Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Specific application – apparatus or process – Article handling
Reexamination Certificate
2006-01-17
2009-12-29
Crawford, Gene (Department: 3651)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Specific application, apparatus or process
Article handling
C700S236000, C700S244000, C198S550010, C198S550200, C198S532000, C198S530000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07640075
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method is provided for coordinating automated package and bulk dispensing at a remote site. A hopper apparatus includes a series of storage compartments and access doors. The compartments and doors are linked to a PLC that is further linked to an inventory provider. The inventory provider takes product orders from an end-user. The end-user is provided an end-user access code. The inventory provider communicates with the PLC and reserves for the ordered product(s) a vacant storage compartment(s). The inventory provider delivers the product(s) ordered by the end-user to the hopper apparatus. Upon delivery, the inventory provider enters the appropriate end-user access code(s), causing the PLC to open the storage compartment(s) previously reserved by the inventory provider for the products ordered by the end-user. The inventory provider loads the appropriate storage compartment(s) with the end-user product(s). The end-user subsequently picks up product(s) previously ordered by entering in his or her access code(s).
REFERENCES:
patent: 3942689 (1976-03-01), Dakin, Jr. et al.
patent: 4176767 (1979-12-01), Franche, IV
patent: 4189262 (1980-02-01), Anderson
patent: 4934569 (1990-06-01), Womack, Jr. et al.
patent: 5697535 (1997-12-01), Coleman
patent: 5829616 (1998-11-01), Daniel et al.
patent: 5878402 (1999-03-01), Brewster et al.
patent: 6188936 (2001-02-01), Maguire et al.
patent: 6560700 (2003-05-01), Birkler et al.
patent: 6774318 (2004-08-01), Beal et al.
patent: 2001/0011437 (2001-08-01), Shortridge et al.
patent: 2005/0004682 (2005-01-01), Gaddis et al.
patent: 2005/0092389 (2005-05-01), Mazur et al.
patent: 2942308 (1981-05-01), None
patent: 1362802 (2003-11-01), None
patent: 831277 (1960-03-01), None
patent: 2001-180789 (2001-07-01), None
patent: WO 02/21402 (2002-03-01), None
Buckhorn—Center Flow Container Seed Box [online]. Buckhorn, Inc. [retrieved on Jun. 27, 2005]. Retrieved from the Internet: http://www.buckhorninc.com/products /cbb/cbb—11.html.
Buckhorn, Inc., Center Flow Container [brochure].
Buckhorn, Inc., Center Flow Seedbox™ [brochure].
AG Partners LLC. Bulkseed.com [online]. [retrieved on Jun. 27, 2005]. Retrieved from the Internet: http://agpartners.com/bulkseed/seed—retailers.htm.
Friesenusa.com—Bulk Seed Handling [online]. Friesen USA, Inc. [retrieved on Jun. 27, 2005]. Retrieved from the Internet: http://friesenusa.com/bulk.seed.handling.htm.
“Design for popular PROBOX™ bulk seed handling system available to seed industry. Pioneer system offers growers improved efficiency and convenience.” Des Moines, Iowa, Mar. 11, 1999, SeedQuest [online]. [retrieved on Jun. 27, 2005]. Retrieved from the Internet: http://seedquest.com/News/releases/usa/Pioneer/N1618.htm.
SHAPA Technical Bulletin No. 12, “Discharge Aids,” Aug. 2007.
Crawford Gene
Syngenta Participations (AG)
Vrana Bruce
Waggoner Timothy R
LandOfFree
Apparatus and method for coordinating automated package and... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus and method for coordinating automated package and..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus and method for coordinating automated package and... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-4080507