CA1281135C - Apparatus for tracking inventory - Google Patents
Apparatus for tracking inventoryInfo
- Publication number
- CA1281135C CA1281135C CA000520504A CA520504A CA1281135C CA 1281135 C CA1281135 C CA 1281135C CA 000520504 A CA000520504 A CA 000520504A CA 520504 A CA520504 A CA 520504A CA 1281135 C CA1281135 C CA 1281135C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- inventory
- items
- counter
- memory
- display
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/20—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/67—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
Abstract
APPARATUS FOR TRACKING INVENTORY
ABSTRACT
A means and apparatus is described for monitoring inventory in a business or hospital to provide an immediate indication of the number of items in such inventory, the number of items needed to be reordered at any time to replenish the inventory to its maximum level and a means to announce when a critical minimum inventory level is reached so as to mandate stock reorder to avoid a depletion of stock before new stock items can arrive from the business' supplier.
ABSTRACT
A means and apparatus is described for monitoring inventory in a business or hospital to provide an immediate indication of the number of items in such inventory, the number of items needed to be reordered at any time to replenish the inventory to its maximum level and a means to announce when a critical minimum inventory level is reached so as to mandate stock reorder to avoid a depletion of stock before new stock items can arrive from the business' supplier.
Description
~-~ 7q7 12~3.~i APPARATUS F~R T~ACKING INVENT~RY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring inventory to provide an immediate indication of the number of items in inventory, the number of items to be reordered to replenish the inventory to its maximum level and to announce a critical minimum inventory level mandating a stock reorder.
~ " i~
,, ' '': ~ ' ' . :' ~8~3~
BA CK GROU N D AR T
Normally, business enterprises stock items of inventory so that the items are immediately available to customers upon demand without the need for orderiny them from the business' source when the customer makes his purchase; It is a eommon occurrence for the number of items in inventory to be reduced by sales to the point at which it would be impossible for the business enterprise to timely reorder inventory to avoid completely running out of stock prior to new stock arriving from its su~plier. In particular, stock may be reduced below a critical amount and then reordered only to become completely depleted before the ordered shipment can arrive ~rom the supplier. ~ikewise, the same problem is present in hospitals and in military operations where the depletion of inventory supplies can have catastrophic results.
The prior art includes various mechanical stock registers that record and display the number of items taken from stock, and display the number of items presently in stock. U.S. ~atent No, 1,539,919 to Swift discloses a stock register for reyistering quantities of commodities presently in stock, and for counting quantities as taken from stock. U.S~ Patent No. 2,663,495 to Ramsell et al~, discloses an electrical apparatus for selectively com~uting and keeping count of inventory of a number of different items of manufacture as they are ~roduced and disposed of, and also for giviny a current record of unfilled orders.
In addition, the prior art discloses many devices for monitoring the number of items or people 3~
within a closed or confined area. Specifically U.S.
Patent No. 1,872,782 to Messick, et al. discloses a registering device to tally the number of people in a railroad car; and U.S. Patent No. 3,978,321 to Doggett discloses a portable handcarried automobile countiny device for monitorin~ the number of cars in a parking lot.
Finally, U.S. Patent No. 4,500,880 to Gomersall, et al~ discloses a computer driven informational display system adapted for use with the standard Universal Product Code to display pricing and other associated information regardiny shel~ inventory.
~8113~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention contemplates a means and apparatus -that can be mounted proximate to a shelf containing a specified inventory of i-tems and has at least a single ~isual display reflecting the number oE items needed to be reordered to rejuvenate said inventory to its maximum level, and announces a critical minimum inventory at the point where inventory must ~e reordered in order to avoid a complete depletion of inventory before delivery of new items. In the preferred embodiment, this invention comprises an apparatus having two displays, the first as being described above, and a second reflecting the number of items presently on hand. This preferred device is user operated by the person removing stock by touching a button on said apparatus as stock is removed to increment the display showing the number of items to be reordered and decrement the display showing the number of items on hand. The critical minimum number of inventory items is preset by the user, and is determined by the user's experience for a particular stock item.
In accordance with the invention there is provided an apparatus for continuously monitoring the number of discrete items in an inventory, comprising: a ~irst counter located at the site of the inventory, said Eirst counter storing a first count of the number of items on hand in the inventory and having a first display for continuously indicating the number of items on hand; a second counter located at the site of the inventory, said second counter storing a second count of a reorder quantity necessary to fill the inventory and having a second display for continuously indicating said reorder quantity; a control connected to said first and second counters, said control having a means for decrementing said first count and incrementing said second count when items are removed from the inventory and for incrementing said first counts and ~ 3 -4a-decrementing said second count when items are restocked in the inventory; a memory connected ~o said first counter Eor storing a critical minimum number indicating a mandatory reorder condition for items in the inventory; a comparator connected to said memory for comparing said first count of items on hand with said crltical minimum number; and an alarm connected to said memory for providing a signal when said first count of items on hand is decremented to said critical minimum number.
Brief Description of the Drawings For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Figs.
l to 6 are block diagrams of alternate embodiments of the present invention.
~.8113~
DETAILED DESCRIPTI~N
The present invention contemplates a means and apparatus for monitoriny inventory to provide an immediate indication of the number of items in said inventory, the number of items to be reordered to re~lenish the inventory to its maximum level, and to announce a critical minimum inventory level mandating stock reorder to avoid a complete depletion of inventory before the reordered items can arrive from the supplier.
In the ~referred embodiment, the present invention is an electronic device having two liguid crystal displays. A first display shows the exact number of items presently in inventory, and a second lS display shows the number of items needed to be reordered to replenish said inventory to its maximum level. This embodiment is user operated by the person removing stock pushing a button or switching a switch on said device once for each item removed which decrements said first d~splay reflectiny the number of items on hand, and increments the display showiny the number of items to be reordered. When said button is pushed or swi~ched a beep tone is emitted from an annunciator to announce the removal of inventory Additionally, the ~resent invention provides for the preprogramminy of said ap~aratus to announce the point at which a critical minimum inventory level is reached by the user entering this critical number into a memory unit, denoting the point where inventory must be reordered to avoid a complete depletion of stock before new stock can arrive from the supplier. The present invention also has a means 1 ~ 8 ~ ~3,~
for setting the first display reflecting the number of items on hand, and setting the dis~lay showiny the number of items to be reordered to zero when stock is replenished to its maximum level.
