U.S. patent application number 14/048097 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-06 for apparatus for securing drawer contents.
This patent application is currently assigned to SUPPLYPRO, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is SUPPLYPRO, INC.. Invention is credited to William K. Holmes, Kent V. Savage, Charles A. Tyack.
Application Number | 20140035450 14/048097 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31715744 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140035450 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holmes; William K. ; et
al. |
February 6, 2014 |
APPARATUS FOR SECURING DRAWER CONTENTS
Abstract
A cabinet having a plurality of drawers, each drawer having at
least one compartment. The cabinet includes a computer and a panel
pivotally coupled to one of the drawers. The panel is disposed in a
covering relationship with the compartments within the drawer and
includes at least one opening. The opening corresponds with the
compartment. A cover is pivotally connected to the panel and covers
the opening. A locking mechanism is interconnected with the drawer
and the cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal from the
computer to position it in one of a locked and unlocked
position.
Inventors: |
Holmes; William K.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Savage; Kent V.; (Morrow, OH) ;
Tyack; Charles A.; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SUPPLYPRO, INC. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SUPPLYPRO, INC.
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
31715744 |
Appl. No.: |
14/048097 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10636368 |
Aug 7, 2003 |
8554364 |
|
|
14048097 |
|
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|
60401832 |
Aug 7, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/270.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 88/00 20130101;
A47B 88/994 20170101; E05B 47/026 20130101; E05B 65/46 20130101;
A47B 88/90 20170101; E05B 65/0003 20130101; E05B 47/0004 20130101;
B65G 2209/04 20130101; B25H 3/028 20130101; E05B 47/0002 20130101;
G07F 5/26 20130101; G07F 17/0092 20130101; G07F 11/62 20130101;
A47B 88/981 20170101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/270.3 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/20 20060101
A47B088/20 |
Claims
1. A method of retrofitting a kit for controlling contents into a
preexisting cabinet, the cabinet including a drawer having a base
wall and perimeter walls defining a compartment, the method
comprising: providing a panel defining an opening; attaching a
cover to the panel, the cover being configured to selectively cover
the opening; securing the panel to the drawer to substantially
cover the compartment; and connecting the panel to a control
center, the control center being operable to selectively allow
movement of the cover relative to the panel to provide access to
the compartment in the drawer through the opening in the panel.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the drawer has a drawer height,
and wherein securing the panel to the drawer includes securing the
panel to the drawer such that the drawer with the panel and the
cover secured thereon has a height at most equal to the drawer
height.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the drawer is slidable into and
out of the cabinet, and wherein securing the panel to the drawer
includes securing to the panel to the drawer such that the panel
does not interfere with sliding movement of the drawer.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a lock
mechanism configured to inhibit sliding movement of the drawer out
of the cabinet, and wherein the method further comprises connecting
the lock mechanism to the control center, the control center being
operable to selectively unlock the lock mechanism.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein attaching the cover to the panel
includes pivotally attaching the cover to the panel to selectively
cover the opening.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising attaching a locking
mechanism to one of the cover and the panel, the locking mechanism
being operable to selectively engage the other of the cover and the
panel to lock the cover in a position covering the opening.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising connecting the locking
mechanism to the control center, the control center being operable
to selectively actuate the locking mechanism to unlock the cover
from the panel.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism includes a
solenoid, and wherein connecting the locking mechanism to the
control center includes connecting the solenoid to the control
center such that the control center selectively actuates the
solenoid.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the panel includes
providing the panel with a locking device, and wherein securing the
panel to the drawer includes engaging a portion of the drawer with
the locking device.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the locking device includes a
rod, and wherein engaging a portion of the drawer with the locking
device includes extending the rod into at least one of the
perimeter walls of the drawer.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the locking device includes a
key mechanism coupled to the rod, and wherein securing the panel to
the drawer includes actuating the key mechanism to move the rod
relative to the drawer.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein securing the panel to the drawer
also includes pivotally attaching a first edge of the panel to the
drawer by a hinge, and wherein the locking device is supported on a
second edge of the panel opposite from the hinge.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the cabinet includes a plurality
of drawers, each drawer having a base wall and perimeter walls
defining a compartment, and wherein the method further comprises:
providing a plurality of panels, each panel defining an opening;
attaching a cover to each of the plurality of panels, each cover
being configured to selectively cover the opening of a
corresponding panel; securing each panel to one of the plurality of
drawers to substantially cover the corresponding compartment; and
connecting each panel to the control center, the control center
being operable to selectively allow movement of each cover relative
to the corresponding panel to provide access to the corresponding
compartment in the corresponding drawer through the corresponding
opening in the corresponding panel.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: positioning a
plurality of indicators on the cabinet, each indicator
corresponding to one of the plurality of drawers; and connecting
the plurality of indicators to the control center, the control
center being operable to trigger each indicator to identify which
of the plurality of drawers contains a desired item.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the base wall and the perimeter
walls of the drawer define a plurality of compartments, and wherein
the method further comprises attaching a plurality of covers to the
panel, each cover being configured to selectively cover one of the
plurality of compartments.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: positioning a
plurality of indicators on the panel, each indicator corresponding
to one of the plurality of covers; and connecting the plurality of
indicators to the control center, the control center being operable
to trigger each indicator to identify which of the plurality of
compartments in the drawer contains a desired item.
