Claim of Priority

[001] This Application claims priority to Brazilian Application No. BR102019000987 “Automatic Machine Tool Manager” filed on January 17, 2019, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Invention Field

[002] The present invention relates to a device, system and methods for storing and securing valuable items in both residential (known as“ROBO SAFE”) and commercial or industrial (known as“Spinwiser") environments, controlling inventory, optimizing purchases and reducing production costs. The multi-compartmented device disclosed herein is fully automated by its own electronic system and works in conjunction with a software application which, through a computer, tablet and/or smart device, confers access according to predefined authorizations to items stored in the locked compartments.

Background

[003] Currently there are numerous automatic machines for managing different items that, for one reason or another, are controlled, not only with the intention of having an inventory management, but also for strict control reasons to prevent abuse and uses of items by unauthorized persons. Additionally, there are a number of commercially available safes for personal home use.

[004] Consequently, such machines are in different areas, not only in the industrial and commercial sectors, but sectors related to health. In particular, hospital and pharmaceutical items should be managed safely and accurately with attention paid to expiry dates. Some of these dispensing machines include, for example, those described in: BRPI0614844, US4961507, US5205436, US5564803, US5745366, US7735680, US8469228, US2003034353 and W00003836A1. The complexity of such machines, all generally much bigger, not only to carry large items, but also high quantities, which culminates in a high manufacturing cost of the secured device. Because it turns out to be an extremely sophisticated equipment, it can only be purchased by companies capable of absorbing these high costs, which excludes small businesses or, where appropriate, in applications where such sophisticated equipment turns out to be not cost effective.

[005] There are home safes that are commercially available, but those tend to be either: single compartment smaller safes with a hinged door with keypad access such as those typically found in hotel rooms or larger cabinet styled safes that are used for firearms.

[006] There remains a need for a device for securing valuable items that can be used in commercial, industrial, medical and residential spaces. The present device is relatively small and can be fit into the home or business or within an inventory space in an industrial or construction site. Its size makes it accessible and affordable to individual and small business users. The present device also is multi-compartmented and is therefore distinguishable from the single compartment safes that are typically found in home use. The present device is also“smart” in that it can be used in connection with a Wi-Fi enabled smart device such as a phone or tablet. The present device can set necessary permissions such that only authorized users can unlock the device and access the valuables stored therein. Finally, the present device may be configured to store tools, products, personal items, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, or other valuable items and therefore may be used in a variety of settings.

[007] The first objective of the invention is to provide a compact storage device in the form of a cylindrical cabinet with a multiplicity of compartments suitable for home and commercial uses. The compact size of the device is preferably about 53 cm in diameter and about 63 cm in height. However, other ranges of size will be provided herein. The storage device has a circular carousel that rotates in both directions, with several floors, each defined by a tray, and each tray is divided into radial

compartments, where each of them accommodates one or more valuable items, such as personal valuables or tools.

[008] The front panel has vertically aligned hatches, each aligned with a floor, where each compartment is positioned with the corresponding hatch which, in turn, gives access to the item stored therein for withdrawal or restocking. The carousel is supported at the base, where its central part includes rotation system with an electronically controlled motor, while the hatches have electronic locks, including several sensors at strategic points of the device. All electrical components are controlled by electrical system, including a micro-controlled circuit, all to manage the operation of the assembly and the flow of products that are placed and removed from the device.

[009] Therefore, the drive of the assembly is electronically controlled by a motor, in combination with other electronic controls of the hatches. This is all done through a touch screen, which can be a tablet or equivalent smart device capable to run the software management of the device.

[010] The device is a small sized machine, suitable for managing valuable items, such as tools, with compactness and, in the end, is cost effective. Due to its compactness it can be used in new and different areas, whether by large, medium or small companies, and in the home. This includes several benefits: full control of stored items; accurate reports; significate reduction of down-stop machine time; and cost reduction (in inventories, consumption indirect and improper uses).

Brief Descriptions of the Drawings

[011] For a better understanding of the present invention, the attached drawings depict details of the design.

[012] FIGURE 1 shows the machine from a low angle viewpoint.

[013] FIGURE 2 show the machine with an exploded view from a high angle viewpoint.

[014] FIGURE 3 is a cross sectional view of the interior of the device and an enlarged view of the cage type structure (1 ).