In an alternative embodiment, the above described apparatus is linked to a computer printout device or video display allowing the remote audit of a particular inventory. It will be understood that each particular stock item in inventory would have a separate device associated with it, and that all such devices for a particular business or enterprise could be monitored simultaneously on said printout or video means. Further, the liquid crystal display dsscribed above could also be a light emitting diode or a mechanical numeric display.
Additionally, it will be understood that instead of a user operated switch simultaneously decrementing and incrementing the above said registers, a mechanical switch triggered by the removal of an item from inventory can be used, as well as, but not limited to, an optical detector; a piezoelectric detector; a weight sensor detector; a radiation detector; and a Universal Product Code reader.
Further, a calculator keyboard device can be used to allow the user to reyister the removal of items in multiple numbers.
In the preferred embodiment, when the preset critical minimum inventory level is reached the apparatus of the ~resent invention will emit an intermittent audio tone or beeping sound and the display showin~ the number of items to be reorded will flash on and off in coordination with said beepiny tone. It will be understood that alternative .
3~5 embodiments contemplate, but are not limited to, a single audio tone, and a flashing light source.
Additionally, it will be understood that the announcement of an inventory's being at its critical minimum level can also be made on a remote announcing device, such as the computer printout and video means described above.
As shown in FIGURE 1, counter 2 is initially set by set means 4 and is linked to display 6. Counter 2 is a down counter and serves to keep track of the number of items in inventory as they are removed.
Vurin~ operation, display 6 displays the number of items in inventory. Counter 2 is set by pushiny said button which comprises a button and holding switch means 8 down while counter 2 advances to the number corresponding to the number of items in inventory, at which time the user releases switch 8 and counter 2 becomes fixed until decremented by operation of switch 10, Prior to operation, memory 12, intended to store the critical minimum number of items in inventory as described above, is set by tri~yering switch 14 which changes the mode of counter 2 and display 6 to display the contents of memory 12. Counter 2 is then allowed to advance to the critical minimum number of inventory items at which time switch 14 is released and this number is stored in memory 12.
Alternativelyr if the number stored in memory 12 is to be decreased, switch 14 can be depressed while simultaneously de~ressiny switch 10 to decrement the contents of counter 2. Similarly, when switch 14 is released the contents of counter 2 is loaded into memory 12. Setting means 16 is controlled by switch 8~3~
18 and serves to zero counter 20, said counter being an u~ counter. Counter 20 is linked to display 22 which shows the number of items needed to be reordered at any point in time to replenish the inventory to its maximum level. Counter 20 can be zeroed either before or after the contents ot counter 2 and memory 12 are set.
During operation, the contents of counter 20 and memory 12 are compared by comparator 30. When the contents of counter 20 and memory l2 are found to be equal alarm 32 is triggered and sounds a beep or other intermittent audio tone until reset by reset means 34 operated by switch 36. Operation of reset means 34 does not serve to alter the contents of either counters 2 or 20, nor alter the contents of memory 12. Switch 10 can continue to be operated after alarm 32 has been silenced~ Conductor 50 serves to connect memory 12 and comparator 30;
conductor 52 connects control 40 and comparator 30;
~ and conductor 54 connects u~ counter 20 and comparator 30.
In operation, switch 10 is depressed by the user and signals control 40 to both decrement counter 2 reflecting that an item has been removed from inventory , and increment counter 20 reflectin~ that at least one more item of inventory needs to be reordered to replenish the inventory to its maximum amount. Control 40 also serves to trigyer comparator 30, which then proceeds to compare the contents of memory 12 and counter 20.
As shown in FIGURE 2, an alternative embodiment of the present invention has comparator 30 compare the contents of memory 12 with the contents of down '. ' ' ;
, 1~ 3.5 counter 2. Conductor 50 connects memory 12 with comparator 30; conductor 52 connects control 40 with comparator 30; and conductor 56 connects down counter 2 with comparator 30. In operation of this embodiment, the contents of downcounter 2 and memory 12 are compared by comparator 30. When the contents of counter 2 in memory 12 are found to be equal, alarm 32 is triggered and sounds a beep or other intermittent audio tone until reset by reset means 34 operated by switch 36. Operation of reset means 34 does not serve to alter the contents of either counters 2 or 20, nor alter the contents of memory 12. Switch 10 can continue to be operated after alarm 32 has been silenced.
In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGURE 3, interface means 60 is connected to down counter 2 via conductor 62 to memory 12 by conductor 64 and to u~
counter 20 by conductor 66. Interface means 60 serves to interface the a~paratus of the ~resent invention with printer 70 and video display 72.
Printer 70 and video unit 72 serve as means to remotely monitor the status of a particular inventory's current state, the number of items to be reordered, and the critical reorder of number~
As inventory items are removed from stock the user pushes the device's button (switch 10) once for each item removed which causes the device to reflect the exact number of units remaining on hand and the exact number of units needed to be reordered at that particular time to replenish inventory to its maximum level. ~`or instance, if a stock boy removes five items from inventory he ~ushes the button five times to decrement the first display five units and ~8~L~3~
increment the second display five units. After a time, the inventory will reach its critical minimum level and the device will sound a constant beeping sound until a reset button is pushed. Eliminating the audio alarm does not change the numbers shown on both displays, and inventory can continue to be removed from stock. At the point at which the alarm sounds, the user is alerted to the fact that he must immediately reorder the number of items shown on the reorder display so that his stock will not be deple~ed before his reordered items can arrive from his supplier.
As shown in FIGUXE 4, an alternative embodiment comtemplates keyboard 80 linked to control 40, whereby the user is able to enter the number of items removed from inventory on said keyboard and then press switch 10 whereby counter 2 is decrimented the same number in a single step and counter 20 is incrimented the same number in a sinyle step. For instance, if the user seeks to remove 100 items from inventory he may enter the number ~100" on keyboard 80 and press switch 10. Counter 2 is instantly decrimented 100 units and counter 20 instantly incrimented 100 units. Keyboard 80 is intended to eleviate the need for the user's pressing switch 10 many times if many items are removed from inventory~
transforming these steps into a single operation on switch 10.
As show in FIGURE 5, control 40 is linked to tone means 84 which serves to announce each time switch 10 is pressed. Such announcement can comprise a beeping sound or other audible sound to indicate that an item has been removed from inventory. When 3~
keyboard 80 (as shown in FIGURE 4) is employed, tone 86 will occur only once each time switch 10 is pressed, reyardless of the number entered on said keyboard. Further, comparitor 30 is linked to display 22 by conductor 88, causing display 22 to flash on and off when the contents of memory 12 is equal to the contents of up counter 20 (as shown in FIGURE S) or in an alternative embodiment when the contents of memory 12 are equal to the contents of down counter 2 (as shown in FIGURE 2).
