Apparatus for transmitting contents information

A system for identifying material being stored in at least one container, each container defining a cavity for storing the material and having an opening for dispensing the material into said cavity, said system comprising:

• first transmitting means, external to said container, for wirelessly transmitting an interrogation signal towards said container;
• receiving means, disposed within said container, for receiving said interrogation signal;
• second transmitting means, disposed within said container, for wirelessly transmitting an identification signal that identifies the material being stored;
• sensing means, coupled to said second transmitting means, for sensing a condition within each said container that exceeds a predetermined threshold, and;
• mounting means for coupling said second transmitting means to said container, wherein said second transmitting means wirelessly transmits said identification signal when said interrogation signal received by said receiving means corresponds to the material being stored in said container or when said condition in excess of said predetermined threshold is sensed.

A method for identifying a substance stored within at least one container when a predetermined environmental condition within said container arises, comprising the steps of:

• sensing said predetermined environmental condition via a sensor positioned within said container;
• generating an identification signal indicative of the substance when the predetermined environmental condition within the container is sensed;
• automatically, wirelessly transmitting said identification signal via an antenna coupled to said sensor;
• and
• receiving said identification signal at a location remote from said container.