Patent ID: 6297737
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: G08B

Abstract:
A locating system for locating objects, said system comprising:a locating unit comprising a first radio transceiver to send a first polling signal and receive a first acknowledgement signal, said first radio transceiver also to receive a second polling signal and send a second acknowledgement signal in response thereto; andone or more tags attachable to items to be located, each tag having an associated tag identifier, each of said one or more tags comprising:a second radio transceiver for receiving said first polling signal from said locating unit, said first polling signal comprising a tag identifier for a polled tag, and for selectively transmitting said first acknowledgment signal to said locating unit based on said tag identifier, said second radio transceiver also for receiving said second acknowledgement signal from said locating unit;an audible tone generator for generating an audible signal in response to said first polling signal;a polling switch that, when actuated, causes said tag to transmit said second polling signal comprising said tag identifier to said locating unit via said second radio transceiver; andan indicator for indicating receipt of said second acknowledgement signal from said locating unit.