[015] FIGURE 4 shows in detail the carousel (5) of the device.

[016] FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view of the interior of the device.

[017] FIGURE 6 shows the details of the drive set (6) and the other components configured on the base (3) of the device. [018] FIGURE 7 shows the details of the drive set (6) and the other components configured on the base (3) of the device.

[019] FIGURE 8 shows the cylindrical enclosure of the device.

[020] FIGURE 9 is an interior view of the device with an enlarged detail showing the panel and the hatches from the interior.

[021] FIGURE 10 shows the details of a circuit board that can control the components of the drive set (6) of the device.

[022] FIGURE 11 is an example of how the present system organizes user identification data.

[023] FIGURE 12 is an example of how the present system organizes item identification data.

[024] FIGURE 13 is an example of how the present system organizes item data for consumable-as-needed type of items.

[025] FIGURE 14 is an example of how the present system organizes item data for regularly consumable type of items.

[026] FIGURE 15 is an example of how the present system organizes item data for items typically stored in a home or small business setting.

[027] FIGURE 16 is a method of managing the secure storage of one or more items according to the present invention.

[028] FIGURE 17 is an example of how the present system organizes permission data for one or more authorized users.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[029] The device of the present invention has the form of a compact cylindrical enclosure with a preferred diameter of about 53 cm and a preferred height of about 66 cm. Other dimensions are possible. The diameter may be about 50 to 100 cm and the height may be about 25 to 175 cm. The exterior of the device is made of any typical safe material, such as a steel alloy, including iron and carbon steel alloys and chromium steel alloys that offer harness as well as resistance to corrosion. Other lighter weight materials may be used, such as plastic, for certain applications. An unloaded storage device may weigh about 100 to about 150 pounds, or lighter if made of a lighter material.

[030] As with any safe or potentially portable storage device, further physical means of securing the storage device is possible, such as by physically attaching it to a floor or wall, affixing weights to the bottom of the device, building the storage device into the interior of a wall, further securing the storage device in a room, cabinet, or closet with further security access restrictions.

[031] As seen in Figures 1-2, the device includes a mounted cage-type structure (1 ) arranged between two circular locks, one defined as top cover (2) and the other as a circular base (3) with adjustable feet (4). The device may be fitted with wheels (not shown) on the bottom base (3). Inside the cage-type structure (1 ) is a carousel (5), that turns in both directions, having its bottom coupled to a drive set (6) mounted on the circular base (3). The carousel (5) fits within and is substantially aligned within the cylindrical closure (7). The closure (7) is not a complete cylinder and forms a vertical span or void (8), which contains a structural panel (9), rectangular and elongated vertically, along which several hatches (10) are positioned. In a preferred embodiment, there are five hatches (10) to account for 5 trays, floors, or discs holding the valuable items. However, other designs are possible. On the side of the cylindrical closure (7) is mounted a holder (11 ) for a conventional tablet or smart device (12). The smart device (12) is in communication with the drive set (6).

[032] Figures 2-3 show in detail the cage structure (1 ), having a structural support (13) made of sheet metal, having two concentric ring sections, an outer (14) and an inner (15), interconnected by spokes (16). Some of the spokes (16) have sensors (17) fixed thereto for positioning the cage structure (1 ) relative to hatches (10). In the illustrated embodiment, there are three sensors (17) on three of the spokes (16). Other arrangements are possible. The outer ring (14) has a flattened side (18) for fitting the structural panel (9) for the hatches (10). On the upper and lower sides of this outer ring (14) are cylindrical rods. On the top are the longer rods (20) and below are the shorter cylindrical rods (19). The short rods (19) and upper long cylindrical rods (20) are all vertical and their ends are threaded, respectively, on the circular bottom base (3) and top cover (2). The lower short cylindrical rods (19) limit the height of the compartment (21 ) of the drive set (6), while the upper long cylindrical rods (20) limit the height of the carousel (5).

[033] Figures 3-4 show in detail the carousel (5), rotatable in both directions (clock wise and counter clock-wise), formed by a central vertical tube (23), along which several floors or trays are supported, each defined by a disc or tray (24) with radial divisions (25) that form radial compartments (26), where each of radial compartment (26) may accommodate one or more items. In a preferred embodiment, there are five discs (24) and each disc has fifteen radial compartments (26), for a total of 75 compartments (26). In this embodiment, each of the fifteen radial compartments has an area of about 120 to about 160 cm ² .

