Registers – Coded record sensors – Particular sensor structure
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-21
2002-09-17
Pitts, Harold I. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Coded record sensors
Particular sensor structure
C235S375000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06450406
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to data gathering systems and, more particularly, to a portable, integrated scanner/scale apparatus for scanning and weighing substances, and method of use thereof. Any substance in a container having a bar code, such as bottled liquids or pharmaceuticals in bottles or jars can be inventoried by the present invention. Inventorying the former is primarily intended for tracking inventory in restaurant and bar establishments, with the latter being useful in pharmacies or pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities or research laboratories.
2. Description of the Related Art
Controlling inventory, especially for the small business person or entrepreneur, is critical to financial success. To be understocked during peak business times is disastrous and to be overstocked is unsound fiscally and simply poor business practice. Businesses that cater to a specific market and that require a relatively large inventory of a specific product or type of product are especially sensitive and vulnerable to changes in the demand for their services and/or products, for example, seasonal fluctuations, holidays, and special occasions. This is especially true for restaurants where the average usage of goods and services over time tends to be volatile. Therefore, rapidly assessing the available inventory and adjusting the inventory up (increase) or down (decease) in accordance with the anticipated demand is crucial to financial success and fiscal solvency.
Although data acquisition or gathering systems of the type installed in checkout counters in supermarkets are now commonplace, other applications of the components comprising such systems are limited. Typically such system includes a scanner which scans or reads bar codes, industrial symbols, alphanumeric characters or other indicia for object recognition. Typically, bar code labels or other indicia are read as items are passed over a scanning window in the top surface of the scanner. The bar code or other indicia is then converted into product identification and pricing information which may be used for inventory control. Such existing data gathering systems also typically include a scale which allows a check-out clerk to weigh items which are sold according to weight, such as produce. The weight may then be fed directly to the point-of-sale terminal for purposes of calculating a price.
The scanner component typically includes a light source such as a laser, a rotating mirror driven by a motor, and a mirror array. The laser beam is reflected off the rotating mirror and mirror array to produce a pattern of scanning light beams. As a bar code or other indicia on the item is passed over the aperture or window, the scanning light beams scatter off the bar code or other indicia, and a carrier signal returns to the data gathering system where it is collected and detected. The scale component of such data gathering systems typically comprises a top plate on which the item to be weighed is placed. The top plate may also include an aperture or window whose location corresponds to the window of the scanner and through which the scanning light beams pass.
Several data gathering systems are defined by a scanner and scale mounted in a counter top. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,108, issued on Apr. 25, 1995 to Kevin J. Williams et al., describes a combined laser scanner and weigh scale having an integrated construction and a rigid casing. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,399, issued on Dec. 29, 1992 to James E. Brauneis, also describes an integrated construction for a scanner/scale assembly. A problem found in each of these configurations is that they are not portable for enabling the systems to be moved to different locations.
Another problem with certain data gathering systems is that they lack a convenient means for storing information obtained by the data gathering systems. For example, several known integrated units having a scanner and a scale lack a memory means for storing information in a database. Consequently, information acquired by the scanner and scale is typically recorded by either printing out the information or writing the information by hand. Such a method of recording data is undesirable because it wastes considerable amounts of paper and presents an added burden in paper management and storage.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,583,684, issued on Dec. 10, 1996 to James Chen, describes a scanning lens fixing device. Chen does not suggest an integrated scanner/scale apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,654,534, issued on Aug. 5, 1997 to Edward P. Coleman, describes a portable hand held scanning terminal. Coleman does not suggest an integrated scanner/scale apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,347, issued on Dec. 30, 1997 to Brad R. Reddersen et al., describes an interface selection and configuration system for a computer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or the host interface is at least in part accomplished by the interface connector cable. Reddersen et al. do not suggest an integrated scanner/scale apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,726, issued on Apr. 7, 1998 to David B. VanHorn et al., describes a portable hand held scanning terminal. VanHorn et al. do not suggest an integrated scanner/scale apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,789, issued on Apr. 28, 1998 to Motofumi Kashi, describes a bar code reader having a memory for storing information read by a reading section and a key pad capable of inputting data into the memory. However, Kashi does not disclose integration of the bar code reader with a scale for use in scanning and weight articles of inventory. Kashi does not suggest an integrated scanner/scale apparatus according to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,936,163, issued on May 10, 1960 to Carroll C. Foster, describes a bar accessory which will indicate the amount of fluid or liquid such as liquor that has been used up
U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,724, issued on Feb. 4, 1975 to Nichola Dalia, Jr., describes a method and apparatus for determining and accounting for the amount of material dispensed from a container, such as the amount of alcoholic beverage dispensed from a bottle thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,734, issued on Dec. 6, 1983 to William Wolfson et al., describes an inventory control system which, utilizes at each of a plurality of storage areas, means including load-responsive transducers arranged to detect changes in the total weight presented by the articles stored in each area.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,739, issued on Jan. 7, 1986 to George E. Gerpheide et al., describes a computer based system for, taking inventory and obtaining inventory reports on numerous products which are dispensed in full containers or in quantities from partially filled containers. The Gerpheide et al. apparatus is self-contained in that it provides inventory and other reports without interfacing with a remote computer. Software updates and programming is more difficult, if not impossible, in the absence of a remote computer. Additionally the apparatus of Gerpheide et al. does not allow for the entry of other data (as in the remote computer which can interface with the instant invention), such as costs, receipts, etc., to be used in the preparation of reports. Further, this apparatus does not include means for receiving information from a remote computer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,533, issued on Oct. 9, 1990 to David M. Teller et al., describes an apparatus for determining the volume contents of a plurality of containers, such as bottles containing alcoholic beverages.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,012, issued on Mar. 5, 1991 to Swiatoslaw Kuziw, describes a method of dispensing at a tap an effervescent liquid from a keg-like supply. The method comprises the steps of continuously monitoring the weight of the supply and generating an output corresponding thereto, collecting at the tap the liquid that overflows from a vessel into which it is being dispensed, weighing the
Litman Richard C.
Pitts Harold I.
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