Patent ID: 7155304
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: B66F,G06K,H01Q

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for reading RF identification transponders in picked goods loaded on a pallet conveyance having a pallet support for conveying the picked goods, comprising: a) an RFID interrogator for triggering the transponders and receiving and decoding replies; b) at least one vertically movable antenna mount, mounted to the pallet support for movement therewith, the mount being moveable from a base level adjacent to a pallet supported by the pallet support to a level at least even with the top of a load of picked goods on the pallet support; c) at least one antenna mounted to the antenna mount and coupled to the interrogator; d) at least one object sensor adjacent to at least one antenna; e) a control unit coupled to the interrogator for initiating interrogation of transponders and accepting decoded replies, to the antenna mount for controlling the level of the antenna mounted on the mount, and to the object sensor for detecting the presence of goods adjacent to the object sensor, such that when picked goods are loaded on the pallet support, the interrogator triggers the transponders in the goods and sends decoded replies to the control unit, and if the object sensor senses the presence of the goods blocking the antenna, the control unit controls the movable antenna mount to raise the antenna mount above the goods.