Automated inventory system
First Claim
1. A method of managing inventory comprising the steps of:
- automatically sensing when a quantity of items within a bin drops below a reorder quantity;
generating a reorder signal at the bin; and
communicating the reorder signal from the bin to a processor.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of this invention are directed towards various sensing mechanisms for bins of an automated inventory system. Further, various communication infrastructures and schemes between the various system components are disclosed. The automated inventory system comprises a plurality of dispensing bins containing stocked items. Various sensors may be used to detect the level or quantity of items within the various bins of the system. If a particular threshold level or quantity in the bin is triggered, a reorder signal is transmitted. The reorder signal may be communicated to other system components via hardwired and/or wireless connections. An RFID reader device may be used to collect reorder data regarding the various bins.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of managing inventory comprising the steps of:
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automatically sensing when a quantity of items within a bin drops below a reorder quantity; generating a reorder signal at the bin; and communicating the reorder signal from the bin to a processor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An automated inventory system comprising:
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at least one bin configured to contain a plurality of stocked items; a platform configured to support said bin comprising; a first portion; a second portion movable relative to the first portion; and a biasing member configured to maintain a resisting force between the first portion and the second portion; a sensor configured to detect when a threshold distance between the first portion and the second portion is attained; a processor; and a data communication between the sensor and the processor. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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10. An automated inventory system comprising:
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at least one bin configured to contain a plurality of stocked items; a platform configured to support said bin; a wireless circuit associated with each said platform comprising; at least one printed circuit board; a switch configured to selectively complete the circuit board; and a sensor configured to activate the switch; and a wireless reader device comprising at least one microcontroller unit; wherein, the wireless reader device is configured to read a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless circuit upon completion of said printed circuit board. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A method of automatically maintaining a stocked item inventory comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of storage bins; providing a platform for each said bin, said platform comprising a wireless circuit including at least one printed circuit board, a switch configured to selectively complete the circuit board and a sensor configured to activate the switch; providing a wireless reader device comprising at least one microprocessor and configured to read a wireless signal generated by said circuit and process bin level data associated with such wireless signal on said microprocessor; and retransmitting said bin level data. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification