Apparatus for identifying and tracking multiple tools and disposables
First Claim
1. A flat identification antenna for receiving signals from multiple tags, attached to tools or disposables placed on the antenna, the antenna comprising:
- at least two planar loops made of conductive material, each loop partially overlapping with at least one other loop of the at least two loops;
a substantially flat conductive board positioned at a constant distance from said at least two planar loops in parallel thereto; and
a spacing layer, for keeping the constant distance between the at least two planar loops and the conductive board.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for identifying and tracking instruments, in multiple instrument environments such as an operating room or a garage. Each instrument or disposable has attached thereto an identifying tag, such as an RFID tag. Each plane or location the instruments or disposables are placed on, comprises an antenna and thus continuously identifies the tools. In order for the antenna to work in a metallic environment, the antenna is equipped with a metallic board underneath, which insulates form other metals, and in order for the metallic board not to absorb all the energy, a spacing layer is placed between the metal board and the antenna. Flat antennas may be implemented as a collection of wire loops, overlapping in about 20% of one of their dimensions.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A flat identification antenna for receiving signals from multiple tags, attached to tools or disposables placed on the antenna, the antenna comprising:
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at least two planar loops made of conductive material, each loop partially overlapping with at least one other loop of the at least two loops; a substantially flat conductive board positioned at a constant distance from said at least two planar loops in parallel thereto; and a spacing layer, for keeping the constant distance between the at least two planar loops and the conductive board. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An identification bin configured for receiving signals from multiple tags attached to tools or disposables placed within the bin, the bin comprising:
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an internal bucket made of insulating material, having attached to its external surface two or more loops made of conductive material; an external bucket made of insulating material; a conductive layer attached to the internal surface of the external bucket; and a spacer for forming a constant distance between said internal and external buckets.
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15. A tool to be identified by an identifying antenna, the tool comprising:
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at least one operative part; a tag-holding part, comprising; a tag; a housing for the tag comprising a first flat ring and a second flat ring attached to a flat side of the first flat ring, wherein the first ring has an external diameter equal to the external diameter of the second ring, the first ring has an internal diameter larger than the internal diameter of the second ring, the internal diameter of the second ring is compatible with the diameter of the tag, and the first and the second rings having a notch; and an insulating cover for covering the tag and the first ring, excluding at least one area in which the first ring is connected to the at least one operative part.
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Specification