System and method for electronic tracking of units associated with a batch

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method for electronic tracking of units originating from a common source which comprises a plurality of units physically joined with one another. A first transponder is physically associated with the common source, and the source is split to separate it into three or more of the units. A second transponder is physically associated with one of the three or more units, and the second transponder sends a code. The code of the second transponder is electrically associated with an identifier of the common source. In a particular aspect, the common source is an animal carcass.A batch comprises separate units of objects that are physically joined together. RFID tags are attached to each of the units and to the batch. The codes stored in the RFID tags are electrically associated with one another in a database.

1. A method for electronic tracking of units originating from a common source, comprising:
 physically associating a first transponder with a common source, the source comprising a plurality of units physically joined with one another, the first transponder sending a code which is electrically associated with common source;  
 splitting the common source to separate the source into two or more of the units;  
 physically associating a second transponder with one of the two or more units, the second transponder sending a code; and  
 electrically associating the code of the second transponder with an identifier of the common source in a database.  
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first transponder is associated with the common source for a period of time during which the second transponder is not physically associated with the common source. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2  wherein the second transponder is not associated with any portion of the common source until after the splitting of the common source into two or more units. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first and second transponders comprise radio frequency identification devices, and wherein the sending a code comprises stimulating the radio frequency identification devices with an interrogator and transmitting data from the stimulated devices to the interrogator. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein the physically associating the second transponder occurs after the splitting of the source into two or more units. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein the common source comprises at least a portion of an animal body, wherein the units are different cuts of meat comprised by the animal body, and wherein the splitting comprises cutting the animal body into said units. 
     
     
       7. A method for electronic identification of meat units originating from a common animal carcass, comprising:
 physically associating a first transponder with an animal carcass, the first transponder sending a code which is electrically associated with an identifier of the animal carcass;  
 splitting the animal carcass into two or more units and physically associating a second transponder with one of the two or more units, the second transponder being joined to a meat spike, the physically associating the second transponder with said one of the units comprising inserting the meat spike into said one of the units, the second transponder sending a code; and  
 electrically associating the code of the second transponder with the identifier of the animal carcass.  
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7  wherein the first transponder is joined to a meat spike, and wherein the physically associating the first transponder with said carcass comprises inserting the meat spike into said carcass. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7  wherein the carcass is hung from a hanger on a trolley, and wherein the physically associating the first transponder with said carcass comprises joining the first transponder to the hanger. 
     
     
       10. A method for electronic identification of meat units originating from a common animal carcass, comprising:
 providing an animal carcass on a conveyor and conveying the carcass through a meat processing plant, the animal carcass being no more than half of an animal body and  initially having a first transponder physically associated therewith, the first transponder sending a code which is electrically associated with an identifier of the animal carcass;  
 first splitting the animal carcass into at least two first units, one or more of the first units being physically separated from the first transponder after the first splitting;  
 physically associating one or more second transponders with at least one of the first units which are physically separated from the first transponder after the first splitting, the second transponders sending codes; and  
 electrically associating the codes of the second transponders with the identifier of the animal carcass.  
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second transponders comprise radio frequency indentification devices, and wherein the sending a code comprises stimulating the radio frequency indentification devices within an interrogator and transmitting data from the stimulated devices of the interrogator. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10  wherein the first transponder is joined to a meat spike, and wherein the physically associating the first transponder with said carcass comprises inserting the meat spike into said carcass. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10  wherein the second transponders are joined to meat spikes, and wherein the physically associating the second transponders with said at least one of the first units comprises inserting the meat spikes into said at least one of the first units. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 10  wherein the carcass is hung from a hanger on a trolley, and wherein the physically associating the first transponder with said carcass comprises joining the first transponder to the hanger. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 10  further comprising:
 second splitting at least one of the first units at least two second units, one or more of the second units being physically separated from both the first and second transponders after the second splitting;  
 physically associating one or more third transponders with at least one of the second units which are physically separated from the first and second transponders after the second splitting, the third transponders sending codes; and  
 electrically associating the codes of the third transponders with the identifier of the animal carcass.  
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15  further comprising:
 packaging a collection of units comprising one or more packaged units selected from the group consisting of first units, second units and mixtures thereof;  
 removing transponders from the units of the collection before the packaging;  
 providing a package identifier associated with the package in a database; and  
 associating an identifier of the packaged units with the identifier of the animal carcass in the database, the identifier of the animal carcass being ascertained by interrogating the transponders physically associated with the units of the collection before the packaging.  
 
