Abstract: A weight-based dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a platform and a container, coupled to the platform, including a lid configured to move between a closed state restricting access to items in the container and an open state allowing access to the items in the container. The system also includes at least two weight sensors, wherein each of the weight sensors is coupled to the platform and is configured to determine a change in weight on the platform, and a controller configured to determine a change in the number of items in the container based on the state of the lid and the change in weight on the platform. A method for dispensing items is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.

Abstract: A method for supplying items to dispensing units that hold at least one type of item and a record of inventory levels comprises periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer. Ordering information is generated for the items to be restocked based on the restocking information. The ordering information is electronically sent to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing units.

Abstract: An inventory management system preferably including a supply crib configured to store a plurality of supply items. The supply crib has a controlled entryway to selectively permit access to the supply crib. A database contains inventory information relating to a quantity of each of the plurality of supply items allocated to the supply crib. A user terminal is capable of communicating with the database and is accessible from external the supply crib. The user terminal is configured to permit a user of the system to select a quantity of a desired item from the plurality of supply items within the crib. The system is configured to update the inventory information to reflect the addition or removal of the quantity of the desired item in response to the user initiating a door transaction, which preferably is either or both of an access request to the supply crib or entry into the supply crib by the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention are directed towards various sensing mechanisms for bins of an automated inventory system. Further, various communication infrastructures and schemes between the various system components are disclosed. The automated inventory system comprises a plurality of dispensing bins containing stocked items. Various sensors may be used to detect the level or quantity of items within the various bins of the system. If a particular threshold level or quantity in the bin is triggered, a reorder signal is transmitted. The reorder signal may be communicated to other system components via hardwired and/or wireless connections. An RFID reader device may be used to collect reorder data regarding the various bins.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention are directed towards various sensing mechanisms for bins of an automated inventory system. Further, various communication infrastructures and schemes between the various system components are disclosed. The automated inventory system comprises a plurality of dispensing bins containing stocked items. Various sensors may be used to detect the level or quantity of items within the various bins of the system. If a particular threshold level or quantity in the bin is triggered, a reorder signal is transmitted. The reorder signal may be communicated to other system components via hardwired and/or wireless connections. An RFID reader device may be used to collect reorder data regarding the various bins.

Abstract: A method for supplying items to dispensing units that hold at least one type of item and a record of inventory levels comprises periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer. Ordering information is generated for the items to be restocked based on the restocking information. The ordering information is electronically sent to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing units.

Abstract: An inventory management system preferably including a supply crib configured to store a plurality of supply items. The supply crib has a controlled entryway to selectively permit access to the supply crib. A database contains inventory information relating to a quantity of each of the plurality of supply items allocated to the supply crib. A user terminal is capable of communicating with the database and is accessible from external the supply crib. The user terminal is configured to permit a user of the system to select a quantity of a desired item from the plurality of supply items within the crib. The system is configured to update the inventory information to reflect the addition or removal of the quantity of the desired item in response to the user initiating a door transaction, which preferably is either or both of an access request to the supply crib or entry into the supply crib by the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlled dispensing of consumable supply items, such as office supplies, wherein the quantity of items added or removed from the apparatus is determined by sensing a change in weight of items within the apparatus. The apparatus may be in the form of a cabinet having a plurality of doors, each door having a secured position preventing access to the items within the cabinet. The cabinet may be configured to unlock less than all of the doors to allow limited access to the items based on various factors, such as user identification and item cost.

Abstract: A method for supplying items to dispensing units that hold at least one type of item and a record of inventory levels comprises periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer. Ordering information is generated for the items to be restocked based on the restocking information. The ordering information is electronically sent to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing units.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.

Abstract: A controlled access dispensing unit arranged to permit selective access to supply items within a portion of the dispensing unit. Preferably, the dispensing unit includes a cabinet arranged to hold a plurality of supply items. An enclosure assembly desirably includes a first panel and a second panel positioned in a plane substantially parallel to and aligned with a plane defined by the first panel. The two panels each comprise an opening that together defines a variable size and moveable access opening.

Abstract: A controlled access dispensing unit arranged to permit selective access to supply items within a portion of the dispensing unit. Preferably, the dispensing unit includes a cabinet arranged to hold a plurality of supply items. An enclosure assembly desirably includes a first panel and a second panel positioned in a plane substantially parallel to and aligned with a plane defined by the first panel. The two panels each comprise an opening that together defines a variable size and moveable access opening.