Having An Identification Code Patents (Class 700/225)
  • Patent number: 7329824
    Abstract: A mail processing system includes a plurality of trays that are each adapted to hold a plurality of mail items. The mail items in a tray are directed to a common recipient. The system also includes a plurality of mail processing machines that are adapted to process the mail items. The different mail items may take different processing paths through the plurality of mail processing machines. The system also includes a tray tag generator that is configured to produce tray tags. Each of the plurality of trays is associated with a tray tag and each tray tag includes recipient information identifying processing requirements relating to the recipient of the mail items in the tray associated with the tray tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer Chamblee, John Mottola, Kwun Ng
  • Publication number: 20080030320
    Abstract: An agricultural data system including a vehicle, a lift mechanism associated with the vehicle, an RFID reader and a weight sensor system. The RFID reader is associated with the vehicle and/or the lift mechanism and provides for the reading of an RFID tag on an agricultural produce container. The weight sensor system is associated with the vehicle and/or the lift mechanism and it determines a weight of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy Amos Wilcox, Douglas Jeffrey Dickman, Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080024268
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) tag may be attached to an electronic component in a computer system to enable authentication of the electronic component. A RF reader may receive information stored in the RF tag. An authentication logic coupled to the RF reader may process the received information and compared it with stored information. The received information may include identification of a manufacturer of the electronic component and identification of the RF tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Hong W. Wong, Wah Yiu Kwong, Jason M. Fung
  • Patent number: 7313460
    Abstract: A package handling system for use with a plurality of packages having package identification thereon. The system of one embodiment comprises processing stations where packages having heterogeneous contents are processed. One or more identifiers are positioned at the processing stations to detect the package identifications associated with the packages. A controller is coupled to the identifier and has access to first and second package data. The first package data related to an actual condition of the package, and the second package data related to acceptable package conditions. A labeler coupled to the controller is configured to apply a first label to the package if the first and second package data indicate that the package is in an acceptable condition or a second label if the first and second package data indicate that the package is in a condition requiring further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Prater, Suzanne C. Reynolds, Mackenzie Smith
  • Publication number: 20070285240
    Abstract: A passive identification system for shipping containers. The shipping containers contain passive identification devices that are interrogated by separate on-board location trackers (OBLT) located in places where shipping containers are expected to pass in proximity to during the shipping and transport process. The OBLTs contain an active transmitter and GPS device. After the OBLT interrogates the passive identification device on a shipping container, the OBLT generates a geo-word comprised of the container identification, the GPS location of the OBLT, and a time stamp, and transmits the geo-word to a receiving station for tracking and/or security purposes. The receiving station has manifest information regarding the shipping containers stored in memory. In this manner, the receiving station can compare the geo-word to the expected shipping locations and expected times for the shipping container to determine if the shipping container is lost, misplaced, or off-schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: GRAY PEAKS, INC.
    Inventors: Tim R. Sensenig, Bary Bertiger, Bernard Asher
  • Patent number: 7304259
    Abstract: A method of sorting mail according to the invention includes the steps of receiving a plurality of first mail pieces of unknown origin in a first apparatus for bulk processing of the mail pieces, processing the mail pieces in the first apparatus by one of testing the mail pieces to determine if a potentially dangerous microorganism is present, sterilizing the mail pieces to destroy microorganisms on mail pieces, or both, and then if no contamination is detected or if sterilization is carried out, combining first the mail pieces at a later stage of postal processing with second mail pieces from senders identified as having a lesser risk of contamination than the first mail pieces of unknown origin. The invention further provides mail contaminant detection and sterilization systems suitable for use in such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schwarz, Michael Carpenter, John J. Mampe
  • Publication number: 20070241860
    Abstract: A managing unit manages an identifier for identifying an authenticated container that is authenticated as a legitimate container. An inquiring unit inquires, before transferring a substance between containers, the managing unit whether both of the containers are the authenticated containers. An approving unit approves a transaction of the substance, upon acquiring a response from the inquiring unit saying that both of the containers are the authenticated containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Takehiko Nishimura, Tetsuya Matsushima
  • Patent number: 7277772
    Abstract: An integrated remote control and integrated scanner (20) for use with a mail inserter (10), including a user interface and device logic module (20b), a transceiver (20a) for wirelessly communicating with the mail inserter (10), and an (embedded) scanner (20c), all provided as a single hand-held device (20). An operator can use the device (20) to send remote control commands to the mail inserter (10) and also operate the included scanner (20c) (used, e.g., for obtaining scan codes of mail pieces so that the operator can indicate to the mail inserter (10) whether to recreate the mailpiece).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Mayer
