# US 2022/0044196 A1 · Systems for monitoring and reordering supplies > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2022/0044196 A1 - Document ID: US20220044196A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 17/394,847 - Filed: 2021-08-05 - Published: 2022-02-10 - Earliest claimed: 2020-08-07 - Inventors: Jonathan McWilliams - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20220044196A1 ## CPC - G06Q 10/0875: Itemisation or classification of parts, supplies or services, e.g. bill of materials - G06Q 30/0283: Price estimation or determination - G06Q 30/0605: {Pooling transaction partners, e.g. group buying or group selling} - G06Q: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract Supply management systems for a supply item. The supply management systems include a weight detector, an item identifier, a platform, and a computer. The weight detector is configured to detect a current weight of the supply item. The item identifier is configured to identify the supply item. The platform is supported on the weight detector and configured to support the supply item. The computer is in data communication with the weight detector and the item identifier. The computer is configured to receive supply item identifier data; identify the supply item; store a reorder threshold weight value; receive the current weight of the supply item; dynamically compare the current weight with the reorder threshold weight value; and update a supply status of the supply item to indicate that a reorder threshold has been reached. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A supply management system for a supply item, comprising: a weight detector configured to detect a current weight of the supply item; an item identifier configured to identify the supply item; a platform supported on the weight detector and configured to support the supply item; and a computer in data communication with the weight detector and the item identifier; wherein the computer is configured to: receive supply item identifier data from the item identifier; identify the supply item based on the supply item identifier data; store a reorder threshold weight value for the supply item; receive the current weight of the supply item from the weight detector; dynamically compare the current weight with the reorder threshold weight value; and update a supply status of the supply item to indicate that a reorder threshold has been reached when the current weight is less than or equal to the reorder threshold weight value. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The supply management system of claim 1, further comprising a display in data communication with the computer. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The supply management system of claim 2, wherein the computer is configured to display information about the supply item on the display. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The supply management system of claim 3, wherein the information about the supply item includes the current weight of the supply item. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The supply management system of claim 3, wherein the information about the supply item includes an estimate of a remaining quantity of the supply item. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) The supply management system of claim 2, wherein: the computer is in data communication with a supplier of the supply item; the computer is configured to display a user interface for ordering a resupply of the supply item from the supplier. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The supply management system of claim 6, wherein: the computer is configured to obtain a current price of the supply item from the supplier; and the computer is configured to display the current price on the display. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The supply management system of claim 6, wherein: the computer is configured to obtain a current availability status of the supply item from the supplier; and the computer is configured to display the current availability status on the display. ### Claim 9 (depends on 2) The supply management system of claim 2, wherein: the computer is in data communication with multiple suppliers of the supply item; and the computer is configured to display a user interface for ordering a resupply of the supply item from one or more of the multiple suppliers. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The supply management system of claim 9, wherein the computer is in data communication with the multiple suppliers via the World Wide Web. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The supply management system of claim 1, wherein: the supply management system further comprises an indicator, and the computer is further configured to activate the indicator when the reorder threshold has been reached. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The supply management system of claim 11, wherein the indicator is a light. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The supply management system of claim 1, wherein the computer is further configured to automatically order a resupply of the supply item when the reorder threshold has been reached. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The supply management system of claim 1, wherein the platform includes: a floor; and sidewalls extending from the base. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The supply management system of claim 1, further comprising a frame laterally surrounding the platform. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The supply management system of claim 15, wherein the frame and the platform enclose the weight detector. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The supply management system of claim 1, wherein the weight detector is a load cell. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The supply management system of claim 1, wherein the item identifier is an optical scanner configured to read a code on the supply item. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The supply management system of claim 18, wherein the code on the supply item is one or more of a barcode or a QR code. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The supply management system of claim 1, wherein: the weight detector and the platform collectively define a first supply management unit; the supply management system includes multiple supply management units configured the same as the first supply management unit and in data communication with the computer; and the computer is configured to receive from each supply management unit the current weight of multiple supply items supported by the multiple supply management units in a one-to-one ratio.