Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2006-03-23
2009-08-18
Tweel, Jr., John A (Department: 2612)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S572100, C343S742000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07576655
ABSTRACT:
A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a generally planar conveyor that is 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 first antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel so that the first antenna radiates a first gain pattern carrying radio frequency signals into a first area through which the items pass, wherein the first gain pattern defines an electric field having magnitude and direction and receives responses to the radio frequency signals from radio identification tags on the items. A second antenna is proximate the first antenna and the path of travel so that the second antenna radiates a second gain pattern carrying radio frequency signals into the first area, wherein the second gain pattern defines an electric field having magnitude and direction. At least one radio frequency receiver receives signals from the first antenna corresponding to the responses received by the first antenna from the respective radio frequency identification tags and outputs first signals corresponding to the responses. A processor receives the first signal from the at least one receiver and is programmed to associate a first signal with a first item if the processor receives the first signal from the at least one receiver while at least a portion of the first item is within a predetermined second area that includes at least part of the first area. The gain pattern of the first antenna and the gain pattern of the second antenna are defined, and the second antenna is disposed with respect to the first antenna, so that the direction of the electric field of the first gain pattern opposes the direction of the electric field of the second gain pattern in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the conveyor in the first area and in a direction generally parallel to the path of travel in the first area.
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Claims as presently pending in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 11/387,667.
Claims as presently pending in corresponding U.S. Appl. No. 11/387,365.
Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Tweel, Jr. John A
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