Inventory control system and methods

• US 20060100937A1
• Filed: 10/26/2005
• Published: 05/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/07/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Unisone Corporation (Michael T. Lucas)
• Original Assignee: Unisone Corporation (Michael T. Lucas)
• Inventors: Lucas, Michael T.
• Application Number:
  US11/258,140
• Publication Number:
  US 20060100937A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0875 Itemisation or classification of parts, supplies or services, e.g. bill of materials
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0613 Third-party assisted

Abstract

A system and method which allows third-parties to monitor company inventory via the Internet and World Wide Web (“web”) and automatically order needed items. The present invention also provides a forum through which resellers and customers may directly interact to resell surplus and used equipment. The present invention may also allow a third party to act as a broker, thereby assuring that both the equipment purchased is actually delivered, and that the seller is properly compensated.

Claims

1-13. -13. (canceled)

14. An inventory distribution system comprising:

a vending machine;

a computer connected to said vending machine;

software running on said computer;

a printer;

a user identification subsystem; and

a data entry subsystem.

15. The inventory distribution system of claim 14, in which said user identification subsystem is comprised of a biometric scanner, RFID reader, barcode scanner, keyboard, touch sensitive display, or combinations thereof, and through which users can positively identify themselves to said computer via said software.

16. The inventory distribution system of claim 14, in which said data entry subsystem is comprised of an active or passive user interface, and through which users can request dispensation of certain products.

17. The inventory distribution system of claim 14, in which said printer prints product information when requested and as necessary to satisfy applicable regulations.

18. The inventory distribution system of claim 14, further comprising a central server and a redundant data connection between said vending machine and said server.

19. The inventory distribution system of claim 18, in which said computer monitors distribution of products contained within said vending machine, transmits such distributions to said server via said redundant data connection, and through which said server can notify a vending machine service provider of any inventory shortages.

20-29. -29. (canceled)