A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency
identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor that is
disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of
travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency
identification tag disposed thereon. A first antenna is disposed
proximate the path of travel so that the first antenna radiates radio
frequency signals into a first area that is proximate the conveyor and
through which the items pass and receives responses to the radio
frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification
tags. A second antenna is proximate the first antenna and the path of
travel so that the second antenna radiates radio frequency signals into
the first area. At least one radio frequency receiver receives signals
from the first antenna corresponding to the responses received by the
antennas from the respective radio frequency identification tags and
outputs first signals corresponding to the responses. A processor
receives the first signals and is programmed to associate a first signal
with a first item when the processor receives the first signal while at
least a portion of the first item is within a predetermined second area
that includes at least part of the first area. The second antenna
radiates radio frequency signals that interfere with reception of and
response to the radio frequency signals from the first antenna by a
respective radio frequency identification tag in the presence of radio
frequency signals from the first antenna and the second antenna. The
second antenna is disposed with respect to the first antenna and the
conveyor so that the second antenna radiates radio frequency signals into
a third area that is proximate to but generally excludes the second area.