Patent ID: 6707380
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: G07C,G07F,G08B

Abstract:
An object control and tracking system comprising:a plurality of objects to be tracked, each of said object carrying an electronic memory device storing a unique identification code; an enclosure; a drawer selectively withdrawable from and insertable into said enclosure; a plurality of slots disposed in said drawer, each slot configured for removably receiving an object to be tracked; a sensor associated with each of said slots, each sensor being configured and positioned for readably engaging the electronic memory device of a trackable object disposed in the slot with which said sensor is associated; a local controller mounted in said enclosure for communicating through said sensors with the electronic memory devices of objects disposed in said slots; a flexible cable coupled at one end to said drawer and said sensors and coupled at its other end to said local controller for carrying communications between said local controller and said sensors, said flexible cable being constructed and positioned to roll when said drawer is inserted into and withdrawn from said enclosure to maintain communication with said sensors at all positions of said drawer; and a main controller coupled to said local controller, said main controller being programmed to exchange information with said local controller regarding placement and removal of objects in said slots for tracking the objects.