US Patent 7515049 Extended read range RFID system

The present invention generally comprises an apparatus that allows an RFID antenna to obtain information from an RFID tag mounted on a container. The apparatus reproduces the RF field generated by the antenna to a location proximate to the RFID tag. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pickup device and a reproduction device electrically coupled with the pickup device. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one magnetic rod, which creates a magnetic path for the RF field to travel between the antenna and the RFID tag. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pickup antenna and a reproduction antenna for transmitting the RF signal from the antenna proximate to the RFID tag.