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising: positioning a take
switch on the panel; and connecting the take switch to the control
center, the control center being operable to record removal of an
item from the compartment when the take switch is actuated.
18. The method of claim 1, further comprising: positioning a return
switch on the panel; and connecting the return switch to the
control center, the control center being operable to register an
increase in quantity of items within the compartment when the
return switch is actuated.
19. A method of retrofitting a kit for controlling contents into a
preexisting cabinet, the cabinet including a plurality of drawers,
each drawer having a base wall and perimeter walls defining a
plurality of compartments, the method comprising: providing a
plurality of panels, each panel defining a plurality of openings;
attaching a plurality of covers to each of the plurality of panels,
each cover being configured to selectively cover one of the
plurality of openings of the corresponding panel; attaching a
plurality of locking mechanisms to each of the plurality of panels,
each locking mechanism corresponding to one of the plurality of
covers on the corresponding panel and being operable to selectively
engage the one of the plurality of covers to lock the one of the
plurality of covers in a position that covers the corresponding
opening; positioning a plurality of indicators on each of the
plurality of panels, each indicator corresponding to one of the
plurality of covers; securing each panel to one of the plurality of
drawers to substantially cover the plurality of compartments in the
corresponding drawer; and connecting each locking mechanism and
each indicator to a control center, the control center being
operable to independently actuate each of the plurality of locking
mechanisms to selectively unlock each cover from the corresponding
panel and operable to trigger each of the plurality of indicators
to identify which of the plurality of compartments in a particular
drawer contains a desired item.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein each drawer has a drawer
height, and wherein securing each panel to the one of the plurality
of drawers includes securing each panel to the one of the plurality
of drawers such that the one of the plurality of drawers with the
corresponding panel and the corresponding covers secured thereon
has a height that is at most equal to the drawer height.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/636,368, filed Aug. 7, 2003, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/401,832,
filed Aug. 7, 2002, the entire contents of both of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to storage cabinets, and
particularly to multi-compartment storage cabinets used to store
items. More particularly, the present invention relates to storage
cabinets having computer-controlled access.
[0003] Conventional cabinets are often used in factories, shops,
plants, stores or other sites to store small tools, parts,
ingredients or other items. The cabinets allow for better
organization and space utilization, while simultaneously improving
worker productivity by eliminating time wasted looking for
items.
[0004] Typical cabinets of the type described herein are often used
to store consumables or small parts that are commonly used within a
particular factory or shop. Because these parts are purchased and
stored in bulk, accurate inventory and costing of the products made
using these parts is difficult. In addition, misappropriation of
the parts is difficult to detect or prevent.
[0005] In other situations, the use of a cabinet is desirable,
however, due to the nature of the items to be placed in the
cabinet, security precludes their use. For example, dangerous
elements such as mercury may be needed to assemble a product such
as a mercury switch. However, mercury is too hazardous to allow
uncontrolled access within a factory. Therefore, the components
necessary to make a complete switch cannot be securely stored
within the cabinet. Instead, the materials are typically stored in
a remote secure location that requires the worker to waste time and
effort retrieving them. To save time, workers often request
excessive materials resulting in an increase in wasted material,
time, and risk.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a retrofit kit for
controlling the contents within a preexisting cabinet having a
drawer, the drawer having at least one compartment. The kit
includes a computer and a panel coupled to the drawer. The panel
substantially covers the compartment within the drawer and includes
at least one opening. The panel opening corresponds with the drawer
compartment. The kit also includes a cover movably connected to the
panel and substantially covering the opening. A locking mechanism
is interconnected with the cover to selectively lock and unlock the
cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal to position the
locking mechanism in one of a locked and unlocked position.