As shown in FIGURE 6, set means 14 (as shown in FIGURES 1 through 5) is eliminated and replaced by set means 90 which is activated by switch 9~. Set means 90 serves to load the contents of counter 2 into memory 12. In operation, set means 4 operates to advance the value of counter 2. When the value of counter 2, shown on display 6, reaches the amount which has been determined to be the critical reorder number, switch 92 is activated which causes set means 90 to load the contents of counter 2 into memory 12. Switch 8 is then reactivated which causes counter 2 to further advance to the maximum inventory level. Activation of set means 90 trigyers audio tone 94 to confirm to the user that the contents of counter 2 have been loaded into memory 12.
In an alternative embodiment, several hundred of such inventory tracking devices can be used with a remote video display and computer printout device in a warehouse allowing a manayer to constantly monitor the number of items in stock, and coordinate his reorder schedules for the various items. Each morning a computer printout device can deliver to the manayer a document reflecting which items need to be 3~
reordered, and how many of each item need to be reordered to avoid the depletion of the warehouse's supplies. Further, a computer printer can be used in conjunction with the present invention to generate the actual reorder requests and directly mail such to the supplier without human intervention.
While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring inventory to provide an immediate indication of the number of items in inventory, the number of items to be reordered to replenish the inventory to its maximum level and to announce a critical minimum inventory level mandating a stock reorder.
~ " i~
,, ' '': ~ ' ' . :' ~8~3~
BA CK GROU N D AR T
Normally, business enterprises stock items of inventory so that the items are immediately available to customers upon demand without the need for orderiny them from the business' source when the customer makes his purchase; It is a eommon occurrence for the number of items in inventory to be reduced by sales to the point at which it would be impossible for the business enterprise to timely reorder inventory to avoid completely running out of stock prior to new stock arriving from its su~plier. In particular, stock may be reduced below a critical amount and then reordered only to become completely depleted before the ordered shipment can arrive ~rom the supplier. ~ikewise, the same problem is present in hospitals and in military operations where the depletion of inventory supplies can have catastrophic results.
The prior art includes various mechanical stock registers that record and display the number of items taken from stock, and display the number of items presently in stock. U.S. ~atent No, 1,539,919 to Swift discloses a stock register for reyistering quantities of commodities presently in stock, and for counting quantities as taken from stock. U.S~ Patent No. 2,663,495 to Ramsell et al~, discloses an electrical apparatus for selectively com~uting and keeping count of inventory of a number of different items of manufacture as they are ~roduced and disposed of, and also for giviny a current record of unfilled orders.
In addition, the prior art discloses many devices for monitoring the number of items or people 3~
within a closed or confined area. Specifically U.S.
Patent No. 1,872,782 to Messick, et al. discloses a registering device to tally the number of people in a railroad car; and U.S. Patent No. 3,978,321 to Doggett discloses a portable handcarried automobile countiny device for monitorin~ the number of cars in a parking lot.
Finally, U.S. Patent No. 4,500,880 to Gomersall, et al~ discloses a computer driven informational display system adapted for use with the standard Universal Product Code to display pricing and other associated information regardiny shel~ inventory.
~8113~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention contemplates a means and apparatus -that can be mounted proximate to a shelf containing a specified inventory of i-tems and has at least a single ~isual display reflecting the number oE items needed to be reordered to rejuvenate said inventory to its maximum level, and announces a critical minimum inventory at the point where inventory must ~e reordered in order to avoid a complete depletion of inventory before delivery of new items. In the preferred embodiment, this invention comprises an apparatus having two displays, the first as being described above, and a second reflecting the number of items presently on hand. This preferred device is user operated by the person removing stock by touching a button on said apparatus as stock is removed to increment the display showing the number of items to be reordered and decrement the display showing the number of items on hand. The critical minimum number of inventory items is preset by the user, and is determined by the user's experience for a particular stock item.
In accordance with the invention there is provided an apparatus for continuously monitoring the number of discrete items in an inventory, comprising: a ~irst counter located at the site of the inventory, said Eirst counter storing a first count of the number of items on hand in the inventory and having a first display for continuously indicating the number of items on hand; a second counter located at the site of the inventory, said second counter storing a second count of a reorder quantity necessary to fill the inventory and having a second display for continuously indicating said reorder quantity; a control connected to said first and second counters, said control having a means for decrementing said first count and incrementing said second count when items are removed from the inventory and for incrementing said first counts and ~ 3 -4a-decrementing said second count when items are restocked in the inventory; a memory connected ~o said first counter Eor storing a critical minimum number indicating a mandatory reorder condition for items in the inventory; a comparator connected to said memory for comparing said first count of items on hand with said crltical minimum number; and an alarm connected to said memory for providing a signal when said first count of items on hand is decremented to said critical minimum number.
Brief Description of the Drawings For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Figs.
l to 6 are block diagrams of alternate embodiments of the present invention.
~.8113~
DETAILED DESCRIPTI~N
The present invention contemplates a means and apparatus for monitoriny inventory to provide an immediate indication of the number of items in said inventory, the number of items to be reordered to re~lenish the inventory to its maximum level, and to announce a critical minimum inventory level mandating stock reorder to avoid a complete depletion of inventory before the reordered items can arrive from the supplier.
In the ~referred embodiment, the present invention is an electronic device having two liguid crystal displays. A first display shows the exact number of items presently in inventory, and a second lS display shows the number of items needed to be reordered to replenish said inventory to its maximum level. This embodiment is user operated by the person removing stock pushing a button or switching a switch on said device once for each item removed which decrements said first d~splay reflectiny the number of items on hand, and increments the display showiny the number of items to be reordered. When said button is pushed or swi~ched a beep tone is emitted from an annunciator to announce the removal of inventory Additionally, the ~resent invention provides for the preprogramminy of said ap~aratus to announce the point at which a critical minimum inventory level is reached by the user entering this critical number into a memory unit, denoting the point where inventory must be reordered to avoid a complete depletion of stock before new stock can arrive from the supplier. The present invention also has a means 1 ~ 8 ~ ~3,~
for setting the first display reflecting the number of items on hand, and setting the dis~lay showiny the number of items to be reordered to zero when stock is replenished to its maximum level.
