Object management system and method

摘要

An object management system that includes at least one object identification device to be secured to an associated object. The object identification devices provide radio frequency signals containing object identification codes. The system includes at least one user identification device providing a radio frequency signal containing a user identification code and a control unit having a reader for receiving and reading the signals provided by the user identification devices and the object identification devices. One aspect provides a remote unit that communicates directly with the control unit to receive information associated with a condition of the object management system at a location remote from the control unit. The remote unit is further configured to be carried by a user and configured to communicate information and/or an alert to the user, wherein the information and/or the alert is associated with the condition of the object management system.

主权项

1. An object identification device configured to transmit a radio frequency signal containing an object identification code, the object identification device constructed to be secured to an associated object, the object identification device comprising:
a housing having an interior space; a transmitter within the housing configured to transmit radio frequency signals containing an object identification code; a closed loop connector comprising an electrically conductive material and operatively connected to the housing and moveable between i) an unsecured position wherein the at least one object identification device can be released from the associated object and ii) a secured position wherein the housing and the connector form a closed loop to be attached to the associated object, the connector being adjustable to adjust a size of the closed loop formed by at least a portion of the connector, wherein the electrically conductive material of the connector is configured such that severing the connector or disconnecting the connector from the housing causes the RFID transmitter to cease transmission of radio frequency signals from the object identification device, wherein the electrically conductive material forms a continuum of electrical connection portions along a length of the connector, and wherein the continuum of electrical connection portions are constructed and arranged to slidably engage with components disposed in the housing to continually maintain a closed circuit connection with the components disposed in the housing while the connector is being adjusted to adjust the size of the closed loop.