SYSTEM FOR TRACKING REUSABLE ITEMS

摘要

A system for dispensing, receiving, and tracking towels or other items includes a cabinet structure having first and second interior spaces. An access door provides access to the first interior space, and a return door permits items to be returned to the second interior space. An RFID system conducts read operations to determine how many items having RFID tags are disposed in the first and second interior spaces. The system determines what items have been removed from the first interior space, and associates removed items with specific users. The RFID system conducts read operations as items are returned to the second interior space and credits the user.

主权项

1. A dispensing and receiving system for dispensing items to be used and for receiving used items, the system comprising:
a wall structure having a first portion defining a first interior space configured to have items to be used disposed therein, and a second portion defining a second interior space configured to have used items disposed therein, the wall structure having an enlarged first opening providing access to the first interior space, and an enlarged second opening providing access to the second interior space; the wall structure including a first main door that is movable between an open position providing access to the first interior space through the enlarged first opening, and a closed position wherein the first main door closes off the enlarged first opening, the first portion of the wall structure having a first access opening that provides access to the first interior space to thereby permit a user to reach through the first access opening when the first main door is in the closed position, and a closed position that prevents access to items to be used in the first interior space; an access door movably mounted to the first portion of the wall structure for movement between an open position permitting a user to reach through the first access opening when the first main door is in the closed position, and a closed position that prevents access to items to be used in the first interior space; the wall structure including a second main door movable between an open position providing access to the second interior space through the enlarged second opening, and a closed position wherein the second main door closes off the enlarged second opening, the second portion of the wall structure having a second access opening to the second interior space; a return door movably mounted to the second portion of the wall structure for movement between an open position that permits one or more used items to pass through the second access opening into the second interior space, and a closed position preventing access to the second interior space; a powered lock selectively preventing movement of the access door to the open positions; a plurality of items to be dispensed and returned, the items including a data storage device; a communication system configured to receive data from the data storage devices when the items are disposed in the first interior space and when the items are disposed in the second interior space; wherein the communication system is configured to perform read operations whereby the communication system receives data from the data storage devices such that a number of items disposed in the first and second interior spaces can be determined; and a control system operably interconnected to the powered lock and the communication system, wherein the control system is configured to actuate the communication system and generate a first data set corresponding to a number of items in the first interior space upon opening and/or closing of the first main door, and wherein the control system is configured to actuate the communication system and generate a second data set corresponding to a number of items in the first interior space, such that a number of items removed from the first interior space can be determined by taking a difference between the first and second data sets.