In an alternative embodiment, the above described apparatus is linked to a computer printout device or video display allowing the remote audit of a particular inventory. It will be understood that each particular stock item in inventory would have a separate device associated with it, and that all such devices for a particular business or enterprise could be monitored simultaneously on said printout or video means. Further, the liquid crystal display dsscribed above could also be a light emitting diode or a mechanical numeric display.
Additionally, it will be understood that instead of a user operated switch simultaneously decrementing and incrementing the above said registers, a mechanical switch triggered by the removal of an item from inventory can be used, as well as, but not limited to, an optical detector; a piezoelectric detector; a weight sensor detector; a radiation detector; and a Universal Product Code reader.
Further, a calculator keyboard device can be used to allow the user to reyister the removal of items in multiple numbers.
In the preferred embodiment, when the preset critical minimum inventory level is reached the apparatus of the ~resent invention will emit an intermittent audio tone or beeping sound and the display showin~ the number of items to be reorded will flash on and off in coordination with said beepiny tone. It will be understood that alternative .
3~5 embodiments contemplate, but are not limited to, a single audio tone, and a flashing light source.
Additionally, it will be understood that the announcement of an inventory's being at its critical minimum level can also be made on a remote announcing device, such as the computer printout and video means described above.
As shown in FIGURE 1, counter 2 is initially set by set means 4 and is linked to display 6. Counter 2 is a down counter and serves to keep track of the number of items in inventory as they are removed.
Vurin~ operation, display 6 displays the number of items in inventory. Counter 2 is set by pushiny said button which comprises a button and holding switch means 8 down while counter 2 advances to the number corresponding to the number of items in inventory, at which time the user releases switch 8 and counter 2 becomes fixed until decremented by operation of switch 10, Prior to operation, memory 12, intended to store the critical minimum number of items in inventory as described above, is set by tri~yering switch 14 which changes the mode of counter 2 and display 6 to display the contents of memory 12. Counter 2 is then allowed to advance to the critical minimum number of inventory items at which time switch 14 is released and this number is stored in memory 12.
Alternativelyr if the number stored in memory 12 is to be decreased, switch 14 can be depressed while simultaneously de~ressiny switch 10 to decrement the contents of counter 2. Similarly, when switch 14 is released the contents of counter 2 is loaded into memory 12. Setting means 16 is controlled by switch 8~3~
18 and serves to zero counter 20, said counter being an u~ counter. Counter 20 is linked to display 22 which shows the number of items needed to be reordered at any point in time to replenish the inventory to its maximum level. Counter 20 can be zeroed either before or after the contents ot counter 2 and memory 12 are set.
During operation, the contents of counter 20 and memory 12 are compared by comparator 30. When the contents of counter 20 and memory l2 are found to be equal alarm 32 is triggered and sounds a beep or other intermittent audio tone until reset by reset means 34 operated by switch 36. Operation of reset means 34 does not serve to alter the contents of either counters 2 or 20, nor alter the contents of memory 12. Switch 10 can continue to be operated after alarm 32 has been silenced~ Conductor 50 serves to connect memory 12 and comparator 30;
conductor 52 connects control 40 and comparator 30;
~ and conductor 54 connects u~ counter 20 and comparator 30.
In operation, switch 10 is depressed by the user and signals control 40 to both decrement counter 2 reflecting that an item has been removed from inventory , and increment counter 20 reflectin~ that at least one more item of inventory needs to be reordered to replenish the inventory to its maximum amount. Control 40 also serves to trigyer comparator 30, which then proceeds to compare the contents of memory 12 and counter 20.
As shown in FIGURE 2, an alternative embodiment of the present invention has comparator 30 compare the contents of memory 12 with the contents of down '. ' ' ;
, 1~ 3.5 counter 2. Conductor 50 connects memory 12 with comparator 30; conductor 52 connects control 40 with comparator 30; and conductor 56 connects down counter 2 with comparator 30. In operation of this embodiment, the contents of downcounter 2 and memory 12 are compared by comparator 30. When the contents of counter 2 in memory 12 are found to be equal, alarm 32 is triggered and sounds a beep or other intermittent audio tone until reset by reset means 34 operated by switch 36. Operation of reset means 34 does not serve to alter the contents of either counters 2 or 20, nor alter the contents of memory 12. Switch 10 can continue to be operated after alarm 32 has been silenced.
In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGURE 3, interface means 60 is connected to down counter 2 via conductor 62 to memory 12 by conductor 64 and to u~
counter 20 by conductor 66. Interface means 60 serves to interface the a~paratus of the ~resent invention with printer 70 and video display 72.
Printer 70 and video unit 72 serve as means to remotely monitor the status of a particular inventory's current state, the number of items to be reordered, and the critical reorder of number~
As inventory items are removed from stock the user pushes the device's button (switch 10) once for each item removed which causes the device to reflect the exact number of units remaining on hand and the exact number of units needed to be reordered at that particular time to replenish inventory to its maximum level. ~`or instance, if a stock boy removes five items from inventory he ~ushes the button five times to decrement the first display five units and ~8~L~3~
increment the second display five units. After a time, the inventory will reach its critical minimum level and the device will sound a constant beeping sound until a reset button is pushed. Eliminating the audio alarm does not change the numbers shown on both displays, and inventory can continue to be removed from stock. At the point at which the alarm sounds, the user is alerted to the fact that he must immediately reorder the number of items shown on the reorder display so that his stock will not be deple~ed before his reordered items can arrive from his supplier.
As shown in FIGUXE 4, an alternative embodiment comtemplates keyboard 80 linked to control 40, whereby the user is able to enter the number of items removed from inventory on said keyboard and then press switch 10 whereby counter 2 is decrimented the same number in a single step and counter 20 is incrimented the same number in a sinyle step. For instance, if the user seeks to remove 100 items from inventory he may enter the number ~100" on keyboard 80 and press switch 10. Counter 2 is instantly decrimented 100 units and counter 20 instantly incrimented 100 units. Keyboard 80 is intended to eleviate the need for the user's pressing switch 10 many times if many items are removed from inventory~
transforming these steps into a single operation on switch 10.
As show in FIGURE 5, control 40 is linked to tone means 84 which serves to announce each time switch 10 is pressed. Such announcement can comprise a beeping sound or other audible sound to indicate that an item has been removed from inventory. When 3~
keyboard 80 (as shown in FIGURE 4) is employed, tone 86 will occur only once each time switch 10 is pressed, reyardless of the number entered on said keyboard. Further, comparitor 30 is linked to display 22 by conductor 88, causing display 22 to flash on and off when the contents of memory 12 is equal to the contents of up counter 20 (as shown in FIGURE S) or in an alternative embodiment when the contents of memory 12 are equal to the contents of down counter 2 (as shown in FIGURE 2).
