Apparatuses for electronic identification of a plurality of passing

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention encompasses a system for electronic identification of a plurality of units. The system comprises transponders which are connected with respective individual units, and which comprise antennas. The system further comprises an interrogator configured to read the transponders. The interrogator includes an interrogator antenna. At least one of the interrogator antenna or the transponder antennas comprise a coil of conductive material which has a first planar portion within a first plane and a second planar portion within a second plane, with the first and second planes intersecting. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method for electronic identification of a plurality of passing animal bodies, wherein the individual animal bodies have respective transponders associated therewith. An interrogator having an antenna associated therewith is provided. The antenna is proximate a housing with a periphery having a shape comprising a recessed central region and a projecting peripheral region extending from the central region. Animal bodies are passed by the housing, and at least some of the passing animal bodies are purposefully bumped against the projecting peripheral region. The bumping into the projecting peripheral region changes an orientation of transponders associated with the individual passing animal bodies relative to the antenna.