[0007] In another embodiment, the invention provides a kit for
controlling the contents of a compartment. The kit includes a
computer and a panel substantially covering the compartment. The
panel includes at least one opening that corresponds with the
compartment. The kit also includes a cover movably connected to the
panel and substantially covering the opening. A locking mechanism
is interconnected with the cover to selectively lock and unlock the
cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal to position the
locking mechanism in one of a locked and unlocked position.
[0008] In another embodiment, the invention provides a cabinet
including a plurality of drawers, each drawer including at least
one compartment. A panel connects to the drawer and substantially
covers the compartment. The panel includes at least one opening,
the opening corresponding to the compartment within the drawer. At
least one cover movably connects to the panel to substantially
cover the opening. At least one locking mechanism interconnects the
cover and is selectively movable between a locked and an unlocked
position. When in the locked position, the cover covers the opening
and when in the unlocked position the cover is movable to expose
the compartment.
[0009] In preferred constructions, each drawer includes a number of
compartments and an equal number of openings, covers, and locking
mechanisms.
[0010] In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method
of assembling a product using a cabinet having a plurality of
compartments containing items. Each compartment includes a switch,
an LED, and a locking mechanism. The cabinet also includes a
graphical user interface and a selection device. The method
comprises the acts of initiating a display on the graphical user
interface and using the selection device to indicate a desired
item. The method also includes the acts of illuminating at least
one LED to guide a user to the desired one of the plurality of
compartments, actuating the locking mechanism, and removing the
desired item.
[0011] In preferred embodiments, the graphical user interface
displays a procedure or a drawing and the selection device is a
touch screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet including the
panels embodying the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drawer of the cabinet of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of a compartment within the drawer of
FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the compartment of FIG. 3; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of a portion of the
compartment of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a cabinet 10 having a plurality of
drawers 12 adapted to store items and fitted with a kit 15 of the
present invention. The kit 15 includes a control center 20, a
plurality of panels 25, and a plurality of indicators 30. The
indicators 30 are generally light emitting diodes (LED) that
illuminate to aid the user in finding the desired item. For
example, the cabinet 10 of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of drawer
LEDs 35 positioned vertically down the front of the cabinet 10
adjacent the drawers 12. One LED 35 is positioned adjacent each
drawer 12. When a user requests an item, the LED 35 that
corresponds to the drawer 12 that contains the item is illuminated
to quickly guide the user.
[0019] The term "item" as used herein includes any physical thing
that may be used by a user. Items include but are not limited to
parts, tools, chemicals, substances, food ingredients, consumables,
etc. In addition, terms such as "tool" or "part" may be used to
describe specific examples of uses of a cabinet as described
herein, however, these terms should not be read as limiting the
cabinets use to tools or parts. Instead, the terms "tool" and
"part" may be read broadly to include any physical item.
[0020] The cabinet 10 is similar to many cabinets currently used in
industry worldwide. Stanley-Vidmar, of Allentown, Pa. sells a
cabinet under model number SEP2025AL that is similar to the cabinet
10 illustrated in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the
cabinet 10 includes nine drawers 12, with more or less drawers 12
being possible. In addition, each drawer 12 is subdivided into a
plurality of compartments 40. For example, the drawer 12 shown in
the open position in FIG. 1 is subdivided into twenty compartments
40. Other constructions may employ a drawer 12 or drawers 12 that
are not subdivided, but instead provide one large compartment 40.
Still other constructions may employ more or less than twenty
compartments 40. The walls subdividing the drawers are often
movable to allow the user to configure the compartments 40 as
necessary for a particular use.