As shown in FIGURE 6, set means 14 (as shown in FIGURES 1 through 5) is eliminated and replaced by set means 90 which is activated by switch 9~. Set means 90 serves to load the contents of counter 2 into memory 12. In operation, set means 4 operates to advance the value of counter 2. When the value of counter 2, shown on display 6, reaches the amount which has been determined to be the critical reorder number, switch 92 is activated which causes set means 90 to load the contents of counter 2 into memory 12. Switch 8 is then reactivated which causes counter 2 to further advance to the maximum inventory level. Activation of set means 90 trigyers audio tone 94 to confirm to the user that the contents of counter 2 have been loaded into memory 12.
In an alternative embodiment, several hundred of such inventory tracking devices can be used with a remote video display and computer printout device in a warehouse allowing a manayer to constantly monitor the number of items in stock, and coordinate his reorder schedules for the various items. Each morning a computer printout device can deliver to the manayer a document reflecting which items need to be 3~
reordered, and how many of each item need to be reordered to avoid the depletion of the warehouse's supplies. Further, a computer printer can be used in conjunction with the present invention to generate the actual reorder requests and directly mail such to the supplier without human intervention.
While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims
Claim:
An apparatus for continuously monitoring the number of discrete items in an inventory, comprising:
a first counter located at the site of the inventory, said first counter storing a first count of the number of items on hand in the inventory and having a first display for continuously indicating the number of items on hand;
a second counter located at the site of the inventory, said second counter storing a second count of a reorder quantity necessary to fill the inventory and having a second display for continuously indicating said reorder quantity;
a control connected to said first and second counters, said control having a means for decrementing said first count and incrementing said second count when items are removed from the inventory and for incrementing said first counts and decrementing said second count when items are restocked in the inventory;
a memory connected to said first counter for storing a critical minimum number indicating a mandatory reorder condition for items in the inventory;
a comparator connected to said memory for comparing said first count of items on hand with said critical minimum number; and an alarm connected to said memory for providing a signal when said first count of items on hand is decremented to said critical minimum number.
An apparatus for continuously monitoring the number of discrete items in an inventory, comprising:
a first counter located at the site of the inventory, said first counter storing a first count of the number of items on hand in the inventory and having a first display for continuously indicating the number of items on hand;
a second counter located at the site of the inventory, said second counter storing a second count of a reorder quantity necessary to fill the inventory and having a second display for continuously indicating said reorder quantity;
a control connected to said first and second counters, said control having a means for decrementing said first count and incrementing said second count when items are removed from the inventory and for incrementing said first counts and decrementing said second count when items are restocked in the inventory;
a memory connected to said first counter for storing a critical minimum number indicating a mandatory reorder condition for items in the inventory;
a comparator connected to said memory for comparing said first count of items on hand with said critical minimum number; and an alarm connected to said memory for providing a signal when said first count of items on hand is decremented to said critical minimum number.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US06/787,533 US4737910A (en) | 1985-10-15 | 1985-10-15 | Apparatus for tracking inventory |
US787,533 | 1985-10-15 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA1281135C true CA1281135C (en) | 1991-03-05 |
Family
ID=25141799
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA000520504A Expired - Lifetime CA1281135C (en) | 1985-10-15 | 1986-10-15 | Apparatus for tracking inventory |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4737910A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0224685A3 (en) |
CA (1) | CA1281135C (en) |
Families Citing this family (138)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS62196795A (en) * | 1986-02-21 | 1987-08-31 | オムロン株式会社 | Electronic cash register |
US4958280A (en) * | 1987-07-10 | 1990-09-18 | Vistakon, Inc. | Apparatus and method for satisfying disposable contact lens prescriptions |
US5153825A (en) * | 1987-11-18 | 1992-10-06 | Yada Systes, Inc. | Paint formula retrieval and management system and method |
JPH0792630B2 (en) * | 1988-01-11 | 1995-10-09 | インターナショナル・ビジネス・マシーンズ・コーポレーション | office supply |
US4943939A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1990-07-24 | Rocklin Hoover | Surgical instrument accounting apparatus and method |
US5237496A (en) * | 1988-12-07 | 1993-08-17 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Inventory control method and system |
JPH02155067A (en) * | 1988-12-07 | 1990-06-14 | Hitachi Ltd | Method for warning inventory and system using such method |
US5299115A (en) * | 1989-09-12 | 1994-03-29 | Mrs. Fields Software Group Inc. | Product demand system and method |
US5367452A (en) * | 1990-10-05 | 1994-11-22 | Carts Of Colorado, Inc. | Mobile merchandising business management system which provides comprehensive support services for transportable business operations |
US5646389A (en) * | 1990-11-13 | 1997-07-08 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Inventory management system using coded re-order information |
US5926799A (en) * | 1991-06-10 | 1999-07-20 | Robinson; Jack H. | Computerized linens management system for hotels and similar institutions |
US5712990A (en) * | 1991-10-03 | 1998-01-27 | International Technology Corporation Of California | Economical automated process for averting physical dangers to people, wildlife or environment due to hazardous waste |
US5305199A (en) * | 1992-10-28 | 1994-04-19 | Xerox Corporation | Consumable supplies monitoring/ordering system for reprographic equipment |
US6161122A (en) * | 1992-12-10 | 2000-12-12 | Hawkes; Calvert T. | Method and apparatus for interactively providing information at multiple sites |
US5533079A (en) | 1993-01-25 | 1996-07-02 | Medselect Systems, Inc. | Inventory monitoring apparatus |
US6108588A (en) * | 1993-01-25 | 2000-08-22 | Diebold, Incorporated | Restocking method for medical item dispensing system |
US5790409A (en) * | 1993-01-25 | 1998-08-04 | Medselect Systems, Inc. | Inventory monitoring and dispensing system for medical items |
US6272394B1 (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 2001-08-07 | Omnicell.Com | Methods and apparatus for dispensing items |
