Abstract: A reader for radio frequency identification tags having at least one magnetic field transmitting and receiving coil which is oriented in a given plane and which is responsive to a received magnetic exciter field of a first frequency to produce and radiate an identifying magnetic field comprised of a carrier at a second different frequency modulated by an identifying code.

Abstract: A method of forming an environmentally sealed transponder type circuit wherein the circuit components are mounted on a lead type substrate frame, the components are encapsulated in a plastic housing in a plastic molding process so that the housing is supported in the frame only by a plurality of the leads, and then severing the leads at the periphery of the housing to provide a leadless package. The frame may be formed of a conductive material, an insulating material or as a printed circuit board. A novel printed circuit type lead frame whereby a coil of the circuit may be mechanically attached and directly secured to the frame is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A transponder for use in an object identification system including an interrogator which transmits a continuous interrogation signal and detects a responsive identification signal transmitted by the transponder. The transponder receives and detects the interrogation signal and, in response to receipt of the interrogation signal, produces a repeating identification signal having a fixed number of binary bits consisting of an identification data portion of a specified number of consecutive bits less than one half of the fixed number of bits, and a synchronization pattern of consecutive bits consisting of first, second and third bits of alternating binary values, a consecutive sequence of a plurality of bits which are all of the same binary value as the second bit, and a single bit of the same binary value as the first and third bits. The identification signal is modulated onto a carrier signal and transmitted.

Abstract: A hand-held dual reading head including a hand-held housing having a light transmissive window at one end thereof; and containing an actuatable bar-code reader, which produces a light beam which exits the housing via the window and detects light from the beam reflected from a bar code tag to generate a first electrical signal corresponding to bar code data read from the tag. The housing also contains an actuatable radio frequency tag reader which includes a transmit/receive coil mounted adjacent the one end of the housing containing the window, for producing a radio frequency signal of a first frequency to energize a radio frequency transponder-type identification tag and for receiving an identifying signal of a second frequency transmitted by an energized radio frequency identification tag to provide a second electrical output signal corresponding to the tag identifying signal, preferably in the same signal format as the bar-code data.

Abstract: A radio frequency proximity reader has a base plate housing portion that has an essentially rectangular shape with first and second opposed major surfaces and a centrally located bore. A cylindrical housing portion having a concentrically placed bore is attached to the base plate and extends substantially perpendicular to the first major surface, with the bores of the housing portions being substantially aligned. A radio frequency antenna including a cylindrical ferrite core having at least one concentrically wound coil is concentrically located within the cylindrical housing portion. A light emitting diode and a piezo buzzer are provided within the cylindrical housing portion adjacent the second major surface of the base plate. A cable electronically connects the reader to remotely located signal processing circuits. The base plate may be attached to a wall, whereby the first surface abuts the wall. A rectangular cover attached to the base plate covers the second major surface of the base plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively reading or writing data on a magnetic data stripe on a data card which is thin and flexible and for selectively returning or capturing the card. The apparatus includes a card guide arrangement comprising a cylindrical card guide path section, an entrance card path section with an entrance slit for admitting the data card, and an exit path section with an exit slit for discharging the data card for capture. A drive arrangement drives the data card through the entrance slit, throughout the cylindrical card guide path section, and through the exit slit. A transducer with a read head and write head is mounted relative to the cylindrical card guide path section. A position tracking arrangement determines the position of the data card within the cylindrical card guide and a card-in sensor senses the presence of a data card in the entrance path section. A microprocessor based control circuit is used to operate the system and control operational features.

Abstract: A proximity detection system which combines the advantages of an electrostatic (electric) field coupling mechanism with those of an electromagnetic coupling mechanism in order to overcome the disadvantages of the respective individual coupling mechanisms. The system includes a coded tag which is excited with an induction field, i.e., by using an electromagnetic coupling mechanism as has been done in the past in such proximity identification systems, but which transmits stored data back to the receiver using both an electric field coupling mechanism and an electromagnetic field coupling mechanism. The receiver, in turn, is provided with a novel preamplifier circuit arrangement, so that it can simultaneously receive signals via either or both of these coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: A remotely powered portable member having circuitry for storing and transmitting coded information. A first coupling device is provided for receiving a signal transmitted via one of a magnetic field and an electric field. A power circuit is connected to the first coupling device for deriving operating power from the received signal for use by the circuitry. A second coupling device is connected to the circuitry for transmitting coded information stored by the circuitry via the other one of the magnetic field and electric field.