Filtering System for Recycling Radio Frequency Identification Tags and Method of Using the Same

Abstract

The present invention provides a recyclable radio frequency identification (RFID) device, which includes one or more recyclable components that remain substantially intact during the waste recycling process. The one or more recyclable components include an RFID coupling band and a substrate encapsulating the RFID coupling band. The present invention also discloses a filtration system for recovering the recyclable RFID device from a waste stream, including a waste collection container, an RFID device detection unit, and an RFID device diversion area. In addition, the present invention also discloses a filtration system for recovering the recyclable RFID device during the waste recycling process. The filtration system can separate the recyclable RFID device from the packaging and detect the separated components of the recyclable RFID device, including the one or more recyclable components. Then, the separated components (including the RFID chip) are diverted from the waste stream for reuse.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 954,459, filed on December 28, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and made a part of this invention. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a recyclable radio frequency identification (RFID) device (such as an RFID tag), a filtration system for separating the recyclable RFID device from an associated package, and a method of recycling one or more components of the recyclable RFID device using the filtration system. More specifically, during a waste recycling process, the recyclable RFID device can remain substantially intact and recyclable for reuse, and the filtration system is used to separate the recyclable RFID device from an associated waste package during the waste recycling process. Background Art

[0004] Generally speaking, radio frequency identification refers to using electromagnetic energy to simulate a response device (called an RFID "tag" or transponder) for self - identification and, in some cases, providing additional information and / or data stored in the tag. RFID tags typically include a semiconductor device commonly referred to as a "chip" on which a storage and operating circuit connecting an antenna is formed. RFID tags are typically used as transponders to provide information stored in the chip memory in response to a radio frequency interrogation signal received from a reader (also called an interrogator). For passive RFID devices, the energy of the interrogation signal also provides the necessary energy for the operation of the RFID tag device.

[0005] RFID tags can be incorporated into or fixed to goods that a user wants to identify and / or track later. In some cases, RFID tags can be fixed to the outside of goods using clips, adhesives, tapes, or other means. In other cases, RFID tags can be inserted into goods, such as being included in a package, placed inside a container of one or more goods, or sewn into clothing. Further, RFID tags have a unique identification number, which is typically a simple serial number consisting of several bytes and is accompanied by a check digit. This identification number is usually incorporated into the RFID tag during production. The user cannot change this serial number / identification number, and the manufacturer guarantees that each RFID tag serial number is used only once and is therefore unique. Such read - only RFID tags are typically permanently fixed to the goods to be identified and / or tracked, and once fixed, the serial number of the tag is associated with the main goods in a computer database.

[0006] These radio frequency identification devices typically include an antenna and a combination of analog and / or digital electronics, such as communication electronics, data storage, and control logic, as well as a structure that supports and protects the antenna and electronics and mounts or secures them to an item. For example, radio frequency identification tags are radio frequency identification devices and can be part of a printed label with a printed side that is adhered to an item or otherwise directly secured to the item.

[0007] When designing all radio frequency identification devices, certain parameters are typically considered. For example, in most applications, the size and shape (i.e., form factor) of the radio frequency identification device are critical, as are other characteristics such as device flexibility. For various reasons, such as security, aesthetics, productivity, etc., radio frequency identification manufacturers strongly prefer to utilize a smaller form factor. Therefore, due to the generally required relatively thin profile and flexibility, it is important to avoid materials such as bulky electronics and radio frequency identification device structures that would unduly increase the thickness or stiffness of the radio frequency identification tag.

[0008] The most common main components of a radio frequency identification device include a very small flexible chip and a flexible dipole antenna, the actual length of which is approximately half the wavelength of the operating frequency of the radio frequency (RF) device. The chip and antenna can be connected to structures referred to as "strips", "interposers", and "carriers" to facilitate device production. For the purposes of discussion, the strips, interposers, and carriers will be collectively referred to as "strips" hereinafter.

[0009] These strips can be used as electrical interfaces for routing between chip-related connections and antenna-related connections. The strip may include conductive leads or conductive pads that are electrically coupled to the chip contact pads and thus to the antenna. Compared to chips placed directly with precise alignment without using strips or interposers, these conductive leads or conductive pads can provide a larger effective electrical contact area. A larger effective electrical contact area can reduce the required chip placement accuracy during production while still providing an effective electrical connection between the antenna and the chip. Using such devices is very useful during production because chip placement and mounting have historical constraints during high-speed production, but it may also result in consuming more materials during the production process, increasing production costs, and thus is not desirable.

