Patent ID: 8648699

Claim:
An item tracking system, comprising: a plurality of signal emitting elements directly or indirectly attached to a portion of each of a plurality of items having different shapes or sizes, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of signal emitting elements extends from an associated item of the plurality of items; and a container, comprising: (i) a support surface configured to at least partially support the plurality of items and having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, which are configured to at least partially receive at least a portion of each of the plurality of signal emitting elements therethrough; and (ii) at least one signal receiving member configured for wireless communication with the portion of each of the at least one signal emitting elements extending through the plurality of openings, wherein the plurality of openings are staggered and at least one spacer is positioned between adjacent openings, thereby enhancing the accuracy of a reading process of the at least one signal receiving member.