Intelligent Pallet
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A pallet comprising:
- a pallet body configured to be transported by a transport vehicle, the pallet body made at least in part from composite material; and
an active RFID tag including an internal power source, the active RFID tag embedded within the composite material of the pallet body.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A intelligent pallet having and active RFID tag embedded therein is provided. The pallet is used within a leasing system and/or an inventory management system.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A pallet comprising:
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a pallet body configured to be transported by a transport vehicle, the pallet body made at least in part from composite material; and an active RFID tag including an internal power source, the active RFID tag embedded within the composite material of the pallet body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A pallet usage system, comprising:
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a plurality of pallets made at least in part of composite material or other primarily non-wood material; a plurality of active RFID tags, each of the active RFID tags mounted in one of the pallets; at least one distribution location and at least one destination location, the pallets moving between the distribution and destination locations; and at least one RFID reader disposed proximate at least one of the distribution and destination locations for sensory communication with the active RFID tags, the RFID reader periodically communicating with the active RFID tags to monitor usage of the pallets. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of leasing pallets, comprising:
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providing a plurality of pallets with active RFID tags; leasing the pallets to a user; arranging at least one RFID reader in a location for communication with the active RFID tags; monitoring usage of the pallets by the user through the RFID reader and the active RFID tags; and determining a lease fee based at least in part on monitored usage. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. An inventory control system, comprising:
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a plurality of pallets having inventory contained thereon; a plurality of active RFID tags mounted to the pallets, the active RFID tags having electronic storage with inventory data relating to the inventory contained thereon; and means including a RFID transreceiver for modifying the inventory data in the RFID tags as the inventory changes. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for maintaining inventory, comprising:
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providing a plurality of pallets with an active RFID tag, the active RFID tags having electronic storage; maintaining inventory on the pallets; storing data relating to the inventory on the pallets in the electronic storage of the active RFID tags; modifying the inventory on the pallets; updating the data in the electronic storage based on modification of the inventory on the pallets; reading the data stored in the electronic storage of the active RFID tag on the pallets; and using the data to manage the inventory. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification