Object locating system employing RF signaling

A system for identifying at least one object, said system comprising:

• a control unit including an RF transmitter for transmitting a coded RF activating signal, a microprocessor, and a switch coupled to the transmitter for selecting a coded signal to be transmitted;
• at least one identification tag adapted to be carried by the object to be identified, said one identification tag including an RF receiver for receiving the coded RF activating signal and providing a control output, an indicator for producing visible light when energized, and a microprocessor interposed between the RF receiver and the indicator, the microprocessor being programmed to respond to the control output to energize the indicator;
• the indicator providing a unique appearance for identifying the object to be identified, wherein the identification tag is a generally planar member and includes a dome-shaped element overlying the indicator, whereby the light is raised out of the plane of the identification tag.

A system for identifying at least one piece of luggage, said system comprising:

• a control unit including an RF transmitter for transmitting a coded RF activating signal, a microprocessor, and a switch coupled to the transmitter for selecting a coded signal to be transmitted;
• at least one identification tag carried by the piece of luggage to be identified, the identification tag including an RF receiver for receiving the coded RF activating signal transmitted by the RF transmitter and producing an output control signal, and an indication producing device responsive to the output control signal for providing an audible and/or visual indication.

20 The system according to claim 16, wherein the identification tag is built into the piece of luggage and the securing means is of a distinctive color.