[034] Since the device was designed to hold tools, including steel and carbide tools, each of the trays may be made of similar material to the exterior of the device and therefore support a total load of about 80 kg. As such, with five trays, the storage device can support a total of about 400 kg of stored inventory. Other designs are possible, including lighter weight materials to manufacture the exterior of the storage device and/or trays.

[035] Other configurations for the radial trays (24) are possible. For example, one of the five discs (24), such as the top disc may have larger compartments (26) for holding larger items. In this configuration, valuable documents may be stored in the top disc (24). There can be anywhere from two discs (24) to ten discs (24). There can be anywhere from one to twenty five radial compartments (26) per disc (24).

[036] In another embodiment, the cylindrical storage device of the present invention, including the carousel (5) that supports a plurality of trays (24), may be used in combination with one or more other storage devices, such as a second storage device of the present invention. The software APP may be modified to control access to these additional one or more storage devices. For example, the device of the present invention may be used in combination with a second cabinet- styled device for storing larger items, such as one or more firearms. For example, the cylindrical device of the present invention may be used in combination with a rectangular device for the storage of important documents, such as wills and birth certificates. The software and system described herein can be modified to accommodate these optional additional storage devices.

[037] Each tray or disc (24) is horizontally aligned with the corresponding hatch (10), and each radial compartment (26) is programmed with the corresponding hatch (10) of the respective tray or disc (24). There are three hinges (22) to secure the two pieces of the cylindrical closure (7) together in the back of the cylinder (as relative to the control panel (9).

[038] The central tube (23) extends vertically to support the five trays or discs (24) radially. The central tube (23) has a top end that couples with an upper inner flange (27) that has an axis (29) inserted in a bearing housing (30) which, is centrally fixed to the bottom side of the top cover (2). The central tube (23) has a lower bottom end that couples with a lower inner flange (28) that is connected to the drive set (6) and the same flange (28) has a vertical tongue (31 ) arranged next to its external diameter, wherein the vertical tongue (31 ) has a sensor reading point that passes through the positioning sensors (17), which reads the positions of the sensors.

[039] In the illustrated embodiment, there are three positioning sensors (17). Each of the three positioning sensors corresponds to a position 0, position 120, and position 240, with respect to a full 360 degree rotation. After retrieval and operation, once all the hatches are closed and the user is finished, the device will rotate itself to the closest of the three home positions. This resetting to a home position eliminates accumulated error in the rotation of the angular encoder (34). There will be a record of this last known home position recorded by the system associated with each use.

[040] The drive set (6) may rotate the carousel in either a clockwise (to the right) or counter clockwise (to the left) direction. For example, when there are 15 radial compartments (26) per circular tray (24), there are 15 positions that the tray (24) may be in relative to the hatch (10). With 15 positions about the circular tray (24) and 360 degrees to make a full rotation from position 1 , through position 2, etc., through position 15, back to position 1 , is 360 degrees. Therefore, there are 24 degrees between each of the 15 positions radially about the shaft (32) of the drive set (6) which aligns with the center bottom base (3). The device has a record of its last known home position. There are three possible last known home positions that correspond to the three positioning sensors. X = last known home position.

[041] The device will receive instructions to move to a new position. Y= new position. Next, an algorithm will determine the shortest distance to the new position (Y) - either by rotating to the right or to the left. In one embodiment, to calculate the number of positions to rotate to the right (R), subtract X from Y. Y-X = R. For example, to rotate from position 5 to position 8, the device would rotate three positions clockwise. To calculate the number of positions to rotate to the left, subtract Y from 15 and add to X. (15-Y) + X=L. For example to rotate from position 5 to position 8, rotating to the left (L), would be 12 positions (5 + (15-8)). The algorithm would compare R to L and select the lower number. That number tells the drive set to rotate the carousel that many positions to the right or left, knowing that each position is 24 degrees apart. In this example, the device would rotate the carousel to the right (clockwise) three positions, or 72 degrees. The carousel rotates to right into position 8 and a signal is sent to unlock the corresponding latches on the hatch.

Upon ending the session, the device rotates to the closest of the 3 home positions. The last known position is updated to reflect this new home position.

