Rechargeable interrogation reader device and method

A rechargeable interrogation reader that is adapted to recharge its energy source from a first plate of a capacitor, comprising:

• a communication electronics;
• a rechargeable energy source coupled to said communication electronics to provide power to said communication electronics;
• and
• a second plate placed adjacent to the first plate to form a capacitor wherein the first plate is excited by an oscillating voltage to transfer energy through an electric field from the first plate to said second plate to recharge said rechargeable energy source.

A cargo transportation system adapted to transport one or more objects having wireless communication devices that are interrogated by a rechargeable interrogation reader, comprising:

• a static member attached to the transportation system;
• a moveable member adapted to carry one or more objects that moves relative to said static member;
• a primary coil attached to said static member;
• a rechargeable interrogation reader having a rechargeable energy source wherein said interrogation reader is attached to said moveable member;
• and
• a secondary coil mounted to said moveable member and coupled to said interrogation reader that is adapted to create a transformer to recharge said rechargeable energy source with energy from said secondary coil when said moveable member is positioned so that said secondary coil is in close proximity to said primary coil.

A cargo transportation system adapted to transport one or more objects having wireless communication devices that are interrogated by a rechargeable interrogation reader, comprising:

• a static member attached to the transportation system;
• a moveable member adapted to carry one or more objects that moves relative to said static member;
• a first plate attached to said static member;
• a rechargeable interrogation reader having a rechargeable energy source wherein said interrogation reader is attached to said moveable member;
• and
• a second plate mounted to said moveable member and coupled to said interrogation reader that is adapted to create a capacitor to recharge said rechargeable energy source with energy from said second plate when said moveable member is positioned so that said second plate is in close proximity to said first plate.

A method of recharging a rechargeable interrogation reader from a power source on a transportation system, comprising the steps of:

• attaching a primary coil to a static member of the transportation system;
• attaching a interrogation reader having a rechargeable energy source to a moveable member of the transportation system;
• and
• attaching a secondary coil to said moveable member and coupling said secondary coil to said interrogation reader so that said primary coil and said secondary coil form a transformer for recharging said rechargeable energy source.

A method of recharging a rechargeable interrogation reader from a power source on a transportation system, comprising the steps of:

• attaching a first plate to a static member of the transportation system;
• attaching an interrogation reader having a rechargeable energy source to a moveable member of the transportation system;
• and
• attaching a second plate to said moveable member and coupling said second plate to said interrogation reader so that said first plate and said second plate form a capacitor for recharging said rechargeable energy source.