Cooler inventory management system with light guard

US6259965A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• THE COCA-COLA COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Ronald Wayne Steele · Powder Springs, US
• David Harvey · Suwanee, US
• Tran Q. Minh · Stockbridge, US
• James R. Bardin · Atlanta, US
• Jason E. Allen · Powder Springs, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 17, 1999
• Grant date: Jul 10, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25D2500/06
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus for tracking the movement of a number of products. The apparatus includes a shelf with the products positioned thereon. The shelf has a fit end with an optical sensor positioned thereabout. The optical sensor tracks the movement of the products. A guard is positioned about the first end of the shelf adjacent to the optical sensor so as to prevent exterior light from interfering with the optical sensor.