  • Patent number: 7277773
    Abstract: A material handling apparatus comprising a material delivery configuration configured with a first end and a second end, a transfer configuration connected to the first end of the garment delivery rail, a movable material handling arrangement configured to transfer at least one set of material on hangers supported by the arrangement, a computer, a user interface configured to accept, process and provide data to a user, the user interface connected to the computer to transfer and receive data, a clearing arrangement configured to remove material from the material delivery configuration; and an enclosure configured to separate a user from the movable material handling arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: White Conveyors, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Stephen Speckhart, Alexander Flisfeder, Jose Antonio Lopes, Daniel Graham Tuttle, David William Stecher, Christopher Allan Atwan, Angel Francisco Hierrezuelo
  • Patent number: 7272466
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic ID coupled to printed products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Quad/Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Graushar, John C. Geres, Edward J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7266531
    Abstract: A mailing list is created including destination addresses for mailpieces to be submitted to a carrier service for delivery. A unique mailpiece identifier associated with mailpieces on the mailing list is generated by the carrier or other trusted third party. The unique mailpiece identifier is printed on the mailpiece with which it is associated. The mailpieces with the printed unique identifier are submitted to the carrier service. The carrier service obtains the printed unique identifier from the mailpiece. The obtained unique identifier from each said mailpiece is utilized to verify that data associated with the mailpiece has been processed by the carrier or trusted third party. When the unique number has been obtained from the mailpieces, the carrier service, if desired, may note this fact in the carrier records to prevent reuse of the unique identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Leon A. Pintsov, Robert A. Cordery
  • Publication number: 20070194100
    Abstract: A remote control system for sequence control in medical treatment-assisting systems includes a signal emitter including at least one switchable transponder operative to generate a signal, said signal emitter remotely located relative to the treatment-assisting system, and a signal receiver operable to process the emitted signal within the framework of sequence control. The signal receiver is assigned to a transmitter/receiver unit that operates using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: BRAINLAB AG
    Inventors: Norman Plassky, Timo Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7254490
    Abstract: A methodology for facilitating the identification, authentication or quality control of packaged products is described comprising a marking and an authentication phase. In the marking phase the method involves obtaining an analytical specification, and for example an analytical spectrum, of a reference chemical composition for the product; and recording the data on a machine readable data storage means provided in direct mechanical association with the packaging thereof, and for example being incorporated into or onto or as a part of such packaging. The authentication phase comprises applying a suitable data reader to the data storage means to read the recorded data and reconstruct the recorded analytical specification; chemically analysing a sample of the product to obtain a measured analytical specification; comparing the measured and recorded readings within predetermined tolerance limits. A system to perform the method and a product marked accordingly are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: The Central Science Laboratory, “CSL”, Representing the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
    Inventor: Adrian Charlton
  • Patent number: 7245988
    Abstract: A laundry inventory management system comprises several components in combination. A structure has a computer system with a program to store data with the computer being coupled to an electrical source. A pair of trolley rails with each rail having a set of indicia and rail supports. A trolley coupled to the computer has a shuttle track, a plurality of rail wheels, an indicia reading means and a motor. A shuttle with a motor and a pick-up gripper with a motor are coupled to the computer. A power source and a power means drive the trolley motor and the shuttle motor and the pick-up gripper motor. A computer program controls the movement of trolley, shuttle and pick-up gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Edward Terepka
  • Publication number: 20070162181
    Abstract: An image display system includes a projector having an RFID tag section and a first wireless LAN section whose network setting is automatically performed, and a wireless terminal including an RFID reading device and a second wireless LAN section, wherein the image display system transmits RFID tag information including information for performing network setting to the wireless terminal in response to the RFID tag section receiving an electronic wave emitted by the RFID reading device of the wireless terminal, and the wireless terminal, in response to the RFID reading device receiving the RFID tag information, automatically performs the network setting to the second wireless LAN section based on the RFID tag information, and makes the second wireless LAN section transmit a predetermined content to the first wireless LAN section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ichieda
  • Patent number: 7225981
