Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080315992 | FOLDABLE RFID DEVICE INTERPOSER AND METHOD - An RFID device interposer has folded ends that bring conductive lead end portions of conductive leads of the interposer to an underside of the interposer. The central conductive lead portions of the conductive leads remain on an upper surface of a dielectric substrate of the interposer. The folded ends of the interposer may be held together with an adhesive, or with thermal compression bonding. The interposer may also have an additional conductive material layer on an underside of the dielectric substrate. The conductive material layer may be capacitively coupled to the conductive leads of the interposer. The interposer may be tuned by varying the pressure used to secure the folded ends. This may be used to provide a better impedance match between a chip of the interposer, and the conductive leads and an antenna to which the interposer is coupled. | 12-25-2008 |
20090027162 | CONTROLLABLE RFID DEVICE, AND METHOD - A radio frequency identification (RFID) device has controllable features that allow for modification of its interaction with external devices, such as RFID readers. The RFID device may have multiple antennas, coupled to multiple contacts of a chip of the device. The chip may include a real or virtual switch for selectively coupling the chip to either of the antennas. The switch may be activated by an external signal sent to the RFID device. The RFID device also may be controlled by adjusting an adjustable modulator within the RFID device. The modulator may adjust outgoing signals from the RFID device to an appropriate level of signal strength, or to have other suitable characteristics. By control of the antenna couplings and/or the modulator settings of the RFID device, adjustments in performance of the RFID device may be made for suitable operation in a variety of situations and environments. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027173 | RFID DEVICE WTIH CONTROL LOGIC, AND METHOD - A radio frequency identification (RFID) device has controllable features that allow for modification of its interaction with external devices, such as RFID readers. The RFID device may have multiple antennas, coupled to multiple contacts of a chip of the device. The chip may include a real or virtual switch for selectively coupling the chip to either of the antennas. The switch may be activated by an external signal sent to the RFID device. The RFID device also may be controlled by adjusting an adjustable modulator within the RFID device. The modulator may adjust outgoing signals from the RFID device to an appropriate level of signal strength, or to have other suitable characteristics. By control of the antenna couplings and/or the modulator settings of the RFID device, adjustments in performance of the RFID device may be made for suitable operation in a variety of situations and environments. | 01-29-2009 |
20090079568 | RFID INTERPOSER WITH IMPEDANCE MATCHING - An RFID interposer has conductive material that includes an impedance matching structure. The impedance matching structure aids in matching impedance between a chip that is to be mounted to the interposer, and an antenna that the interposer is to be coupled to. The impedance matching structures may allow different chips, with slightly different electrical characteristics, to be impedance matched to the same antenna configuration, using the same type of interposer. The impedance matching structure may have any of a variety of configurations in the electrically conductive material of the interposer. The structure may be parts of the chip mounting bond pads, may be part of the conductive electrical connection between the chip bond pads and antenna bond pads, may be part of connections between the chip bond pads and the antenna bond pads, and/or may be only indirectly electrically coupled to the antenna bond pads (such as by capacitive coupling). | 03-26-2009 |
20090115581 | RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICE WITH VISUAL INDICATOR - An RFID device includes a chip, an antenna operatively coupled to the chip, and a visual indicator operatively coupled to the chip. The visual indicator provides a visual indication of an operative state of the device. The visual indication may be human readable and/or machine readable, and may provide visual indication that is dependent on a change in an operative state of the device. The operative state that triggers the visual indication may include a state in which the chip has temporarily or permanently been rendered inoperative or disabled, that is, in which the chip no longer responds to, or otherwise interacts with, ordinary incoming RF signals such as from a device reader. The visual indicator may be included in a display that functions by any of a variety of suitable mechanisms, such as by use of electrochromic materials, thermochromic materials, liquid crystals, or chemically-reactive materials. | 05-07-2009 |
20090140860 | DUAL USE RFID/EAS DEVICE - A radio frequency identification (RFID) device has multiple modes of operation. One of the modes of operation is an electronic article surveillance (EAS) mode, which is used to allow use of the RFID device as an EAS device. Another mode of operation is an RFID mode, which allows normal function of the RFID device in RFID communications. The EAS mode has greater sensitivity than the RFID mode, requires less power than the RFID mode to operate the device, and requires less current and/or voltage for operation. The EAS mode may achieve these different characteristics by one or more of: switching off some digital blocks in the circuitry of the RFID device; reducing power storage required to respond to incoming signals; reducing the length of response to incoming signals; reducing modulation required for a response; changing chip input impedance; and having multiple chip ports with different impedances. | 06-04-2009 |
