same message is not heard twice in a row. In a first embodiment, the circuit is activated in response to a signal from a light-sensitive device positioned within the lid so that the act of opening the container in an illuminated environment triggers the message. In a second embodiment, a normally open switch in the electrical circuit is closed when the lid is removed from the container. This activates the circuit independently of lighting conditions. In both embodiments, the system delivers an anti-smoking message at the moment of impulse, maximizing the psychological impact of the message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel K. Schaffner, Bradley Doyt Schaffner
  • Publication number: 20020149472
    Abstract: A medication dispensing apparatus for control of medication usage of a patient comprises a container box providing seven removable drawers, each drawer providing four medication compartments with each compartment sealed by a time-controlled door. A programmable control system is enabled for releasing a latch on each of the doors in accordance with a medication dispensing program. An audio device announces medication instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Bonnie A. Roe
  • Publication number: 20020149473
    Abstract: A pill dispensing reminder for assisting a patient to remember to take one or more pills at a preferred time. A microprocessor is held in a case and the microprocessor includes a 24 hour clock and outputs information to both a warning indicator and a data display window at programmed times. The microprocessor is connected to a data link interface which is capable of receiving programming information. A programming information sending unit exists separately from the case and is located at a pharmacy, doctor's office, health food store, or with the user. It includes a data link interface which mates with the data link interface held by the case. The case may include one or more pill compartments. A warning signal transmission unit may also be provided separately from the case and may transmit a warning signal generated from the case to a mobile or stationary receiver via wireless or wired output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Irit Romano, Reuben Bahar
  • Patent number: 6462659
    Abstract: A device and system for checking the presence or absence of mail in a neighborhood delivery mailbox which has a plurality of individual mailboxes. The interrogation and response signals are triggered by remote control from a nearby location, for example from a moving vehicle. A custom identifying means is used to identify a selected mailbox from a cluster of mailboxes. This device and system thereby saves the operator time and provides a secure means of detecting mail from a remote location. The unit may be made miniature, as well as modular. The circuits described can be an integrated circuits or can be made of multiple discrete elements. The hand-held remote interrogator includes an antenna connected to a transmitter, and a receiver which is also connected to an antenna. A microcontroller is also provided to save, store and transmit data responsive to a query from a portable, hand held remote interrogator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Kim M. Schuette
  • Patent number: 6459375
    Abstract: An electronic mail sensor for informing a user when something has been put into a mailbox includes a door coupled to a mailbox for selectively covering an open end of the mailbox. A transmitter assembly is coupled to the mailbox adjacent the open end and includes a sensor for detecting when the door is in an open position. The transmitter assembly further includes a transmitter operationally coupled to the sensor for transmitting a signal when the door is in an open position. A receiver assembly includes a receiver for receiving the signal, the receiver assembly includes a mail indicating light operationally coupled to the receiver such that the mail indicating light is illuminated upon the receiver receiving the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Carolyn Wallace
  • Publication number: 20020126011
    Abstract: A mechanical lever, a microswitch, and visual monitor with blinking light, or transmitter monitor with a receiver in the house, mounted into an existing newspaper company's newspaper box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Deane Dorwin McMillen
  • Patent number: 6388561
    Abstract: A remote data telemetry device comprising a wireless identification device; a tactile input device; and a decoder coupled to the tactile input device and the wireless identification device, the wireless identification device being configured to transmit data input into the tactile input device. A method of manufacturing a point of sale terminal, the method comprising coupling a radio frequency identification device to a keyboard and configuring the radio frequency identification device to transmit, by radio frequency, data entered into the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6348864
    Abstract: An organizer management system for facilitating the location of an item stored in one of several drawers in one or more drawer organizer cabinets. Each drawer has an LED mounted on a front panel and a circuit having a crystal with a specific resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of the crystal in a given drawer is different from all other crystals in the system. All drawer circuits are coupled in parallel to a computer-controlled r.f. signal generator. To locate a particular item, the user enters a description of the item into a system computer, which contains a list of items in the system and the corresponding frequency for each item. The computer then operates the r.f. generator to generate an r.f. signal of the correct frequency for the specified item. The LED on only the drawer containing that item is activated, so that the user can visually locate the correct drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Magnex Corporation
    Inventors: Fong-Jei Lin, Shengbo Zhu
  • Patent number: 6335691
    Abstract: A bottle consisting of an upper portion with a neck, a lower portion with a recess, having a disc disposed in the recess which has either a phototransistor or a press switch to activate a battery unit, with a control circuit and a speaker to hear sounds from the bottle when moved or light affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Darrell Bird