    Abstract: Provided is an agile, adaptive, globally deployable online network-centric autonomic supply chain management system that when triggered by a predictive/diagnostic condition management system, without user-maintainer intervention, autonomously authorizes a complete requisitioning cycle of supply chain assets to warfighters with unprecedented criticality of speed. A requisitioning cycle is comprised of: (1) asset issue authorization to a vehicle/requester (2) retrograde [return] of repairable to depot and (3) replenishment [resupply] of drawn inventory. It also autonomically provides global total asset visibility of the asset(s) of interest and a tempo surge-priority ranking with a calm-down functions. The system operates in either default autonomic mode or a user activated semi-autonomic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Kenneth Jongebloed, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth William Jongebloed
  • Patent number: 7221996
    Abstract: A system for combined mailing of a plurality of diverse publications to a plurality of recipients at an optimized mail rate. The system includes a bindery for binding a plurality of the signatures where the bindery binding the plurality of signatures creates a plurality of first publications and a plurality of second publications. Each of the plurality of first and second publications are in a unique order, where the unique order identifies each of the plurality of first publications and each of the plurality of second publications with each of the plurality of recipients. A co-mailer is part of the system for combining the plurality of first publications with the plurality of second publications to form a plurality of diverse publications. The co-mailer merges the plurality of first and second publications in the unique order to send the plurality of diverse publications to the plurality of recipients at the optimized mail rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Donald B. Benson
  • Patent number: 7221997
    Abstract: A method for process control and documentation in a boxing machine for individual packages each having an individual package transponder and wherein the individual packages are stacked and the box is provided with a transponder as well. A writing unit writes information with respect to the individual packages to the respective individual package transponders and a reading unit for the transponders serves to control subsequent packaging operations. The operations are also documented on the box transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Werner Bongers, Fritz Fochler, Jörg Riekenbrauck, Detlev Gertitschke
  • Patent number: 7209045
    Abstract: Method of monitoring a blood bag, the method including monitoring a maximum allowed time dT that the blood bag may be kept outside a controlled-atmosphere enclosure and an expiration date stored in an electronic chip fixed to the blood bag. The method further including indicating whether the blood bag may be transfused to a patient when the time dT and the expiration date have not expired. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Biolog S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine De Gaulle, Jean-Claude Mongrenier
  • Patent number: 7200466
    Abstract: A parts assembly management system includes a parts assembly management apparatus to be installed in an assembly line, and a plurality of storage vessel identifying apparatuses to be installed in a plurality of storage vessels. The parts assembly management apparatus includes a reading apparatus, and a first processing unit. The reading apparatus contactlessly reads a product identifier identifying the product from an IC tag attached to the product. The processing unit extracts a vessel identifier associated with the product identifier identifying the product from an assembling table. Each of the storage vessel identifying apparatuses includes a receiving unit, a second processing unit, and an output unit. The receiving unit receives the extracted vessel identifier from the parts assembly management apparatus. The processing unit performs comparison between the associated vessel identifier received by the receiving unit and a specific vessel identifier identifying the associated vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Honda
  • Patent number: 7200456
    Abstract: The invention concerns an identification process that makes it possible to confer traceability to manufactured products (PROD), from data of origin (C, D) initially brought together at a source point (P_SOURCE) and including a control identification number (C) and manufacturing data (D) common to these products (PROD). The process of the invention provides for the formation of two parallel information flows, (?1 and ?2), each of which ensures a propagation of the data of origin (C, D) in time and space from the source point (P_SOURCE), and includes three tests (COMPAR—1, COMPAR—2, COMPAR—3) that makes it possible to verify the internal consistency and integrity of these data of origin in the form in which they are propagated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Gaz de France-(GDF) Service National
    Inventors: Dominique Gueugnaut, Alain Darut, Francis Dattolo
  • Patent number: 7196627
    Abstract: Processing a module packaged within a container involves securely affixing a tag comprising a tag memory and a tag communication element to the container. While the module is enclosed in the container, information pertaining to the module is selectively stored in the tag memory for later readout and processing. A container for enclosing a module includes an electronic tag having a tag memory and a tag communication element. The tag communication element is adapted to receive information from a source, and the tag memory stores that information. While the module is packaged in the container, either first module information or second module information is stored in the tag memory. The module information pertains to the subsequent use of the module. The electronic tag is embedded in the container material, or securely affixed to the container. The electronic tag may span a container opening so that the tag is damaged upon opening the container, providing security against improper re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Rommelmann, Alberto Rodriguez, Scott J. Bell
  • Patent number: 7197376
