A wireless communication device and method for identifying a container, or
communication information about a container using a slot in the container
as an antenna. The device includes a wireless communication device for
transmitting information regarding the container. The container includes
an outer wall forming rim and a slot between the rim edge and the outer
wall that is circular and continues without boundaries. The wireless
communication device is coupled to the slot to provide the slot antenna
for communications. An impedance matching network is additionally
provided to make the operating frequency of the slot substantially the
same as the operating frequency of the wireless communication device.
Alternatively, shorting posts may be placed in the slot to define
boundaries of the slot to match the operating frequency of the slot to
the operating frequency of the antenna. Multiple feed points may be
provided between the wireless communication device and the slot.