Patent ID: 6587031
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: E05G

Abstract:
A method of securely storing and retrieving items, the method comprising:providing a storage unit having separate compartments and an access section; providing a storage code to the storage unit, the storage unit responding by moving a particular compartment to the access section and permitting access to the particular compartment while continually preventing access to all other compartments; placing an item into the particular compartment; at a later time, providing a retrieval code to the storage unit, the storage unit responding by moving the particular compartment to the access section and permitting access to the particular compartment while continually preventing access to all other compartments; and retrieving the item from the particular compartment; wherein the storage code comprises a transaction identifier, and the storage unit is configured to select an available compartment to which access is to be permitted; wherein each compartment is configured to store multiple items, and wherein the storage unit is configured to select a compartment storing a smaller number of items than other compartments.