Object carriers are provided for use with an object tracking and control system
of the type having a storage receptacle with a tray provided with an array of slots
for receiving ID tags bearing touch memory devices. A computer-based controller
is provided for detecting the absence or presence and identity of ID tags disposed
in the slots. The carrier of this invention includes a container with an openable
panel for placing objects in and removing objects from the carrier. A thin plastic
tongue projects from the carrier and bears a touch memory device. Carriers bearing
objects to be tracked are placed in the storage receptacle with their tongues extending
into the slots of the receptacle. The controller can thus detect and log the removal
and replacement of the carrier in the storage receptacle. In one embodiment, the
opening and closing of the carrier when it is not stored in the receptacle is detected
and logged for tracking access to the carrier in more detail. The invention also
includes lighted key tags for use with an object tracking system. Lighted key tags
stored in an object tracking system are adapted to emit light when their attached
keys are requested by a user. A portion of the key tag may be formed of transparent
material that forms a light guide through which the light is transmitted.