20090146783 | RFID SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTED READ STRUCTURE - A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a portable RFID reader, and a read infrastructure that includes a distributed read structure, which may be part of a display (such as a shelf) for holding objects. The read structure is used to couple the RFID reader to RFID devices (tabs and/or labels) on or near the structure. The RFID reader and the read structure communicate in a near field or proximity region communication, without any use of a direct ohmic electrical connection. The RFID reader may have an antenna that is configured for near field or proximity communication with a coupler of the read infrastructure. The RFID reader may also have a separate antenna for use in far field communication. The RFID reader may be able to obtain information more efficiently in the near field or proximity mode, allowing information to be received faster and with greater reliability. | 06-11-2009 |
20090146785 | RFID DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE PASSIVE OPERATION MODES - A radio frequency identification (RFID) device is capable of operating in multiple passive modes, in either a fully passive mode or a boosted passive mode. The device includes an RFID chip that is suitable for operation of passive RFID devices. An antenna is coupled to the chip for receiving radio frequency signals, such as those sent by a reader/detector device. In addition, the RFID device has an energy booster which may be used to boost the energy of signals received by the device, in order to enable operation at a reduced level of RF signal. The energy boost may be selectively applied in order to transform the passive RFID device into operating in a boosted passive mode. The energy booster may include a one-port transistor and an energy source that is used to power the transistor. The energy source may be a rechargeable energy source. | 06-11-2009 |
20090179751 | HYBRID SENSOR/COMMUNICATION DEVICE, AND METHOD - A hybrid sensor/communication device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication device coupled to a sensor device that includes organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material. The organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material may be printed atop a substrate of the device, the same substrate upon which antenna elements of the RFID device are located. The organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material may form an organic/amorphous semiconductor material processor that is coupled to sensor pads of the sensor device. An integrated circuit of the RFID device, which may be a part of an interposer or strap, and which may utilize an inorganic crystalline semiconductor material such as crystalline silicon, is coupled to the organic/amorphous semiconductor material processor. The RFID device provides power to the sensor device, and allows communication between the sensor device and external devices outside of the hybrid sensor/communication device. | 07-16-2009 |
20090201157 | RFID DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OVERLAPPED OBJECTS - Readability of overlapping radio frequency identification (RFID) devices on overlapping objects, such as RFID labels on stacked garments, is improved by having different antenna configurations for the overlapped RFID devices. Each pair of closest overlapped RFID devices may have different respective antenna configurations. The different respective antenna configurations may be mirror images of one another, or may have the same shape, with a relative rotation between the two. The different antenna configurations may substantially fill an antenna-receiving portion that is located in the same relative location in each of the RFID devices, with the antenna-receiving portion covering most of an area of the RFID devices. Feedpoints of the different antenna configurations, for receiving a strap or interposer for coupling to the antenna configurations, may be in the same relative location. | 08-13-2009 |
20090212919 | RFID TAG FOR DIRECT AND INDIRECT FOOD CONTACT - The present invention relates to an RFID device that is intended to be used in connection with direct or indirect packaging of consumer food products, such as with the use of food trays, totes and other transport packaging for perishable items. The RFID device may include a RFID inlay assembly that has been encased in a laminate that is safe for use with food products. | 08-27-2009 |
20090295583 | Rfid tags with eas deactivation ability - A radio-frequency identification (RFID) and an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag includes an RFID device and an EAS device. The RFID device may operate in a plurality of states including an activated state in which communication with a reader is enabled and a deactivated state in which communication with a reader is disabled. The EAS device may operate in a plurality of states including an activated state in which activation of an alarm is enabled and a deactivated state in which activation of an alarm is disable. The RFID device may be deactivated when the EAS device is deactivated. For example, the same piece of equipment that deactivates the EAS device also deactivates the RFID device at the same time. The RFID device may include an antenna, an RFID chip connected to the antenna for communicating with a reader, and an active element operatively disposed with respect to the antenna. The active element, which may include a conductive strip or lead, may have an activated state in which the antenna is enabled for communicating with a reader in a far field and a deactivated state in which the antenna is disabled from communicating with a reader in a far field. In addition, the EAS device may include a magnetic resonator and a bias magnet. When activated, the bias magnet may cause or affect the resonator to resonate and the active element to be in the activated state. Further, when deactivated, the bias magnet may cause the active element to be in the deactivated state. | 12-03-2009 |