US6385505B1 (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 2002-05-07 | Omnicell.Com | Methods and apparatus for dispensing items |
AU7551294A (en) | 1993-07-29 | 1995-02-28 | Morse Watchmans, Inc. | System and device for storing objects |
US5638519A (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1997-06-10 | Haluska; John E. | Electronic method and system for controlling and tracking information related to business transactions |
US5745366A (en) * | 1994-07-14 | 1998-04-28 | Omnicell Technologies, Inc. | Pharmaceutical dispensing device and methods |
US5805456A (en) * | 1994-07-14 | 1998-09-08 | Omnicell Technologies, Inc. | Device and method for providing access to items to be dispensed |
US5905653A (en) * | 1994-07-14 | 1999-05-18 | Omnicell Technologies, Inc. | Methods and devices for dispensing pharmaceutical and medical supply items |
US6760643B2 (en) | 1994-10-11 | 2004-07-06 | Omnicell, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for dispensing items |
US5717989A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1998-02-10 | Full Service Trade System Ltd. | Full service trade system |
US6097995A (en) * | 1994-11-30 | 2000-08-01 | Chemmist Limited Partnership | Hazardous materials and waste reduction management system |
US7349858B1 (en) * | 1994-12-16 | 2008-03-25 | Automed Technologies, Inc. | Method of dispensing and tracking the giving of medical items to patients |
US7596426B2 (en) * | 1994-12-16 | 2009-09-29 | Automed Technologies, Inc. | Method of monitoring medical item inventory |
US7467093B1 (en) * | 1994-12-16 | 2008-12-16 | Automed Technologies, Inc | Method of tracking and despensing medical items to patients through self service delivery system |
US6188989B1 (en) | 1995-06-16 | 2001-02-13 | I2 Technologies, Inc. | System and method for managing available to promised product (ATP) |
US7085729B1 (en) | 1995-06-16 | 2006-08-01 | I2 Technologies Us, Inc. | System and method for allocating manufactured products to sellers |
US5752234A (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 1998-05-12 | Patient Solutions | Method and apparatus for managing disposable medical supplies appropriate for a single patient visit |
US6075441A (en) | 1996-09-05 | 2000-06-13 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Inventoriable-object control and tracking system |
WO1997009687A1 (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1997-03-13 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Inventoriable-object control and tracking system |
CA2239546C (en) * | 1995-10-10 | 2007-09-25 | Omnicell Technologies, Inc. | Pharmaceutical dispensing device and methods |
US5940808A (en) * | 1996-01-04 | 1999-08-17 | Joseph; Joseph | Display against inventory verification system |
US5878401A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1999-03-02 | Joseph; Joseph | Sales and inventory method and apparatus |
US20040243478A1 (en) * | 1996-09-04 | 2004-12-02 | Walker Jay S. | Purchasing, redemption, and settlement systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
US20110099082A1 (en) * | 1997-07-08 | 2011-04-28 | Walker Digital, Llc | Purchasing, redemption and settlement systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
US6754636B1 (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2004-06-22 | Walker Digital, Llc | Purchasing systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
US7039603B2 (en) * | 1996-09-04 | 2006-05-02 | Walker Digital, Llc | Settlement systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network |
US6249772B1 (en) * | 1997-07-08 | 2001-06-19 | Walker Digital, Llc | Systems and methods wherein a buyer purchases a product at a first price and acquires the product from a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price |
US6970837B1 (en) | 1996-09-04 | 2005-11-29 | Walker Digital, Llc | Methods and apparatus wherein a buyer arranges to purchase a first product using a communication network and subsequently takes possession of a substitute product at a retailer |
US6640159B2 (en) | 1996-12-05 | 2003-10-28 | Omnicell Technologies, Inc. | Replacement liner and methods for a dispensing device |
US7587333B1 (en) | 1997-08-26 | 2009-09-08 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for vending products |
US7233912B2 (en) | 1997-08-26 | 2007-06-19 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for vending a combination of products |
US7546277B1 (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2009-06-09 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for dynamically managing vending machine inventory prices |
US5991728A (en) * | 1997-04-30 | 1999-11-23 | Deroyal Industries, Inc. | Method and system for the tracking and profiling of supply usage in a health care environment |
US7107228B1 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2006-09-12 | Walker Digital, Llc | Systems and methods wherein a buyer purchases a product at a first price and physically acquires the product at a location associated with a merchant that offers the product for sale at a second price |
US20070150354A1 (en) * | 1997-07-08 | 2007-06-28 | Walker Jay S | Method and apparatus for conducting a transaction based on brand indifference |
US7711604B1 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2010-05-04 | Walker Digital, Llc | Retail system for selling products based on a flexible product description |
US8799100B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 2014-08-05 | Groupon, Inc. | Retail system for selling products based on a flexible product description |
US7894936B2 (en) | 1997-10-09 | 2011-02-22 | Walker Digital, Llc | Products and processes for managing the prices of vending machine inventory |
US5995937A (en) * | 1997-11-07 | 1999-11-30 | Deroyal Industries, Inc. | Modular health-care information management system utilizing reusable software objects |
US7236942B1 (en) | 1997-12-19 | 2007-06-26 | Walker Digital, Llc | Pre-sale data broadcast system and method |
US6366890B1 (en) | 1998-02-27 | 2002-04-02 | Gerald L. Usrey | Product inventory category management and variety optimization method and system |
WO1999059095A1 (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 1999-11-18 | Patient Solutions, Inc. | Method and apparatus for managing disposable medical supplies appropriate for a single patient visit |
US6891473B2 (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2005-05-10 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Object carriers and lighted tags for an object control and tracking system |
AU5924599A (en) | 1998-09-11 | 2000-04-03 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Tamper detection and prevention for an object control and tracking system |
AU5916899A (en) | 1998-09-11 | 2000-04-03 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Objet carriers for an object control and tracking system |
WO2000016281A1 (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2000-03-23 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Mobile object tracking system |
AU6031499A (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2000-04-03 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Object control and tracking system with zonal transition detection |
WO2000016280A1 (en) | 1998-09-11 | 2000-03-23 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Object tracking system with non-contact object detection and identification |
