An inventory control system for a plurality of storage areas is provided wherein each storage area comprises at least one platform adapted to support a plurality of identical articles, and platform-supporting means including transducer means for providing a first electrical signal which varies in accordance with changes in the load carried by the platform-supporting means. The system also includes signal processing means for processing the first signals and producing in response to each first si...

A method for selecting an optimum time period from an inventory of available time periods, where each time period has a predetermined duration including selected and unselected time portions and an associated cost includes determining the total amount of time in each time period and the total amount of unselected time in each time period. A calculation is made for each time period to generate an inventory utilization index ratio based upon the total amount of time in each time period divided by ...

A method is provided for inventory management which includes an initial step of receiving a customer request for an inventory item and then generating a table or menu of one or more inventory items that most closely correspond to the customer request using a price forecasting system. Based on negotiations concerning price, timing and other typical concerns, an item is selected from the table and a price quotation associated with the selected inventory item is generated using the price forecastin...

Disclosed is a printing press of the rotary offset or rotogravure web feed type having an arbour mounted feed roll from which paper to be printed is drawn. The press is equipped with a constant inventory follower of the feed roll such that at any time the inventory of the remaining paper stock can be taken.

An inventory control board includes a housing in which a series of front-to-rear spaced transparent sections are provided. A series of slots are formed in the housing beneath the transparent sections, and a series of shafts corresponding in number to the number of slots are rotatably mounted in the housing each such shaft being laterally spaced from and in alignment with one of the slots. Each shaft carries a pair of drums for rotation therewith, and windows are located in the housing above each...

Apparatus for automatically determining the weight of a plurality of articles, each of the articles having a surface portion with a unique element thereon, comprises a plurality of assemblies and a computer. Each assembly includes a surface for supporting an article, a transducer in operative contact with the supporting surface for producing an output signal indicative of the weight of an article placed on the supporting surface, and a sensor in operative relationship with an article on the supp...

A fluid inventory control system is manufactured in modular sections and interconnected by single, multiwire cables having plugs attached to either end for the purpose of cooperating with plug receptacles incorporated with each section of the fluid inventory control system.

A parts inventory maintenance system utilizing novel kit and parts packages. The kit package is a folded sheet which defines a plurality of sides of a multiple-sided tubular enclosure. At least one object is secured to the sheet by a plastic film. The remaining sides of the enclosure are at least in part defined by a closure which telescopes over edges of the sheet. The part package is composed of a piece of coated cardstock and a piece of film which skin packages a part to the card. The card ha...

An effective, efficient and safe method is provided to accurately determine the amount of catalyst in an ebullated bed reactor without depressurizing the reactor or exposing the hydrocarbon in the reactors to oxidizing, flammable, or explosive conditions. Measurements are made automatically by density detectors and pressure sensors along with other equipment.

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 at least one 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. Similar...