Abstract: A system that utilizes two different types of RFID data capture devices; at least one standard fixed RFID portal (e.g., one reader and two antennas) and at least one handheld or mobile RFID device in combination with passive RFID tags (i.e., transmitters). The system acquires, tracks, and reports asset location specific to a manufacturing plant and storage yard (i.e., the inventory), as well as production milestone events. GPS asset location data is tracked almost continuously and reported on demand.

Abstract: Antenna assemblies for controlling radiation patterns or backscatter sensing zones are provided. The antenna assemblies may be used in a system for identifying items, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system having an RFID reader and a plurality of RFID tags. In one embodiment, an antenna assembly may include a directional antenna having a fanned-shaped radiation pattern. In addition to the directional antenna, the antenna assembly may further include a right shroud element configured to reduce a right side of the fanned-shaped radiation pattern and a left shroud element configured to reduce a left side of the fanned-shaped radiation pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for predicting asset availability in a supply chain, whereby assets are typically reusable assets such as packaging or bins which are expensive components yet hard to track. The present invention provides a mechanism for passively sensing when an asset enters or leaves a particular location in the supply chain and updates a database accordingly. This location and timing information is thereafter used in the present invention to model future movement of the assets for use in predicting whether a sufficient amount of the assets will be present at any particular location in the supply chain at any particular point in the future. An alert is generated if the modeling determines an insufficient amount is modeled to be present at the particular location. This allows a decision maker to make adjustments to ensure a sufficient amount of assets will be present at the particular location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gate system which uses overlapping radiation patterns to deduce when an item is entering a warehouse and when an item is leaving a warehouse, for example, for loading onto a truck. The present invention stores information relating to the direction the item moved and actuates an alarm if the item is moved in an unexpected direction. The radiation patterns of the gates are angled such that one radiation pattern from a first antenna is directed towards the loading dock, while another radiation pattern from a second antenna is directed towards the interior of the building. Overlapping the radiation patterns allows the logic circuitry to account for the item as it moves from one side of the gate system to the other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for predicting asset availability in a supply chain, whereby assets are typically reusable assets such as packaging or bins which are expensive components yet hard to track. When the method predicts a deficiently in the amount of assets or when an asset is lost or destroyed, a decision maker must procure at least one additional asset. The present invention provides a mechanism for storing an engineering specification and related sourcing information in the underlying system to allow a decision maker to efficiently procure additional assets when desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gate system which uses overlapping radiation patterns to deduce when an item is entering a warehouse and when an item is leaving a warehouse, for example, for loading onto a truck. The present invention stores information relating to the direction the item moved and actuates an alarm if the item is moved in an unexpected direction. The radiation patterns of the gates are angled such that one radiation pattern from a first antenna is directed towards the loading dock, while another radiation pattern from a second antenna is directed towards the interior of the building. Overlapping the radiation patterns allows the logic circuitry to account for the item as it moves from one side of the gate system to the other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for predicting asset availability in a supply chain, whereby assets are typically reusable assets such as packaging or bins which are expensive components yet hard to track. The present invention provides a mechanism for passively sensing when an asset enters or leaves a particular location in the supply chain and updates a database accordingly. This location and timing information is thereafter used in the present invention to model future movement of the assets for use in predicting whether a sufficient amount of the assets will be present at any particular location in the supply chain at any particular point in the future. An alert is generated if the modeling determines an insufficient amount is modeled to be present at the particular location. This allows a decision maker to make adjustments to ensure a sufficient amount of assets will be present at the particular location.