SYSTEM FOR TRACKING OBJECTS

• US 20100295687A1
• Filed: 05/20/2009
• Published: 11/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Catajen Solutions Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Catajen Solutions Incorporated
• Inventors: COLE, Malcolm, KUZNIAR, James
• Granted Patent: US 8,169,324 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.3
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 11/006 Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals identification systems for access to feeding pens A01K1/0209; ear tags with electronic identification means A01K11/004
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/02 Agriculture; Fishing; Forestry; Mining

Abstract

A system is provided of tracking objects loaded into a receptacle, where the receptacle defines a chamber having an open side for receiving the objects and has a perimeter about the open side. The system comprises a radio frequency identification antenna spaced from the receptacle and attached to the perimeter about the open side, and a radio frequency identification reader attached to the receptacle for receiving a signal from the antenna. The system further comprises a control unit attached to the receptacle communicating with the reader for processing the signal from the antenna.

Claims

1. A system for tracking objects loaded into a receptacle, said receptacle defining a chamber having an open side for receiving said objects, said receptacle having a perimeter about said open side, the system comprising:

a radio frequency identification antenna attached to said perimeter, the antenna being spaced from said receptacle;

a spacing means disposed between the receptacle and the radio frequency identification antenna;

a radio frequency identification reader attached to said receptacle for receiving a signal from said antenna; and

a control unit communicating with said reader for processing said signal, the control unit being attached to the receptacle.

4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit further comprises a central processing unit in communication with the radio frequency identification reader.

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the antenna is an antenna coil.

7. A system according to claim 5 wherein the antenna housing defines a hollow interior, the antenna coil being positioned in said hollow interior.

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit further comprises a GPS antenna.

9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the control unit further comprises a GSM antenna.

10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the receptacle is attached to or forms part of a vehicle.

2. A system for tracking objects loaded into a receptacle, said receptacle defining a chamber having an open side for receiving said objects, said receptacle having a perimeter about said open side, the system comprising:

a mounting frame attached to said perimeter;

a radio frequency identification antenna attached to said mounting frame, the radio frequency identification antenna being spaced from said receptacle;

a radio frequency identification reader attached to said receptacle for receiving a signal from said antenna; and

a control unit communicating with said reader for processing said signal, the control unit being attached to the receptacle.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein an antenna housing is attached to the mounting frame, the RFID antenna being coupled to the antenna housing.

6. A system according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the mounting frame is composed of fiberglass.