Abstract:
A trackable storage unit system comprising a plurality of stackable storage units, each storage unit having a computer chip containing data concerning the storage unit, a carrier for carrying a plurality of stacked storage units, the carrier having a first transceiver, electrical connections between the carrier and at least a first storage unit in the stack of storage units carried by the carrier and between adjacent storage units in the stack of storage units carried by the carrier, the electrical connections enabling the first transceiver on the carrier to transmit and receive data to and from the computer chips of the storage units in the stack of storage units; and a second remote transceiver for receiving and transmitting data to and from the first transceiver. The second remote transceiver transmits and receives data to and from the computer chips of the plurality of storage units via the first transceiver and the electrical connections to track the plurality of storage units. A central power source on the carrier may supply power to the computer chips in the stack of storage units via the electrical connections between the storage units. The storage units may be boxes, file folders or any other type of container.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/348,120, filed Jan. 14, 2002. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to the tracking of storage units, i.e., storage boxes, file folders, etc. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for tracking and controlling the movement of storage units during home or office relocations.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Hundreds of boxes are often required to move a business from one office space to another. As one might imagine, boxes are sometimes misplaced, or even lost, during such moves. Systems involving bar coding and/or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags have been employed to track boxes during the moving process, but these solutions have several drawbacks. For example, a bar code reader can only communicate with one bar code label at a time, and RFID tags, which may each have their own separate power supply, are both expensive and have limited range.  
           [0004]    The present invention allows an electrical current to be supplied from a central power source to any or all storage units, e.g., boxes, file folders, etc., within a stack. Such current can be used to effectively drive a large variety of devices that could be attached to the boxes. As examples, such devices might include computer chips, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, Light Emitting Diode (LED) displays, digital clocks, light bulbs or sound speakers. Thus, a single battery located on a cart, pallet or shelf could supply power to any or all boxes loaded on it. This would result in a significant savings of cost, weight and space as compared to placing a separate battery on each box. Similarly, other components of attached devices (e.g., keypads) could be located on a central cart rather than on each box.  
           [0005]    In the case of attaching computer chips to the boxes, the data on such chips could be used to wirelessly track and control the boxes as they pass through the various channels during a move. Since the required chips would be relatively inexpensive, the present invention may effectively provide the speed and power of RFID at about the cost of bar coding. Additionally, by supplying power from a central battery, the invention may be able to substantially increase the range of RFID tags at little or no cost.  
           [0006]    While bar code reading devices can only communicate with one label at a time, and an RFID antenna can only communicate with all tags within a range (i.e., in general, the antenna cannot communicate with only one tag located within a range that includes multiple tags), the present invention would allow communication with one, all or any combination of computer chips within a group. As an example, a different customer name could be written at a relatively high speed to each of a large number of chips within a group of chips. Accordingly, the present invention combines the specificity of bar coding with the speed of RFID.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a storage unit system comprising a plurality of stackable storage units each storage unit having electrical connections between itself and adjacent storage units in a stack of storage units. The electrical connections enable an electrical current to flow from storage unit to storage unit, and to any of a variety of electrically powered devices that may be attached to such storage units. Since the electrical connectors are modular, additional storage units may be added to a stack and electronically connected to adjacent units.  
           [0008]    The system may further comprise a carrier for carrying a plurality of stacked storage units, a central power source on the carrier that is removably attached to, and supplies electrical power to, a first storage unit, such electrical power flowing to adjacent storage units through the electrical connections. The plurality of storage units may be stacked vertically or horizontally. The storage units may be boxes, file folders, or any other type of container.  
           [0009]    In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is a method for passing an electrical current through a plurality of storage units in a storage unit system having a plurality of stackable storage units, with each storage unit having an electrical connection between itself and adjacent storage units in the stack of storage units. The method comprises the flow of an electrical current from storage unit to storage unit via the electrical connections, and to any of a variety of electrically powered devices that may be attached to such storage units. Since the electrical connectors are modular, additional storage units may be added to a stack and electronically connected to adjacent storage units.  
