초록 ▼

Articles such as garments to be cleaned are associated in a group (e.g., one customer's order). After processing together with articles from other groups, the articles are to be reassembled in their original group units. Coded labels are attached to each of the articles and identify or are cross ref

Articles such as garments to be cleaned are associated in a group (e.g., one customer's order). After processing together with articles from other groups, the articles are to be reassembled in their original group units. Coded labels are attached to each of the articles and identify or are cross referenced to its group, e.g., with barcodes. If articles with permanent labels are processed, group codes are assigned and stored for such articles, indexed to the permanent label information. Other articles are each labelled as to their groups. The total count or number of articles in each group is recorded, preferably on the article labels but also possibly in a data memory accessible to a data processor coupled to a scanner. For manually regrouping the articles, a scanner is used and the group identification is determined as articles are encountered. The data processor assigns and indicates visually one of a number of assembly locations to be used temporarily to store the articles for each group. As the articles are scanned and manually placed, they are counted. The data processor compares the current count with the total for that group, and signals when the group is complete, whereupon the location can assemble another group. The device can be coupled to an inventory control system or operated as a stand alone unit, particularly if the number of articles in each group is recorded on the label.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A system for assisting in manually regrouping associated articles from a plurality of groups of articles, said articles being cleaning articles, the system comprising:a label generator operable to print labels for the articles, the labels including an identification of the group;mea

[ I claim:] [1.] A system for assisting in manually regrouping associated articles from a plurality of groups of articles, said articles being cleaning articles, the system comprising:a label generator operable to print labels for the articles, the labels including an identification of the group;means for recording a total number of articles contained in the group, the total number being recorded at least one of on said labels and in a data memory;data input means coupled to a data processor, for entering from the labels the identification of the group, wherein the recorded total number of articles for each of the groups is accessible to the data processor, and wherein the data processor is operable for each article to count the articles assembled for a respective group and to compare a count of the assembled articles to the total number for the group, a first indicator coupled to the data processor for at least one of visually and audibly signalling a user when the count reaches the total number.