JPWO2020132698A5 - - Google Patents

Description

(Cross reference to related applications)
This application claims priority from US Provisional Utility Patent Application No. 62/783,585, filed December 21, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to the completion of RFID-enabled tags. More particularly, the present invention relates to an agnostic in-line verification system for making finished RFID-enabled tags, including labels, tags, tickets, stickers, and the like.

Printing devices such as thermal printers and inkjet printers are used to generate prints, and such prints may include RFID-enabled tags. Typical RFID-enabled tags include labels, tags, tickets, stickers, etc., and are sometimes referred to herein as "RFID-enabled tags." RFID-enabled tags can be provided in cut sheets, rolls, or separate units or pieces (eg, individual tags or labels), after which the print must be cut to the desired size. Some printing devices include a built-in cutter that cuts the substrate to the desired size after printing has been applied to the substrate. Built-in cutters may provide adequate functionality, but can also suffer from various drawbacks when maintenance is required. For example, if a substrate gets stuck or stuck in the cutter while passing through the printing apparatus, or if the cutter does not work, it may be necessary to access the cutter to correct the error. Accordingly, some printing machines employed in the RFID-enabled tag manufacturing industry are provided with uncut rolls of tags.

The RFID-enabled tags may include indicia to aid in tracking each tag according to an RFID-enabled tag inlay encoder program supported by a software application. In such cases, RFID verifiers may be employed to verify the data programmed to each RFID-enabled tag, such as by using separate antenna and reader modules. Each RFID-enabled tag can be read, verified, and verified. If the verification procedure does not confirm the data programmed into the tag (e.g. EPC - Electronic Product Code), the tag is non-conforming, e.g. by being designated as a bad label by the bad label mark applicator. can be specified as

Some aspects of the invention may be implemented separately or together in the devices and systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be used alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and descriptions of these aspects may be found in the claims appended hereto. It is not intended to preclude the use of these aspects separately or claiming such aspects separately or in different combinations.

Once a printout with RFID-enabled tags is prepared, global compliance initiatives may require treatment of the RFID-enabled tags so that they can be considered complete. is. The present invention provides an agnostic in-line verification system and method that includes base units and modules that can be employed in a variety of combinations to accomplish a wide variety of RFID-enabled tag completions in these types of operations. , tags, tickets, stickers, etc. to produce finished RFID-enabled and RFID-verified tags.

In one aspect, an agnostic in-line verification system and method is provided for producing finished RFID-enabled tags, including labels, tags, tickets, seals, etc., wherein the system includes programmed RFID-enabled tags. An RFID verification base unit that includes an RFID verifier that reads and verifies data and an RFID verifier that receives a stream of RFID-enabled tags from a source of RFID-enabled tags in a single or continuous format to complete via RFID verification. A supply module upstream of the base and a collector module downstream of the RFID verification base unit for receiving RFID verified tags from the RFID verification base unit.

In another aspect, an agnostic in-line verification system and method are provided for making finished RFID-enabled tags, including labels, tags, tickets, seals, etc., wherein the system reads the tags, RFID-enabled tags and an RFID verification base upstream receiving a stream of RFID-enabled tags from a source of RFID-enabled tags to complete via RFID verification. and a cutter module located downstream of the RFID verification base unit and downstream of the RFID verification base unit and upstream of the collector module that receives the RFID verified tags from the RFID verification base unit. The collection unit may also receive defective tags that are displayed to indicate that the tags are inoperable.

In a further aspect, an agnostic in-line verification system and method are provided for producing finished RFID-enabled tags, including labels, tags, tickets, stickers, etc., wherein the system validates the RFID-enabled tag's programmed data. and a supply upstream of the RFID verification base that receives a stream of RFID-enabled tags from a source of RFID-enabled tags to complete via RFID verification. module and a rotary cutter, linear cutter, die cutter, or double cutter located downstream of the RFID verification base unit and downstream of the RFID verification base unit and upstream of the collector module that receives the RFID verified tags from the RFID verification base unit a cutter module, which is a cutter.

In a further aspect, an agnostic in-line verification system and method are provided for producing finished RFID-enabled tags, including labels, tags, tickets, stickers, etc., wherein the system validates the RFID-enabled tag's programmed data. RFID verification base unit, including a bad label mark applicator, as well as a reader for reading the identification indicia of RFID-enabled tags coupled with an RFID verifier that performs verification of RFID a supply module upstream of the RFID verification base that receives a stream of RFID-enabled tags from a source of enabled tags, downstream of the RFID verification base unit, and downstream of the RFID verification base unit and having been RFID verified from the RFID verification base unit a cutter module positioned upstream and in line with the collector module for receiving the tags.