US6963847B1 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 2005-11-08 | I2 Technologies Us, Inc. | System and method for managing ATP data in a distributed supply chain planning environment |
US6151536A (en) * | 1998-09-28 | 2000-11-21 | Omnicell.Com | Dispensing system and methods |
US7826923B2 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 2010-11-02 | Walker Digital, Llc | Products and processes for vending a plurality of products |
AU2994200A (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2000-08-29 | Wherenet, Inc. | Wireless call tag based material replenishment system |
US7039602B1 (en) | 1999-06-14 | 2006-05-02 | I2 Technologies Us, Inc. | Configuring products with default sections determined according to optimization functions |
AU5497400A (en) * | 1999-06-22 | 2001-01-09 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for conducting a transaction based on brand indifference |
WO2001003087A1 (en) | 1999-06-30 | 2001-01-11 | Walker Digital, Llc | Vending machine system and method for encouraging the purchase of profitable items |
US6581204B2 (en) | 1999-08-24 | 2003-06-17 | Ge Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc. | Modular tracking and profiling system |
US7571131B1 (en) | 1999-11-05 | 2009-08-04 | Ford Motor Company | Method of conducting online competitive price quoting events |
US6895388B1 (en) * | 1999-11-05 | 2005-05-17 | Ford Motor Company | Communication schema of online system and method of locating consumer product in the enterprise production pipeline |
US7062446B1 (en) * | 1999-11-16 | 2006-06-13 | Dana Corporation | Apparatus and method for tracking and managing physical assets |
US6952680B1 (en) | 1999-11-16 | 2005-10-04 | Dana Corporation | Apparatus and method for tracking and managing physical assets |
US20020077944A1 (en) * | 1999-11-16 | 2002-06-20 | Bly J. Aaron | System and method for disposing of assets |
US20050086239A1 (en) * | 1999-11-16 | 2005-04-21 | Eric Swann | System or method for analyzing information organized in a configurable manner |
US20020082966A1 (en) * | 1999-11-16 | 2002-06-27 | Dana Commercial Credit Corporation | System and method for benchmarking asset characteristics |
US20050131729A1 (en) * | 1999-11-16 | 2005-06-16 | Melby John M. | Apparatus and method for tracking and managing physical assets |
EP1156336A1 (en) * | 2000-05-16 | 2001-11-21 | AVL Medical Instruments AG | System for analysing medical samples |
US6751630B1 (en) * | 2000-07-20 | 2004-06-15 | Ge Medical Technology Services, Inc. | Integrated multiple biomedical information sources |
US7218991B2 (en) * | 2000-08-22 | 2007-05-15 | Walker Digital, Llc | System for vending physical and information items |
US8392245B1 (en) | 2000-09-29 | 2013-03-05 | Jda Software Group, Inc. | System and method for rendering content according to availability data for one or more items |
US7249044B2 (en) * | 2000-10-05 | 2007-07-24 | I2 Technologies Us, Inc. | Fulfillment management system for managing ATP data in a distributed supply chain environment |
US20020042755A1 (en) * | 2000-10-05 | 2002-04-11 | I2 Technologies, Us, Inc. | Collaborative fulfillment in a distributed supply chain environment |
US7523048B1 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2009-04-21 | Bluefire Systems, Inc. | Multipurpose presentation demand calendar for integrated management decision support |
US8479988B2 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2013-07-09 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | System for pharmacy tracking and customer id verification |
US7887146B1 (en) | 2001-08-18 | 2011-02-15 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Suspended storage system for pharmacy |
US20090230189A1 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2009-09-17 | Shelton Louie | Scanning Wand For Pharmacy Tracking and Verification |
US8224664B1 (en) | 2000-11-16 | 2012-07-17 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Portable prescription order distribution cart and tracking system |
US7747477B1 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2010-06-29 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Pharmacy supply tracking and storage system |
US7672859B1 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2010-03-02 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Prescription order position tracking system and method |
US20020087437A1 (en) * | 2001-01-02 | 2002-07-04 | Thomas Hogan | System and method for automated animal medicine inventory control |
US7340419B2 (en) | 2001-03-15 | 2008-03-04 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for product display |
US7065499B1 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2006-06-20 | I2 Technologies Us, Inc. | Intelligent order promising |
US7043444B2 (en) * | 2001-04-13 | 2006-05-09 | I2 Technologies Us, Inc. | Synchronization of planning information in a high availability planning and scheduling architecture |
US7024371B2 (en) * | 2001-04-13 | 2006-04-04 | I2 Technologies Us, Inc. | High availability planning and scheduling architecture |
US6532399B2 (en) | 2001-06-05 | 2003-03-11 | Baxter International Inc. | Dispensing method using indirect coupling |
US6707381B1 (en) * | 2001-06-26 | 2004-03-16 | Key-Trak, Inc. | Object tracking method and system with object identification and verification |
JP2003076879A (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2003-03-14 | Kts:Kk | Device and method for supporting trade transaction, and program for same |
JP3919492B2 (en) * | 2001-09-13 | 2007-05-23 | キヤノン株式会社 | Information processing apparatus, system, identification method, program, and storage medium |
US20060053075A1 (en) * | 2001-11-26 | 2006-03-09 | Aaron Roth | System and method for tracking asset usage and performance |
US20030098910A1 (en) * | 2001-11-29 | 2003-05-29 | Pilsoo Kim | Apparatus and method of providing point-of-sale surveillance and auditing of sale transactions of goods |
US6847861B2 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2005-01-25 | Mckesson Automation, Inc. | Carousel product for use in integrated restocking and dispensing system |
US8339265B2 (en) | 2002-01-09 | 2012-12-25 | Sensormatic Electronics, Llc. | Method of assigning and deducing the location of articles detected by multiple RFID antennae |
US8321302B2 (en) * | 2002-01-23 | 2012-11-27 | Sensormatic Electronics, LLC | Inventory management system |
US7917416B2 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2011-03-29 | Credit Suisse (Usa), Inc. | Systems and methods for safeguarding employee stock options from stock price fluctuations |
US20040229560A1 (en) * | 2002-10-10 | 2004-11-18 | Maloney William C. | Methods of tracking and verifying human assets |
US7623032B2 (en) * | 2002-12-05 | 2009-11-24 | Key Control Holding, Inc. | Object controlled access and inventory system |
US7052097B2 (en) * | 2002-12-06 | 2006-05-30 | Mckesson Automation, Inc. | High capacity drawer with mechanical indicator for a dispensing device |
CA2452207A1 (en) * | 2002-12-06 | 2004-06-06 | Robert B. Meek, Jr | Inventory management and replenishment system |
US7263501B2 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2007-08-28 | I-Stat Corporation | Point-of-care inventory management system and method |
US7180014B2 (en) * | 2003-03-20 | 2007-02-20 | Boris Farber | Method and equipment for automated tracking and identification of nonuniform items |
US20050027622A1 (en) | 2003-07-30 | 2005-02-03 | Walker Jay S. | Products and processes for vending a plurality of products via defined groups |
US7431883B2 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2008-10-07 | Beckman Coulter, Inc. | Clinical analysis system |
CA2547246C (en) * | 2003-11-26 | 2012-01-17 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Integrated suite of medical tools |
US20050149353A1 (en) * | 2003-12-30 | 2005-07-07 | Ladd Nichols | Selecting apparel for surgical procedures |
US20060144938A1 (en) * | 2005-01-05 | 2006-07-06 | Donna David | Wine data scanner, related database system and method of using same |
US20060282340A1 (en) * | 2005-05-16 | 2006-12-14 | Adam Morand | Inventory management system |
US20100262519A1 (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2010-10-14 | Thomas Salomon | Checking substance volume limits |
US20070255578A1 (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2007-11-01 | Thomas Salomon | Checking substance volume limits |
US8494892B2 (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2013-07-23 | Sap Ag | Tracking substances over various business processes |
US20080035727A1 (en) * | 2006-07-26 | 2008-02-14 | Stanzel David A | Welding inventory tracking, storing, and distribution system |
US8117057B2 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2012-02-14 | The Kroger Co. | Retail production guide for store-prepared food items |
GB2447137B (en) * | 2007-02-27 | 2011-12-14 | Smart Use Ltd | Stock level recordal device and inventory management system |
US20080270178A1 (en) * | 2007-04-30 | 2008-10-30 | Mckesson Specialty Distribution Llc | Inventory Management System For A Medical Service Provider |
US8655753B2 (en) * | 2007-11-28 | 2014-02-18 | Ziti Technologies Limited Liability Company | Leveled-flow replenishment using deadband limits |
US8170927B2 (en) * | 2008-09-30 | 2012-05-01 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | Adaptive critical low level management |
US20100082459A1 (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2010-04-01 | Sharps Compliance, Inc. | Medical waste management system and method for making and using same |
US11244747B2 (en) | 2014-10-16 | 2022-02-08 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Pharmacy security system |
US9443370B2 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2016-09-13 | Omnicare, Inc. | Method and apparatus for onsite distribution of medications and medical supplies |
US9057508B1 (en) | 2014-10-22 | 2015-06-16 | Codeshelf | Modular hanging lasers to enable real-time control in a distribution center |
US9327397B1 (en) | 2015-04-09 | 2016-05-03 | Codeshelf | Telepresence based inventory pick and place operations through robotic arms affixed to each row of a shelf |
US9262741B1 (en) | 2015-04-28 | 2016-02-16 | Codeshelf | Continuous barcode tape based inventory location tracking |
US20180121866A1 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2018-05-03 | Cubex Llc | Inventory management system using individual modules |
US11090206B2 (en) * | 2017-08-23 | 2021-08-17 | Direct Pharms, Inc. | Systems and methods for maintaining a supply of a health-related item |
US11526844B2 (en) | 2020-08-26 | 2022-12-13 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | System and method for optimizing inventory management |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1071664A (en) * | 1911-06-08 | 1913-08-26 | David Girson | Numerating-machine. |
US1539919A (en) * | 1923-02-24 | 1925-06-02 | Swift John Preston | Stock register |
US1872782A (en) * | 1929-07-05 | 1932-08-23 | Messick Charlton | Registering device |
US2663495A (en) * | 1951-01-12 | 1953-12-22 | William H Ramsell | Counting equipment |
US3221860A (en) * | 1962-10-03 | 1965-12-07 | George A Klaffky | Inventory control system |
US3441719A (en) * | 1966-04-07 | 1969-04-29 | Hecon Corp | Monitoring means |
US3688087A (en) * | 1968-08-02 | 1972-08-29 | Joseph D Howard | Method and apparatus for handling materials |
US3694630A (en) * | 1970-04-14 | 1972-09-26 | Dybel Frank Richard | Mechanical events counter |
JPS5136106B1 (en) * | 1971-05-20 | 1976-10-06 | ||
GB1342752A (en) * | 1971-07-01 | 1974-01-03 | Shinko Electric Co Ltd | Inventory control device |
CH548073A (en) * | 1972-02-14 | 1974-04-11 | Gretag Ag | EQUIPMENT FOR A SELF-SERVICE SHOP. |
US3959630A (en) * | 1972-06-05 | 1976-05-25 | Ab Id-Kort | Identity card having radioactive isotope of short half-life |
JPS511094A (en) * | 1974-06-21 | 1976-01-07 | Idec Izumi Corp | |
US3978321A (en) * | 1974-08-22 | 1976-08-31 | Doggett Robert E | Portable hand-carried automobile counting device |
US4021644A (en) * | 1975-10-16 | 1977-05-03 | Automatic Parking Devices, Inc. | Circuit for monitoring the sequence of events at a cashier checkout center |
DE2751066C2 (en) * | 1977-11-15 | 1985-12-05 | Roman 8000 München Koller | Goods removal device for removing goods stored in storage facilities with sorting compartments |
US4234869A (en) * | 1978-11-15 | 1980-11-18 | Sandelman Robert M | Merchandise display and categorical indicators |
GB2071383B (en) * | 1980-02-14 | 1984-01-18 | Nippon Coinco Co Ltd | Total sales summing device for a vending machine |
US4500880A (en) * | 1981-07-06 | 1985-02-19 | Motorola, Inc. | Real time, computer-driven retail pricing display system |
-
1985
- 1985-10-15 US US06/787,533 patent/US4737910A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1986
- 1986-10-11 EP EP86114112A patent/EP0224685A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1986-10-15 CA CA000520504A patent/CA1281135C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US4737910A (en) | 1988-04-12 |
EP0224685A2 (en) | 1987-06-10 |
EP0224685A3 (en) | 1988-10-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA1281135C (en) | Apparatus for tracking inventory | |
US7096072B2 (en) | System and method for recording medication delivery to a patient | |
US5781442A (en) | System and method for collecting data and managing patient care | |
US6298331B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for selling an aging food product | |
US6335907B1 (en) | Package with integrated circuit chip embedded therein and system for using same | |
US7061831B2 (en) | Product labeling method and apparatus | |
US8584941B2 (en) | Pharmacy tracking system with automatically-entered customer transaction information | |
US20070023512A1 (en) | Inventory management system using rfid tags to aid in dispensing and restocking inventory | |
EP0608252A1 (en) | Apparatus for communicating price changes including printer and display devices | |
US20030158627A1 (en) | Automated supply cart and system | |
EP0419285A2 (en) | Queue management system | |
JP2002133523A (en) | System and method for inventory control of product by electronic price label system | |
US20060287923A1 (en) | Service point management system | |
US5912630A (en) | Skipped number display for customer service control system | |
US20230077660A1 (en) | Intelligent system for automatically testing and selecting from multiple data models for accurate diversion prediction | |
GB2385448A (en) | Service point management system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
MKLA | Lapsed |