Inventory monitoring apparatus employing counter for adding and subtracting objects being monitored
First Claim
1. Apparatus for real-time counting of objects added to or subtracted from a location whose inventory is to be monitored, said apparatus comprising:
- sensor means for generating an addition signal indicative of an object being added to said location and a subtraction signal indicative of an object being subtracted from said location, said sensor means being operable to detect movement of an object in one direction to generate said addition signal and movement of an object in a generally opposite direction to generate said subtraction signal;
means operatively connected to said sensor means for counting said signals generated by said sensor means to provide a real-time total of said objects at said location; and
means including an elongated rod for supporting said objects, said means for supporting said objects serving as said location.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Inventory monitoring apparatus capable of real-time counting of objects added to or subtracted from a location whose inventory is to be monitored. The apparatus includes structure for supporting a plurality of objects and a lever adapted to be contacted and displaced by movement of the objects to and from the supporting structure. Movement of the lever in one direction triggers a switch which generates a signal indicating that an object is being added to the support structure. Similarly, opposite movement of the lever triggers another switch which generates a signal indicating that an object is being removed from the support structure. A microprocessor receives and counts the signals generated by the switches to provide a real-time total of the quantity of objects borne by the supporting structure.
177 Citations
13 Claims
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1. Apparatus for real-time counting of objects added to or subtracted from a location whose inventory is to be monitored, said apparatus comprising:
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sensor means for generating an addition signal indicative of an object being added to said location and a subtraction signal indicative of an object being subtracted from said location, said sensor means being operable to detect movement of an object in one direction to generate said addition signal and movement of an object in a generally opposite direction to generate said subtraction signal; means operatively connected to said sensor means for counting said signals generated by said sensor means to provide a real-time total of said objects at said location; and means including an elongated rod for supporting said objects, said means for supporting said objects serving as said location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. Apparatus for real-time counting of objects added to or subtracted from a location whose inventory is to be monitored, said apparatus comprising:
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sensor means for generating an addition signal indicative of an object being added to said location and a subtraction signal indicative of an object being subtracted from said location, said sensor means being operable to detect movement of an object in one direction to generate said addition signal and movement of an object in a generally opposite direction to generate said subtraction signal; means operatively connected to said sensor means for counting said signals generated by said sensor means to provide a real-time total of said objects at said location; and means including a rack for supporting said objects, said means for supporting said objects serving as said location.
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Specification