    Abstract: In a mail processing system that delivers articles to delivery locations a first transport vehicle at a first loading point is loaded with a first article, and guided along a first delivery path to a first delivery location. A second transport vehicle at a second loading point is loaded with a second article, and guided along a second delivery path to a second delivery location. Depending on a determination of whether the first and second transport vehicles deliver the first and second articles to the respective first and second delivery locations, the method returns an empty transport vehicle to the nearest one of the loading points and bypasses one of the first and second loading points for a still loaded transport vehicle. This allows to minimize the number of transport vehicles within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Peter Berdelle-Hilge
  • Patent number: 7194331
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for electronically-capturing a destination address of a package and for using the destination address to automate a package pre-load operation. An embodiment of the invention includes a compression system for compressing the destination address as a compressed MaxiCode symbol, a smart shipping label system for generating a shipping label with a compressed MaxiCode and a pre-load assist system for generating package handling instructions from the electronically-captured destination address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan R. Perez, Duane Anderson, David Potteiger, Michael Burgess
  • Patent number: 7184178
    Abstract: A product and document fulfilment system for merging together discrete articles and specific documentation which pertains to each discrete article, and for packaging and labelling the same. The system comprises an article conveyor on which discrete articles are carried seriatim, a first machine code reader for reading the unique machine readable code on each discrete article, a printer for printing a specific document pertaining to the article, instruction control means governing the delivery of the appropriate document to be merged with the article, a merging station where the specific document and the article are merged, a second machine code reader for reading the machine readable code on the specific document, first memory and counter means for recognizing the identity of the discrete article at the merging station, and accept/reject means to accept the merged article and specific document when a match occurs, or reject the item when no match occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: PSI Peripheral Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Panunto, Wing Fal Lam
  • Patent number: 7177444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for reading and decoding information extracted from a form. In the system of the present invention, packages are randomly placed on a conveyor belt, with their labels facing a two-camera subassembly. As the conveyor belt moves, the two-camera subassembly continuously takes images of the belt underneath the overhead camera. The design of the camera permits it to take a high resolution image of a non-singulated, unjustified package flow. A digital image of the packages within the field of view of the camera is then transferred to the processing system for analysis. The processing system identifies individual packages in the image, extracts them and then analyzes the information written on the package labels. The analysis process utilizes conventional Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) techniques to evaluate the information written on the package label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Bracewell Bonner, Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Andris Jankevics
  • Patent number: 7158856
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling part picking in a manufacturing facility comprises a conveyor 30 for transporting containers each bearing a barcode defining a plurality of parts to be placed in the container and, disposed at intervals along the conveyor, a plurality of barcode readers 26, a plurality of part storage racks 34, and a plurality of display screens 36. A control system 44, 46, 48 can selectively assign the code readers, storage racks and display screens to one or more zones each including at least one active barcode reader, at least one active display screen and at least one storage rack. In operation the control system displays on at least one display screen of each zone the parts to be picked from the at least one storage rack according to the barcode read by the at least one active scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Niall Sheehan, Matthew Griffiths, Terence Madden
  • Patent number: 7151980
    Abstract: A system and method for carrier transport traffic management. A host computer connects to a fabrication tool, configured to acquire an available number of a resource type for the fabrication tool upon detecting a fabrication tool loadport of the fabrication tool is available. A material transport system connects to the host computer, receives the available number of a resource type for the fabrication tool, acquires a carrier identity corresponding to a carrier, acquires a required number of the resource type corresponding to the carrier, and issues a load command to an automated material handling system (AMHS) to transport the carrier to the fabrication tool if the available number of the resource type exceeds or equals to the required number of the resource type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: James You, Shen-Jr Jang, King-Chuan Sun
  • Patent number: 7151979
    Abstract: An RFID enabled paper roll includes a tubular core, a paper stock wound around the core, and a radio frequency integrated circuit electrically coupled to an antenna and positioned on the core. A system for reading a radio frequency integrated circuit positioned on an item of inventory in a warehouse comprises a material handling device and an RFID reader coupled to the material handling device. The material handling device has at least member for use in transporting an item of inventory. The reader is configured to read the radio frequency integrated circuit associated with the item of inventory when the item is in proximity to the material handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Scott Paul Andersen, Richard Ferris Kirkham