20090309703 | RFID DEVICE WITH CONDUCTIVE LOOP SHIELD - A radio frequency identification (RFID) device includes a conductive loop shield for a loop antenna. The shield may overlap the conductive loop antenna. The preferred frequency of operation may be a frequency or range of frequencies within the ultra high frequency (UHF) range of frequencies. The conductive loop shield provides a distributed capacitance to the loop antenna, which brings the inductance of the combined system of the loop antenna and the conductive shield down to an inductance level that allows impedance matching with the RFID chip (at the desired impedance or range of impedances). The use of the conductive loop allows the RFID device to function as a near-field magnetic communication device, utilizing a loop antenna having a larger area than would normally be possible for impedance-matching with RFID chip. The loop antenna and the conductive shield loop may be on opposed major surfaces of a dielectric material layer. | 12-17-2009 |
20100060456 | RF COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH ENERGY ENHANCEMENT - A method of operating a radio frequency (RF) communication device includes internally storing energy received by the RF communication device, and using that energy to enhance communication by the RF communication device upon occurrence of a predetermined event. The energy received by the RF communication device may be energy transmitted by a shelf or other display unit that an object with the RF communication device is located on. The predetermined event may be any of a wide variety of events. The energy storage may be accomplished in a battery, capacitor, or other energy storage device. The use of energy to enhance communication may be used to provide increased power for sending, receiving, or detecting signals. The enhanced power may be provided continuously, and/or may include periods of power enhancement alternating with periods of non-enhancement. | 03-11-2010 |
20100126000 | METHOD OF MAKING RFID DEVICES - A method of producing antennas for RFID devices includes cutting or otherwise physically separating the antennas from a preformed sheet of conductive material that includes apertures in the conductive material. Cutting locations relative to the apertures may be selected based on desired performance characteristics of the antenna and/or of the RFID device for which the antenna is to be used. The cutting locations may include one or more cuts through the aperture, and other cuts that do not pass through an aperture. The cutting locations may be selected as a function of such parameters as the desired bandwidth of the antenna and the operating frequency of the antenna. The method allows production of antennas with different characteristics, from a previously-prepared supply of sheet conductive material. This facilitates the ability to make small production runs of antennas, and/or to reduce the lead time for providing antennas with specified characteristics. | 05-27-2010 |
20100155492 | BADGE WITH RFID DEVICE - An identification or security badge has a radio frequency identification (RFID) device that is on a flexible substrate of the badge. A first part of the flexible substrate, including a first part of an antenna of the RFID device, overlaps a second part of the substrate that contains a second part of the antenna, with the parts physically separated from one another. A holder of the badge may be mechanically coupled to the flexible substrate to provide the separation between the substrate parts. The holder may hold ends of the flexible substrate with clips, so that at least one part of the substrate has a curved or bowed (arcuate) shape that separates it from another part of the substrate. The separation of different antenna parts from each other means that at least part of the antenna is spaced away from a wearer of the badge. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161009 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A WOUND - A wound dressing includes a substrate, an optical energy emitting device, and a radio frequency receiving device. The substrate is configured to engage biological tissue of a patient. The optical energy emitting device is attached to the substrate, and the radio frequency receiving device is electrically coupled with the optical energy emitting device. The radio frequency receiving device is configured to capture energy from radio frequency transmissions. The radio frequency receiving device is further configured to direct at least a portion of the energy to the optical energy emitting device. Upon receipt of the energy from the radio frequency receiving device, the optical energy emitting device is configured to emit light onto biological tissue of a patient. | 06-24-2010 |
20100257730 | Foldable RFID Device Interposer and Method - An RFID device interposer has folded ends that bring conductive lead end portions of conductive leads of the interposer to an underside of the interposer. The central conductive lead portions of the conductive leads remain on an upper surface of a dielectric substrate of the interposer. The folded ends of the interposer may be held together with an adhesive, or with thermal compression bonding. The interposer may also have an additional conductive material layer on an underside of the dielectric substrate. The conductive material layer may be capacitively coupled to the conductive leads of the interposer. The interposer may be tuned by varying the pressure used to secure the folded ends. This may be used to provide a better impedance match between a chip of the interposer, and the conductive leads and an antenna to which the interposer is coupled. | 10-14-2010 |
20100283615 | Conductive Pattern and Method of Making - A method of forming an electrically-conductive pattern includes selectively electroplating the top portions of a substrate that corresponds to the pattern, and separating the conductive pattern from the substrate. The electroplating may also include electrically connecting the conductive pattern to an electrical component. Conductive ink, such as ink including carbon particles, may be selectively placed on the conductive substrate to facilitate plating of the desired pattern and/or to facilitate separation of the pattern from the substrate. An example of a conductive pattern is an antenna for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device such as a label or a tag. One example of an electrical component that may be electrically connected to the antenna, is an RFID strap or chip. | 11-11-2010 |
