RFID Tag And Blood Container/System With Integrated RFID Tag

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to arrangements for attaching an RFID tag to a liquid container, and particularly to a blood components container. The RFID tag may be inserted in an enclosure, such as peel tab, or in a sealed cup attached to a container port. The tag could alternately be embedded in a molded plug or component attached to a port. The RFID antenna could be painted or stamped on the surface of the container. Or the tag could be inserted into the container to float freely in the liquid components. The RFID source may be secured around the neck of a rigid or semi-rigid container, attached with a tether or attached to a connector assembled in association with a blood component or other fluid flow path.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A blood component container comprising:
 a pair of facing plastic sheets peripherally sealed together to define an interior chamber; and   an RFID antenna painted, printed or stamped directly onto an exterior surface of one of the sheets.   
     
     
         18 . The blood component container of  claim 17  in which the RFID antenna is aluminum. 
     
     
         19 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . The blood component container of  claim 17 , wherein one or more ports are present at an end of the container for accessing the interior chamber. 
     
     
         28 . The blood component container of  claim 27 , wherein the number of ports is three. 
     
     
         29 . The blood component container of  claim 17 , wherein said plastic sheets are made of plasticized polyvinylchloride. 
     
     
         30 . The blood component container of  claim 17 , further comprising a microchip that is combined with the antenna to constitute an RFID tag. 
     
     
         31 . The blood component container of  claim 17 , wherein the antenna is located on said one of the sheets inside of the peripheral seal lines. 
     
     
         32 . A method of attaching an RFID tag antenna to a blood component container comprising a pair of facing sheets peripherally sealed together to define an interior chamber and having an exterior surface, the method comprising painting, printing or stamping an RFID tag antenna directly onto the exterior surface. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the RFID tag antenna is made of aluminum and is provided by painting or stamping. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the RFID tag antenna is provided at a location on the exterior surface inside of the peripheral seal lines.