{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-8473374","patent":{"patent_number":"US-8473374","title":"Method and apparatus for monitoring inventory","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2008-12-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2013-06-25T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G06Q","G07F"],"num_claims":35,"abstract":"A method for monitoring inventory on a self-adjusting shelf and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes a method for determining the number of packages on a shelf or hanger of a self-adjusting shelf. The number of packages on a shelf or hanger are determined by measuring the distance from the back end of a shelf to the package closest to the shelf with a sensor, ascertaining the thickness of the product, and by calculating the amount of space occupied on a shelf or hanger and consequently the number of packages on a shelf. In another embodiment, the product is identified by a product identifying means such as an SKU reader. Thus, the quantity and type of product located on a shelf or hanger is known. Such information allows a store to know the type and quantity of packages needed to restock a specific hanger."},"analysis":{"summary":null,"layman_explanation":null,"technical_analysis":null,"business_analysis":null,"faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Method and apparatus for monitoring inventory","description":"A method for monitoring inventory on a self-adjusting shelf and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes a method for determining the number of packages on a shelf or hanger of a ","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-8473374","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-8473374","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method and apparatus for monitoring inventory\" (US-8473374). https://patentable.app/patents/US-8473374","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-8473374","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-8473374","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T14:06:19.209Z"}