Patent ID: 8260456

Claim:
An inventory shelf monitoring system, comprising: at least one track system mounted on an associated shelf, the track system including a track receiving a pusher that is biased toward a front end of the track; a sensor fixed in relation to the track; an actuator attached to the pusher and in communication with the sensor, the sensor emitting a first output signal corresponding to an instantaneous location of the pusher in relation to the track; a microprocessor coupled to the sensor, wherein the microprocessor controls power to the sensor and measures pusher position; an electric bus located adjacent a rear end of the track, wherein the microprocessor is coupled to the electric bus; a data acquisition and transmitter circuit associated with the associated shelf and in data receiving communication with the sensors of the track system by receipt of the first output signals, the acquisition and transmitter circuit emitting a second output signal corresponding to the identity and location of the pusher of the at least one track system located on the associated shelf as a function of measured pusher position; and a receiver receiving the second output signals; wherein the sensor comprises a potentiometer and the actuator comprises a contact member on the pusher, the contact member defining the signal wiper of the potentiometer.