US5739765A — File folders for use in an electronic file locati…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 152 words

A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising: at least one surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device; and said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders when said adjacent file folders are in any one of a plurality of different positions.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 152 words

A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising: at least one surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device; and said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders when said adjacent file folders are in any one of a plurality of different positions.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 158 words

The file folder of claim 1, wherein said first conductor includes a first linear strip extending from a first edge of said surface to a central point on an adjacent second edge of said surface, and a second linear strip extending from said central point on said second edge of said surface to a third edge of said surface, which is opposite said first edge and adjacent said second edge; and said second conductor includes a first linear strip extending in parallel to said first linear strip of said first conductor from said first edge of said surface to said second edge of said surface, and a second linear strip extending in parallel to said second linear strip of said first conductor from said second edge of said surface to said third edge of said surface, said first and second linear strips of said second conductor are positioned an equal distance on opposite sides of said first conductor.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 81 words

The file folder of claim 1, wherein said first conductor is a linear strip extending from one edge of said surface to an opposite edge of said surface, said second conductor is formed of two linear strips, each extending in parallel to said first conductor from said one edge of said surface to said other edge of said surface, and wherein the two linear strips of said second conductor are positioned an equal distance on opposite sides of said first conductor.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 20 words

The file folder of claim 1, wherein said plurality of different positions are determined relative to an adjacent file folder.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

The file folder of claim 1, wherein said plurality of different positions are determined relative to a folder retainer.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 35 words

The file folder of claim 1, wherein the folder retainer is a drawer of a filing cabinet, and one of said plurality of different positions of said adjacent file folders is hanging in the drawer.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 53 words

The file folder of claim 1, wherein one of said plurality of different positions of said adjacent file folders is a stacked position with each file folder stacked vertically upon another file folder whereby said pattern of said first and second conductors allows for conductive contact between such vertically stacked adjacent file folders.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 82 words

A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system having electrical contacts, comprising: a folder adapted to contain media therein; an addressable device located on said folder, said addressable device being adapted to communicate electrically with the electronic file tracking system; and a conductor located on said folder and configured so as to electrically connect said addressable device to the electrical contacts of the electronic file tracking system when said folder is positioned in any one of several different positions.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 82 words

A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system having electrical contacts, comprising: a folder adapted to contain media therein; an addressable device located on said folder, said addressable device being adapted to communicate electrically with the electronic file tracking system; and a conductor located on said folder and configured so as to electrically connect said addressable device to the electrical contacts of the electronic file tracking system when said folder is positioned in any one of several different positions.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 46 words

The file folder of claim 8, wherein said conductor is configured to cl electrically connect said addressable device to the electrical contacts of the electronic file tracking system when said folder is positioned in any one of several different orientations with respect to the electrical contacts.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 46 words

The file folder of claim 8, wherein said conductor is configured to electrically connect said addressable device to the electrical contacts of the electronic file tracking system when said folder is positioned in any one of several different positions with respect to an adjacent file folder.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 47 words

The file folder of claim 10, wherein said conductor is configured to electrically connect said addressable device to the electrical contacts of the electronic file tracking system when said folder is positioned in any one of several different rotated positions with respect to an adjacent file folder.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 35 words

The file folder of claim 8, wherein said conductor is configured to electrically connect said addressable device to the electrical contacts of the electronic file tracking system at a plurality of locations on said folder.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 22 words

The file folder of claim 12, wherein at least one of said plurality of locations is a side surface of said folder.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 22 words

The file folder of claim 12, wherein at least one of said plurality of locations is an edge surface of said folder.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 35 words

The file folder of claim 12, wherein one of said plurality of locations is a side surface of said folder and another one of said plurality of locations is an edge surface of said folder.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 148 words

A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system having a source of power and means for generating control signals, comprising: a folder adapted to contain media therein and having at least one surface; an addressable device located on the folder, said addressable device having an input terminal for receiving both power and control signals from the electronic file tracking system; a first conductor on said surface for removably coupling said input terminal of said addressable device to both the source of power and the means for generating control signals located apart from the folder in the electronic file tracking system when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device, said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 148 words

A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system having a source of power and means for generating control signals, comprising: a folder adapted to contain media therein and having at least one surface; an addressable device located on the folder, said addressable device having an input terminal for receiving both power and control signals from the electronic file tracking system; a first conductor on said surface for removably coupling said input terminal of said addressable device to both the source of power and the means for generating control signals located apart from the folder in the electronic file tracking system when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device, said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 44 words

The file folder of claim 16, wherein said file folder further includes an indicator light located on said folder, and wherein said addressable device is adapted to transfer power to said indicator light from the source of power in the electronic file tracking system.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 132 words

A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising: a folded substrate for holding media, said folded substrate having at least one generally planar exterior surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said exterior surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said exterior surface for providing a return path from said addressable device.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 132 words

A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising: a folded substrate for holding media, said folded substrate having at least one generally planar exterior surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said exterior surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said exterior surface for providing a return path from said addressable device.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 102 words

The file folder of claim 18, wherein the folder retainer includes a first conductive rail for providing control signals from the processor and a second conductive rail for providing a ground, and wherein said addressable device is connected to receive control signals from the processor and a ground from the second conductive rail when (1) said first and second conductors directly contact the first and second conductive rails, respectively, or (2) said first and second conductors of the file folder indirectly contact said first and second conductive rails through first and second conductors of another file folder placed in the folder retainer.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 48 words