  • Patent number: 7145459
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing control using radio frequency identification (RFID). A trigger issues a trigger signal when activated by user contact. A RFID interrogator retrieves information from a RFID tag when activated. A controller is configured to activate the RFID interrogator, get the relative information from associated systems and control the indicator according to the trigger signal. An indicator provides operating status of the RFID interrogator and/or information getting from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co,M Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Yi Wu, James You, Hong-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 7146243
    Abstract: The present invention is an item location directory method and system which involves the use of item-identifying bar codes on the items to be included in the directory, and location-identifying bar codes physically applied to the corresponding locations. These are read in a preset manner with a bar code reader and inputted into a processor for creation of item/corresponding location data for the directories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Lamson Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 7146245
    Abstract: A document processing device having an evaluation region disposed along a transport path between an input and output receptacle capable of processing both currency bills and identification cards. An evaluation unit enables entry of source identification information before or after processing currency bills. Memory is adapted to store source identification information for multiple batches of currency. Multiple batches are placed in the processing, device for multiple batch processing. The evaluation region includes detectors for detecting predetermined characteristics of currency bills and distinguishing identification cards from currency. During processing, the identification card, or other separator card, is sent to a predetermined output receptacle designated as a reject receptacle. Currency that is rejected is sent to the reject receptacle. Rejected currency is separated into batches by the identification cards sent to the reject receptacle during processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Cummins-Allison Corp.
    Inventors: William J. Jones, Douglas U. Mennie, Charles P. Jenrick, Robert J. Klein, Curtis W. Hallowell
  • Patent number: 7139640
    Abstract: A substrate transfer system is used in fabricating a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The system includes a cassette having a bar code, a cassette stocker to store the cassette; an auto guided vehicle that is able to transfer the cassette; a moving path unit to determine a moving path of the auto guided vehicle, a plurality of process stages at which processes are conducted on a substrate during fabrication of the LCD device, and a host to control the cassette stocker, the auto guided vehicle and the process stages. At least one of the auto guided vehicle and the cassette stocker having a bar code reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: LG.Philips LCD. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-Su Chae, Hyun-Ho Song
  • Patent number: 7138596
    Abstract: A method for sorting mail to a case having a plurality of slots is described, wherein each slot corresponds to a destination. The method includes steps of loading a mail piece to be sorted into a delivery robot, determining for the mail piece a destination slot the mail piece is to be delivered to, moving the delivery robot along a rail disposed at the front of the case near the slots into proximity with an open end of the destination slot, inserting the mail piece from the delivery robot into the associated slot, and returning the delivery robot to a loading station whereby the cycle may be repeated. Such a method, when using a large number of robots moving along a common rail system, can sort a large volume of mail in carrier delivery order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: James M. Pippin, Floyd W. Worth, II, Dale E. Redford, Ottmar K. Kechel, George R. Mondie, Gerald A. Isaacs
  • Patent number: 7139639
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Broussard, Monroe Milton, Michael Bergeron, Steven J. Remis, Joseph Popovich
  • Patent number: 7136721
    Abstract: There is provided an article management system having a plurality of article management apparatus that are arranged at the respective process stage position in a production line and read information by RF tag readers from an article RF tag affixed to each of articles contained in a case and a case RF tag attached to each of the cases. A server connected to the respective article management apparatus for managing ID information on the articles, quantity of the articles, current process stage positions for each of the cases and other items. With this system, production management for the articles contained in the cases can be performed in a short time without being interrupted, even if some of the tags have become damaged and reading from the tags is impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kouichi Sano, Nobuo Murofushi, Yasuhito Kiji, Yasuo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7133742
    Abstract: A device for processing slaughter animals or parts thereof, for example poultry, comprises a transport system with an endless track and a chain of chain elements which can be moved along the track, wherein a plurality of chain elements are set up as carriers to carry one or more slaughter animals and/or parts thereof. The device furthermore has a delivery station for delivering slaughter animals or parts thereof to the carriers of the transport system, one or more stations being set up along the track of the transport system to perform actions relating to the slaughter animals or parts thereof. The device furthermore has location means for determining the position of the chain in relation to the track, wherein the location means comprise an identifiable chain element which has an associated identification mark, and also an identification sensor set up along the track to detect each identifiable chain element, wherein the remaining chain elements in the chain are designed as unidentifiable chain elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Stork PMT B.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Wilhelmus Hendrikus Cruysen, Jan Willem Beeftink, Adrianus Josephes van den Nieuwelaar