     
     
       17. A method for electronic identification of an originating animal carcass for packaged meat units, comprising:
 providing a first animal carcass on a conveyor and conveying the first animal carcass through a meat processing plant, the first animal carcass initially having a first transponder physically associated therewith, the first transponder sending a code which is electrically associated with an identifier of the first animal carcass;  
 first splitting the first animal carcass into at least two first units, one or more of the first units being physically separated from the first transponder after the first splitting;  
 physically associating one or more second transponders with at least one of the first units which are physically separated from the first transponder after the first splitting, the second transponder sending codes;  
 electrically associating the codes of the second transponders with the identifier of the first animal carcass;  
 providing a second animal carcass on a conveyor and conveying the second animal carcass through the meat processing plant, the second animal carcass initially having a third transponder physically associated therewith, the third transponder sending a code which is electrically associated with an identifier of the second animal carcass;  
 second splitting the second animal carcass into at least two second units, one or more of the second units being physically separated from the third transponder after the second splitting;  
 physically associating one or more fourth transponders with at least one of the second units which are physically separated from the third transponder after the second splitting, the fourth transponders sending codes;  
 electrically associating the codes of the fourth transponders with the identifier of the second animal carcass;  
 packaging a collection of units comprising one or more packaged units selected from the group consisting of first units, second units and mixtures thereof;  
 removing transponders from the units of the collection before the packaging;  
 providing a package identifier associated with the package in a database; and  
 electrically associating an identifier of the packaged units with the identifiers of the first and second animal carcasses in the database, the identifiers of the first and animal carcasses being ascertained by interrogating the transponders physically associated with the units of the collection before the packaging.  
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17  wherein the first, second, third and fourth transponders comprise radio frequency identification devices, and wherein the sending of codes from the first, second third and fourth transponders comprises stimulating the radio frequency identification devices with one or more interrogators and transmitting data from the stimulated devices to the interrogators. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17  wherein the first, second, third and fourth transponders comprise radio frequency identification devices, and wherein the ascertaining of the interrogating the transponders stimulating the transponders removed from the units of the collection before the packaging with an interrogator and transmitting data from the simulated transponders to the interrogator. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17  wherein the second and fourth transponders are joined to meat spikes, and wherein the physically associating the second fourth transponders with said first and second units comprises inserting the meat spikes into the first and second units. 
     
     
       21. An identification assembly comprising:
 a housing having an outer periphery;  
 a transponder entirely contained within the housing; and  
 at least one spike removably secured to the housing.  
 
     
     
       22. The assembly of  claim 21  wherein the housing and spike comprise plastic. 
     
     
       23. The assembly of  claim 21  wherein the housing has only one spike extending therefrom. 
     
     
       24. The assembly of  claim 21  wherein the housing and spike consist essentially of plastic. 
     
     
       25. The assembly of  claim 21  wherein the housing comprises a pair of planar surfaces joined by a sidewall, and wherein the at least one spike extends from one of the surfaces. 
     
     
       26. The assembly of  claim 25  wherein the planar surfaces comprise circular outer peripheries, and wherein the sidewall extends around the circular outer peripheries. 
     
     
       27. The assembly of  claim 21  wherein the housing comprises a pair of planar surfaces joined by a sidewall, and wherein the at least one spike is spaced from the sidewall. 
     
