Patent ID: 7932824

Claim:
An item tracking system for using in a working area having one or a plurality of storage boxes each having a plurality of drawers each including a plurality of item storage locations, each item storage location comprising an individually shaped recess for receiving a specific item which can be taken or returned, wherein the shape of the recess matches to the shape of the item, wherein the items can be taken and returned to a storage location by means of a taking and returning operation, said item tracking system comprising: a plurality of user identification means; a plurality of storage boxes, each having: a computer, including a database, information displaying means and a user identification reader means for reading the user identification means and a user interface; automatic locking and unlocking means for each drawer controlled by the computer each including a sensor for detecting when the drawer is opened or closed; a plurality of readable/writable RFID chips, each permanently joined to a respective item and having item information; a plurality of RFID chip interrogators/scanners, each assigned to a respective storage location of a respective drawer of a respective storage box for specifically interrogating/scanning a respective RFID chip of one item, each interrogator/scanner connected to the computer; a plurality of RFID chip recorders each assigned to a respective storage location of a respective drawer of a respective storage box for specifically recording a respective RFID chip of one item with item information and time and date information; a server system connected to a computer network having a database; wherein the computer of each storage box and the server system are capable of controlling the following operations: item taking operations; item returning operations; control of items maintenance; control of multiple items stored in one specific container; control of item usage; wherein each computer of each storage box is capable of interchanging information with the server system and vice versa for the synchronizing of information between them; wherein the computer of each storage box and the server system are capable of providing reports including information about the items controlled by the system and information about system operations; and wherein the system is capable to send alarms and reports to the users.