Patent ID: 7042356
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: G06Q,G07B,G07C,G07F

Abstract:
1. A system for monitoring usage of a plurality of pieces of remote apparatus each of which is provided with electronic control means for controlling activation of the apparatus, the system comprising a plurality of portable activation devices for use with the pieces of remote apparatus and a central storage means for retaining the portable activation devices when not in use, wherein each activation device is provided with a mechanical portion and an electronic portion, the mechanical portions of the activation devices being identical and the electrical portions having means for storing data identifying the device, wherein the electronic control means of each of the pieces of remote apparatus includes means for reading data stored in the activation device when present and means for writing information including the identity of the remote apparatus into the electronic portion of the activation device and wherein the central storage means has a plurality of receptacles each for receiving the mechanical portion of a respective portable activation device and has means for monitoring the presence of the activation devices in the receptacles and for reading data stored in such activation devices so as to identify the removal and return of a specific activation device from or to a particular slot as well as the identity of the remote apparatus used in order to monitor usage of the remote apparatus used.