[042] In one example, the angular encoder may take 2400 steps to achieve one full rotation. Thus, the positioning sensors, such as the three positioning sensors and the three corresponding home positions and the location of each of the 15 radial compartments may be calibrated appropriately.

[043] As shown in Figure 6, the drive set (6) consists of a piston or shaft (32) which, through bearing (33), is mounted vertically on the inner ring (15) of the cage structure (1 ), where its upper end is coupled to the lower flange (28) of the carousel (5), while the drive set’s (6) lower end is connected in an angular or rotating encoder (34), which tracks rotation, and its support (35) fixed on the circular bottom base (3). The shaft (32) is coupled into a reduction gear set consisting of a "U" shaped bracket (36) where a vertical axis (37) passes through two gears, one smaller (38) and one larger (39), in which the smaller gear (38) is engaged in another gear (40) that is fixed on the shaft (32) between bearings (33) and rotating encoder (34). The larger gear (39) is coupled to pinion (41 ) of the transmission box (42) of an electric motor (43) also mounted on the "U” bracket (36). [044] On the circular base (3) are mounted different electronic components, which control the drive set (6) and other parts of the machine via the tablet (12). The power supply adapter (66) takes the AC input current and coverts it to DC. The internal power outlet (63) is used to plug in the device. As pictured, this is a type C outlet also called a Europlug. In the United States, this part may change to the US style which is a type B. The buck converter (64) steps down the DC voltage in the unit, which is in communication with the DC stepper motor drive (65).

[045] The cylindrical enclosure (7) consists of two semi-circular parts (44) joined at the back by hinges (22). One of the semi-circular parts (44) has a lower panel for electric connections (46) including power outlets and data ports, while on the opposite side, the two semi-circular parts (44) with an open space (8) to fit the control panel (9), where its four corners have internal ears (47) perpendicularly oriented inside, as well aligned for coupling on two pins (48) fixed on the circular base (3) and two other movable top pins (49), the latter integrated into locks (50) fixed on the bottom and next to the edges of the top cover (2), thus finalizing the quick means necessary to secure and remove the cylindrical enclosure (7). This is needed to gain access to the internal mechanisms for repairs.

[046] The structural panel (9) is illustrated in Figure 9, where it appears as a rectangular plate column (51 ) whose edges are perpendicularly folded inwards and with fixation points (52) and (53) which, by means of screws, attach the assembly to the top cover (2) and on the circular base (3). The structural panel (9) fits within void (8) (Figure 2). Rectangular column plate (51 ) has a rectangular opening closed by their correspondingly shaped hatches (10) on the same side by internal hinges (54). Each hatch (10) has the inside equipped with straight tongue (55), a set of curved tongues (56) and (57), and two electronic door latches (58).

[047] Referring to the top hatch (10) of Figure 9, the lower curved tongue (56) is below the right-hand side electronic door latch (58) and the upper curved tongue (57) is above the same electronic door latch (58). Straight tongue (55) on the left-hand side electronic door latch (58) and the lower curved tongue (56) are locking points for the set of electronic door latches (58) fixed on the inner side of the rectangular plate column (51 ). Upon appropriate instructions, electronic door latches (58) are signaled to unlock. Each hatch (10) must be manually opened and closed by an authorized user. The user will pull the hatch (10) towards himself to access a radial compartment (26). Upon completion, the user will push the hatch (10) back to be engaged again by the set of door latches (58). The second curved tongue (57) is the mobile reading point that penetrates into a sensor (59), which is also fixed on the inner side of the rectangular plate column (51 ). Door sensors (59) sense when the hatch (10) is in an open position.

[048] A series of five cross plates (60), corresponding to the number of circular discs or trays (24) of the device, perpendicularly face inside and are arranged between the hatches (10) to provide isolation between the carousel compartments (26). Upon unlocking the electronic latches (58), the compartment (26) is illuminated by an internal LED (61 ) and, on the outside, another LED (62) is provided for indication of operation. With the LED (62), the authorized user knows which hatch (10) to pull open on the exterior of the storage device.

