Importance

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Abstract

A system for retrieving and preventing loss or theft of keys which provide access to drugs or narcotics in a hospital or other health care facility is described. The drugs are placed in a strong box, requiring two keys to open, mounted on a cart, which can be taken to nursing stations for the administration of the drugs. Mounted adjacent the strong box is a call unit, which includes a call button, transmitter, and beeper so that if one or both of the keys are required to open the strong box, depressing the button will operate the transmitter, which will cause a beeper to sound at the key to advise the holder of the key to return to the cart. The key contains a receiver/transmitter and beeper. Furthermore, to prevent inadvertent or purposeful removal of the key from the facility, a detection unit is installed at exit locations. The detection unit transmits a signal, which is received by the key, and which in turn transmits a return signal to the detection unit. The signal received by the detection unit is transmitted over facility's wiring to a central location, which includes an audible alarm and an indicator showing the exit through which the key is being transported.

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First Claim