In another aspect, the agnostic in-line verification system and method provides a personal interface for users to download information to a printer that communicates the tags to the agnostic in-line verification system to create finished RFID-enabled tags. When using a computer or other computing device, the agnostic system comprises an RFID verification base unit that includes an RFID verifier that reads and verifies the programmed data of RFID-enabled tags; To complete, a feed module upstream of the RFID verification base that receives a stream of RFID-enabled tags from a source of RFID-enabled tags, and a feed module downstream of the RFID verification base unit that feeds RFID-verified tags from the RFID verification base unit. a receiving collector module;

1 is a front perspective view of an RFID verification base unit or machine of an agnostic in-line verification system; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an RFID verification base unit and certain features thereof in connection with a roll-to-roll or service loop feeding module for receiving roll media from a printer; FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing an RFID verification base unit and certain features thereof in relation to a supply module and printer such as that of FIG. 2A, further illustrating linear cutter, double cutter, and stacker options; FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing the RFID verification base unit and certain features thereof in relation to the supply module and printer as in FIG. 2A, further illustrating rotary cutter and stacker options; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an RFID verification base unit and certain features thereof in relation to a sheet-fed or auto-fed feed module for receiving cut single tags or sheets from a printer; 3B is a schematic diagram showing an RFID verification base unit and certain features thereof in relation to a supply module and printer such as that of FIG. 3A, further illustrating stacker options; FIG. FIG. 2B is a schematic elevational view of an arrangement for an agnostic in-line verification system of the type shown schematically in FIGS. 2B and 2C; Figure 2C is a front left perspective view of the unit as in Figure 2B with the stacker unit omitted, showing an embodiment of a linear cutter unit; 6 is a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of a linear cutter unit generally as in FIG. 5; FIG. Figure 2B is a front right perspective view of the unit as in Figure 2B; Figure 2D is a front left perspective view of the unit as in Figure 2C with the stacker unit omitted, showing an embodiment of a rotary cutter unit; FIG. 11 is a detailed exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary cutter unit; FIG. 10 is a detailed exploded perspective view of a rotary knife assembly of an embodiment of a cutter unit; Figure 2C is a front right perspective view of the unit as in Figure 2C; 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a roll-to-roll or service loop feed module for receiving roll media from a printer; FIG. FIG. 3B is a schematic elevational view of an arrangement for an agnostic in-line verification system of the type shown schematically in FIG. 3B; 3C is a right side perspective view of the agnostic in-line verification system as in FIG. 3B; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a sheet-fed or auto-fed feed module for receiving cut single tags or sheets from a printer; FIG. 3C is a left perspective view of the agnostic in-line verification system as in FIG. 3B, showing an embodiment of the cut-single option; FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of FIG. 12 showing an embodiment of a cut single transfer nip module; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the transfer nip module; FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a registration sensor such as may be located at the RFID verification base unit or at the infeed end of the machine; 1 is an illustration of an electrical block diagram of an agnostic in-line verification system; FIG.

Where appropriate, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated herein, but it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary only and can be embodied in various forms. be. Therefore, the specific details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations, but merely as a basis for the claims, allowing those skilled in the art to diversify the disclosure in virtually any suitable manner. should be construed as a representative basis for teaching to adopt

Agnostic in-line verification systems and methods are designed to complete RFID-enabled tags, such as tags with pressure-sensitive adhesives that allow the tags to be affixed to consumer goods, packaging, and the like. This includes reading individual tags, encoding RFID inlays, verifying RFID inlays, and specifying any RFID tags that do not meet verification criteria, for example by adding a mark (e.g. ink spot) or label. An indication is included that it is unacceptable because it cannot read a particular tag and therefore cannot be used for its intended purpose.

These types of tags are commonly printed or otherwise imaged and the agnostic in-line verification system and method are advantageously used with external printers and/or external unwinders. , supplies the material to the verification unit, the material being a roll, web, or stream of pre-cut or otherwise ready-to-use tags for verification by a target verification system and/or method; obtain. The system is suitable for use in connection with a personal computer or other data processing approach, connected to a local or remote data center, capable of downloading information to a printer and, if desired, It may include instructions for communicating the tag to an in-line RFID verification system. These types of agnostic in-line RFID-enabled tag verification systems are sized and designed for tabletop use.