[049] In one embodiment, a circuit board (100) may be utilized as shown in Figure 10. The several components are connected to the main central processor or controller (101 ) of the board (100). The encoder switch (103) and motor drive switch (102) are electronically controlled by the central processor (101 ) and operate the corresponding rotating encoder (34) and motor (43). The rows of LEDs (108) on the circuit board (100) correspond to the LEDs of each floor (62) on the outside of the device and the inside (61 ). The five auxiliary door switches (107) on the board (100) are to increase the storage device to ten trays when necessary. The set of five door lock switches (106) operate to control the electronic door latches (58). The set of positioning switches (109) communicate with the three positioning sensors (17). The set of auxiliary switches (110) are to communicate with more external sensors when necessary. Also on the board 100 are cable ports (105) to connect 12V and 5V that come from the energy suppliers. Other sized ports (104) are included on the board 100 to connect the board with internet.

[050] The cylindrical storage device may be compact and thus in operation placed in a smaller, more strategic places. Its construction combines mechanical and electronic parts, into a unit fully automated unit enabling all the resources to control inventory, optimize purchases and reduce production costs. Every described mechanical part works with electronic parts, including the circuit board (Figure 10) and the tablet, together with specific management software and smart phone application, checking all resources for access to the item stored in locked

compartments and electronically controlled, in accordance with predefined authorizations.

[051] For example, the Spinwiser APP, available at

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sDinwlser/id1454572254, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, including this version, any subsequent versions, any subsequent relabeling, and any translations, modifications and changes, may be downloaded for use to control the cylindrical storage device according to the present invention. Other APPs may be used, such as the ROBO SAFE APP for use of the device in residential settings, herein incorporated by reference.

[052] With the Spinwiser or ROBO SAFE APP or other appropriate software, the tablet or smart device (12) manages and triggers the drive set (6), carousel rotation (5) and unlocking and locking hatches (10). The tablet or smart device (12) may be a dedicated smart device that is attached to the exterior of the cylindrical enclosure (7) as in a commercial or industrial setting in communication with another computer or smart device or the tablet or smart device (12) may be a smart device or computer of an individual in communication with the circuit board of the device of the present invention. As used herein a“smart device” may be any suitable computer, laptop,

PC, desktop, smart phone, tablet, or the like.

[053] The compartments (26) may be loaded with any appropriate item as is determined by the use of the device. The compartments (26) may contain tools as is detailed in Brazilian Application No. BR102019000987“Automatic Machine Tool Manager" filed on January 17, 2019. Additionally, medical devices, supplies, and/or pharmaceuticals may be loaded into the compartments (26) in a hospital or other medical setting. In a personal or small business setting, important items, such as keys, jewelry, medications, and other valuables may be loaded into the

compartments (26).

[054] When one or more items are to be placed, the first operating steps are those related to the permissions that each operator has and, through them (passwords) has access to tablet (12), where a user may program in the storage location of the item. Similarly, on the retrieval end, once user permission is granted, the user may access stored items. The electronic system drives the corresponding parts by turning the carousel (5) until its corresponding compartment is aligned with its hatch (10) which, in this moment, is released by its electronic latches (58), concurrently the LED (61 ) illuminates the compartment for removal or placement of an item and other electronic signals of the sensor (59) are sent to the system for processing.

[055] Therefore, the opening and closing of each hatch are assisted by the respective internal and external sensors and LEDs, so that the information can be processed by the system. The drive set (6) is also electronically assisted, with the input from the encoder (34), the positioning sensors (17) and other electronic parts interconnected with the tablet (12), so that the carousel (5) can rotate and stop perfectly in the position established by the software and according to the choice made via the user interface on the smart tablet (12).

[056] The smart device communicates with cloud servers over the internet (HTTP protocol) and the cloud server sends commands to the machine via the MQTT protocol "Message Queuing Telemetry Transport" and vice versa. All this information that travels via HTTP or MQTT is stored on cloud servers, for later listing, offering in real time all the information needed to control stock, optimize purchases and reduce production costs. The cloud server may be maintained by the manufacturer of the storage device, such as Wisers Smart Systems LLC and/or affiliated Wisers companies, such as the Brazilian“Wisers.”

[057] With the industrial version of the APP, known as SPINWISER, mechanical device management is done by online apps or systems developed by Wisers and its authorized partners. These management interfaces allow smart devices to control the mechanical device as follows:

A) Pairing between devices via serial number, where specification can be done via QR Code reading or digitable line.

B) User Authentication and Permission Setting

C) Reset items according to user profile and permissions

D) Item withdrawal according to user profile and permissions E) Local inventory queries and adjustments according to user profile and permissions.

