RFID conveyor system and method

Details RFID conveyor system and method RFID conveyor system and method

2006-03-23

2009-06-16

Pope, Daryl C (Department: 2612)

Communications: electrical

Condition responsive indicating system

Specific condition

C340S572700, C340S572400

Reexamination Certificate

active

07548162

ABSTRACT:
A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. A plurality of antennas are disposed proximate the path of travel so that the plurality of antennas radiate radio frequency signals into first areas through which the items pass and receive responses to the radio frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification tags on the items. A first antenna is offset with respect to the path of travel from a second antenna so that the radio frequency signals from the second antenna generally do not interfere with reception of responses by the first antenna from radio frequency identification tags located within a predetermined second area along the path of travel. A radio frequency receiver receives signals from the first antenna corresponding to the responses received by the first antenna from the radio frequency identification tags and outputs first signals corresponding to the responses. A processor receives the first signals from the receiver and is programmed to associate a first signal with the first item if the processor receives the first signal from the receiver while at least a portion of the first item is within the second area.

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