A. RFID verification base unit or machine
An embodiment of the base unit or machine components of the agnostic in-line verification system and method is shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated 21 . It can be considered a flexible finisher for RFID tags and is available from Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, LLC, Printer System Division 170 Monarch Lane, Miamisburg, Ohio 45342, USA. Shown with respect to this base unit are an upstream feed module, generally designated 22, a downstream collector module 23, and, if appropriate for the particular agnostic system, disposed between base unit 21 and collector module 23. 2 is a schematic representation of the agnostic option of the cutter module, generally designated 24, shown. Cutter and collector modules are plugged into a base unit or machine 21 that is quickly mechanically secured to adjacent units and facilitates proper registration and functioning according to in-line programming and operating parameters of the overall agnostic in-line verification system. designed and programmed to

Also shown is a label applicator assembly of known type, generally shown and designated at 25, which was found by the system to be out of fit, which may be referred to as a "bad tag", an agnostic system. pre-cut rolls of pressure sensitive labels or seals from being applied to tags processed by When a barcode scanner, other reader or RFID verifier senses or "sees" a non-compliant tag, the label applicator operates to place a seal or other indicator on that particular non-compliant tag. Other marking systems may be incorporated, such as inkjet printing stations or other inker devices that work particularly well with tag media compatible with inkjet marks. Essentially, if a tag is marked "bad" by some mechanism, the user will know to discard all tags so marked. The markings will be clearly legible to the operator, making it easier for the operator to recognize and discard unacceptable product.

FIG. 1 more generally shows a conveyor 26, which may be referred to as the main conveyor, which allows the tags to flow along the base unit for handling and processing. In a typical setup, the main conveyor runs at a continuous speed determined according to the particular application to be performed by the system. A sensor, generally designated 27, is shown and positioned to sense the registration of tags flowing on the conveyor. This registration sensor can sense holes in the tag, tag substrate or carrier, or sense color information, for example, to assess proper registration of the tag as it flows. can be done. Activation of registration sensor assembly knob 29 is available to traverse the sensor head across the web flow along main conveyor 26 . Further details of registration sensor 27 are shown in FIG. 15, including upper sensor adjustment shaft 78, lower sensor adjustment shaft 79, and upper and lower registration sensor units.

A scanner or reader, generally designated 28, is positioned above the conveyor and in embodiments is used to read barcode-type indicia on the tags as they flow past the conveyor. is a scanner. A scanner or reader captures and "reads" a bar code, other indicia or system and tells the RFID encoder what to encode on that particular tag. If not properly read, the tag is not properly encoded and the tag is marked as defective or "bad" by the label applicator or other system. Reader systems other than barcode-based are contemplated, including camera recognition software. The illustrated scanner or reader 28 is mounted for traversing a path perpendicular to the direction of travel of the main conveyor 26 . Also, the mount can allow the scanner or reader to tilt.

The base unit and its associated agnostic in-line components make up a complete RFID-enabled tag, an RFID verification tag. The base unit is part of a modular agnostic system and includes, among others, a feed module 22, a collector module 23, a cutter module 24 (if required), and a nip assembly (as shown generally in FIGS. 12 and 12A). (if desired) options and embodiments are structured and sized to accommodate multiple modules. The supply module receives tags from any suitable type of printing device, including thermal printer-type, laser-type, inkjet-type, or other printing device suitable for printing RFID-enabled tags. A data processing device or controller (e.g., microprocessor) associated with the system or printer, such as a user's personal computer or other data processing device at a local or remote location, provides the ability to control the operation of the system. can do. Also, it should be understood that the various units, modules and devices shown herein are exemplary only, and that the details and configurations of each may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The illustrated printing device 10 includes an enclosure or housing 12 that may be formed of any suitable material (eg, generally rigid metal materials and/or rigid plastic materials). The housing 12 includes mechanisms for supplying substrate material, applying printing to the substrate material, and supplying substrate material to the exterior of the housing 12 through the interior of the housing 12 via an opening 14 for exiting the printing apparatus 10 as printed matter. and a mechanism for moving the . Additionally, as shown schematically in FIG. 2A, the base unit or machine may have RFID verification and RFID encoding capabilities.