[058] The management of all information (database) for the industrial version SPINWISER is done via web interface, which allows for:

A) User registrations and their profile and permissions

B) Product registration and its production processes

C) Customer and supplier registration

D) Registration of items and their specifications such as price, quantity, weight, minimum and maximum stock

E) Configurable Reports

[059] To begin set-up of a new cylindrical storage device, for example of a ROBO SAFE device, which is mainly used in a residential setting, a master user or owner of the device downloads the APP and associates her device with her smart phone and/or personal computer. The master user assigns user permissions and loads the items into the storage device. The master user may also allow one or more other authorized users to load items into the storage device.

[060] The APP prompts the user to connect the storage device, commercially known as a ROBO SAFE to the home or business’s Wi-Fi network or other appropriate network. The APP will prompt the master user to one-time register the storage device and optionally name the storage device. The APP will allow for quick and easy access to commonly asked questions and support for the storage device. Next, the master user will access set-up instructions. From the APP, any authorized user can (remotely) instruct the opening of one or more hatches of the storage device, receive automatic software updates, receive real-time notifications, and change the language of the ROBO SAFE.

[061] User Identification is organized for example as seen in Figure 11 , wherein each authorized user has one or more security means associated with the cylindrical storage device. The master user first identifies himself by name, email, phone number, photograph, voice tag, fingerprint, QR code, another code, and/or pin. The master user can select ways in which the system wi!! send messages to himself and each authorized user, including email, text message, and/or phone call. Reminder messages will be sent to the master user and any specified authorized user about reordering items and/or regularly timed reminders to access specific radial compartments.

[062] Next, the master user identifies a first authorized user by name and enters their phone, email, photograph, voice tag, finger print, code, and/or pin into the APP. Once the master user has added an authorized user, that user receives an email and/or text message with a link to download the APP. As such, the device is linked to its authorized users via this set-up configuration link. The authorized user may be asked to set up her own unique code or pin to access the cylindrical storage device or she may be assigned a code by the master user. The master user continues to add authorized users in this manner, including family members, employees, caregivers, and/or other authorized users.

[063] Once all users have been added, the APP prompts the master user to load the items into the cylindrical storage device. Each item stored in the cylindrical storage device may have a photograph and/or voice tag and/or written description and/or QR code associated with it. Further, each item is identified by type, category, and group, and organized by the system as per Figure 12. Each item may be of three general types: durable, consumable as needed, or consumable by regular use. A durable item is one that may be borrowed or replaced, such as important documents, keys, jewelry, and other valuable items, such as coins, stamps or collectibles. Consumable items that are only used as needed include certain types of medicine, such as an Epi Pen, batteries, and other irregularly used items. Finally, consumable items that are used regularly include regular use medication, such as daily medication.

[064] Items to be stored may also be characterized by category, such as

emergency, documents, jewelry/watches, valuables, and medical. Items can be further characterized by group. For example, under emergency, there are several groups of items, including medical devices and medication. Under documents, birth certificates, deeds, passports, titles, and wills may be stored. Jewelry may be further characterized into groups including bracelets, cuff links, earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, and the like. Under valuables, the further groups may include: cash, sunglasses, credit cards, coins, stamps, and check books. Medical items may be further characterized into device, generic medicine, and prescription medicine groups.

[065] For the first item to be stored, the master user is prompted to upload a photo of the item, give it an appropriate written description, and say its name aloud to generate a voice tag. There are drop down menus in which to select the type of item (durable or consumable), category, and group as detailed above. Once all the information is gathered on the item to be storage, one of the hatches (10) of the cylindrical storage device will open and the master user is prompted to load the item into the radial compartment (26). The system will select an available radial compartment for storage and associate the item that individual compartment. The master user places the item into the radial compartment (26), and then tells the system to close the hatch. The hatch is hinged and it springs open upon receiving appropriate user instructions. However, the user must manually close the hatch. The sensors on the hatch know when it is in an open position and can send the user a reminder to close the hatch if it is left in an open position for longer than a prescribed amount of time. The system will associate the stored item with that particular radial compartment (26), which as explained above corresponds with a particular position (1 through 15) of the tray (24). The system will prompt the master user to load more items in this manner until the master user indicates that all items are loaded.

