Patent ID: 7757947
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: G06Q,H01Q

Abstract:
1. A contents-aware storage bin, comprising: a transportable bin unit adapted for placement within a storage bin rack; an RFID reader unit in contact with the transportable bin unit; an RFID antenna connected to the RFID reader unit and in contact with the transportable bin unit, wherein the transportable bin unit is completely removable from the storage bin rack, wherein the RFID antenna consists of a loop antenna circumscribed about an entire perimeter of the transportable bin unit; wherein the RFID reader unit comprises a wireless communication device for transmitting RFID data collected by the RFID reader unit to a wireless base station connected to a computer network, wherein the wireless communication device is located within the storage bin rack such that the transportable bin unit is capable of transmitting RFID data to the storage bin rack when the transportable bin unit is completely removed therefrom, and wherein the RFID antenna is incorporated into pad removably placed in the transportable bin unit.