Abstract: Product replenishment systems which identify to vendors need for replenishment product, and effect shipment of such product. Product containers have computer readable labels which identify particular product to those containers. When a container is empty, the container is tossed into a chute. An antenna subassembly, including antenna, antenna tuner, and signal reader, reads the label as the container passes through the chute. The container label can alternatively be read by otherwise moving the label across the field of a suitable antenna, or by reading such label using a bar code reader. The antenna, or bar code reader, communicates label information to a local computer. The local computer communicates, to a separate host computer, certain of the label information. The host computer collects information from one or more local computers and communicates with respective vendor computers which receive the information, and process and instruct shipment orders related to the needed product.

Abstract: Product replenishment systems which identify to vendors need for replenishment product, and effect shipment of such product. Product containers have computer readable labels which identify particular product to those containers. When a container is empty, the container is tossed into a chute. An antenna subassembly, including antenna, antenna tuner, and signal reader, reads the label as the container passes through the chute. The container label can alternatively be read by otherwise moving the label across the field of a suitable antenna, or by reading such label using a bar code reader. The antenna, or bar code reader, communicates label information to a local computer. The local computer communicates, to a separate host computer, certain of the label information. The host computer collects information from one or more local computers and communicates with respective vendor computers which receive the information, and process and instruct shipment orders related to the needed product.

Abstract: Methods of identifying need for replenishment product, and ordering replenishment product, when on-hand supply falls below a predetermined threshold. Product containers have computer readable labels which identify particular product to be stored in those containers. As a container is emptied, the empty container is tossed into a chute. An antenna subassembly reads the label as the container passes through the chute. The container label can alternatively be read by otherwise moving the label across the field of a suitable antenna, or by reading such label using a bar code reader. The antenna, or bar code reader, communicates label information to a local computer. The local computer communicates, to a host computer, certain of the label information. The host computer collects information from one or more local computers and communicates with vendor order-processing computers which receive the information, and confirm, process, and instruct shipment orders related to the needed replenishment product.