Abstract: In a combinatorial exchange, a set of rules can be input for processing of bids received in connection with the exchange. At least one bid can be received from each of a plurality of exchange participants and a desired exchange objective can be defined. A determination can be made as a function of a subset of the rules if an allocation of the bids exists that is optimal for the type of exchange being conducted. If the desired exchange objective is not satisfied, the step of determining an allocation is repeated utilizing a different subset of rules each time until the desired exchange objective is satisfied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to identify objects, including livestock. In one embodiment, a device is presented that includes a reflector shield mounted proximate the interrogator that is mounted on or near a livestock chute gate. The reflector shield decreases the amount of the inductive field absorbed by the livestock chute gate, thereby allowing transponders attached to livestock to be read. In a separate embodiment, multiple windings are used to form an interrogator with greater excitation and receiver capability due to the orientation of the wire windings. The multiple-winding interrogators may be used with or without the reflector shield. In yet a separate embodiment, a method is presented to utilize the device of the present invention to identify livestock moving through a livestock chute.

Abstract: An omni-directional RFID antenna is provided for use with a remote interrogator/reader system used for identifying tagged animals. A pair of antenna coils are arranged in a crossing pattern that results in the creation of an omni or multi-directional electromagnetic field. Additionally, the crossing pattern creates out of phase null zones at quadrants within the crossing pattern of the antennae that reduces interference caused by RF noise generated from the environment. The omni-directional electromagnetic field effectively surrounds each of the null zones thereby allowing an RFID transponder to be successfully interrogated despite the orientation of the transponder as it passes through the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A flexible interrogator antenna design having a single antenna with an inner and an outer antenna coil positioned in a flat, flexible, rectangular housing or mat which can be positioned in a configuration having two sides and a top across an easily erected temporary frame to form a walkthrough corridor or chute through which livestock having an attached transponder can be driven. The antenna is driven to generate multi-directional electromagnetic fields in each of an ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ axis associated with the walkthrough to detect transponders coming into the fields, regardless of transponder orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to identify objects, including livestock. In one embodiment, a device is presented that includes a reflector shield mounted proximate the interrogator that is mounted on or near a livestock chute gate. The reflector shield decreases the amount of the inductive field absorbed by the livestock chute gate, thereby allowing transponders attached to livestock to be read. In a separate embodiment, multiple windings are used to form an interrogator with greater excitation and receiver capability due to the orientation of the wire windings. The multiple-winding interrogators may be used with or without the reflector shield. In yet a separate embodiment, a method is presented to utilize the device of the present invention to identify livestock moving through a livestock chute.

Abstract: A flexible interrogator antenna design having a single antenna with an inner and an outer antenna coil positioned in a flat, flexible, rectangular housing or mat which can be positioned in a configuration having two sides and a top across an easily erected temporary frame to form a walkthrough corridor or chute through which livestock having an attached transponder can be driven. The antenna is driven to generate multi-directional electromagnetic fields in each of an ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ axis associated with the walkthrough to detect transponders coming into the fields, regardless of transponder orientation.

Abstract: An omni-directional RFID antenna is provided for use with a remote interrogator/reader system used for identifying tagged animals. A pair of antenna coils are arranged in a crossing pattern that results in the creation of an omni or multi-directional electromagnetic field. Additionally, the crossing pattern creates out of phase null zones at quadrants within the crossing pattern of the antennae that reduces interference caused by RF noise generated from the environment. The omni-directional electromagnetic field effectively surrounds each of the null zones thereby allowing an RFID transponder to be successfully interrogated despite the orientation of the transponder as it passes through the electromagnetic field.