Apparatus for reading RFID tags of picked goods as they are loaded onto a
picked pallet, and a method of picking and tracking goods using the
device. The invention is mounted on a pallet support on a pallet
conveyance, and has an RFID interrogator connected to at least one
antenna mounted on a vertically movable antenna mount. The interrogator
triggers the transponders in the goods and sends the decoded replies to
the control unit. An object sensor adjacent to the antenna senses the
presence of goods, and a control unit controls the movable antenna mount
to raise the antenna mount above the goods. A computer having a display
visible to an operator loading the pallet conveyance is used to
communicate with the operator, confirming the loaded goods are the
correct ones, and tracking inventory loaded on the conveyance. A barcode
reader may be located on the antenna mount.