Abstract: A rooftop cargo carrier having a rack that can be mounted on the roof of an automotive vehicle and on which a linear rail is disposed, along which linear rail a support structure for an object to be transported can be moved between a transport position, in which the support structure is disposed above the linear rail, and an intermediate position, in which the support structure is disposed on the side as an extension of the linear rail. The configuration comprising the linear rail and the support structure can be pivoted between the intermediate position and a loading position, in which the linear rail and the support structure are disposed at a blunt angle relative to the rack. The rooftop cargo carrier also includes a retainer that allows joint pivoting movement of the linear rail and the support structure relative to the rack only after the intermediate position has been reached.

Abstract: A rooftop cargo carrier having a rack that can be mounted on the roof of an automotive vehicle and on which a linear rail is disposed, along which linear rail a support structure for an object to be transported can be moved between a transport position, in which the support structure is disposed above the linear rail, and an intermediate position, in which the support structure is disposed on the side as an extension of the linear rail. The configuration comprising the linear rail and the support structure can be pivoted between the intermediate position and a loading position, in which the linear rail and the support structure are disposed at a blunt angle relative to the rack. The rooftop cargo carrier also includes a retainer that allows joint pivoting movement of the linear rail and the support structure relative to the rack only after the intermediate position has been reached.

Abstract: A method tracks usage of items stored in containers. To perform the method, a sensor in a mobile electronic device receives data identifying a type of item stored in a container and a number of the type of item present in the container from a tag associated with the container. A user interface in the mobile electronic device generates a prompt requesting entry of a count of the items removed from the container. The sensor in the mobile electronic device generates a revised number of the items stored in the container and stores the revised number in the tag.

Abstract: Container with a bottom wall, two side walls, and a back wall connecting them, and at least one drawer which can be pulled from the opening of the container, opposite this back wall, wherein on the upper edges of the two side walls, at least one locking device is provided. Such known containers are not flexible enough for practical use. The goal of refining a generic container in such a way that there are more combination possibilities in handling is attained in that the upper side of the container, opposite the bottom wall, is open and another container or a lid, covering the open upper side, can be optionally locked in via the locking device.

Abstract: An item tracking system includes a plurality of items for storage and removal from a compartment. The system includes tags affixed to the items and configured to store identifiers for the items. A tag reader receives data from the tags in response to the items being removed from and returned to the compartment. A sensor in the compartment identifies a state change associated with the compartment. A processor identifies removal of an item with data received by the tag reader, identifies the state change with the sensor after the item is removed and before it is returned, and generates an output with an output device including the identifier corresponding to the item in response to the state change in the compartment.

Abstract: A system for ordering items includes a plurality of tagged containers, an item being stored in each container. A mobile electronic device reads data in a tag associated with one of the containers and identifies at least one supplier for the item that is within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device sends an order request to a server that identifies the at least one type of item in the container and the at least one supplier. The server generates an order for the item with only the one supplier identified in the order request and sends the order to another server operated by the one supplier.

Abstract: A method tracks usage of items stored in containers. To perform the method, a sensor in a mobile electronic device receives data identifying a type of item stored in a container and a number of the type of item present in the container from a tag associated with the container. A user interface in the mobile electronic device generates a prompt requesting entry of a count of the items removed from the container. The sensor in the mobile electronic device generates a revised number of the items stored in the container and stores the revised number in the tag.