B. supply module
2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a roll-to-roll or service loop type supply generally designated 31 for receiving, directly or indirectly, a roll of media or web of tags from a printing device generally designated 32. Fig. 4 schematically shows the addition of modules; The feed module may be configured to receive printed RFID-enabled tags in feed directly from the printing device for verification and processing along the base unit or machine 21 . In this embodiment of the supply module, the RFID-enabled tags are longitudinally spaced (and in some embodiments laterally spaced) along a roll or, for example, a single roll or web. d) can be web or continuous, allowing intact webs or rolls to be provided with RFID-enabled tags to the base unit or machine analysis and operational components; The dancer arm can be a component of the feeding module 31, and the tag media can be fed automatically through the system at a constant speed that is, for example, slightly faster than a direct feed printer. When the dancer arm is lowered, it feeds until the dancer arm reaches a predetermined height and waits for the feed to catch up with the printer via feedback through the service loop system. Such an approach allows the printer to back up as many times as necessary, up to the point where the media is removed.

Optionally, RFID-enabled tags can be removed prior to terminating the agnostic system of the present disclosure, for example, by including mechanical cutters, ultrasonic knives, or other technology appropriate to the particular type of tag and system. can be separated from each other. In this regard, see, for example, FIG. 2B adding a linear cutter module generally designated 33 or a double cut module generally designated 34, and FIG. 2C adding a rotary cutter module 35 downstream of the base unit or machine. be. A stacker module, generally designated 36, may be provided downstream of the cutter module.

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate the location of a sheet-fed or auto-fed feed module, generally designated 37, for receiving cut single tags or sheets of tags directly or indirectly from printer 32. FIG. This version of RFID-enabled tags is pre-cut before entering the base unit or machine 21, thus eliminating a downstream cutter module. An embodiment of the stacker module 36 of the collector module 23 can be provided downstream of the RFID verification base unit or machine of the agnostic in-line verification system and can be a vertical or horizontal stacker device.

In general, for any supply module or other modules in these systems, each module may be a bolt-on assembly structure coupled to a plug-in interface connection. Transitions between some feed modules, such as roll-to-roll versions, and the main conveyor 26 can be facilitated by web guide assemblies such as the same embodiment shown at 39 .

C. Processing RFID-enabled tag rolls or web media
FIG. 4 illustrates a roll-to-roll or service loop feed module, generally designated 31, for receiving a web of roll media or tags, directly or indirectly, from a printing device, generally designated 32, and using a dancer arm. 2B and 2C, including, somewhat conceptually, an arrangement of an agnostic in-line verification system as shown schematically in FIGS. A registration sensor 41 embodiment of sensor 27 may be located along the initial portion of the base unit or machine, e.g. In configuration, it is arranged downstream of the supply module 31 . A registration sensor 41 determines whether a particular tag is in proper relationship with other agnostic in-line verification systems.

At the feed end of a base unit or machine according to the present embodiment for handling a roll of media or a web of RFID-enabled tags, each roll or web having a plurality of RFID-enabled tags is placed. An exemplary embodiment of the roll-to-roll or service loop assembly module 31 with or without the dancer arm shown in this embodiment of the in-line verification system is shown in FIG. This example includes two de-curler assemblies 61 , a linear guide shaft 62 , a service loop dancer bracket 63 and a service loop dancer spring stop 64 .

This FIG. 4 embodiment includes a stacker module 36 that collects the completed printed/encoded tags. The stacker module is adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of tag types and short or long tags or labels. In this embodiment, stacker platform 42 moves downward as tags are accumulated. Optionally, a sensor is activated when the stacker is full, signaling the agnostic in-line verification system to stop providing opportunities to remove the stack of tags or labels from the stacker module.

Examples of different cutter modules for these types of systems include the following embodiments. Figures 5 and 5A disclose embodiments of linear cutters generally designated 43 and 44, respectively. Included are a fixed blade assembly and linear knife guard, a knife motor and spring extension, a rotating nip motor, a linear cutter assembly, a pivot rod and an encoder. In one embodiment of the linear cutter assembly, the linear cutter assembly achieves a cutting function that does not leave "white lines" or undesirable marks on the cutting edge. This embodiment may be particularly useful for dark flood coated tags where breakage of the coating can produce unintended marks.

