US 12,140,467 B2
Communicating weight sensor units and techniques for using same
Dean Charles Henry, Solihull (GB)
Assigned to INVENTOR-E LIMITED, West Midlands (GB)
Filed by INVENTOR-E LIMITED, West Midlands (GB)
Filed on Aug. 24, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/410,568.
Claims priority of application No. 2013225 (GB), filed on Aug. 24, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0113182 A1, Apr. 14, 2022
Int. Cl. G01G 13/00 (2006.01); G01G 23/18 (2006.01); G08C 17/02 (2006.01)
CPC G01G 13/006 (2013.01) [G01G 23/18 (2013.01); G08C 17/02 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A dispensing unit, for dispensing stock items, the dispensing unit comprising:
a container configured to receive or support the stock items, the container including a lid, a lid sensor on the container or lid being configured to issue at least a lid open signal in the event that a transition of the lid from closed to open is detected by the lid sensor; and
a weight sensor unit, configured to support, in use, the container, the weight sensor unit comprising:
a weight sensor configured to output weight sensor readings indicative of the weight being supported by the weight sensor,
a transmission device configured to transmit wireless signals;
a processor, coupled to the weight sensor, lid sensor and to the transmission device, and
a battery, wherein the weight sensor, transmission device and processor are powered by the battery;
wherein the processor is configured to:
receive the lid open signal;
only after receipt of the lid open signal,
receive one or more weight sensor readings output by the weight sensor, and
transmit the one or more weight sensor readings wirelessly using the transmission device.