  • Patent number: 7133740
    Abstract: Automated closet systems and related methods that use digital imagery, RFID/barcode identification of garment hangers, and computer-controlled conveyors, to provide for image-based garment storage and retrieval. Digital garment photographs are stored in a database. Hangers have a unique RFID/barcode tag and hold garments. The RFID/barcode tag of each hanger is correlated to a garment photograph to which the hanger is assigned. A storage closet has a storage conveyer on which hangers are disposed. A pickup and loading station has a conveyer coupled to the storage conveyer that is used to transfer hangers to and from the storage conveyer. A control unit, such as a wireless touchscreen, is used during storage to initiate photographing, scanning, and transfer of garments to the storage closet. During retrieval, a user searches through digital images displayed on the control unit to find a stored garment for retrieval. Selection of a particular garment identifies a particular RFID/barcode tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Joel Stenson, Engle Hendricks
  • Patent number: 7112756
    Abstract: A single pass sequencer having a transport system for transporting the mail pieces and a character recognition system proximate to the transport system for reading destination information associated with the mail pieces. The system includes a first carriage system and a second carriage system with a a plurality of holders slidable between the first carriage system and the second carriage system. Each of the plurality of holders holding a mail piece of the mail pieces received from the transport system. A sorting device stores information from the mail pieces and assigns a code to: (i) the mail pieces based on the destination information, (ii) the plurality of holders on the first carriage based on an initial sequence of each of the plurality of holders on the first carriage, and (iii) a position on the second carriage which corresponds to the initial sequence and a destination sequence of the mail pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce H. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7103433
    Abstract: A method for providing service for users to determine assembly match information of components is proposed. The method makes use of computer programs of a communication equipment and cooperation of a database and tag information on the components to provide inquiry judgement and match decision of components for users, thereby accomplishing realtime match inquiry of components and also avoiding erroneous manual assembly. The method not only can provide related specification information of components, but also can provide suggestion for component schemes. If the assembly match information changes, update information of the remote database can be transmitted via the communication equipment to a read/write device to update assembly match information in tags on components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chii-Yah Yuan, Hon-Yue Chou, Yi-Fei Luo, Teh-Chang Wu, Leii H. Chang, Yung-Lung Lin
  • Patent number: 7082344
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking articles and controlling inventory thereof on a real time basis comprising the use of a tag assembly including a plurality of tags including both active tags and passive tags distinguishable from one another by the provision of a self contained power source in the active tags. One or more readers are disposed within a locale being monitored and are structured to communicate received data transmission from a host controller, for additional administrative processing in terms of determining the existence, location and/or movement of various articles with which the plurality of tags are directly associated. Depending on their category the tags may be activated by either entering an electric field of a predetermined first frequency or by receiving an activation signal from the reader assembly also transmitted at the first predetermined frequency. Communication between the tags and the reader occurs at a second frequency being different from the first frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Touraj Ghaffari
  • Patent number: 7079913
    Abstract: At the shipping department of a company, contracted outlets or outlets of delivery companies, information concerning the shipper and receiver are written into a label having a memory, but no controller or energy source. The label has a transmitter and the label makes use of power supplied by RF query signals to fetch the information stored and transmits such information to a label reader located either in a portable recorder or at sorting locations. After the information is written into the label, the label is attached to the package. Upon being picked up, the label on the package is read by a portable recorder which transmits the information to a main computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: KEN Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: Kiroku Kato, Thiet Pham
  • Patent number: 7069110
    Abstract: An RFID enabled paper roll includes a tubular core, a paper stock wound around the core, and a radio frequency integrated circuit electrically coupled to an antenna and positioned on the core. A system for reading a radio frequency integrated circuit positioned on an item of inventory in a warehouse comprises a material handling device and an RFID reader coupled to the material handling device. The material handling device has at least member for use in transporting an item of inventory. The reader is configured to read the radio frequency integrated circuit associated with the item of inventory when the item is in proximity to the material handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Scott Paul Andersen, Richard Ferris Kirkham