20110073661 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICE - A method, system and apparatus for manufacturing radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. An RFID device can be formed with a substrate, a conductor and a laminate or coating. The RFID device can be such that an antenna can be formed on the conductor and the laminate can be applied to insulate or protect the antenna. | 03-31-2011 |
20110133898 | Dual Use RFID/EAS Device - A radio frequency identification (RFID) device has multiple modes of operation. One of the modes of operation is an electronic article surveillance (EAS) mode, which is used to allow use of the RFID device as an EAS device. Another mode of operation is an RFID mode, which allows normal function of the RFID device in RFID communications. The EAS mode has greater sensitivity than the RFID mode, requires less power than the RFID mode to operate the device, and requires less current and/or voltage for operation. The EAS mode may achieve these different characteristics by one or more of: switching off some digital blocks in the circuitry of the RFID device; reducing power storage required to respond to incoming signals; reducing the length of response to incoming signals; reducing modulation required for a response; changing chip input impedance; and having multiple chip ports with different impedances. | 06-09-2011 |
20110155813 | RFID STRAP AND CUTTING DEVICE - The present invention describes an RFID tag and a method of making an RFID tag. The RFID tag can include a first substrate with a conductive layer disposed thereon. Further, the RFID tag can be formed with a second substrate that can have any number of components, for example a strap, a processor, a blade and a coupling mechanism mounted thereon. Also, the second substrate can be coupled to the first substrate with a coupling mechanism. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160548 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS USING ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENTS - A system for monitoring a physiological parameter comprises a substrate, a pair of drive electrodes, a pair of detection electrodes, and an RFID apparatus. The substrate is arranged to be removably securable to a biological organism. At least the pair of drive electrodes or the pair of detection electrodes is secured to the substrate. The RFID apparatus is arranged to be in electrical communication with at least the pair of drive electrodes or the pair of detection electrodes. Methods of using the device are also provided. | 06-30-2011 |
20110175735 | MEDICATION REGIMEN COMPLIANCE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for monitoring compliance with a medication regimen comprises a patch. The patch includes an RFID apparatus and a sensor. The patch is configured to be removably securable to a body of a biological organism. The sensor is in electrical communication with the RFID apparatus and is configured to inspect a biological material of a biological organism for the presence of a detectable agent. The RFID apparatus is configured to communicate a result of the inspection to an RFID transceiver and/or a communication device. Methods are also provided. | 07-21-2011 |
20110178375 | REMOTE PHYSIOLOGICAL MONITORING - A system for remote physiological monitoring comprises a communication device and a patch. The patch is configured to be removably securable to a body of a biological organism and further configured to monitor a physiological parameter of a biological organism. The communication device is configured to receive communications from the patch. The communication device is further configured to transmit communications to a remote location. | 07-21-2011 |
20110185607 | RFID/NFC Panel and/or Array Used in Smart Signage Applications and Method of Using - The present invention relates to an interactive advertising system and method of using the system. A plurality of removable RFID devices are disposed on a panel which is separate from an advertising graphic that is supported in an illuminated frame. Activation of one of the RFID devices illuminates a portion of the advertising graphic. | 08-04-2011 |
20110187510 | Radio Frequency Identification Device with Visual Indicator - An RFID device includes a chip, an antenna operatively coupled to the chip, and a visual indicator operatively coupled to the chip. The visual indicator provides a visual indication of an operative state of the device. The visual indication may be human readable and/or machine readable, and may provide visual indication that is dependent on a change in an operative state of the device. The operative state that triggers the visual indication may include a state in which the chip has temporarily or permanently been rendered inoperative or disabled, that is, in which the chip no longer responds to, or otherwise interacts with, ordinary incoming RF signals such as from a device reader. The visual indicator may be included in a display that functions by any of a variety of suitable mechanisms, such as by use of electrochromic materials, thermochromic materials, liquid crystals, or chemically-reactive materials. | 08-04-2011 |
20110256357 | Method of Assembly of Articles and Intermediate Created Thereby - Articles on flexible webs with different pitches are assembled together by displacing portions between articles of one web out of plane to move the articles on that web to the same pitch as the other web, aligning the two webs to register corresponding articles on the two webs, and assembling the corresponding articles together. The assembly may be used for example in the making of RFID tags, labels and inlays. | 10-20-2011 |