The file folder of claim 18, further including an indicator connected to said addressable device, wherein said addressable device is an addressable switch and said indicator is activated whenever the processor transmits a control signal to said addressable switch that includes the address corresponding to said addressable switch.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 13 words

The file folder of claim 20, wherein said indicator is an indicator light.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 13 words

The file folder of claim 20, wherein said indicator is an audible alarm.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 26 words

The file folder of claim 18, wherein said first and second conductors include strips of conductive tape provided on said exterior surface of the file folder.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 26 words

The file folder of claim 18, wherein said first and second conductors include strips of conductive fabric provided on said exterior surface of the file folder.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 26 words

The file folder of claim 18, wherein said first and second conductors include strips of conductive coatings provided on said exterior surface of the file folder.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 13 words

The file folder of claim 25, wherein said conductive coating is conductive ink.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 16 words

The file folder of claim 25, wherein said conductive coating is formed of a conductive polymer.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 86 words

The file folder of claim 18, wherein said addressable device includes an addressable switch that includes: a ROM having a unique address stored therein; address comparing means for comparing an address included in a control signal received from the processor with the unique address stored in said ROM; and state changing means for changing the state of said addressable switch when said address comparing means determines that the address included in the received control signal is the same as the unique address stored in said ROM.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 51 words

The file folder of claim 28, wherein said addressable switch further includes a load transistor having a gate, a source, and a drain, said gate connected to said state changing means, wherein said state changing means changes the state of said addressable switch by turning on and off said load transistor.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 64 words

The file folder of claim 29, further including an indicator light having a first terminal connected to said first conductor, and a second terminal connected to said source of said load transistor, wherein said drain of said load transistor is connected to said second conductor, and said indicator light is turned on when said load transistor is turned on by said state changing means.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 22 words

The file folder of claim 18, wherein said first conductor additionally provides power to the addressable switch positioned on a file folder.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 127 words

A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system wherein file folders are stored in folder retainers communicatively coupled to the electronic file tracking system, comprising: a folder having a contact surface; an addressable device located on said folder; a first conductor on said contact surface for providing control signals sent by the electronic file tracking system to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer of the electronic file tracking system; and a second conductor on said contact surface for providing a return path from said addressable device, wherein said first and second conductors are disposed on said contact surface in a pattern that allows contact with a plurality of differently configured electrical contacts provided in the folder retainers.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 127 words

A file folder for use in an electronic file tracking system wherein file folders are stored in folder retainers communicatively coupled to the electronic file tracking system, comprising: a folder having a contact surface; an addressable device located on said folder; a first conductor on said contact surface for providing control signals sent by the electronic file tracking system to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer of the electronic file tracking system; and a second conductor on said contact surface for providing a return path from said addressable device, wherein said first and second conductors are disposed on said contact surface in a pattern that allows contact with a plurality of differently configured electrical contacts provided in the folder retainers.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 19 words

The file folder of claim 32, wherein said contact surface is located on an edge surface of said folder.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 19 words

The file folder of claim 32, wherein said contact surface is located on the side surface of said folder.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 24 words

The file folder of claim 32, wherein said contact surface is located on both a side surface and an edge surface of said folder.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 137 words

A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising: at least one surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device; and said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 137 words

A file folder for use in a file tracking system having a processor adapted to provide control signals to a file folder when disposed in a folder retainer, the file folder comprising: at least one surface; an addressable device carried by the file folder and having an address; a first conductor on said surface electrically coupled to said addressable device for providing control signals to said addressable device when said file folder is placed in a folder retainer, said first conductor adapted to communicatively couple to the processor of the file tracking system, the control signals being provided by the processor; and a second conductor on said surface for providing a return path from said addressable device; and said first and second conductors are disposed in a pattern that allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 22 words

The file folder of claim 36, wherein said pattern allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders positioned in a vertical stack.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 158 words

The file folder of claim 36, wherein said first conductor includes a first linear strip extending from a first edge of said surface to a central point on an adjacent second edge of said surface, and a second linear strip extending from said central point on said second edge of said surface to a third edge of said surface, which is opposite said first edge and adjacent said second edge; and said second conductor includes a first linear strip extending in parallel to said first linear strip of said first conductor from said first edge of said surface to said second edge of said surface, and a second linear strip extending in parallel to said second linear strip of said first conductor from said second edge of said surface to said third edge of said surface, said first and second linear strips of said second conductor are positioned an equal distance on opposite sides of said first conductor.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 23 words

The file folder of claim 36, wherein said pattern allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders hanging in a hanging file drawer.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 30 words

The file folder of claim 39, wherein said pattern allows for conductive contact between adjacent file folders regardless of an orientation of the file folder within the hanging file drawer.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 39 words

The file folder of claim 39 further including electrical contacts for coupling said addressable device to electrical conductors connected to the processor and provided on a support rail of a file drawer from which file folders may be suspended.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-04-13	2001-10-13	2002-04-14	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-04-13	2005-10-13	2006-04-14	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-04-13	2009-10-13	2010-04-14	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

File folders for use in an electronic file locating and tracking system

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