[0021] It should be noted that while the term cabinet is used
throughout the description to describe the preferred embodiment,
the term cabinet should not be read as limiting the invention. For
example, other constructions secure the contents of single
individual drawers built into walls or other structures. In another
construction, the present invention is built into a mechanic's van
to aid in the location of items therein. In still another
construction, the apparatus of the present invention protects the
contents of a mechanic's mobile cabinet. As one having ordinary
skill in the art will realize, the invention is capable of securing
the contents within any compartment and is capable of guiding the
user to the correct compartment no matter what supports the
compartment. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to
cabinets alone.
[0022] Each drawer 12 slides into and out of the cabinet 10 to
provide a user with access to the parts, tools, or other items
stored within the drawers 12. In some cabinets 10, a lock mechanism
45 allows the user to lock all of the drawers 12, thereby
preventing unwanted removal of the cabinet's contents. Many lock
mechanisms 45 are available that secure the drawers 12 of cabinets
10. FIG. 1 illustrates a lock mechanism 45 that includes a key 50
that moves two bars 55 into engagement with a mechanism that
prevents the drawers 12 from opening. A still simpler device
includes an L-shaped piece (not shown) connected to the cabinet at
a hinge. The L-shaped piece covers a portion of the drawers when in
the locked position to prevent their opening. Other constructions
employ a solenoid-actuated lock that locks all of the drawers. The
solenoid-actuated lock may include a single solenoid capable of
locking or unlocking all of the drawers or may include multiple
solenoids, each capable of locking or unlocking one or more of the
drawers.
[0023] The cabinet 10 illustrated is stationary; that is, it is
placed directly on the floor or onto another cabinet within a
factory, shop, or storage area. Other constructions include
cabinets 10 placed on castors or wheels to provide mobile sources
of items. In the case of a mobile cabinet, a mobile power supply
may be included with the kit 15 to allow the cabinet to be
positioned remote from a power supply.
[0024] Turning to FIG. 2, a drawer 12 is illustrated removed from
the cabinet 10 of FIG. 1. The drawer 12 includes one of the panels
25 of the kit 15 of the present invention connected to the drawer
12 by a hinge 60 at the rear of the panel 25 and a lock-rod 65 at
the front. The hinge 60 includes a rod 70 that extends the full
width of the drawer 12 and engages both the drawer 12 and the panel
25. The rod 70 attaches in a manner that allows the panel 25 to
pivot about the rod 70. Other constructions use two or more smaller
hinges that attach to both the rear of the drawer 12 and the panel
25. In still other constructions, the panel 25 may include two pins
sticking out a back edge of the panel 25 and into holes in the rear
wall of the drawer 12. The holes are sized such that the pins need
not be positioned in the holes only perpendicularly to the holes.
The pins can angle back and forth in the holes and permit the panel
25 to be opened and closed relative to the drawer 12. In this way,
the pin/hole combination serves as a "hinge" at the back of the
drawer.
[0025] Again referring to FIG. 2, the lock-rod 65 includes two rods
75 that connect to a key-mechanism 80 or other security device that
is actuatable by only certain users (e.g., users with the key).
When rotated into the locked position, the rods 75, which slidably
connect to the panel 25, extend into the side of the drawer 12.
Thus, the rods 75 prevent the lifting or removal of the panel 25
without disassembling the hinge 60 or causing damage. When the key
80 is rotated to the unlocked position, the rods 75 retract and
disengage the drawer 12, thereby allowing the panel 25 to be opened
by pivoting it about the hinge 60.
[0026] In another construction, an electronic locking device is
employed. One or more solenoids (not shown) engage the panel 25 and
the drawer 12 in the deenergized state. A user inputs a code into
the control center 20 (FIG. 1) or other controller to indicate
sufficient rights to gain access to the drawer 12. The solenoid
energizes to disengage from the drawer 12 and allow access. While
the lock mechanism has been described as using a code, many other
methods of determining a user's identity (e.g., biometrics, such as
fingerprint identification, etc.) are contemplated by the present
invention.
[0027] Other constructions employ still other locking arrangements.
For example, one construction employs one screw (not shown) at each
corner to attach the panel 25 to the drawer 12. A tab that can
rotate out of its covering position with a key covers one or more
of the screws. Thus, the panel 25 cannot be removed without using
the key to rotate the tab and reveal the screw. In yet another
construction, a simple padlock locks the panel 25 to the drawer 12
and can only be removed with the proper key or combination.
Additionally, the panel 25 could removably slide onto the drawer 12
or could be fixed to the drawer 12. As will be readily apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art, many ways of securing the
panels 25 to the drawers 12 are available.