[066] For durable items, since they are unique, the default quantity is one, however, the master user may update a durable item's quantity if appropriate. For consumable items, quantity is also entered by the master user. For certain consumables as needed, such as for tools and medications, the master user is prompted to enter expiration date information as per Figure 13. Additionally, the master user is prompted to enter a minimum quantity of the consumable so that a reminder reorder message may be sent to the master user. For commercial and industrial application, the minimum thresholds may be automatically linked to inventory tracking systems. Expiration date reminders will also be sent. For certain medications, the master user will associate one or more users. Also specific to medications, a guardian may be designated. A guardian is a caregiver that receives reminder messages at appropriate times to assist an elderly person to take their medication. Other reminders at regularly timed intervals may be sent as appropriate.

[067] Referring to Figure 14, for consumables used on a regular basis, the quantity, expiration date, minim quantity, and frequency data are all entered by the master user. For regularly used medications, the frequency (daily, weekly, every other day, twice a day, etc.) is recorded, as well as the amount and the preferred indication time(s). All of this data is recorded to generate appropriate reminder messages for one or more authorized users.

[068] In industrial applications such as with the Spinwisers APP, items to be stored are generally consumable as needed, such as tools. Tools generally will not need expiration dates associated with them. Quantity will be entered, as well as minimum thresholds, supplier name, and supplier contact information. As items are dispensed, the system will update noting the quantity decrease. Upon reaching the minimum quantity threshold, appropriate reminder messages will be sent to the appropriate supplier associated with that item. A user from the supplier may be an authorized user of the system for ail items supplied by that supplier. As such, a user from the supplier may access the device and replenish inventory of the tools and other consumable items as necessary.

[069] Once all the items are loaded and the item information entered, the item data will be organized according to Figure 15, for example for residential use. The first column of Figure 15 is the Category of item arranged by priority of importance. The next columns are: Group, Item Name, Voice Tag, Picture, Type, Quantity, Expiration Date, Frequency, Amount, Start Date, Time, Reminder, and Notification to Guardian. Additional items that may be stored include tools and smart phone accessories and chargers.

[070] Referring to Figure 16, the overall process is detailed: First, the master user connects his smart phone and/or personal computer to the ROBO SAFE. Next, the master user assigns users. Third, the master user loads all the items and enters in the item data. Next, the master user grants permissions to the authorized users. Next, the users may retrieve items stored in the ROBO SAFE. Finally, as

appropriate, the users may return or restock items to the ROBO SAFE. [071] Once the items have been loaded, the master user then assigns permissions to the authorized user. This may be done in one of several ways. For example, for a spouse, the master user may allow global authorization, including permission to load items, in effect, granting a user to be an additional master user. The APP may prompt if any users are allowed global access. After identifying any global access users, next, the APP may prompt the master user to set permissions for any remaining authorized users. This data is organized as by Figure 17, for example. For user 6, who might be a child, this user may only be allowed to access certain medical items, such as bandages, an inhaler or Epi Pen, and certain consumable items, such as batteries. The APP may ask if a user can access all of a certain category of items, such as documents. The APP may then ask by Group. If necessary, the APP may assign permissions on an item-by-item basis for certain users.

[072] Finally, once all permissions have been identified and stored, the ROBO SAFE is ready to be accessed by the authorized users for the retrieval of items.

[073] A user may gain authorized access to the cylindrical storage device by any known security means, including, but not limited to, a magnetic stripe reader, a QR code reader, a proximity reader, a key pad, an RFID sensor, or a biometric sensor, such as a finger print reader, and any other means for receiving authorized user information. A pin may be entered into a key pad on the device or on the user’s smart device, such as a phone number or other unique pin associated with each authorized user. Each authorized user may have a card with a magnetic stripe to swipe through a magnetic stripe reader to gain access. Any biometric security feature may be used, such as fingerprint recognition. Face recognition is known in the art, including the use of a smart phone to set up and recognize authorized faces. Finally, the system may utilize voice tag recognition. The device may be utilized with any known smart phone. Therefore, any security feature of the smart phone may be utilized to set access permissions for the storage device of the present invention.

[074] If an authorized user forgets his password, a reset password link may be sent to the authorized user and/or master user. If the authorized user is trying to access an item that she does not have permission to access, the master user will be sent a message. The master user may be able to override the system and grant access in appropriate circumstances. If an unauthorized user attempts to access the storage device, an alarm will sound. Additionally, the master user will be sent a message. Other security means may be used.