[0010] In addition, driven by a new level of awareness regarding the protection of resources and the environment, the radio frequency identification industry currently desires to obtain more recyclable materials. Retailers and brand owners strive to meet customer demands, start looking for new ways to respond to customer requests, and provide an effective way to maintain brand integrity while still reducing supply chain costs. Radio frequency identification tags are typically more expensive than other tracking options such as barcodes, thus increasing the total cost of product tracking and shipping.

[0011] One such problem is that radio frequency identification (RFID) devices are generally not disposable. Nevertheless, RFID tags are currently commonly attached to recyclable materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, fabrics, etc. However, RFID tags are generally not fully recyclable. Although the antenna assembly (usually made of conductive materials such as copper, silver, or aluminum) is recyclable, the RFID chip (usually made of non-recyclable materials) is not recyclable. The RFID chip is one of the most expensive parts in the tag structure. For cost and environmental reasons, it would be advantageous to be able to recycle and reuse some parts of the RFID tag (e.g., the RFID chip) when recycling the product or the packaging attached to it.

[0012] In a typical waste chain involving the recycling of product packaging with RFID tags, the product or packaging is collected after processing and processed at a waste recycling station. The waste recycling station separates the product or packaging into reusable products such as pulp or plastic pellets. The RFID chip made of non-recyclable materials is included in the output product as a contaminant that reduces the value of the output material or as non-recyclable waste that incurs additional costs for separate treatment.

[0013] Accordingly, there has been a long-standing need in the art for recyclable RFID devices (including one or more recyclable components that can be recovered from a recycling operation). There has also been a long-standing need in the art for a filtration system for recycling one or more components of the recyclable RFID device and a method for recycling the components of the recyclable RFID device. Summary of the Invention

[0014] A brief summary of the invention is given below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the disclosed invention. This summary of the invention is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key / important elements of the invention or to define its scope. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description part that follows.

[0015] The present invention describes a recyclable RFID device, a filtration system for recycling such devices, and a method for using the system to recycle such devices. The recyclable RFID device preferably includes small recyclable components that can work in conjunction with a recyclable antenna.

[0016] In one embodiment, the small recyclable component of the recyclable RFID device includes an RFID coupling band. In certain embodiments, a substrate encapsulates the RFID coupling band. In certain embodiments, the RFID coupling band is a near-field band that includes a conductor coupled to an RFID chip. The conductor may include a loop conductor that is sized as small as possible to withstand damage from mechanical recycling movements (such as agitation, pulping, etc.). Additionally, when the RFID device is fixed to a package, it is placed near an antenna to form a far-field RFID device. In certain embodiments, the substrate encapsulating the RFID coupling band may be made of a compressible material that can be converted between an uncompressed state and a compressed state.

[0017] In certain embodiments, a recyclable RFID device includes an RFID coupling band and a substrate encapsulating the RFID coupling band. In certain embodiments, the RFID coupling band includes a multi-turn conductor and an RFID chip, wherein the multi-turn conductor includes an inner end and an outer end. The RFID coupling band further includes a bridge conductor assembly that connects the inner end and the outer end of the multi-turn conductor to the RFID chip.

[0018] In certain embodiments, a recyclable RFID device includes an RFID coupling band and a substrate encapsulating the RFID coupling band. In certain embodiments, the RFID coupling band includes a conductor coupled to an RFID chip, wherein the conductor may include a loop conductor. The RFID coupling band further includes a high magnetic permeability element placed within the diameter of the loop conductor.

[0019] In another embodiment, a recyclable RFID device includes an RFID chip, an RFID coupling band, and a substrate encapsulating the RFID coupling band. In certain embodiments, the RFID coupling band includes a conductor coupled to an RFID chip, wherein the conductor may include a loop conductor, and a magnetic element is placed near the conductor and coupled to the RFID chip.

[0020] In one embodiment, the RFID coupling band encapsulated by the substrate is magnetically coupled to the antenna of the recyclable RFID device.

[0021] In another embodiment, the RFID coupling band encapsulated by the substrate is capacitively coupled to the antenna of the recyclable RFID device.

[0022] In another embodiment, the RFID coupling band encapsulated by the substrate is conductively coupled to the antenna of the recyclable RFID device.

[0023] The present invention also describes a filtration system for recovering one or more recyclable components of a recyclable radio frequency identification device fixed on a package from a waste stream. In certain embodiments, the system includes a waste collection container, a radio frequency identification device detection unit, and a radio frequency identification diversion area. In certain embodiments, the recyclable radio frequency identification device that can be fixed on a package is a small recyclable component. In one embodiment, the small recyclable component includes a radio frequency identification coupling band, a radio frequency identification chip connected to the radio frequency identification coupling band, and a substrate encapsulating the radio frequency identification coupling band. The radio frequency identification coupling band includes a conductor coupled to the radio frequency identification chip. In certain embodiments, within the container, the recyclable radio frequency identification device that enters the waste collection container together with the associated package is separated from the associated package. After separation from the package, the radio frequency identification device detection unit will detect the recyclable radio frequency identification device. In one embodiment, the radio frequency identification device detection unit includes a radio frequency identification detector and an antenna for detecting the recyclable radio frequency identification device.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the filtration system includes a radio frequency identification device removal unit for removing / separating the detected recyclable radio frequency identification device from the waste stream. In certain embodiments, the separated recyclable radio frequency identification device is selectively diverted and sent to the radio frequency identification diversion area of the filtration system. At the end of the filtration process, the small recyclable components of the recyclable radio frequency identification device (including the radio frequency identification coupling band containing the radio frequency identification chip) are recovered. The recovered components can be returned to the radio frequency identification tag manufacturer for reuse.

[0025] To achieve the above and related purposes, the present invention describes certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed invention and provides the following description and drawings. However, these aspects only illustrate several of the various ways in which the principles disclosed in the present invention can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Through the following detailed description and in conjunction with the drawings, other advantages and novel features will become apparent. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of the waste chain recovery process of a package (on which a radio frequency identification device is fixed) in the disclosed architecture, where the radio frequency identification device is not recovered.

[0027] Figure 2 A filtration system for recovering a recyclable radio frequency identification device fixed on a package from a waste stream in the disclosed architecture is shown.

[0028] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of the radio frequency identification coupling band of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture.

[0029] Figure 3BSchematic diagram of a radio frequency identification coupling band coupled to an antenna in the disclosed architecture.

[0030] Figure 3C Side view of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture, the recyclable radio frequency identification device further including a substrate for encapsulating Figure 3A and Figure 3B the radio frequency identification coupling band shown.

[0031] Figure 4A Schematic diagram of a radio frequency identification coupling band of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture.

[0032] Figure 4B Side view of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture, the recyclable radio frequency identification device further including a substrate for encapsulating Figure 4A the radio frequency identification coupling band shown.

[0033] Figure 5A Schematic diagram of a radio frequency identification coupling band of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture.

[0034] Figure 5B Side view of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture, the recyclable radio frequency identification device further including a substrate for encapsulating Figure 5A the radio frequency identification coupling band shown.

[0035] Figure 6 Shows a filtration system for recovering a recyclable radio frequency identification device fixed on packaging from a waste stream in the disclosed architecture.

[0036] Figure 7A Side view of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture, the recyclable radio frequency identification device further including a substrate for encapsulating the radio frequency identification coupling band in an uncompressed state.

[0037] Figure 7B Side view of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture, the recyclable radio frequency identification device further including a substrate for encapsulating the radio frequency identification coupling band in a compressed state.

[0038] Figure 7C Side view of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture, the recyclable radio frequency identification device further including a substrate for encapsulating the radio frequency identification coupling band (returned to an uncompressed state in a waste collection container).

[0039] Figure 8A Schematic diagram of a radio frequency identification coupling band of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture, the recyclable radio frequency identification device further including a magnetic element.

[0040] Figure 8BSide view of a recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture, the recyclable radio frequency identification device further including a substrate encapsulating a radio frequency identification coupling band and a magnetic element.

[0041] Figure 8C Side view of a recyclable radio frequency identification device removed from a waste collection container of a filtration system by a removal component of the recyclable radio frequency identification device in the disclosed architecture. Detailed Description

[0042] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals always denote like components. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It is apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to describe the present invention.

