DRAFT BEER SUPPLY CHAIN SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

Supply chain systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring fluid levels in liquid containers, such as kegs. Embodiments include sensors that fit within a keg's false bottom, measure the weight of the keg, and transmit the weight information to a computer database via a wireless network. Other embodiments include an RFID device with information about a characteristic of the liquid within a keg (such as brand and/or type of beer) that may be attached to the keg and paired with the sensor so the sensor can transmit information about the characteristic of the liquid in the keg. In alternate embodiments, the sensor's transmitter is short range and an uplink/gateway is used to receive information from the sensor and relay that sensor's information to a broader wireless network. Multiple containers in close proximity may each be fitted with an RFID device and sensor and communicate their individual information to the database.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
attaching a wireless electronic communication device to a keg with liquid, the wireless electronic communication device being encoded with information relating to a characteristic of the liquid within the keg; attaching a sensor/transmitter to the bottom of the keg; transferring information relating to a characteristic of the liquid within the keg from the wireless electronic communication device to the sensor/transmitter; weighing the keg with the sensor/transmitter; and transmitting information related to the weight of the keg and the type of liquid within the keg from the sensor/transmitter to a computer database via a wireless network.