Another embodiment of the linear cutter assembly is a linear double-cut module that accomplishes a double-cut to remove material, e.g., "white space" between tags printed on rolls or webs, or additional white space or substrate material. Embodiment. This embodiment may be particularly useful not only for forming "rounded corner" tags, but also for edge-to-edge color printing, for example. Generally, the illustrated embodiment of such a linear double cut cutter module shown in FIG. 5A includes a fixed blade 64, a linear knife, a linear knife motor, a finisher nip, a rotating nip motor 65, and a linear cutter. , a pivot rod, a carriage and shaft, and a cutter tension bar. FIG. 6 shows an agnostic system that includes an embodiment of a linear cutter 45 that provides single-cut or double-cut cutting modules.

Figures 7, 7A, 7B and 8 show rotary cutter embodiments of the cutting module. An embodiment of the rotary cutter 46 without an additional downstream stacker module is shown in FIG. and is usually plugged into a base unit or machine to coordinate its function in an in-line system. As with other plug-in details described herein, such plug-in functionality can be replaced with wireless configurations. FIG. 8 shows this embodiment with stacker module 36 positioned to receive cut tags from rotary cutter module 46 . The illustrated embodiment of this rotary cutter module includes a stand-alone rotary knife assembly 51, a knife drive shaft 52, a cutter motor 53, a finisher nip assembly 54, a nip idler gear 55, and a knife home sensor 56. . The illustrated rotating knife assembly 51 includes a stationary knife assembly 57 , a rotating blade 58 , a knife bridge blade 59 and bearings 60 . These details illustrate components found in this embodiment, and other components may be found in other rotary cutter embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a completed validated RFID-enabled product that requires accurate, convenient, and rapid validation of required criteria and parameters, along with rejection of items that fail the validation analysis of this system and method. 1 illustrates embodiments of an agnostic in-line verification system and method for making tags, labels, tickets, stickers, and other RFID-enabled items.

D. Processing RFID-enabled disconnected single-tag streams
FIG. 10 somewhat conceptually illustrates an arrangement of an agnostic in-line verification system such as that shown schematically in FIGS. 3A and 3B. A registration sensor 41 embodiment of the sensor 27 may be located along the beginning of the base unit or machine, for example at the feed end of the base unit or machine 21, at the feed end of the main conveyor 26, or generally It is located downstream of the feed module designated at 71 . Registration sensors 41 determine whether a particular tag flowing along supply module 71 is in the proper relationship with other tags advanced by the rest of the agnostic in-line verification system or finisher.

The supply module 71 shown in this embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 includes an auxiliary conveyor 72 having the components shown in FIG. The components of FIG. 12 include a plurality of rollers 73 of the auxiliary conveyor, a drive gear 74 , an idler roller 75 , a drive roller 76 and a plurality of bearings 77 . These components represent specific embodiments of supply modules, and alternate details and components are contemplated.

This FIG. 10 embodiment typically includes a stacker module 36 that collects the completed printed/encoded tags. The stacker module is adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of tag types and short or long tags or labels. In this embodiment, stacker platform 42 moves downward as tags are accumulated. Optionally, a sensor is activated when the stacker is full, signaling the agnostic in-line verification system to stop providing opportunities to remove the stack of tags or labels from the stacker module.

A transfer nip module, generally designated 81, can be provided to receive an orderly transfer from the base unit or main conveyor of the machine in this embodiment, embodiments of the transfer nip module are illustrated in FIGS. shown in This embodiment includes an embodiment of the finisher nip assembly 82, which in this case includes a nip roller, a static brush, a nip drive roller, a nip stripper, and a jam sensor. Also shown in FIG. 14 are nip feed motor 83, nip gear 84, and nip signal assembly 85. FIG.

E. overall system behavior
FIG. 16 provides an embodiment in the form of a system-wide block schematic or electrical block diagram of an agnostic in-line verification system for producing a completed verified RFID-enabled tag. A finisher main printed circuit board (PCB) 91, such as for the Thinkify or Impinj readers, is described along with its operation and interaction with the various components of the overall system. Various versions and options are shown, including communication with an external processor or computer 92, which may be the user's personal computer or other remote data system, which may be at a central location providing a hub and spoke configuration. there is Also shown is an interface 93 for options of a linear cutter module 94 or a rotary cutter module 94 as examples of cutter module selections.