           [0010]    In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a trackable storage unit system comprising a plurality of stackable storage units, each storage unit having a computer chip containing data concerning the storage unit, a carrier for carrying a plurality of stacked storage units, the carrier having a first transceiver, electrical connections between the carrier and at least a first storage unit in the stack of storage units carried by the carrier and between adjacent storage units in the stack of storage units carried by the carrier, the electrical connections enabling the first transceiver on the carrier to transmit and receive data to and from the computer chips of the storage units in the stack of storage units, and a second remote transceiver for receiving and transmitting data to and from the first transceiver. The second remote transceiver transmits and receives data to and from the computer chips of the plurality of storage units via the first transceiver and the electrical connections to track the plurality of storage units.  
           [0011]    The system may further comprise a central power source on the carrier for supplying power to the computer chips in the stack of storage units via the electrical connections between the storage units. The plurality of storage units may be stacked vertically or horizontally. The storage units may be boxes, file folders, or any other type of container. The carrier may be a cart for moving storage units, a shelving unit, a cargo pallet or similar item. The data contained on each computer chip may include identification data for each storage unit.  
           [0012]    In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is a method for tracking a plurality of storage units in a storage unit system having a plurality of stackable storage units, with each storage unit having a computer chip containing data concerning the storage unit, a storage unit carrier having a first transceiver with electrical connections between the carrier and at least a first storage unit in the stack of storage units carried by the carrier and between adjacent storage units in the stack of storage units carried by the carrier, and a second remote transceiver for receiving and transmitting data to and from the first transceiver. The method comprises transmitting data between the computer chips in the stack of storage units and the first transceiver on the carrier via the electrical connections between adjacent storage units in the stack of storage units, transmitting the data between the first transceiver and the second transceiver, and monitoring the data received by the second transceiver.  
           [0013]    In still another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a trackable storage unit system comprising a plurality of storage units, each storage unit having a computer chip containing data concerning the storage unit, a carrier for carrying a plurality of storage units, the carrier having a first transceiver, a central power source connected to the carrier for supplying power to the computer chips of the plurality of storage units, electrical connections between the carrier and each of the plurality of storage units carried on the carrier, the electrical connections enabling the central power source to supply power to the computer chips of the storage units in contact with the carrier and enabling the first transceiver on the carrier to transmit and receive data to and from the computer chips of the plurality of storage units in contact with the carrier, and a second remote transceiver for receiving and transmitting data to and from the first transceiver. The second remote transceiver transmits and receives data to and from the computer chips of the plurality of storage units via the first transceiver and the electrical connections to track the plurality of storage units. The plurality of storage units may be boxes, file folders, or any other similar item. The carrier may be a shelving unit, wheeled cart, or any similar item. The data contained on each computer chip includes identification data for each storage unit.  
           [0014]    In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for tracking a plurality of storage units in a storage unit system having a plurality of storage units, with each storage unit having a computer chip containing data concerning the storage unit, a storage unit carrier having a first transceiver with electrical connections between the carrier and each of the plurality of storage units carried on the carrier, a central power source connected to the carrier for supplying power to the computer chips of the plurality of storage units via the electrical connections, and a second remote transceiver for receiving and transmitting data to and from the first transceiver. The method comprises supplying power to the computer chips of the plurality of storage units in contact with the carrier via the electrical connections; transmitting data between the computer chips of the plurality of storage units in contact with the carrier and the first transceiver on the carrier via the electrical connections; transmitting the data between the first transceiver and the second transceiver; and monitoring the data received by the second transceiver.  
