Patent ID: 6663004
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: B07C,B65F,G06Q,Y02W

Abstract:
An electronic discard unit comprising:a central processing unit (CPU); an identification database accessible by the CPU; a content database accessible by the CPU; at least one input device coupled to the CPU; the CPU executing programmatic software to perform functions including: using the at least one input device to obtain a code corresponding to a discarded item; identifying the discarded item by referring to the identification database, and if a match is not found within the identification database, by searching over a computer network for a match; updating the content database to include an entry corresponding to the identified discarded item; generating a re-order instruction for replacing the discarded item; and a pressure sensor that, at least partly in response to pressure from the discarded item, causes the identification of the discarded item.