The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 16, 2026
Filed:
Jan. 17, 2024
Deroyal Industries, Inc., Powell, TN (US);
Gregory S. Hodge, Knoxville, TN (US);
Daniel W. Marzahl, Jr., Knoxville, TN (US);
Dhanvin S. Desai, Knoxville, TN (US);
Kenneth L. Jones, Lenoir City, TN (US);
Sallie P. Patrick, Maryville, TN (US);
Mark E. Mcknight, Knoxville, TN (US);
James W. Tucker, Knoxville, TN (US);
Joe L. Smith, Powell, TN (US);
DeRoyal Industries, Inc., Powell, TN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for monitoring and replenishing an inventory of goods includes a first inventory area and a first movable structure having a first optical code associated with the first distinct inventory area. The first movable structure is placed in a replenishment signaling area after a supply of goods in the inventory area is depleted. Boundary optical codes are disposed near a boundary of the replenishment signaling area. A camera generates periodic images of the replenishment signaling area and the boundary optical codes. A computer processor detects the boundary optical codes in the images and determines a boundary line of the replenishment signaling area based thereon. The processor determines a spatial relationship between the first optical code and the boundary line in the images and generates a replenishment notification based on the spatial relationship. The replenishment notification indicates that the supply of the first type of goods needs to be replenished.