Computer automated tag test system

• US 20080000074A1
• Filed: 05/05/2006
• Published: 01/03/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Amtech Systems LLC (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Amtech Systems LLC (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Martinez, Gabriel, Lewis, Nelson, Martinez, Genaro, Wells, Jay
• Granted Patent: US 8,010,219 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/593
• 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 19/07716 the record carrier comprising means for customization, e.g. being arranged for personalization in batch
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07718 the record carrier being manufactured in a continuous process, e.g. using endless rolls
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49004 including measuring or testing of device or component part

Abstract

An automated system for the processing of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The automated system allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple individual tags through the use of multiple processing stations. A table is provided that is capable of moving the individual tags from one processing station to the next. Tables are also provided for receiving unprocessed tags for input into the system and processed tags for packaging. Individual tags are moved between the tables by a transfer mechanism.

Claims

1. An automated system for processing radio frequency identification tags, comprising:

a first table having a first holder for receiving a plurality of tags;

a second table having a second holder for individually receiving the plurality of tags;

a first transfer device individually transporting the plurality of tags from said first table to said second table;

a plurality of processing stations positioned about said second table for processing the tags, said second table sequentially positioning each of the individually received tags at each of the plurality of processing stations for processing;

a third table having a third holder for receiving the tags processed at said second table; and

a second transfer device individually transporting the plurality of tags from said second table to said third table.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one processing station is a station for performing radio frequency testing of the tag.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the station for performing radio frequency testing of the tag comprises, a resonant cavity;

and a radio frequency interrogator aligned with the resonant cavity on either side of the tag.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one processing station is a station for labeling of the tag.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein at least one processing station is a station for visual inspection of the labeled tag.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the labeling station comprises a label printer.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein an individual tag is processed at one of the plurality of stations simultaneously with another individual tag at a different one of the plurality of stations.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of processing stations is eight.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first table comprises a plurality of bins for holding multiple tags.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said third holder comprises a shipping box.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the transfer mechanism comprises:

an elongated arm extending between said first table and said second table;

a carriage moving along the arm; and

one or more retention devices attached to the carriage to individually engage the plurality of tags.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein said one or more retention devices comprise suction cups.

13. The system of claim 10, further comprising a visual orientation camera detecting whether a tag is in a proper orientation for processing.

14. An automated system for processing radio frequency identification tags, comprising:

a table having holders, each holder receiving one of the tags; and

a plurality of processing stations positioned about said table for processing the tags received in the holders, said table sequentially positioning each of the tags at each of the plurality of processing stations for processing.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one processing station is a station for performing radio frequency testing of the tag.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the station for performing radio frequency testing of the tag comprises, a resonant cavity and a radio frequency interrogator aligned with the resonant cavity on either side of the tag.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one processing station is a station for labeling of the tag.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one processing station is a station for visual inspection of the labeled tag.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the labeling station comprises a label printer.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein an individual tag is processed at one of the plurality of stations simultaneously with another individual tag at a different one of the plurality of stations.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein the number of processing stations is eight.