[0028] The openable panel 25 allows for quick restocking,
inventory, or manual override (e.g., in the event of power
failure), etc., of the compartments 40 within the drawer 12. A user
with sufficient rights or access privileges opens the panel 25 to
gain access to all of the compartments 40. The user can easily add
or remove items from some or all of the compartments 40, as
desired.
[0029] Still referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of covers 85 attach
to the panel 25, or are formed as part of the panel 25, in a
pattern that matches the compartment arrangement within the drawer
12. Because many different drawer patterns are available in
existing cabinets 10, many different panels 25 are necessary and
contemplated by the invention. Referring to FIGS. 2-5, each of the
covers 85 attaches to the panel 25 with a hinge 90 and locking
mechanism 95. The hinge 90, positioned near the rear of each cover
85, allows the cover 85 to pivot open, thereby providing access to
the items within the compartment 40. The locking mechanism 95
engages the cover 85 and holds it in a closed position unless the
user successfully requests access to the compartment 40. Once
access is successfully requested, the locking mechanism 95 releases
the cover 85 and allows the user to retrieve the desired item.
Although FIG. 2 illustrates the panel 25 hinged to the drawer 12 at
the rear, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that the panel 25 may be connected to the drawer at the
front or along a side.
[0030] The panels 25 can be manufactured from any suitable material
(e.g., plastics, metals, ceramics, composites, wood, etc.) with
steel and plastic being the preferred materials. The covers 85 are
preferably formed from solid steel sheet, particularly if warranted
by the value of the materials stored therein. Other constructions
use clear plastic to provide the user with a view of the items
within the compartments 40. Still other constructions use opaque
plastics or other materials for the covers 85.
[0031] The locking mechanism 95, best illustrated in FIGS. 3-5,
includes a solenoid 100 positioned to engage an aperture in an
extension 102 of the cover 85 when the cover is in the closed
position. The solenoid 100 receives a signal when a user
successfully requests an item. The solenoid plunger 105 retracts
and disengages from the cover 85. In some constructions, a spring
or magnetic device biases the cover 85 open to aid the user in
opening or finding the correct compartment 40.
[0032] Also included with the kit 15 are take and return switches
110, 112, a compartment LED indicator 115, and a photodetector,
mechanical switch, or other detector 120 for each compartment 40.
The take and return switches 110, 112 aid the control center 20 in
monitoring the quantity of items within each compartment 40. Each
time a user actuates the take switch 110 (and subsequently opens
the cover 85 associated with the compartment 40), the control
center 20 records the removal of a single item from the open
compartment 40. When a user actuates the return switch 112, the
control center 20 registers an increase in the quantity of items
within the compartment 40. Alternatively, each compartment 40 could
contain only a single item, so that a user would not need to
actuate take and return switches 110, 112. Instead, the control
center 20 would record the removal of an item (and the vacancy of
that compartment 40 thereafter) whenever a cover 85 is opened.
[0033] In preferred constructions, the take and return switches
110, 112 signal the solenoid 100 to energize to open the desired
compartment 40. In other constructions, the control center 20
signals the solenoid 100 to energize and open the compartment
40.
[0034] The take and return switches 110, 112 can be simple buttons
or toggle switches. However, other constructions employ other
devices to indicate when an item is removed or replaced. For
example, one construction uses an electromagnetic or light curtain
covering the opening. When the user removes or replaces a part, the
curtain is broken and a signal is sent to the control center to
register the removal or replacement of a part. Other constructions
use magnetic detectors, or weight or pressure sensors to determine
when a part is removed from the compartment 40. Still other
constructions may employ embedded chip technology to detect the
removal of a part. Each part or an attached label contains a
microchip (such as RFID), or other device or element, that can be
detected by sensors near each compartment. The removal is detected
by the sensors and registered.
[0035] The photodetector 120 sends a signal to the control center
20 to indicate that the compartment cover 85 is open. While a
photodetector 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, other types of
detectors (proximity probes, magnetic probes, etc.) will also
perform the function of the photodetector 120. In some
constructions, the control center 20 monitors the photodetector
signal to verify that the correct compartment 40 is open and that
it is successfully closed following use. In addition, some
constructions use the photodetector 120 to monitor the duration
that a compartment 40 is open. If a compartment 40 remains open for
a duration that exceeds a preset limit, the control center 20
initiates an alarm or locks the cabinet drawers 12 and covers 85 to
prevent access. Additionally, the status (open or closed) of each
of the panels 25 or each of the drawers 12 could be monitored with
photodetectors.