[075] Searching for stored items may be performed in a variety of ways. Voice commands may be given if there are voice tags associated with the items. A user may start to type the name of the item and a list of items that match the description will appear on the screen for selection. A user may utilize drop down menus under the various categories of items stored. For example, the user may use the drop down menus to select Jewelry, and then Bracelets, and then Gold Link with Charms. Once an item is selected from inventory, the system will check permissions. If allowed, the device will rotate into the correct position and the appropriate hatch will open to allow retrieval from the appropriate radial compartment. The user enters that the item has been removed. Closure of the door is manually performed by the user. The APP will update that the item(s) has been removed Additionally, the hatch may send a reminder message if it remains open after a designated period of time.

[076] Returning durable items to the storage device is similar to retrieval. The authorized user gains access to the storage device. The user selects the item to be returned from the drop down menus or through the other means of identification. The user may select "return” (as compared to“retrieval”) or the APP will default to “return” for this item since the APP will know that this particular item had been removed. The storage device determines an empty radial compartment, which may or may not be the originally designated radial compartment. It moves that compartment into position aligned with an appropriate hatch. The hatch opens. The user places the item in the radial compartment. The user indicates that the item has been placed into the radial compartment. The user closes the hatch manually. The system updates by associating the returned item with the particular radial compartment.

[077] If a durable item is not returned to the system in a timely manner, a reminder message to the last known authorized user and/or master user is sent. An additional data item may be entered for each durable item, such as typical length of use - one hour, one day, one week, and the like. The reminder message for returning the durable item corresponds to this typical length of use. This way, valuable items such as documents and jewelry are returned to the storage device in a timely manner.

[078] The return of consumable, but only as needed, items to the storage device is similar to returning durable items to the storage device. However, the system may prompt the user to enter the new, reduced quantity for appropriate items. The system may then check the new quantity against the minimum quantity in order to generate reorder reminder messages if appropriate.

[079] Consumable-on-a-regular basis type items, such as daily medication, will be restocked according to their minimum thresholds. The system will know, for example, if a bottle of prescription medication is accessed daily. From that daily access, the quantity may be re uced daily. For example, a reminder message for a daily medication for reorder may be sent to a user once the quantity drops below a predetermined threshold. An authorized user can replenish daily medication through the APP, by selecting the appropriate item, selecting“restock/replenish” (as compared to“retrieval”), and by updating the quantity. For consumable tools, there may be automated reordering inventory tracking software associated with the present system.

[080] In some embodiments, the items stored in the storage device may be further secured with one or more inventory sensors that are in communication with the smart device. For example, any known inventory tracking can be used in connection with the one or more items to be stored, including weight sensors, RFID (radiofrequency identification) tags and sensors, or bar codes. If the individual items to be stored in the storage device are bar coded, a bar code reader may be used upon retrieval of stored items for scanning barcodes to associate the removed items with the particular authorized user.

[081] The inventory sensors are devices which sense the removal or addition of items from or to the storage device. In one embodiment, the inventory sensors are weight sensors attached to each of the trays of the carousel. In this embodiment, the inventory sensors sense that one or more items have been added to a tray of the carousel based on an increase in weight of the tray, and that one or more items have been removed from the tray based on a decrease in weight of the tray. In this embodiment, a particular tray may be designated to hold particular items, so that a change in weight of the tray can be associated with a change in inventory of the corresponding item and thus trigger any reordering reminders once the weight of the tray is below a predetermined threshold.

[082] in another embodiment, the inventory sensors may RFID sensors which sense the presence of RFID tags attached to individual items stored in the individual compartments of the storage device. When an RFID tag on an item is within range of the RFID sensors, the tagged item is designated as being in inventory. Conversely, when the RFID tag on an item is outside the range of the RFID sensors, the tagged item is designated as being removed from inventory.

[083] The herein described storage device and system has been developed for tool management and home use, however, thanks to its versatility, small changes are possible to be made so that the device and system can manage other items or products consistent with the carousel compartments. Consequently, it will be understood that certain characters and combinations between mechanical parts, including the APP and tablet, can vary considerably by maintaining the same functions, allowing its use for home use, tool management and other product or inventory management.