[0043] As described above, in the art, there has been a long-standing need for recyclable radio frequency identification tags or devices suitable for products or packaging, wherein at least one or more components of the recyclable radio frequency identification device are recyclable when the product or packaging is recycled. The radio frequency identification chip is one of the most expensive components in a radio frequency identification device. Therefore, it would be advantageous to be able to separate and recycle the radio frequency identification chip from the packaging during the recycling process. The present invention provides a recyclable radio frequency identification device including one or more recyclable components, a filtration system for recycling the recyclable radio frequency identification device, and a method for recycling the recyclable radio frequency identification device during waste recycling.

[0044] Initially referring to the drawings, Figure 1 Perspective view of a conventional waste chain recycling process 10 for recycling a package 20 to which a radio frequency identification device 22 is fixed, wherein the radio frequency identification device 22 is not recycled. The package 20 may be a box, container, package, product, etc., to which the radio frequency identification device 22 is fixed and is used to track the package 20 during its useful life. The radio frequency identification device 22 includes a radio frequency identification chip 24. At step 30, the package 20 to which the radio frequency identification device 22 is fixed is collected for recycling. Then, the package 20 to which the radio frequency identification device 22 is fixed is mechanically processed, such as by agitation, pulping, or other mechanical processes, to disassemble the package 20, and the radio frequency identification device 22 is typically destroyed or deactivated during the process of step 40. Then, at step 50, the processed package 20 is removed for reuse as an output material, but it is still contaminated by the radio frequency identification device 22. As described above, the presence of the radio frequency identification chip 24 reduces the value of the output material, and it must be separately treated as non-recyclable waste at additional cost.

[0045] Figure 2Shown is a filtration system 100 for recovering packaged fixed recyclable radio frequency identification devices from waste streams in the disclosed architecture. The package 102 to be recycled includes a radio frequency identification tag 104 (including a radio frequency identification chip 106). The package 102 is sent to a collection area 110. The package to be recycled is cycled through processing step or steps 120 to separate output materials 140, such as devices and chips, from the radio frequency identification assembly 130. The radio frequency identification assembly can be sold to a radio frequency identification tag manufacturer for reuse as product 160.

[0046] Figures 3A - 3C Shown is an embodiment of a recyclable radio frequency identification device 200, which includes one or more recyclable components, and the recyclable components include a radio frequency identification coupling band 202. Among them, the coupling band 202 includes a conductor 204 and a radio frequency identification chip 206. The radio frequency identification coupling band 202 can be a near-field magnetic tape, such as an H-field tape, and the conductor 204 can be a loop conductor. As Figure 3A shown, the loop conductor 204 acts as an inductor and resonates capacitively with the radio frequency identification chip 206 at a desired frequency. As Figure 3C shown, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 200 further includes a substrate 208 for encapsulating the radio frequency identification coupling band 202. The substrate 208 can be in the form of a pair of thin films, such as thin films of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material adhered together using an adhesive, to prevent moisture from entering the encapsulated radio frequency identification coupling band 202, thereby forming a strong sealed package.

[0047] As Figure 3B shown, the radio frequency identification coupling band 202 of the recyclable radio frequency identification device 200 is placed near an antenna 214 to form a coupling 216 between the radio frequency identification coupling band 202 and the antenna 214, thereby forming a far-field radio frequency identification device. Since typical recycling processes utilize mechanical movement, such as agitation or pulping, the size of the radio frequency identification coupling band 202 should be as small as possible. Therefore, the loop conductor 204 preferably has a minimum diameter, and the line width associated with the loop conductor 204 should be as small as possible to reduce the overall size of the radio frequency identification coupling band 202, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the coupling band 202 due to the mechanical movement of the recycling process.

[0048] In Figure 4A and Figure 4B shown in the alternative embodiment, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 300 includes a radio frequency identification coupling band 302, where the inductor is a multi-turn inductor. The radio frequency identification coupling band 302 is generally a near-field magnetic tape, such as an H-field tape, and includes a conductor 304 and a radio frequency identification chip 310. As Figure 4A shown, the conductor 304 is a multi-turn coil conductor, including an inner end 306 and an outer end 308. As Figures 3A - 3CAs shown, the diameter of the multi-turn conductor 304 is preferably reduced compared to the loop conductor 204 in the previous embodiment.

