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:
Apr. 03, 2012
Filed:
Sep. 01, 2010
Applicant:
Daniel L. Kunkel, Chippewa Falls, WI (US);
Inventor:
Daniel L. Kunkel, Chippewa Falls, WI (US);
Assignee:
ANS, Inc., Chippewa Falls, WI (US);
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G08B 5/00 (2006.01); G06F 17/40 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract
Sensors and techniques for an automated data acquisition and notification system having a plurality of receptacles adapted to store items. In each of the plurality of receptacles, at least one sensor is operated to detect a presence of an item in that receptacle. Light is emitted from a planar surface within the receptacle to a space within the receptacle opposite the planar surface. While that light is emitted light incident on the planar surface is detected. A determination is made whether an amount of light that is detected is significant to indicate a presence of the item.