     
       28. The assembly of  claim 27  wherein the planar surfaces comprise circular outer peripheries, and wherein the sidewall extends around the circular outer peripheries. 
     
     
       29. A metal identification assembly comprising a transponder removably attached to a meat spike. 
     
     
       30. The assembly of  claim 29  wherein:
 the meat spike comprises: 
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a holder at an other of the opening ends of the rod; and  
 
 the transponder is attached to a substrate configured to slide over the rod and be retained by the holder.  
 
     
     
       31. The assembly of  claim 29  wherein:
 the meat spike comprises: 
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a loop at an other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 
 the transponder is attached to a substrate configured to be retained in the rod by the loop.  
 
     
     
       32. A meat identification assembly comprising a radio frequency identification device (RFID) attached to a meat spike, and wherein:
 the meat spike comprises: 
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a holder at an other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 
 the RFID is attached to a substrate configured to slide over the rod and be retained by the holder.  
 
     
     
       33. The assembly of  claim 32  wherein the RFID is configured as a passive device. 
     
     
       34. The assembly of  claim 32  wherein:
 the holder comprises a loop at the other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 the substrate is configured to be retained to the rod by the loop.  
 
     
     
       35. The method of  claim 1  wherein the physically associating comprises physically associating the first transponder with a monolithic common source. 
     
     
       36. An identification assembly comprising a transponder housed in an assembly having at least one spike extending therefrom, and wherein the housing comprises a pair of planar surfaces joined by a sidewall, and wherein the at least one spike extends from the sidewall, and wherein the at least one spike is configured for insertion into an object while maintaining substantially the same shape after insertion as before insertion, and wherein the at least one spike alone secures the identification assembly to the object; and
 wherein the planar surfaces comprise circular outer peripheries, and wherein the sidewall extends around the circular outer peripheries.  
 
     
     
       37. The assembly of  claim 36  wherein the at least one spike is rigid. 
     
     
       38. A meat identification assembly comprising a transponder attached to a meat spike, the meat spike comprising:
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a holder at an other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 
       the transponder is attached to a substrate configured to slide over the rod and be retained by the holder. 
     
     
       39. A meat identification assembly comprising a transponder attached to a meat spike, the meat spike comprising:
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a loop at an other of the opposing end of the rod; and  
 
       the transponder is attached to a substrate configured to be retained to the rod by the loop. 
     
     
       40. A meat identification assembly comprising a radio frequency identification device (RFID) attached to a meat spike, the meat spike comprising:
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a holder at an other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 
       the RFID is attached to a substrate configured to slide over the rod and be retained by the holder. 
     
     
       41. A meat identification assembly comprising a radio frequency identification device (RFID) attached to a meat spike, the meat spike comprising:
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a loop at an other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 
       the RFID is attached to a substrate configured to be retained to the rod by the loop. 
     
     
       42. An identification assembly comprising a transponder housed in an assembly having at least one spike extending therefrom, and wherein the housing comprises a pair of planar surfaces joined by a sidewall, and wherein the at least one spike extends from the sidewall, and wherein the at least one spike is configured for insertion into an object while maintaining substantially the same shape after insertion as before insertion; and
 wherein the planar surfaces comprise circular outer peripheries, and wherein the sidewall extends around the circular outer peripheries.  
 
     
     
       43. A meat identification assembly comprising a transponder attached to a meat spike, the meat spike comprising:
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a holder at an other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 
       the transponder is attached to a substrate configured to slide over the rod and be retained by the holder. 
     
     
       44. A meat identification assembly comprising a transponder attached to a meat spike, the meat spike comprising:
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a loop at an other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 
       the transponder is attached to a substrate configured to be retained to the rod by the loop. 
     