[0049] In the art, it is well known that a multi-turn coil requires the radio frequency identification chip 310 to be connected to the inner end 306 and the outer end 308 of the conductor 304. A multi-turn coil of the multi-turn coil conductor 304 can be arranged below the radio frequency identification chip 310 to connect the multi-turn coil conductor 304 and the inner end 306 and the outer end 308 of the radio frequency identification chip 310. Alternatively, as Figure 4A shown, the radio frequency identification coupling band 302 can further include a bridge conductor assembly 312. The bridge conductor assembly 312 includes an inner end connection element 314 and an outer end connection element 316. The inner end connection element 314 is in electrical communication with the multi-turn coil conductor 304 and the inner end 306 of the radio frequency identification chip 310, and the outer end connection element 316 is in electrical communication with the multi-turn coil conductor 304 and the outer end 308 of the radio frequency identification chip 310, thereby connecting the multi-turn coil conductor 304 to the radio frequency identification chip 310.

[0050] The bridge conductor assembly 312 can be part of a double-sided etching process or an additive printing of a conductive material, and the multi-turn coil conductor 304 can be made of a metal such as aluminum foil or printed conductive ink. As Figure 4B shown, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 300 further includes a substrate 318 and the radio frequency identification coupling band 302 encapsulated by the substrate 318. Therefore, the recyclable components of the recyclable radio frequency identification device 300 include the radio frequency identification coupling band 302 (as Figure 4A shown) connected to the radio frequency identification chip 310 and encapsulated by the substrate 318.

[0051] In Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown in another alternative embodiment, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 400 includes a radio frequency identification coupling band 402, and the radio frequency identification coupling band 402 includes a conductor 404 and a radio frequency identification chip 408. The radio frequency identification coupling band 402 is generally a near-field tape, such as an H-field tape, and the conductor 404 is preferably a loop conductor. The radio frequency identification coupling band 402 further includes a high magnetic permeability element 406. The high magnetic permeability element 406 is preferably placed in the central region of the loop conductor 404, and the loop conductor 404 surrounds the high magnetic permeability element 406. In this special structure, a smaller H-field radio frequency identification band can be used because the high magnetic permeability element 406 increases the coil inductance, allowing the diameter of the loop conductor 404 to be smaller than that in the previous embodiment. As Figure 5B shown, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 400 further includes a substrate 410 and the radio frequency identification coupling band 402 encapsulated by the substrate 410.

[0052] In Figure 8A and Figure 8BIn another alternative embodiment shown, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 700 includes a radio frequency identification coupling strip 701. The radio frequency identification coupling strip 701 includes a conductor 702 and a radio frequency identification chip 704. The radio frequency identification coupling strip 701 is generally a near-field magnetic tape, such as an H-field tape. The radio frequency identification coupling strip 701 further includes a magnetic element 706, which is made of a magnetic material such as steel. The magnetic element 706 can be used to separate and recover the recyclable radio frequency identification device 700 using a magnetic field during the recycling operation, as discussed in detail below. As Figure 8B shown, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 700 further includes a substrate 708 and the radio frequency identification coupling strip 701 encapsulated by the substrate 708. In other embodiments, the radio frequency identification coupling strip (including the radio frequency identification chip) can also be separated and recovered by capacitive or conductive coupling during the recycling operation.

[0053] In Figures 7A - 7C another alternative embodiment shown, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 600 includes a radio frequency identification coupling strip 602 and a substrate 604. The radio frequency identification coupling strip 602 includes a conductor (not shown) and a radio frequency identification chip (also not shown), and is generally a near-field magnetic tape, such as an H-field tape. In Figure 7B the application shown, the radio frequency identification coupling strip 602 encapsulated by the substrate 604 is placed near an antenna 606, and a coupling is formed between the radio frequency identification coupling strip 602 and the antenna 606, thereby forming a far-field radio frequency identification device. More specifically, the substrate 604 can be made of two layers of foam materials glued together with an adhesive to prevent moisture from entering the encapsulated radio frequency identification coupling strip 602. Therefore, as Figure 7C shown, the relative density of the recyclable radio frequency identification device 600 is less than that of water, and during the recycling operation, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 600 will float on the top of a water tank 630. Further, the substrate 604 can be compressed. In the uncompressed state 610, the substrate foam is in its natural state. In the compressed state 620, the substrate foam is compressed because the radio frequency identification strip 602 is connected near the antenna 606 and is fixed in a flat state due to the structure of the recyclable radio frequency identification device 600, which can minimize the visual "rebound" of the recyclable radio frequency identification device 600 in the uncompressed state 610. When recycling the recyclable radio frequency identification device 600, the recyclable radio frequency identification device 600 returns to the uncompressed state 610.

