Trackable files and systems for using the same

• US 7,113,095 B2
• Filed: 05/22/2001
• Issued: 09/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
• Original Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
• Inventors: Green, Alan, Kuzma, Peter J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• Application Number:
  US09/863,752
• Publication Number:
  US 20020041234A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,953 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568.1, 340/572.1, 340/571, 340/825.49, 340/825.36, 340/825.58, 235/392, 235/385, 705/28
• US Class Current: 340/572.7
• CPC Class Codes: B42F 21/00 Indexing means; Indexing tabs or protectors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0723 the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07749 the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0776 the adhering arrangement being a layer of adhesive, so that the record carrier can function as a sticker
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07779 the inductive antenna being a coil
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07783 the coil being planar
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2417 having a radio frequency identification chip
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2434 Tag housing and attachment details
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2437 Tag layered structure, processes for making layered tags
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2462 Asset location systems combined with EAS inventory, tracking, logistic G06Q10/00; entrance control systems G07C9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2482 EAS methods, e.g. description of flow chart of the detection procedure

Abstract

A system for tracking files at a site having a plurality of locations includes a plurality of antenna arrays and a plurality of files. Each of the antenna arrays generates an energizing field and is disposed at or near one of the locations. Each of the files includes a body including a pair of covers and a transponder assembly. The transponder assembly may include a substrate, an antenna disposed on one of the sides of the substrate, a circuit coupled to the antenna and having an identifier code, and an adhesive layer disposed on the other the side of the substrate. The transponder assembly may be attached to one of the covers by the adhesive. The identifier code is unique for each of the files. In operation, each of the transponder assemblies is activated by the energizing field of one of the antenna arrays when moved within an operative distance thereof. An activated transponder assembly responsively transmits a signal indicative of the identifier code. A reader in communication with the antenna arrays receives the signal from the activated transponder assembly. An administrator may be provided in communication with the reader for receiving information from the reader indicative of the location of the file associated with the transponder assembly transmitting the signal. Accordingly, each of the files of the system may be tracked as the files are moved throughout a site.

Claims

1. A file for use in a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system, the file comprising:

a body including a pair of covers;

a transponder assembly including;

an antenna embedded on one of the covers; and

a circuit coupled to the antenna and having an identifier code;

one of the covers including a channel for accommodating the antenna;

a pair of contacts one of which is connected to the antenna; and

wherein the circuit includes a pair of contacts for coupling with the pair of contacts of the file, the circuit being a separate circuit for coupling with the pair of contacts of the file by an end user.

2. The file of claim 1 wherein one of the covers includes a recess configured to receive the circuit.

3. A system for tracking objects at a site having a plurality of locations, the system comprising:

a plurality of antenna arrays each for generating an energizing field, each of the antenna arrays being disposed at or near one of the locations;

a plurality of files each including;

a body including a pair of covers; and

a transponder assembly including;

an antenna embedded on one of the covers;

a circuit coupled to the antenna and having an identifier code;

one of the covers including a channel for accommodating the antenna;

a pair of contacts one of which is connected to the antenna; and

wherein the circuit includes a pair of contacts for coupling with the pair of contacts of the file, the circuit being a separate circuit for coupling with the pair of contacts of the file by an end user

each of the transponder assemblies being activated by the energizing field and responsively transmitting a signal indicative of the identifier code;

a reader in communication with the antenna arrays for receiving the signal when one of transponder assemblies is activated by one of the antenna arrays; and

an administrator in communication with the reader for receiving information from the reader indicative of the location of the file associated with the transponder assembly transmitting the signal.

4. A file for use with a radio-frequency identification (RFID)

transponder circuit with a pair of contacts, the file comprising:

a body including a channel and a recess;

an antenna received in the channel; and

a pair of contacts one of which being connected to the antenna;

wherein the transponder circuit is coupleable with the pair of contacts of the file when the circuit is placed in the recess by an end user.

5. The file of claim 4 wherein the pair of contacts of the file are disposed in the recess.