Radio frequency identification system and method for use in cast concrete components
OwnerThomas M. Tilson, Jr.inventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A radio frequency identification (RFID) assembly is configured for use with cast concrete components. The RFID assembly has a planar back plate having a plurality of break-away, registration posts extending perpendicular to the nominal plane of the back plate, and a plurality of gripping surfaces extending opposite the registration posts. The RFID assembly further includes a RFID transponder encapsulated between the back plate and a cover. The RFID transponder is programmed with information concerning the cast concrete component to which the RFID tag is affixed.
Claims16
A cast concrete component configured for in ground installation, the cast concrete component comprising:
- a hollow portion having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a wall thickness between the inner and outer surfaces and an open interior inside of the inner surface;
- a radio frequency identification (RFID) assembly mounted flush along the outer surface of the hollow portion, the RFID assembly including (i) a RFID tag having a memory configured with data uniquely identifying the cast concrete component, and an antenna coupled to the memory, and (ii) a housing that encapsulates the RFID tag, the housing having one or more gripping surfaces extending into the cast concrete component that keep the RFID assembly secured to the concrete component during the in ground installation;
- and
- one or more reinforcing elements disposed between the inner and outer surfaces,
- wherein
- the RFID tag of the RFID assembly is configured to be readable from the open interior of the hollow portion through the wall thickness.
A method for casting a concrete component having built-in identifying information, the method comprising:
- setting up a mold for casting the concrete component, the mold defining an inner surface, an outer surface, a wall thickness between the inner and outer surfaces, and a hollow interior inside of the inner surface;
- placing one or more reinforcement elements in the mold;
- suspending a radio frequency identification (RFID) assembly from the one or more reinforcing elements pending an inspection of the mold;
- releasably attaching the RFID assembly to the mold at a predetermined location on the outer surface following the inspection, the RFID assembly having (i) a RFID tag with a memory configured with data uniquely identifying the concrete component and an antenna coupled to the memory, (ii) human-readable information, and (iii) a housing that encapsulates the RFID tag and has one or more gripping surfaces for extending into the concrete component;
- adding wet concrete to the mold between the inner and outer surfaces so that the concrete envelopes at least part of the RFID assembly, said concrete, when dry, forming the concrete component;
- and
- removing the concrete component from the mold, leaving the RFID assembly secured to the concrete component, wherein
- the RFID tag of the RFID assembly is configured to be readable from the hollow interior of the cast concrete component.
A radio frequency identification (RFID) assembly for attachment along a surface of a cast concrete component, the RFID assembly comprising:
- a back plate having a front, and a back;
- a cover attached to the front of the back plate;
- an RFID tag disposed between the cover and the back plate, the RFID tag including a memory configured with data uniquely identifying the cast concrete component, and an antenna coupled to the memory;
- a label bearing human-readable information concerning the cast concrete component;
- at least one gripping surface extending from the back of the back plate, and configured to be received into the cast concrete component;
- and
- a hook wherein the hook is sized for grasping a reinforcement element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.