           [0015]    Where a “transceiver” is used to communicate with computer chips in the preceding embodiments, other communications devices could be used in lieu of a transceiver. Such devices include, but are not limited to, handheld computers. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 shows a box outfitted with a Modular Electronic Connector (“MEC”) in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a front view of the box of FIG. 1;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 shows two vertically stacked boxes, each of which is outfitted with a Modular Electronic Connector (hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Box”);  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 shows four stacked MEC Boxes, which are electronically connected to each other;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 shows four MEC Boxes stacked on top of a cart;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 shows the MEC Boxes and cart of FIG. 5 with a battery added to the cart (hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Cart”);  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 shows the MEC Boxes and cart of FIG. 6 with a computer chip added to each MEC Box;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 shows the MEC Boxes and cart of FIG. 7 with a Radio Frequency Data Communication (RFDC) Transmitter/Receiver (hereinafter referred to as an “RFDC Unit”) added to the MEC Cart;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9A is the same as FIG. 8 except that the computer chips have been replaced with RFID Tags;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9B shows an RFID antenna;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10A shows a MEC Box outfitted with an LED display;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10B shows a MEC Box outfitted with colored lights;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11 shows a MEC outfitted shelving unit (hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Shelf”);  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 shows some of the devices that could be attached to a MEC Box;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13 shows the difference in range between Active and Passive RFID tags;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 14A shows a MEC outfitted pallet (hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Pallet”);  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 14B shows a forklift truck used to lift a MEC Pallet;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 14C shows a detailed view of a blade of the forklift truck of FIG. 14B;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 15 is an aerial view of the circuitry located on the underside of a MEC Cart, MEC Shelf, MEC Pallet or other MEC carrier;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 16A shows a large MEC Box containing other smaller MEC Boxes;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 16B shows a top view of the floor of the large MEC Box of FIG. 16A;  
         [0038]    FIGS.  17 A- 17 E show file folders outfitted with Modular Electronic Connectors in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “MEC File Folders”);  
         [0039]    FIGS.  18 A- 18 D show MEC File Folders having a metallic coating in the form of a diagonal line across each of the front and back of the folders;  
         [0040]    FIGS.  19 A- 19 B show MEC File Folders on a shelving unit outfitted with rigid dividers (hereinafter “MEC Dividers”);  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 20A shows a pair of MEC Carts;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 20B shows a network of connected MEC Carts;  
         [0043]    FIGS.  21 A- 21 C show how a Modular Electronic Connector is configured on a plastic box with a hinged lid;  
         [0044]    FIGS.  22 A- 22 D show how a Modular Electronic Connector is configured on a corrugated box; and  
         [0045]    FIGS.  23 A- 23 D show Modular Electronic Connectivity used on RFID tags, rather than on boxes. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0046]    [0046]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a box  120  outfitted with a Modular Electronic Connector  100  on its front wall in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Modular Electronic Connector (“MEC”)  100  includes a Metal Male Nodule  101  at its top and a Metal Female Nodule  102  at its bottom. Metal Male Nodule  101  is essentially a convex shape that slightly protrudes from the top of MEC Box  120 . Metal Female Nodule  102  is essentially a concave shape that forms a slight indentation into the bottom of the MEC Box. The two nodules are connected by metal filament  103  (illustrated by dotted lines to indicate that the viewer is effectively looking through the wall of the box), thereby allowing an electrical current to run between the top and bottom of box  120 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 3 shows two vertically stacked boxes  120 ,  121  each of which is outfitted with a Modular Electronic Connector  100  (hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Box”). By virtue of such invention, MEC Boxes  120 ,  121  are effectively connected to each other and an electrical current can run between them. The connection is modular so that additional MEC Boxes could be added to the stack and electronically connected to each other. FIG. 4 shows four MEC Boxes  120 ,  121 ,  122 ,  123  which are electronically connected to each other. In both FIGS. 3 and 4, Metal Male Nodule  101  on the top of the bottom MEC Box  120  fits into and mates with the Metal Female Nodule  102  on the bottom of the MEC Box  121  immediately above it. In that manner, bottom MEC Box  120  makes electronic contact with MEC Box  121  immediately above it, so that an electrical current can flow between the two MEC Boxes  120 ,  121 . Similarly, an electrical current can flow from the second MEC Box  121  to the third and fourth MEC Boxes  122 ,  123 .  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 5 shows four MEC Boxes  120 ,  121 ,  122 ,  123  with cart  104  beneath them. The top of the cart is outfitted with Metal Male Nodule 105 . Male Nodule  105  mates with Female Nodule  102  on the floor of bottom MEC Box  120 , so that Metal Male Nodule. Cart  104 , outfitted with one or more Metal Male Nodules  105 , is hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Cart.” MEC Boxes  120 ,  121 ,  122 ,  123  are electronically connected to MEC Cart  104 .  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 6 is the same as FIG. 5 except that battery  106  has been added to MEC Cart  104 . Battery  106  is connected to Male Nodule  105  on MEC cart  104  so that an electrical current can be run from cart  104  to each of the boxes  120 ,  121 ,  122 ,  123  stacked above it.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 7 is the same as FIG. 6 except that a computer chip  107  has been added to each MEC Box  120 ,  121 ,  122 ,  123 . Computer chip  107  is connected to metal filament  103  on each MEC Box. Data on computer chip  107  can now flow along metal filament  103 . Any type of media could be used as a chip (including but not limited to silicon), as long as it can store and communicate data in accordance with the requirements of the present invention.  
