Low cost RFID labeling device

• US 20070030153A1
• Filed: 11/21/2005
• Published: 02/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Supervision, LLC
• Original Assignee: Ensyc Technologies
• Inventors: Jessup, Steven
• Granted Patent: US 7,436,302 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.100
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 1/18 by transferring data from one type of record carrier on to another type of record carrier, e.g. from magnetic tape to punched card
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0025 the arrangement consisting of a wireless interrogation device in combination with a device for optically marking the record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 5/00 Methods or arrangements for verifying the correctness of markings on a record carrier; Column detection devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer

Abstract

A system for dispensing, reading and verifying RFID tags. The system includes a label dispenser that dispenses labels that contain RFID tags from a bulk label storage device, an RFID Reader/Writer device that is operatively connected to the label dispenser. The RFID Reader/Writer device reads and codes tags which are embedded within these labels. The RFID Reader/Writer is configured to function in close range and thus provide adequate fidelity of coding and transfer of individual program tags. The invention also includes an RFID reader/writer that is powered by its communications means.

Claims

1. A labeling device for dispensing and reading labels containing RFID tags said labeling device comprising:

a label dispenser operatively connected to an RFID reader/writer, whereby the movement of labels and the reading and writing of the RFID tags within these labels are coordinated according to a preselected schedule.

2. The labeling device of claim 1 wherein said dispenser comprises:

a storage portion configured to hold a preselected quantity of labels therein, each of said labels containing an RFID tag;

a feed mechanism, said feed mechanism configured to move a label from said storage portion to a processing location; and

a sensor, said sensor configured to sense when a label is in a pre-designated position, and to send a signal to said RFID reader writer.

3. The labeling device of claim 2 wherein said body further defines a chute, said chute defining a path wherein said labels travel from said dispenser to said RFID reader/writer.

4. The labeling device of claim 3 further comprising a cover adapted to cover said chute, said cover configured to hold a label within said chute while said label passes under said cover within said chute.

5. The labeling device of claim 1 wherein said RFID reader/writer is powered through a USB cable.

6. The labeling device of claim 1 further comprising a cutter, said cutter adapted to cut a selected programmed label from a bulk embodiment of labels.

7. The labeling device of claim 1 wherein said RFID reader/writer comprises:

an oscillator;

a power splitter operatively connected between said oscillator and an antenna system, said power splitter further operatively connected to a mixer, said power splitter configured to receive input from said oscillator and to transmit a signal to said antenna system and to said mixer;

said mixer configured to receive input from said oscillator through said power splitter and input from said antenna system and to transmit a signal to another location.

8. The labeling device of claim 1 wherein said RFID reader/writer and said label dispenser are integrally connected within a single housing.

9. The labeling device of claim 8 wherein said housing is a ruggedized housing, which further comprises a compartment adapted to receive and hold a portable power source therein.

10. The labeling device of claim 1 wherein said RFID reader/writer and said label dispenser are selectively separable and interconnectable.

11. A labeling device for dispensing and reading labels containing RFID tags said labeling device comprising:

a label dispenser, said label dispenser further comprising a body said body having a storage portion configured to hold a preselected quantity of printable labels therein, each of said labels containing an RFID tag;

a feed mechanism, said feed mechanism configured to move a label from said storage portion to a processing location; and

a sensor, said sensor configured to sense when a label is in a pre-designated position, and to send a signal to an RFID reader writer,

said RFID reader writer having an oscillator;

a power splitter operatively connected between said oscillator and an antenna system, said power splitter further operatively connected to a mixer, said power splitter configured to receive input from said oscillator and to transmit a signal to said antenna system and to said mixer;

said mixer configured to receive input from said oscillator through said power splitter and input from said antenna system and to transmit a signal to another location.

12. The labeling device of claim 11 wherein said RFID reader/writer and said label dispenser are integrally connected within a single housing.

13. The labeling device of claim 12 wherein said body further defines a chute, said chute defining a path wherein said labels travel from said dispenser to said RFID reader/writer, said labeling device further comprising a cover adapted to cover said chute, said cover configured to hold a label within said chute while said label passes under said cover within said chute.

14. The labeling device of claim 13 wherein said RFID reader/writer device is powered through a USB cable.

15. The labeling device of claim 11 wherein said RFID reader/writer and said label dispenser are selectively separable and interconnectable.

16. In a system for dispensing, reading and encoding labels comprised of a label dispenser, a sensor, and an RFID reader/device a method for dispensing, reading, and encoding RFID tags comprising the steps of:

dispensing an RFID tag from said label dispenser along a chute towards a sensor;

sensing when a label containing an RFID tag has arrived at a preselected location;

activating said RFID reader to a make multiple attempt to read said tag;

providing an error message if said RFID tag cannot be read after multiple attempts to read said tag;

allowing a user to select a desired action if said multiple attempts to read said tag are unsuccessful;

writing said information from said data handler to an RFID tag; and

verifying said RFID tag.

17. The method of claim 17 wherein said desired actions include trying to read said tag or code again or aborting the reading of said tag or code.