20110266342 | Infrastructure-Mounted RFID Tags - Infrastructure-mounted RFID-readable tags or transponders are provided for various applications. Such infrastructure tags may be employed in combination with RFID-readable product tags and an RFID reader for an improved inventory-management system which requires both types of tags to be scanned to constitute a successful product count. Infrastructure tags may also be employed as “read” or “no-read” tags in an RFID read field. The infrastructure tags of the RFID read field are combined with an RFID reader which is dynamically adaptable during initial set-up and use to improve the performance of the read field. When a perturbing object is detected in the read field, one or more performance parameters of the reader are adjusted to overcome any perturbing influence caused by the object. | 11-03-2011 |
20110285677 | RFID-Based Display Devices Having Multiple Driver Chips - An RFID-based display device is provided with a plurality of display characters having a plurality of display elements, such as line segments or pixels. The display device further includes a plurality of driver chips for controlling the display elements and/or display characters. Each driver chip may control an individual display element or multiple display elements of a given display character. The driver chip and associated display character may be provided as a common structure, module or strap, with multiple straps being attached to a substrate to form a display device. | 11-24-2011 |
20110289023 | Retail Item Display Device - A retail item display includes an RFID processor, a display driving mechanism, at least one power source, and an electronic display. The RFID processor can include an antenna and an RFID processor. The display driving mechanism can include a microcontroller and a display driver or similar device. The electronic display comprises a display medium sandwiched between two electrodes. The RFID device is in communication with the display driving mechanism to display updated product information on the electronic display according to instructions from an external RFID activator. In one embodiment, the retail item display includes an electronic display that can be activated or deactivated. In another embodiment, the retail item display includes at least one customizable portion and at least one non-customizable portion. Methods to reduce the number of electrical connections between the display driving mechanism and the electronic display are also disclosed. | 11-24-2011 |
20110307309 | Smart Sign Box Using Electronic Interactions - The present invention relates to an advertising system and method of using the same. The advertising system includes a light source which may be activated by near field communication devices in order to extract information from the system. | 12-15-2011 |
20120038461 | Sensing Radio Frequency Identification Device with Reactive Strap Attachment - A sensing radio frequency identification device with a strap that is reactively attached to an antenna by a sensing material is provided. In one embodiment, the RFID device includes an antenna, an interposer (or strap), an integrated circuit coupled to the interposer, and a sensing material disposed between the interposer and the antenna. As the relative permittivity of the sensing material changes in response to its exposure to an environmental condition, the reactive coupling between the interposer and the antenna likewise changes thereby causing changes in one or more parameters of communication such as frequency. The sensing material | 02-16-2012 |
20120060359 | Method, System and Apparatus for Making Short Run Radio Frequency Identification Tags and Labels - The present invention is a method and apparatus for producing ready to use RFID devices in a convenient and economical manner. The apparatus of the present invention may be collocated with a manufacturer of consumer goods. | 03-15-2012 |
20120061473 | Method of Manufacturing a Radio Frequency Identification Device - The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an antenna for a radio frequency (RFID) tag. A web of material is provided to at least one cutting station in which a first pattern is generated in the web of material. A further cutting may occur to create additional modifications in order to provide a microchip attachment location and to selectively tune an antenna for a particular end use application. The cutting may be performed by a laser, die cutting, stamping or combinations thereof. | 03-15-2012 |
20120064307 | Foil Laminate Intermediate and Method of Manufacturing - The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a metal foil laminate which may be used for example to produce an antenna for a radio frequency (RFID) tag, electronic circuit, photovoltaic module or the like. A web of material is provided to at least one cutting station in which a first pattern is generated in the web of material. A further cutting may occur to create additional modifications in order to provide additional features for the intended end use of the product. The cutting may be performed by a laser either alone or in combinations with other cutting technologies. | 03-15-2012 |
20120090877 | Method of Manufacturing Conductive Structures - The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a web of a plurality of conductive structures which may be used for example to produce an antenna, electronic circuit, photovoltaic module or the like. The method involved simultaneously patterning at least one pattern in a conductive layer using a plurality of registration marks. The registration marks serve to align and guide the creation of the plurality of conductive structures. Optical brighteners may also be utilized within the adhesive layer and the registration marks of the present invention in order to detect the location where conductive structures are to be placed. | 04-19-2012 |
20120092027 | RFID Wetness Sensing Device - The present invention relates to a RFID tag having sensing capabilities. The RFID device includes an antenna section and a sensor patch section. The antenna is coupled to a chip. The sensor patch section upon exposure to an environmental condition causes the RFID device to change from a first operating condition to a second operating condition. | 04-19-2012 |
