System for tracking objects

• US 8,169,324 B2
• Filed: 05/20/2009
• Issued: 05/01/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James Kuzniar, Malcolm Cole
• Original Assignee: James Kuzniar, Malcolm Cole
• Inventors: Kuzniar, James, Cole, Malcolm
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US12/469,281
• Publication Number:
  US 20100295687A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,077 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/573.3, 340/572.1, 340/572.4, 340/572.7, 340/572.8, 119/712
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• 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.

2. The system according to of claim 1, wherein the control unit further comprises a central processing unit in communication with the radio frequency identification reader.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna is an antenna coil.

4. The system according to claim 3 wherein the antenna housing defines a hollow interior, the antenna coil being positioned in said hollow interior.

5. The system according to claim 1 wherein the control unit further comprises a GPS antenna.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further comprises a GSM antenna.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is attached to or forms part of a vehicle.

8. 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.

9. The system according to claim 8 wherein an antenna housing is attached to the mounting frame, the RFID antenna being coupled to the antenna housing.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the mounting frame is composed of fiberglass.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the control unit further comprises a central processing unit in communication with the radio frequency identification reader.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the antenna is an antenna coil.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit further comprises a GPS antenna.

14. The system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit further comprises a GSM antenna.

15. The system according to claim 8, wherein the receptacle is attached to or forms part of a vehicle.