     
       45. A meat identification assembly comprising a radio frequency identification device (RFID) attached to a meat spike, and wherein:
 the meat spike comprises: 
 a rod having a pair of opposing ends;  
 a point at one of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 a loop at an other of the opposing ends of the rod; and  
 
 
       the RFID is attached to a substrate configured to be retained to the rod by the loop. 
     
     
       46. A method for tracking items, comprising:
   receiving a batch comprising a plurality of separated units that have been physically joined together by packaging for shipment, wherein a first passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is physically associated with the batch and is configured to transmit a first code;        associating the first code with the batch in a database;        physically separating the plurality of separated units and redistributing the plurality of separated units, wherein each of the plurality of separated units is physically associated with each of a plurality of passive RFID tags, respectively, and each of the plurality of RFID tags is configured to transmit one of a plurality of codes, respectively; and        associating the plurality of codes with the batch in a database.      
     
     
       47. The method of  claim 46 , wherein the step of associating the first code with the batch comprises reading the first code from the first RFID tag using an interrogator that is in communication with the database, and associating the plurality of codes with the batch comprises reading the plurality of codes from the plurality of RFID tags using an interrogator that is in communication with the database.  
     
     
       48. A system, comprising:
   a batch comprising a plurality of separated units that have been physically joined together by packaging for shipment;        a first passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag physically attached to and associated with the batch and configured to transmit a first code;        a plurality of passive RFID tags, each of the plurality of RFID tags physically attached to and associated with each of the plurality of separated units, respectively, each of the plurality of RFID tags configured to transmit one of a plurality of codes, respectively;        a database that associates both the first code and the plurality of codes with the batch; and        an interrogator configured to read the first code from the first RFID tag and to provide information related to the first code to the database.      
     
     
       49. The system of  claim 48 , wherein the interrogator is further configured to read the plurality of codes from the plurality of RFID tags and to provide information related to the plurality of codes to the database.  
     
     
       50. The system of  claim 48 , wherein the first RFID tag comprises an adhesive backing, and each of the plurality of RFID tags comprises an adhesive backing, respectively.  
     
     
       51. A method, comprising:
   receiving a batch comprising a plurality of separate units that have been physically joined together by packaging for shipment, wherein a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is physically associated with the batch and is configured to transmit a first code;        reading the first code from the first RFID tag;        providing access to a database in which the first code is associated with the batch;        physically separating the plurality of separate units and redistributing the plurality of separate units, wherein each of the plurality of separate units is physically associated with each of a plurality of RFID tags, respectively, and each of the plurality of RFID tags is configured to transmit one of a plurality of codes, respectively;        reading the plurality of codes from the plurality of RFID tags; and        providing access to a database in which the plurality of codes are associated with the batch.     
     
     
       52. The method of  claim 51 , wherein the step of providing access to a database in which the first code is associated with the batch comprises coupling an interrogator to the database. 
     
     
       53. The method of  claim 52 , wherein the step of providing access to a database in which the plurality of codes are associated with the batch comprises coupling an interrogator to the database. 
     
     
       54. A method, comprising:
   receiving a plurality of separate units physically bound together by packaging material to form a batch, wherein a batch radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is physically associated with the batch and stores a batch code that is electrically associated with the batch;        reading the batch RFID tag to determine the batch code;        physically separating the plurality of separate units from the packaging material, wherein each respective separate unit of the batch has affixed thereto a respective unit RFID tag of a plurality of unit RFID tags, each respective unit RFID tag stores a respective unit code of a plurality of unit codes, and each respective unit code is electrically associated with the respective separate unit to which the respective unit RFID tag is affixed; and        reading the plurality of unit RFID tags to determine the plurality of unit codes, wherein each of the plurality of unit codes is electrically associated with the batch code.     
     
     
       55. The method of  claim 54 , further comprising providing access to a database in which each of the plurality of unit codes is associated with the batch code. 
     
     
       56. The method of  claim 55 , wherein the batch code is associated with the batch in the database. 
     
     
       57. The method of  claim 56 , wherein the step of providing access to a database in which the plurality of codes are associated with the batch comprises coupling an interrogator to the database. 
     