20120118975 | RFID Devices and Methods for Manufacturing - A RFID device includes a substrate, a conductive element, and a RFID chip. The conductive element is coupled to the substrate and defines at least one pathway. The RFID chip includes an integrated circuit, a terminal, and an electrical lead connecting the integrated circuit and the terminal. The terminal is in electrical communication with the conductive element. The RFID chip is positioned so that a first portion of the RFID chip is positioned above the conductive element and a second portion of the RFID chip is positioned above the at least one pathway. Methods are also provided. | 05-17-2012 |
20120127211 | Graphic Medic Display Device and Method for Using Same - According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus and method for displaying graphic media are disclosed. The apparatus and method can contain and secure graphic media and provide illumination. The apparatus and method may also contain electronic communication devices. | 05-24-2012 |
20120149300 | PORTABLE RADIO-FREQUENCY REPEATER - A portable radio-frequency repeater includes a housing and a transceiver. The transceiver is disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to alternatively operate in a transmitting mode and a sleep mode. The transceiver includes an antenna and a control unit. The control unit is in electrical communication with the antenna. When the transceiver operates in the transmitting mode, the control unit is configured to receive an RFID signal from the antenna, convert the RFID signal into a converted RFID signal, and transmit the converted RFID signal to the antenna. When the transceiver operates in the sleep mode, the control unit is configured to detect an interrogation signal from the antenna and not to transmit any converted RFID signal to the antenna. | 06-14-2012 |
20120153968 | Isolating and RFID-Based Sensor from Environmental Interference - An RFID-based sensor is provided with an RFID chip and an antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip. The antenna is adapted to receive energy from an RF field and produce a signal. The sensor also includes a sensing material electrically connected to the antenna and having an electrical property which varies in the presence of an environmental factor. The sensor is further provided with a dielectric spacer material and a ground element which is adapted to at least partially isolate the sensing material from the environmental factor. | 06-21-2012 |
20120182147 | Sensing properties of a material loading a UHF RFID tag by analysis of the complex reflection backscatter at different frequencies and power levels - An RFID device for sensing the properties of a material in proximity to a UHF tag. The RFID device includes a microchip, an antenna operatively coupled to the microchip, and an impedance transforming section operatively coupled to the microchip and to the antenna. Changing an electrical characteristic of at least one component of the RFID device results in a complex reflected signal at a reader device representing a sensed state of a material in proximity to the RFID device. | 07-19-2012 |
20120212149 | Remotely Powered Optical Output Labels - According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus, system and method for a remotely powered optical output label is disclosed. The system includes a transmitting device including at least one transmitting antenna and a power source. A receiving label is in remote communication with the transmitting device, the receiving label including a receiving antenna and a capacitor connected to at least one optical element. The optical element may be selectively controlled and powered to variably emit light using energy transmitted by the transmitting device. | 08-23-2012 |
20120218110 | Method, System, and Apparatus for RFID Removal Detection - According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus, system and method for forming RFID labels is disclosed. The RFID labels can include an RFID chip, at least one antenna element and at least one conductive material. The RFID chip may then transmit desired signals based upon a coupling of the conductive material to the RFID chip. | 08-30-2012 |
20120235817 | Detection of Groups of RFID Tags - RFID-based inventory management systems are provided for various applications. Such systems include a plurality of RFID-readable products tags, with each product tag being associated with a piece of merchandise and programmed to generate a signal containing information regarding the associated piece of merchandise. Such systems also include an RFID reader capable of sending and receiving signals from the product tags. Such systems further include a processor capable of receiving signals from the RFID reader with information regarding the product tags. The processor compares the information regarding two or more product tags to determine whether they are being moved together as part of a moving group. If the processor determines that there exists a moving group of product tags, it generates an output based at least in part on the signals being sent from the product tags in the moving group. | 09-20-2012 |
20120235818 | Electronic Article Surveillance System Including Low-Cost EAS Tag - A robust tag. The robust tag may include a body section, at least one movable latching member disposed within the body section, at least one attachment structure receivable within the body and selectively engageable to the at least one latching member; and at least one responsive member disposed within the body and in cooperative arrangement with the at least one latching member. Upon the application of a signal to at least one drive position on the body section, the responsive member generates a flexural wave that induces a movement of the at least one latching member, so as to disengage the at least one latching member from the at least one attachment structure. | 09-20-2012 |