  • Patent number: 7062345
    Abstract: A system and method for wafer lot identity (ID) management including a storage device and an information process module. The storage device is capable of storing a plurality of ID mapping records, each ID mapping record storing a client lot ID and a supplier lot ID relationship. The information process module is configured to receive an information request with the client lot ID from a client, acquire the supplier lot ID from the ID mapping record according to the received client lot ID, acquire manufacturing information or logistical information according to the acquired supplier lot ID, and send the manufacturing information or the logistical information to the client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gwo-Chiang Fang, Hung-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 7054714
    Abstract: An installation for processing a semiconductor wafer includes a semiconductor fabrication device having a load port, on which an identity code that can be read optically or through an effective electromagnetic field is stored. A mobile device, for example, a container communicating with the load port or a vehicle for transporting such a container, contains a corresponding reader to determine the identifier. The configuration makes the flexible determination of position within a fabrication facility possible. Also provided is a method for operating the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christoph Hocke, Michael Lering, Gregor Kübart
  • Patent number: 7047103
    Abstract: A method and system of tracking transported grain. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided for being deposited in a container with the grain. The tag is dimensioned to approximate a size of an individual grain, and comprises a memory and RF communication channel. The RFID tag further comprises data stored in the memory, the data including at least a time when the RFID tag was handled with surrounding grain, and information sufficient to determine a location of handling at the time the RFID tag was handled with the surrounding grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Robert H. Hornbaker, Volodymyr Kindratenko, David Pointer
  • Patent number: 7041927
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. The mail is serially fed from a stack of mail into a system transport. The system transport conveys the mail to an imaging station, which scans the mail to obtain image data corresponding to at least a portion of each piece. From the imaging station, the mail is conveyed to a buffer, which selectively maintains the mail while the address printed on the mail is determined. After the address for a piece of mail is determined, the piece is conveyed out of the buffer to a printer, which prints a POSTNET barcode onto the piece. The POSTNET barcode corresponds to the address that was determined for the piece. Optionally, the apparatus may include a labeler for applying a blank label onto the mail, and the POSTNET barcode can then be printed onto the label after it is applied to the mail. After the POSTNET barcode is printed on a piece, it is conveyed past a verifier, which scans the printed POSTNET barcode to ensure that the barcode was printed properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Opex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. DeWitt, George L. Hayduchok
  • Patent number: 7039496
    Abstract: Systems and Methods for electronically capturing a destination address of a package and using the destination address to automate a package pre-load operation. Compressing the destination address as a compressed Maxicode symbol. Generating a shipping label with a compressed Maxicode and a pre-load assist system for generating package handling instructions from the electronically captured destination address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: United Parcel Services of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan R. Perez, Duane Anderson, David Potteiger, Michael Burgess
  • Patent number: 7031803
    Abstract: An installation (1) for the treatment of products comprises: containers (2) for products to be treated and equipped with elements (14) for emitting radiofrequency waves, at least one workstation (5–7) for carrying out a product treatment operation, the workstation being equipped with elements (25–27) for emitting radiofrequency waves, and a system for managing information relating to the products, the system comprising a database (70), an information processing unit (62) and at least one component (10) which may be adapted to the body or garment of an operator, the component comprising: at least one antenna (50) for receiving the radiofrequency waves, and elements (52, 54, 56) for transmitting, to the information processing unit (62), identification information received from the elements (14, 25–27) for emitting radiofrequency waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: JOUAN
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Eneau, Dominique Metais, Raphaël Reveau
  • Patent number: 7024262
    Abstract: In a manufacturing process management system 10, each of input terminals 401 to 40n located respectively in multiple manufacturing processes of a process flow with regard to a preset product reads a barcode 164 attached to a target 160 and inputs a start of processing with regard to the product. The manufacturing process management system 10 maps the product to a processing status and stores the mapping into a database 130. In response to input of an acquisition request of the processing status with regard to the product from a client PC 50, the manufacturing process management system 10 reads the processing status according to the acquisition request from the database 130, creates a response message, and outputs the created response message to the client PC 50. This manufacturing process management system enables a current location of the preset product to be readily managed in the process flow of the multiple manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Yokota, Yoshiyuki Aido, Yoichi Nishimura, Eiichiro Furihata, Yoshihiro Hodozuka, Daisuke Osanai, Yoshito Tazawa, Juliet Chen, Eva Lee, Lorenzo Lee, Lawrence Chuang