         [0051]    “RFDC” is an abbreviation for “Radio Frequency Data Communication.” FIG. 8 is the same as FIG. 7 except that an RFDC Transmitter/Receiver  108  (hereinafter referred to as an “RFDC Unit”) has been added to MEC Cart  104 . The RFDC unit can communicate with a remote antenna (shown as  109  in FIG. 9B) which, for example, could be connected to a computer or other communications device. Accordingly, data on computer chips  107  can now be communicated to a computer (or other device) and visa versa. Each MEC Box  120 ,  121 ,  122 ,  123  is thereby effectively in communication with a remote computer (or other device). Communication can be with (i) one (ii) all or (iii) any combination of MEC Boxes on MEC Cart  104 . As an alternative, a computer (or other device) could be connected directly to MEC Cart  104  without using an RFDC unit  108 .  
         [0052]    As discussed above, “RFID” is an abbreviation for “Radio Frequency Identification.” FIG. 9A is similar to FIG. 8 except that the computer chips on each MEC Box have been replaced with RFID tags  110 . RFID tags communicate with a remote antenna, such as RFID antenna  109  shown in FIG. 9B. RFID antenna  109  can, in turn, communicate with a computer or other device. The computer chips inside RFID tags  110  may also be in communication with RFDC Unit  108  on MEC Cart  104 . Accordingly, data on the computer chips can now be communicated to a computer (or other device) via either RFID or RFDC. Communications via RFDC can be used to activate or de-activate the RFID Tag on any MEC Box in the stack shown. For example, the tags on the top MEC Box could be activated while the three lower boxes are de-activated. This would allow the RFID Antenna to read only the tag on the top box, thereby distinguishing it from the other boxes. Similarly, communication via RFDC could be used to cause the RFID tags to flash on and off at differential rates. This could be used to send coded messages to the RFID Antenna.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 10A shows a MEC Box  120  outfitted with an LED display  201 , which can effectively serve as an electronic label. The battery used to power LED  201  display would be located on a MEC Cart or other MEC enabled carrier (e.g., a MEC Pallet or MEC Shelf). Accordingly, one battery on a MEC Cart could drive a large number of LED displays located on boxes above it. Similarly, other essential components of the LED display, such as circuitry and keypads, could be located on a MEC Cart rather than on each box, resulting in a savings of money, space and weight.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 10B shows a MEC Box  120  outfitted with colored lights: yellow light  203 , blue light  204  and green light  205 . Colored lights  203 ,  204  and  205  may include LEDs. The concepts are the same as those discussed in connection with FIG. 10A above, i.e., the battery on a MEC Cart or other MEC enabled carrier can be used to power the lights and turn then on and off differentially.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 11 shows a MEC outfitted shelving unit  220  (hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Shelf”). The top of each shelf is outfitted with one or more Metal Male Nodules  202 , which are preferably similar to the type of Metal Male Nodule  101 ,  105  shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Male Nodules  202  mate with the Female Nodules  102  on the floors of the bottom MEC Boxes  120  in the stacks shown. The MEC boxes are effectively connected to the MEC Shelf which can be connected via either an RFDC Unit or a cable to a computer or other communications device.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 12 exemplifies some of the devices that could be attached to a MEC Box  120 . As shown, such devices include a thermometer, a motion sensor, a scale, an impact sensor, a calendar/clock indicating the time and date, and a motor or pump. As discussed above, the battery or other source used to power such devices would be on a MEC Cart or other MEC enabled carrier. Accordingly, one battery on a MEC Cart could drive many different electrical devices in a stack of MEC Boxes  120 . Similarly, other essential components of the various devices could be located on a MEC Cart rather than on each box (e.g. an output device for a thermometer), resulting in savings of money, space and weight.  