20120235870 | Dual Band RFID Device and Method of Formulation - A dual band antenna device and method of formation is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a planar conductive sheet; forming a slot antenna in the conductive sheet; the slot antenna configured to communicate at a first frequency; forming a multi-turn antenna in the conductive sheet; the multi-turn antenna configured to communicate in a second frequency that is different from the first frequency; and connecting at least one integrated circuit to said first antenna and said second antenna; enclosing said first antenna, said second antenna, and said at least one integrated circuit in a wearable enclosure. | 09-20-2012 |
20120242318 | RFID Tag Including a Coating - A RFID device which can include a substrate, an antenna having a gap defined therein, a wireless communications device coupled to the antenna and a coating disposed over a portion of the antenna and within a portion of the gap. The coating may be an insulator or an environmentally-responsive material. | 09-27-2012 |
20120263923 | Method of Assembly of Articles and Intermediate Created Thereby - Articles on flexible webs with different pitches are assembled together by displacing portions between articles of one web out of plane to move the articles on that web to the same pitch as the other web, aligning the two webs to register corresponding articles on the two webs, and assembling the corresponding articles together. The assembly may be used for example in the making of RFID tags, labels and inlays. | 10-18-2012 |
20120280047 | Method, System and Apparatus for Making Short Run Radio Frequency Identification Tags and Labels - The present invention is a method and apparatus for producing ready to use RFID devices in a convenient and economical manner. The apparatus of the present invention may be collocated with a manufacturer of consumer goods. | 11-08-2012 |
20120280103 | Reinforcement of Hang Tags - Hang tags are provided for mounting on merchandise in a retail setting. The hang tags include a card with a plurality of edges, with a region of reinforcing material located at or adjacent to the top edge of the card, surrounding an aperture through which a fastener is received. The region defines the shape of a pair of intersecting elongated shapes such as ovals or ellipses, thereby positioning the reinforcing material in the locations where it is most needed to prevent theft-based removal of the tag from the merchandise, while omitting reinforcing material from the locations where it is not needed. Also provided is an attachment device, such as an applicator gun, for substantially simultaneously applying the reinforcing material to the tag and fastening the tag to a piece of merchandise. | 11-08-2012 |
20130021140 | Apparatus, System and Method for Extending the Field Area of a Device Equipped with a High-Frequency Reader - A structure for extending the field area of a device equipped with an RF tag reader. The structure can include at least one reader coupling area for inductively coupling with an RF tag reader, and at least one tag coupling area for inductively coupling with an RF tag, wherein the tag coupling area is disposed outside the field area of the RF tag reader, and the reader coupling area is conductively coupled to the tag coupling area such that a signal induced in the reader coupling area by the RF reader creates a signal in the tag coupling area, thereby inducing a signal in the tag, and allowing the RF reader to communicate with the tag. | 01-24-2013 |
20130055555 | Method of Manufacturing Conductive Structures - The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a web of a plurality of conductive structures which may be used for example to produce an antenna, electronic circuit, photovoltaic module or the like. The method involved simultaneously patterning at least one pattern in a conductive layer using a plurality of registration marks. The registration marks serve to align and guide the creation of the plurality of conductive structures. Optical brighteners may also be utilized within the adhesive layer and the registration marks of the present invention in order to detect the location where conductive structures are to be placed. | 03-07-2013 |
20130099897 | RFID-Based Devices and Methods for Interfacing with a Sensor - A sensor is provided with an RFID reader, RFID chip, and an antenna electrically coupled to the RFID chip and configured to received signals from and transmit signals to the RFID reader. A sensing material is also electrically connected to the RFID chip and has a variable electrical property. The RFID chip is configured to modulate a signal received by the antenna and drive the sensing material using the modulated signal. | 04-25-2013 |
20130106578 | ARRAY OF RFID TAGS WITH SENSING CAPABILITY | 05-02-2013 |
20130107042 | Method, System, and Apparatus for an Indicator Driven by an RFID Tag for Localization Purposes | 05-02-2013 |
20130141776 | Backplane for Electrophoretic Display - A backplane for an electrophoretic display is provided with a plurality of layers, including a base film layer, an interconnect layer, a foil layer, and a display film layer. The foil layer includes at least one laser-formed gap, with the gap being defined in the foil layer after the foil layer has been applied to one of the other layers. In one embodiment, the interconnect layer is a printed interconnect layer. In another embodiment, the interconnect layer is a second foil layer. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144133 | DEVICES WITH SELECTIVELY PERMEABLE BARRIERS - Devices having selectively permeable barriers are provided with a substrate, a first layer overlaying at least a portion of the substrate, and a second layer overlaying at least a portion of the first layer. The first layer has at least one first pore and the second layer has at least one second pore. At least a portion of the first and/or second layers are movable with respect to each other between an open condition and a closed condition in response to a change in an environmental factor. In the open condition, the first and second pores are substantially aligned to allow fluid communication between the substrate and the outside environment. In the closed condition, the first and second pores are substantially misaligned to prevent fluid communication between the substrate and the outside environment. | 06-06-2013 |
