Patent ID: 6501378
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: G08B

Abstract:
An article location system for locating a plurality of personal articles, said system comprising:a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space, said first device including; a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each having a distinct frequency; a control means for actuating said first transceiver and determining said distinct transmitted signal, said control means being operationally coupled to said first transceiver, said control means comprising a microprocessor; a speaker means for emitting an audible sound, said speaker means being operationally coupled to said control means and actuated when said first transceiver receives a signal, said control means being adapted for causing said speaker means to emit a quickening pulsating sound as said signal received by said first transceiver becomes stronger and a slowing pulsating sound as said signal becomes weaker; a plurality of input actuators for inputting information into said control means and being operationally coupled to said control means, each of input actuators having number and letter indicia thereon, a first of said input actuators being adapted for selectively turning said control means on or off; a display means for viewing inputted information, said display means being operationally coupled to said control means and comprising a liquid crystal display; a memory means for storing inputted information, said memory means being operationally coupled to said control means; an interface means for interfacing a plurality of second transceivers with said control means, said interface means being operationally coupled to said control means; a communication means for communicating over free space, said communication means comprising a cordless telephone; a power supply for powering said control means being operationally coupled to said control means, said power supply comprising a battery; a plurality of second devices for receiving and transmitting signals over free space, each of said second devices being adapted for receiving one of said distinct signals, each of said second devices being positionable on one of said articles, each of said second devices comprising; a second transceiver having a transmitter adapted for sending signal to said first transceiver and a receiver adapted for turning said transmitter on when said receiver receives a signal from said first transceiver; a second power supply for powering said second transceiver being operationally coupled to said second transceiver and comprising a battery; and wherein each of said second transceivers is interfaced with said control means via said interface means such that each of said second transceivers may be assigned a value based on an associated distinct signal, wherein said value is stored in said memory means such that said control means may cause said first transceiver to send the associated distinct signal when a value is selected.