[0054] In Figure 6 the embodiment shown, one or more recyclable components of the recyclable radio frequency identification device 200 are recovered from a waste stream (e.g., Figures 3A - 3C) Filtering system 500. The filtering system 500 is designed to isolate the presence of radio frequency identification devices in the waste stream and separate this volume to form a secondary waste stream in which the density of radio frequency identification devices per unit volume is higher. As described above, the recyclable components of the recyclable radio frequency identification device 200 preferably include a radio frequency identification coupling strip 202 and a substrate 208. The coupling strip 202 further includes a conductor 204 and a radio frequency identification chip 206, and all components are preferably encapsulated within the substrate 208. However, it is also contemplated that the radio frequency identification devices processed by the filtering system 500 can also be any of the previously described embodiments. By encapsulating only the strip portion of the recyclable radio frequency identification device, the selected portions of the recyclable radio frequency identification device that are most vulnerable to damage can be fixed, thus facilitating recycling without any damage. Encapsulating only a portion of the recyclable radio frequency identification device, rather than the entire radio frequency identification device, not only ensures the optimal use of materials but also ensures that the recyclable radio frequency identification device is compact. Compact radio frequency identification devices are easily recyclable. On the other hand, large radio frequency identification devices may clog the filtering system.

[0055] As Figure 6 shown, the filtering system 500 includes a primary waste input 510, a waste collection container 520, and a radio frequency identification device detection unit 530. The primary waste input 510 is the location where the package 102 (including the fixed radio frequency identification tag 104 and radio frequency identification chip 106, as Figure 2 shown) enters the waste collection container 520 and is exposed to the radio frequency identification device detection unit 530. The recyclable radio frequency identification device detection unit 530 includes a radio frequency identification reader 532 coupled to a reader antenna 534 (usually a near-field antenna). Alternatively, the recyclable radio frequency identification device detection unit 530 can take the form of a harmonic detector (not shown). As Figure 6 shown, the filtering system 500 further includes a radio frequency identification device diversion area 550 and a secondary waste output 560 for receiving the output of the waste collection container 520.

[0056] More specifically, the filtering system 500 uses a radio frequency identification reader 532 coupled to a known waste stream area (such as a pipeline) and a method for selectively diverting certain waste streams. Depending on the nature of the waste stream, different types of antennas and radio frequency identification device couplers can be used. For example, when using a liquid carrier such as water, a near-field reader antenna is most suitable. In contrast, when using shredded materials on a conveyor, a far-field antenna may be more suitable or appropriate.

[0057] In one embodiment, as Figure 8CAs shown, the waste collection container 520 can be a flotation tank 712, including an input 714 and an output 716. The filtration system 500 can further include a recyclable RFID device removal unit 720. The recyclable RFID device removal unit 720 can be used in conjunction with a recyclable RFID device 700 (including a magnetic element 706) (such as Figure 8A shown). More specifically, during the recycling process, the recyclable RFID device removal unit 720 uses a magnetic field to attract the recyclable RFID device 700 from the flotation tank 712, thereby separating and recycling the recyclable RFID device 700 from any other waste. However, in other embodiments, the recyclable RFID device 700 can also be attracted from the flotation tank 712 through capacitive or conductive coupling.

[0058] In Figure 2 and Figure 6 shown alternative embodiments, a method 100 for recycling one or more recyclable components (including an RFID chip 106) of a recyclable RFID device 104 during the waste recycling process is provided. More specifically, as Figure 6 shown, a waste stream including a package 102 is received in the form of a primary waste input 510, wherein the recyclable RFID device 104 is fixed to the package 102. As Figure 6 shown, in step 110, the waste stream is collected, and then the waste stream enters the waste collection container 520. In step 120, the recyclable RFID device 104 is separated from the package 102 through a process that typically involves mechanical movements such as agitation or pulping. As described above, it is preferred that the recyclable RFID device 104 can be removed from the package 102 substantially intact without damaging the RFID coupling band. The RFID coupling band is encapsulated by a substrate to ensure that the coupling band and its connected RFID chip are not damaged, especially when the recyclable RFID device is affected by mechanical movements such as agitation or pulping. Therefore, one or more recyclable components of the recyclable RFID device are separated from the package. In this embodiment, the antenna 214 of the recyclable RFID device made of a recyclable material such as aluminum or graphene (such as Figure 3B shown) is recycled together with the package 102, while the RFID coupling band 202 made of a non-recyclable material is separated from the packaging material 102.