It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments illustrate some applications of the principles of the invention. Multiple modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, including any combination of features individually disclosed or claimed herein. For these reasons, the scope of the present specification is not limited to the foregoing description, but is as set forth in the following claims, each of which is separately disclosed or claimed herein. It is understood that any feature herein may relate to including any combination of features.

Claims (21)

An agnostic in-line verification system for producing finished RFID-enabled tags, including labels, tags, tickets, stickers, etc., comprising:
an RFID verification base unit including an RFID verifier for verifying programmed data of the RFID enabled tag;
a supply module upstream of said RFID verification base unit and receiving said RFID-enabled tag stream, completed through RFID verification, from said source of said RFID-enabled tags;
a collector module downstream of said RFID verification base unit for receiving RFID verified tags from said RFID verification base unit ;
The agnostic in-line verification system , wherein the collector module includes a stacker configured to travel downstream to accumulate the RFID verified tags . 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cutter module downstream of said RFID verification base unit and upstream of said collector module, said cutter module separating RFID verified tags from said RFID verification base unit. 2. The supply module comprises a roll-to-roll service loop for providing the RFID-enabled tags to the RFID verification base unit to accommodate movement of the RFID-enabled tags through the RFID verification base unit. The system described in . 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the supply module includes a main pre-supply conveyor that provides the RFID-enabled tags to the RFID verification base unit. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a single feed nip is positioned between said RFID verification base unit and said collector module. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the cutter module includes a rotary cutter. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said cutter module comprises a linear cutter. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the cutter module includes a double cutter that cuts RFID tags at two locations. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID verification base unit includes a scanner for reading identification indicia on the RFID tag, an RFID verifier, and a bad label mark applicator. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the identifying indicia are barcode type indicia. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said RFID verification base unit further comprises a registration sensor at an interface between said supply module and said RFID verification base unit. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID-enabled tags are pre - printed with a printer in line upstream of the supply module. An agnostic in-line verification system for producing finished RFID-enabled tags, including labels, tags, tickets, stickers, etc., comprising:
an RFID verification base unit including an RFID verifier for verifying programmed data of the RFID enabled tag;
a supply module upstream of an RFID verification base and receiving a stream of said RFID-enabled tags from said source of said RFID-enabled tags, completed through RFID verification, said RFID-enabled tags through said RFID verification base unit; a supply module that includes a roll-to-roll service loop that provides the RFID-enabled tags to the RFID verification base unit to accommodate the movement of the RFID-enabled tags, and that enables accumulation of the RFID-enabled tags;
a cutter module downstream of the RFID verification base unit and upstream of the collector module for separating RFID verified tags from the RFID verification base unit;
a collector module downstream of said RFID verification base unit and receiving said RFID verified tags from said RFID verification base unit ;
The agnostic in-line verification system , wherein the collector module includes a stacker configured to travel downstream to accumulate the RFID verified tags . 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the cutter module is selected from the group consisting of a linear cutter, a double cutter that cuts RFID tags at two locations, and a rotary cutter. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the RFID verification base unit includes a scanner for reading identification indicia on the RFID tags, an RFID verifier, and a bad label mark applicator. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein said RFID verification base unit further comprises a registration sensor at an interface between said supply module and said RFID verification base unit. An agnostic in-line verification system for producing finished RFID-enabled tags, including labels, tags, tickets, stickers, etc., comprising:
an RFID verification base unit including an RFID verifier for verifying programmed data of the RFID enabled tag;
a supply module upstream of said RFID verification base unit and receiving a stream of said RFID enabled tags completed through RFID verification from said source of said RFID enabled tags, said RFID verification base unit comprising : a feed module including a main pre-feed conveyor for providing tags;
a collector module downstream of said RFID verification base unit and receiving RFID verification tags from said RFID verification base unit , said collector including a stacker configured to move downstream to accumulate said RFID verified tags; a module ;
a single feed nip located between said RFID verification base unit and said collector module. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the RFID verification base unit includes a scanner for reading identification indicia on the RFID tags, an RFID verifier, and a bad label mark applicator. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein said RFID verification base unit further comprises a registration sensor at an interface between said supply module and said RFID verification base unit. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the RFID-enabled tags are pre - printed with a printer in line upstream of the supply module. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein a single feed nip is positioned between said RFID verification base unit and said collector module.