Patent ID: 6989749

Claim:
An electronic checkout system comprising: (a) a tool box located in a tool storage room; (b) a plurality of tools stored in said tool box, each of said plurality of tools having a radio frequency identification (RFID) device imbedded therein, said radio frequency identification device for each of said tools operating as an identifier for each of said tools; (c) a first RFID reader mounted on said tool box, said first RFID reader being adapted to read the radio frequency identification device for each of said tools to determine when each of said tools is being removed from said tool box by an authorized user, said first RFID reader reading and recording the radio frequency identification device for each of said tools which said authorized user removed from said tool box; (d) a second RFID reader mounted on a wall adjacent an exit to said tool storage room, said second RFID reader being adapted to read the radio frequency identification device for each of said tools to determine when each of said tools is being removed from said tool storage room by said authorized user, said second RFID reader reading and recording the radio frequency identification device for each of said tools which has been removed from said tool storage room by said authorized user; (e) an employee identification badge having a radio frequency identification device imbedded therein, said employee identification badge being worn by said authorized user to identify said authorized user as an individual authorized to remove each of said tools from said tool box and said tool storage room; (f) a wrist band worn by said authorized user, said wrist band having a radio frequency identification device imbedded therein, said wrist band being worn by said authorized user to identify said authorized user as the individual authorized to remove each of said tools from said tool box and said tool storage room; (g) said first RFID reader and said second RFID reader reading the radio frequency identification device of said employee identification badge and the radio frequency identification device of said wrist band to determine when the individual removing any one of said tools from said tool box and said tool storage room is said authorized user, wherein said second RFID reader includes an alarm which is activated whenever an unauthorized individual removes one tool of said plurality of tools from said tool storage room; (h) a wireless link having an antenna, said wireless link being connected to a network which includes said second RFID reader adjacent the exit to said tool storage room; (i) a remote tool box which transmits information via radio frequency signals to the antenna of said wireless link relating to portable tools removed from said remote tool box by said authorized user; and (j) a database connected to said network, said database including a list of employees authorized to remove said portable tools from said remote tool box and to remove said tools from said tool box located in said tool storage room.