         [0057]    An “active” RFID tag has its own battery built into the tag. Less expensive “passive” RFID tags do not have their own batteries, but receive power from an RFID antenna. Active tags are generally more expensive and have a longer transmittal range than passive tags. It is possible that the battery on a MEC enabled carrier could be used to provide power to an otherwise passive tag, thereby providing the range of an active tag at about the price of a passive tag. As shown in FIG. 13, the range R 1  of a passive tag, which may be on the order of 10 feet, is much less than the range R 2  of an active tag, which may be on the order of 1000 feet.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 14A shows a MEC outfitted pallet (hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Pallet”). The underside of the top surface of the MEC Pallet is outfitted with a metal plate  210 . Blades  217  of forklift truck  216  (shown in FIG. 14B) can be inserted into the pallet. As shown in FIG. 14C, each blade is outfitted with a Metal Strip  211 , indicated by diagonal stripes (hereinafter referred to as a “MEC Blade”). When the MEC Blades are inserted into the MEC Pallet, Metal Strips  211  and metal plates  210  make contact with each other. Accordingly, the MEC Pallet is effectively connected to the MEC Blades  217  which can communicate via an RFDC Unit to a computer or other device. The RFDC Unit would typically be located on the forklift truck. Any MEC Boxes sitting atop the MEC Pallet can be added to the communications channel.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 15 is an aerial view of the circuitry located on the underside of a MEC Cart, MEC Shelf, MEC Pallet or other MEC carrier. Essentially, the circuitry forms a grid, so that all MEC Boxes atop the MEC carrier are connected to each other. A MEC Nodule  215  is at each grid intersection.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 16A shows large MEC Box  301  which holds other smaller MEC Boxes  302 . Each of the small boxes  302  is outfitted with a computer chip  107 . An aerial view of the floor of the large box (FIG. 16B), shows that it is outfitted with Metal Male MEC Nodules  303 . Accordingly, since the large box is in communication will all smaller boxes, the large MEC Box can know its own content. If a smaller box is removed or added, that could be communicated to the large MEC Box and from there to various other communications devices.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 17A and 17B show the front and back sides of a “MEC File Folder”  401 . In the embodiment shown, file folder  401  have been imprinted or stamped with a metallic coating  402  in the shape of a broad vertical stripe. The stripe covers both the front and back of file folders  401 . FIG. 17C shows two stacked file folders, such that the metallic coating on the back of the front folder makes contact with the metallic coating on the front of the back cover. The same concept could be applied to books and other objects. FIG. 17E shows an aerial view of a plurality of stacked MEC file folders  401 . FIG. 17D shows a MEC file folder  401  opened flat.  
         [0062]    FIGS.  18 A- 18 D show another preferred embodiment of a MEC File Folder  405  with a metallic coating is in the form of a diagonal line  415  across each of the front and back of folders  405 . Horizontal strip of metallic coating  416  across the bottom of the folder connects the front and back diagonals. FIG. 18C shows two stacked file folders  405 , such that the metallic coating on the back of the front folder makes contact with the metallic coating on the front of the back cover. The same concept could be applied to books. FIG. 18D shows a MEC file folder  405  opened flat.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 19B shows MEC File Folders  401  (as described above) on a shelving unit  225  outfitted with Rigid MEC Dividers (RMDs)  425 . An RMD is a rigid rectangular board that might typically be made of plastic. The board contains a metallic coating in the shape of a broad vertical stripe (in the same manner as described in FIGS.  17 A- 17 B). RMD  425  is attached to shelving unit  225  and can be slid along the shelves in order to keep MEC File Folders  401  upright and compactly in place. An RMD  425  and an adjacent MEC File Folder  401  can communicate with each other by virtue of the contact between their metallic coatings. Similarly, all MEC File Folders  401  can communicate with their adjacent MEC File Folders. This allows any and all MEC File Folders  401  to communicate with RMD  425 , which can effectively communicate with a computer or other device via either an RFDC Unit or through a cable.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 20A shows a pair of MEC carts  104 , where each cart has a metal plate  450  attached to each of its four sides. When multiple carts  104  are arranged in the configuration shown in FIG. 20B, the plates contact each other, thereby providing connectivity between and creating a network of linked MEC Carts  104 .  