20130161400 | Radio Frequency Identification Sensor Assembly - In accordance with one embodiment, an RFID sensor assembly comprises an RFID chip, an antenna, a sensor, a substrate, and a laminated layer. The RFID chip is in electrical communication with the antenna and the sensor. The RFID chip, antenna, and sensor are secured to the substrate. The laminated layer is arranged as to create a generally airtight pouch between the substrate and the laminate layer. The laminated layer is further arranged to facilitate a post manufacturing method for exposing the contents of the pouch to the environment surrounding the RFID sensor assembly. | 06-27-2013 |
20130162405 | Radio Frequency Identification Sensor Assembly - In accordance with one embodiment, an RFID sensor assembly comprises an RFID chip, an antenna, a sensor, a substrate, and a laminated layer. The RFID chip is in electrical communication with the antenna and the sensor. The RFID chip, antenna, and sensor are secured to the substrate. The laminated layer is arranged as to create a generally airtight pouch between the substrate and the laminate layer. The laminated layer is further arranged to facilitate a post manufacturing method for exposing the contents of the pouch to the environment surrounding the RFID sensor assembly. | 06-27-2013 |
20130248608 | Conductive Pattern and Method of Making - A method of forming an electrically-conductive pattern includes selectively electroplating the top portions of a substrate that corresponds to the pattern, and separating the conductive pattern from the substrate. The electroplating may also include electrically connecting the conductive pattern to an electrical component. Conductive ink, such as ink including carbon particles, may be selectively placed on the conductive substrate to facilitate plating of the desired pattern and/or to facilitate separation of the pattern from the substrate. An example of a conductive pattern is an antenna for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device such as a label or a tag. One example of an electrical component that may be electrically connected to the antenna, is an RFID strap or chip. | 09-26-2013 |
20130278387 | Radio Frequency Identification Sensor Assembly - In accordance with one embodiment, an RFID sensor assembly comprises a sensing RFID chip and a reference RFID chip. The sensing RFID chip and the reference RFID chip are configured for electrical coupling to an electronic component via a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement of the sensing RFID chip is configured to vary a coupling property in response to a sensed parameter. | 10-24-2013 |
20130284905 | Radio Frequency Identification Sensor Assembly - An RFID sensor comprises an RFID chip, an antenna, and sensing material. The RFID chip is in electrical communication with the antenna and comprises an optical sensor. The sensing material overlies an upper surface of the RFID chip and is configured as a variable light filter that filters light differently depending upon certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor. A light source is configured to selectively illuminate the sensing material to facilitate detection of certain properties or conditions of the environment surrounding the RFID sensor. | 10-31-2013 |
20140034739 | Method of Manufacturing a Radio Frequency Identification Device - The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an antenna for a radio frequency (RFID) tag. A web of material is provided to at least one cutting station in which a first pattern is generated in the web of material. A further cutting may occur to create additional modifications in order to provide a microchip attachment location and to selectively tune an antenna for a particular end use application. The cutting may be performed by a laser, die cutting, stamping or combinations thereof. | 02-06-2014 |
20140070923 | Method for Preventing Unauthorized Diversion of NFC Tags - A method, system and apparatus for pairing authorized NFC enabled RFID devices with an intended object or product. The method, system and apparatus can include a primary RFID with a radio frequency identification chip, a coil antenna, a bridge and a substrate; an association of the at least primary RFID device with an object; an integration of a material into one of the at least primary RFID device and the object that provides the RFID device with a predetermined resonant frequency; and the detuning of one or more secondary communication devices located proximate the RFID device. | 03-13-2014 |
20140139347 | NFC Tags with Proximity Detection - Systems, apparatuses and methods provide for detecting the proximate placement of an external NFC reader to a specific location on a display surface. The display surface can be intended for viewing indicia and enabling interaction with an NFC communication device embedded within the display. A circuit can control an NFC security system that can scan for unauthorized tags affixed to the surface of a display. The NFC security system may be activated by an NFC enabled mobile phone placed proximate to the indicated region for receiving an NFC coded message from the display. An NFC security scan can be performed prior to the mobile phone reading the message from the intended NFC tag in the display. Enabling interactive display modes can allow for making selections indicated on the display or detecting motion gestures across the face of the display. | 05-22-2014 |
20140263655 | RFID Inlay Incorporating a Ground Plane - An RFID inlay. The RFID inlay can include a substrate having a first area and a second area, a conductive structure having a first part disposed over at least a portion of the first area and a second part disposed over at least a portion of the second area, and a dielectric material disposed over at least a portion of the conductive structure, wherein the substrate is adapted to be folded such that the first part of the conductive structure is disposed over the second part of the conductive structure and the dielectric material is disposed between the first part and the second part. | 09-18-2014 |