[0036] The compartment LED indicators 115 within the drawers 12 are
positioned adjacent the various compartments 40. When a user
successfully requests an item, the LED 115 adjacent the compartment
40 containing the item illuminates to quickly guide the user to
that compartment. While not necessary for the security provided by
the kit 15, the LEDs 115 facilitate improved worker productivity by
reducing the time spent looking for a particular item.
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates the control center 20, which includes a
video display 125, a microprocessor, a memory device, and a data
storage device, all preferably housed within control center 20.
Also included are a keyboard 130, and a card reader 135. The
control center 20 runs a program that both regulates access to the
components within the cabinet 10 and maintains an accurate
inventory of the items within the cabinet 10. Furthermore, the
program can monitor the rate of use of specific components, the
length of time the items have been in a particular compartment 40,
and the person or persons accessing the cabinet 10. Generally, the
program is stored on the control center's data storage device for
execution by the microprocessor and the memory device. However,
other constructions may employ a program that is stored in a remote
location, such as a server, and is downloaded when needed. Still
other constructions may employ a "dumb" display terminal that
simply displays a program that is executed at a remote location.
Further, the control center 20 is shown on top of the cabinet 10.
However, the control center 20 may be remote from the cabinet 10.
Also, as mentioned, the control center 20 can be used to monitor
many parameters concerning the cabinet 10. However, it should be
understood that the control center 20 can be used to monitor
various parameters concerning multiple cabinets 10, both proximate
to and remote from the control center 20.
[0038] To access the cabinet 10, the user swipes a card 200 through
the card reader 135 or inputs a user identification code and/or a
password into the control center 20 via the keyboard 130. If the
person has the proper rights, the video display 125 presents a user
interface that facilitates access to the items within the cabinet
10. A graphical user interface (GUI) displays a list of items
available or another representation that facilitates the proper
item choice. For example, a factory may provide a cabinet 10 that
contains all of the necessary replacement parts and special tools
needed to disassemble, repair, or build a particular component such
as an engine or pump. The GUI would present an assembly procedure
including drawings or special tools needed. When the user indicates
that a step requiring a special tool has been reached, the proper
drawer 12 is indicated and the LED 115 indicating the proper
compartment 40 illuminates. Thus, the cabinet 10 acts to assure
that the proper tools and parts are used to assemble a product or
sub-assembly.
[0039] In another example, the cabinet 10 acts as a spare parts
repository for use in rebuilding old devices or sub-assemblies. As
the rebuild progresses, assembly drawings are displayed in the GUI.
A touch screen allows the user to touch the desired replacement
part on the screen. The touch screen interfaces with the control
center 20 to illuminate the proper drawer and compartment LED's 35,
115 to guide the user to the correct part. In some constructions,
the control center 20 also signals the proper solenoid 100 to
energize and open the compartment 40.
[0040] In another construction, embedded chip technology allows a
user to waive a card past a detector to gain access to the cabinet
15. In still other constructions, a biometric device determines
user identity based on biological characteristics (e.g., face,
fingerprints, hand geometry, handwriting, iris, retinal, vein, or
voice, etc.) and replaces the card reader 135. The level of
security desired determines the level of authentication required to
gain access to the cabinet 10. Furthermore, a mouse or other input
device may replace the keyboard 130 and/or touch screen 125. In one
construction, a voice recognition module determines which item the
user has requested.
[0041] The microprocessor of the control center 20 may be part of a
computer including memory, input/output devices, and information
storage devices. In other constructions, the microprocessor
interfaces with a network to retrieve and store information,
thereby centralizing control of several cabinets 10. In still other
constructions, the control center 20 is a central computer or
server and each cabinet 10 or group of cabinets 10 interface with
it through a "dumb" terminal. The network interface may be wireless
to facilitate easy movement of the cabinets 10 throughout a
facility.
[0042] In use, the cabinet 10 controls access to the parts or items
contained therein, tracks who is accessing the cabinet 10, and
maintains an accurate inventory of the items. In addition, the
cabinet 10 can be programmed to track project or job numbers, tool
usage, or any other information desired, when items are accessed.