     
       58. The method of  claim 57 , wherein each of the plurality of unit codes is associated with one another in the database. 
     
     
       59. The method of  claim 54 , further comprising detecting a problem with at least one of the plurality of separate units, and accessing a database to determine the plurality of separate units associated with the batch. 
     
     
       60. The method of  claim 54 , wherein reading the plurality of unit RFID tags comprises interrogating the plurality of unit RFID tags together using an anti-collision methodology. 
     
     
       61. The method of  claim 60 , further comprising redistributing the plurality of separate units. 
     
     
       62. The method of  claim 61 , further comprising providing access to a database in which each of the plurality of unit codes is associated with the batch code. 
     
     
       63. The method of  claim 54 , further comprising redistributing the plurality of separate units. 
     
     
       64. The method of  claim 63 , further comprising providing access to a database in which each of the plurality of unit codes is associated with the batch code. 
     
     
       65. A method, comprising:
   physically packing together a plurality of separate units to form a packaged batch, wherein each of a plurality of first RFID tags is physically associated with a respective separate unit of the batch, and a second RFID tag is physically associated with the batch;        reading a plurality of first codes from the plurality of first RFID tags, wherein each of the plurality of first codes is electrically associated with a respective separate unit of the batch;        reading a second code from the second RFID tag; and        associating the plurality of first codes to the second code in a database.     
     
     
       66. The method of  claim 65 , further comprising accessing the database, including providing an interrogator coupled to the database. 
     
     
       67. The method of  claim 66 , wherein the second code is associated with the batch in the database. 
     
     
       68. The method of  claim 66 , wherein each of the plurality of first codes is associated with one another in the database. 
     
     
       69. The method of  claim 65 , wherein reading the plurality of first codes comprises interrogating the plurality of first RFID tags together using an anti-collision methodology. 
     
     
       70. The method of  claim 69 , further comprising accessing a database in which the second code is associated with the batch. 
     
     
       71. The method of  claim 70 , wherein each of the plurality of first codes is associated with one another in the database. 
     
     
       72. The method of  claim 70 , further comprising attaching each of the plurality of first RFID tags to its respective separate unit of the batch. 
     
     
       73. The method of  claim 72 , wherein attaching each of the plurality of first RFID tags to its respective separate unit of the batch comprises transporting the respective separate unit along a conveyor. 
     
     
       74. The method of  claim 65 , further comprising electrically associating each of the plurality of first codes to its respective separate unit of the batch. 
     
     
       75. The method of  claim 74 , further comprising electrically associating the second code to the batch. 
     
     
       76. The method of  claim 75 , further comprising attaching each of the plurality of first RFID tags to its respective separate unit of the batch, including transporting the respective separate unit along a conveyor. 
     
     
       77. A system, comprising:
   a batch comprising a plurality of separate units that have been physically packaged together;        a plurality of first radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, each of the plurality of first RFID tags physically attached to each of the plurality of separate units, respectively, wherein each of the plurality of first RFID tags is configured to transmit one of a plurality of first codes, respectively;        a second RFID tag physically attached to the batch and configured to transmit a second code;        an interrogator configured to read the second code from the second RFID tag; and a computer configured to provide access to a database that associates the second code with the plurality of separate units.     
     
     
       78. The system of  claim 77 , further comprising an interrogator configured to read the plurality of first codes from the plurality of first RFID tags. 
     
     
       79. The system of  claim 77 , wherein each of the plurality of first RFID tags comprises an adhesive backing. 
     
     
       80. The system of  claim 77 , further comprising a conveyor to transport the plurality of separate units. 
     
     
       81. The system of  claim 77 , wherein the database further associates the second code with the batch.  
     
     
       82. The system of  claim 81 , wherein the database further associates each of the plurality of first codes with each other of the plurality of first codes.