         [0065]    FIGS.  21 A- 21 C shows how a Modular Electronic Connector could be configured on a plastic box  505  with a hinged lid. As shown in FIG. 21A, Metal Male Nodule  501  is attached near a corner at the top of the lid. Metal filament  586  runs a short distance from Nodule  501  to the edge of the lid. At the edge, filament  586  turns down and extends around the underside of the lid, where it attaches to the a Metal Female Nodule  502  (shown in FIG. 21B. Metal Male Nodule  503  is attached to the shoulder of the box and is attached to metal filament  504  which runs to the bottom of the box at which point, such filament  586  is attached to a Metal Female Nodule (not shown). When the lid is closed (see FIG. 21C), Metal Male Nodule  503  mates with the Female Nodule  502  on the lid, thereby effectively connecting Male Nodule  501  on the lid to Female Nodule at the bottom of the box (not shown). FIG. 21C shows a stack of two connected plastic MEC Boxes  505  with hinged lids.  
         [0066]    FIGS.  22 A- 22 D shows an embodiment of the current invention in which a Modular Electronic Connector has been configured on a corrugated box  605 . The configuration is similar to the one described in FIG. 1, except that the top and bottom nodules  101 ,  102  (shown in FIG. 1) have been replaced by flat metallic contact surfaces  601  and  602  (shown as circles in FIGS. 22A and 22D) that have been printed or stamped on the outside of box  605 . Metal filament  604 , connecting the top and bottom contact surfaces has also been printed on the outside of the box and a computer chip  606  has been attached to such filament. FIG. 22D shows two MEC outfitted corrugated boxes  605  with the bottom metal surface  602  of the upper box  607  in contact with the top metal surface  601  of the lower box  605 . FIGS. 22B and 22C are aerial views of the tops of carriers  612  (e.g., carts, shelves or pallets) that have been “MEC outfitted” to be compatible with boxes  605 . FIG. 22B shows metal circles  609 , and FIG. 22C shows metal strips  610 , that would be positioned to mate with the bottom metal contacts of MEC Outfitted corrugated boxes sitting on such carriers. Such circles, strips or other shapes could be printed or stamped on the carriers, or attached as metal plates.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 23A shows Modular Electronic Connectivity used on RFID tags  630  (numbered  1  through  16 ), rather than on boxes. RFID tags can be made in many shapes. In the embodiment shown, the form which holds the electronic elements of the tag is made of rigid plastic. An aerial view of the tag is shown in FIG. 23B and a side view of a stack of tags is shown in FIG. 23A. FIG. 23B shows a metal filament  625  passing through a hole in the tag. Filament  625  would have metal male and female nodules at its top and bottom, respectively. As shown by the set of vertical dotted lines  625  in FIG. 23A, the tags in the stack are electronically connected to each other, as well as to a battery  640  and an RFDC Unit  650  in a MEC base  660 .  
         [0068]    As an example of a possible application, a command from a computer through RFDC Unit  650  could cause the top tag in the stack (tag # 1 ) to be activated while the other tags remain deactivated. Accordingly, RFID antenna  670  (FIG. 23C) would read only tag # 1 . Thereafter, tag # 1  could be removed from the stack and attached to corrugated box # 1  (shown in FIG. 23D). A second command from the computer could cause the new top tag in the stack (tag # 2 ) to be activated while the other tags remain deactivated. Accordingly, RFID antenna  670  (FIG. 23C) would read only the tag # 2 . Tag # 2  could be removed from the stack and attached to corrugated box # 2  (shown in FIG. 23D). Continuing in this manner, each tag could be associated with the box to which it is attached.  
         [0069]    While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the following claims.