US 5,781,112 A · Electronic tagging device for identifying transported products

Abstract

A transmitter for use in the food industry for unique identification of a transport device such as a hanger for a carcass or a container for food products is mounted within a housing which protects the transmitter from heat, water, corrosive materials and shock loads. The housing comprises a cylindrical ring having one end welded to a suitable support element on the hanger and a second open end. The transmitter itself is in the form of a flat disc molded within a generally cylindrical body which can be inserted into the ring. A male thread is formed on the outside of the cylindrical body and a female thread of the inside of the ring allowing the device to be readily attached into the ring. The body is molded from silicone rubber which provides the necessary protections while allowing the communication of signals to and from the transmitter through the open face of the ring.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An electronic tagging apparatus comprising:

an electronic transmitter for transmitting an electronic code signal providing an identification code substantially unique to the transmitter;
and a housing arranged for mounting the transmitter on an object to be tagged and arranged such that the housing encloses the transmitter and protects the transmitter from heat, water, corrosive materials and trauma, the housing comprising:
a substantially rigid mounting member for attachment to the object;
a body enclosing the transmitter;
and means mounting the body on the mounting member;
the body being formed by molding from an elastomeric material with the transmitter embedded within the material during molding so as to be fully encapsulated by the elastomeric material and so that all outer surfaces of the body are maintained at a spaced position from the transmitter determined by a thickness of the molded elastomeric material therebetween;
the molded elastomeric material being stiff so that all outer surfaces of the molded body are supported at said spaced position from the transmitter by a stiffness of the elastomeric material.

4 more elements

An electronic tagging apparatus comprising:

an electronic transmitter for transmitting an electronic code signal providing an identification code substantially unique to the transmitter;
and a housing arranged for mounting the transmitter on an object to be tagged and arranged such that the housing encloses the transmitter and protects the transmitter from heat, water, corrosive materials and trauma, the housing comprising:
a body enclosing the transmitter the body being formed by molding from an elastomeric material with the transmitter embedded within the material during molding so as to be fully encapsulated by the elastomeric material and so that all outer surfaces of the body are spaced from the transmitter by a thickness of the molded elastomeric material;
a substantially rigid mounting member comprising a rigid structure formed from a rigid material separate from and different from the elastomeric material and wherein the rigid structure is arranged for rigid attachment to the object;
and means mounting the body on the mounting member;
the mounting member being shaped to define a recess having rigid sides at least partly surrounding the recess and wherein at least part of the outer surfaces of the body are arranged to engage at least part of the sides of the recess to hold the body and the transmitter within the recess with the transmitter spaced from the sides of the recess by the thickness of the body.

3 more elements

An electronic tagging apparatus comprising:

an electronic transmitter for transmitting an electronic code signal providing an identification code substantially unique to the transmitter;
and a housing arranged for mounting the transmitter on an object to be tagged and arranged such that the housing encloses the transmitter and protects the transmitter from heat, water, corrosive materials and trauma, the housing comprising:
a body enclosing the transmitter the body being formed by molding from an elastomeric material with the transmitter embedded within the material during molding so as to be fully encapsulated by the elastomeric material and so that all outer surfaces of the body are spaced from the transmitter by a thickness of the molded elastomeric material;
a substantially rigid mounting member comprising a rigid structure formed from a rigid material separate from and different from the elastomeric material and wherein the rigid structure is arranged for rigid attachment to the object;
and means mounting the body on the mounting member;
the mounting member being shaped to define a recess having rigid sides at least partly surrounding the recess and an open front face and wherein the body includes an insert portion which is shaped to engage into the recess and includes an end portion which defines a front surface covering the open front face.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electronic tagging device for identifying transported products

Life of this patent

Electronic tagging device for identifying transported products

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20