This information can be used to aid in determining cost, waste,
productivity, return of tools, or any other parameter desired.
[0043] To retrieve an item, a user first accesses the cabinet 10.
Many methods have been described and are contemplated for this
step. The specific method used is dependant on the level of
security desired and the cost of implementing the system.
[0044] Once accessed, a GUI is displayed that facilitates the
choice of the item within the cabinet 10. Again, multiple
techniques of displaying items, from a simple list to a complicated
assembly drawing, are contemplated. Once the user identifies the
item, the choice is input into the microprocessor. This can be done
by pointing to the item with a mouse, selecting the item from a
list, touching a touch screen, or typing in an identifier such as a
part name or number. In another construction, voice recognition
technology allows the user to state the name or number of the
desired part. In still other constructions, the user simply
actuates the take switch 110 to indicate which part is desired.
[0045] Once input, the microprocessor or remote computer determines
the drawer 12 in which the item is located and actuates an
indicator 35. The indicator 35 illustrated is an LED. The user
opens the appropriate drawer 12 to expose the compartments 40
within the drawer 12. A second indicator 115, again an LED in the
illustrated construction, is illuminated near the compartment 40
containing the desired item. In addition to illuminating the two
LEDs 35, 115, the computer or microprocessor in some constructions
also actuates the appropriate solenoid 100 to unlock the cover 85
of the desired compartment 40. The user is now free to open the
compartment 40 and remove the desired item in the desired quantity.
In preferred constructions, the computer illuminates the LEDs 35,
115 to guide the user to the proper compartment and the user
actuates the take or return switch 110, 112 to energize the
solenoid 100 and open the compartment.
[0046] It should be noted that while LEDs have been described as
the indicators, many other types of indicators are contemplated
(e.g., conventional lights, flags, sounds, liquid crystal displays
(LCD), etc.).
[0047] After removing the item, the user actuates the take switch
110 a number of times corresponding to the number of items taken.
(As mentioned, if only one item is stored in each compartment 40,
inventory can be monitored based on the opening of a cover 85
alone.) For example, if five items are removed, the take button 110
is depressed five times. Alternatively, the take button could be
actuated once and the number of items taken could be entered into
the computer. If, on the other hand, the user makes a mistake and
depresses the take button 110 six times, the user simply needs to
depress the return switch 112 once to correct the number taken to
five. Thus, the control center 20 is able to maintain accurate
control over the inventory within the cabinet 10. In other
constructions, other sensors are employed to aid in inventory
control. For example, one construction includes a pressure sensor
or force cell disposed below the compartment. The sensor determines
the weight of the objects within the compartment 40. The control
center 20 or other computer uses the weight of the individual items
and the weight within the compartment 40 to calculate the quantity
of items within the compartment 40, and thus the quantity
taken.
[0048] In the application described above, in which the drawers 12
are filled with parts and tools needed to assemble a component. The
cabinet 10 improves quality control while also controlling
inventory and assuring that the proper parts are used. The drawers
12 and cabinets 10 are prepared based on customer orders and sent
to the shop floor for assembly. Minor design variations or model
changes are easily accommodated by supplying the proper parts
within the cabinet 10. By using the cabinet 10 in this manner, the
employee performing the assembly must follow the procedure
displayed on the video display 125 in order to get the parts
needed, thus improving the quality, accuracy, and speed of product
assembly.
[0049] When the cabinets 10 are used as spare parts repositories,
the program tracks which parts or components are used for which
job, thereby assuring that the customer is charged for the parts
actually used.
[0050] In some applications, the cabinet 10 secures hazardous or
dangerous components, thereby providing the needed security while
still facilitating efficient assembly of the products using these
components. Rather than requiring a worker to request these
substances from a storage area the worker simply requests them from
the secure cabinet. If the worker has sufficient training, and
rights, the cabinet releases the substances to that worker.
[0051] One construction of the kit 15 is adapted to retrofit into
preexisting cabinets. As such, a variety of panel configurations
are available to match the preexisting drawer configurations. In
other constructions, the kit is installed by an original equipment
manufacturer (OEM) as part of the cabinet or other product (e.g.,
mechanics van, drawers, or mechanics mobile cabinet).
[0052] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
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