Charles E Rutledge

US Patent:

60731141, Jun 6, 2000

Filed:

Nov 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/561846

Inventors:

Frank N. Perkins - Huntsville AL
Frank M. Riley - Perry GA
J. Blake Sullivan - Americus GA
Charles R. Rutledge - Madison AL
Patricia G. Rutledge - Madison AL
Blake D. Reid - Madison AL
Karen E. Albritton - Madison AL
Reuel Dulaney - Huntsville AL
Andrew G. Bailey - Madison AL

Assignee:

Talent Technology, Inc. - Huntsville AL

International Classification:

G06F 1760

US Classification:

705 28

Abstract:

The invention relates to an improved method for accounting for, and keeping track of, commodities which are gathered or harvested in one location and thereafter transported for delivery to another location. While the invention is applicable for use with a variety of commodities, the embodiment discussed concerns timber. It provides for a paperless process which accommodates the use by, and inputs from, various persons responsible for different steps in the process. It can be initiated by the timber owner and thereafter allows for the accumulation and recordation of pertinent information by other persons responsible for the various steps of timber identification, harvesting and delivery, such as the forester, loader, timber cutting crew chief, transporter, and destination purchaser. The method provides security, accountability, data entry, data retrieval, and reporting, with respect to commodity harvesting, transport, delivery, and receipt. Use of the method is not limited to the timber industry, but is applicable to the tracking of any commodity item.