[0059] In step 130, an RFID detector 530 (such as Figure 6 shown) is used to detect the RFID coupling band 202 (including the RFID chip) separated from the package 102 (such as Figure 3A shown), and selectively diverted from the waste stream to the RFID device diversion area 550. As Figure 8CAs shown, the component 720 can be removed using a radio frequency identification device utilizing a magnetic field to magnetically separate the separable recyclable radio frequency identification device 104 including the radio frequency identification coupling strip 202 (such as Figure 3A shown) from the waste stream. After removal in step 130, the removed or recycled component of the recyclable radio frequency identification device 104 can be given to the radio frequency identification tag manufacturer for reuse and fixed to a new package in step 160. Additionally, as described above, in step 140, the non-radio frequency identification waste is diverted to the secondary waste output 560 for further recycling, and its value is not affected by the presence of the radio frequency identification device 104 or its individual components.

[0060] In a preferred waste chain, the radio frequency identification chip is recycled during the recycling phase and returned to the radio frequency identification tag manufacturer for reuse. This reuse prevents the radio frequency identification tag from being included in or contaminating other recyclable materials of the product or packaging. In turn, the recycling station can sell the recycled radio frequency identification device to the tag manufacturer at a cost lower than that of a new radio frequency identification component, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of overall material recycling and thus increasing the overall recycling rate and manufacturing efficiency.

[0061] The above also includes examples of the invention. Of course, when describing the invention, it is not possible to describe every possible combination of components or methods, but those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that there may be many further combinations and permutations for the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Additionally, with respect to the term "includes" as used in the specific embodiments or the claims of the invention, this term is intended to be included in a manner similar to the term "comprising", which is used as a transitional term in the claims of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for recovering recyclable radio frequency identification devices from waste streams, the system comprising: A recyclable radio frequency identification device, which includes one or more small recyclable components, the recyclable components including radio frequency identification coupling bands, the radio frequency identification coupling bands including conductors and radio frequency identification chips, both components being encapsulated within a substrate; And a filtration system, the filtration system including: A waste collection container configured to separate the recyclable radio frequency identification device from associated packaging within the container; A radio frequency identification device detection unit configured to detect the separated recyclable radio frequency identification device, the recyclable component including a radio frequency identification coupling band; and A radio frequency identification device diversion area.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The waste collection container is a flotation tank.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The radio frequency identification device detection unit includes a radio frequency identification reader having a reader antenna.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The filtration system further includes a radio frequency identification device removal unit.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The filtration system includes a radio frequency identification device removal unit configured to remove the radio frequency identification coupling band detected by the radio frequency identification device detection unit from the waste stream.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The filtration system is configured to selectively divert the radio frequency identification coupling band removed from the waste stream to the radio frequency identification device diversion area for recycling and reuse.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The filtration system is configured to selectively divert the radio frequency identification coupling band from the waste stream in a magnetic attraction manner.

8. A method of using a filtration system to recover one or more recyclable components from a recyclable radio frequency identification device, the recyclable components comprising a radio frequency identification coupling strip, the radio frequency identification coupling strip comprising a conductor and a radio frequency identification chip, both components being encapsulated within a substrate, the method comprising the steps of: Cause primary waste input including the recyclable radio frequency identification device fixed on associated packaging to enter the waste collection container of the filtration system; Separate the recyclable radio frequency identification device from the associated packaging within the waste collection container; Expose the separated recyclable radio frequency identification device including the recyclable component therein to the radio frequency identification device detection unit of the filtration system and detect the recyclable component separated from the primary waste input, wherein the radio frequency identification device detection unit is configured to detect the separated recyclable radio frequency identification device; And Remove the recyclable component of the detected recyclable radio frequency identification device through the radio frequency identification device removal unit of the filtration system.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Selectively divert the recyclable component removed by the radio frequency identification device removal unit to the radio frequency identification device diversion area for recycling and reuse.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Use the radio frequency identification device removal unit to remove the radio frequency identification coupling band from the primary waste input and divert it in a magnetic attraction manner.

Images