Abstract: A system for locating a RFID tag in a space or area having a physical barrier is disclosed herein. More specifically, the system comprises a plurality of guard tags for use in conjunction with a RFID tag disposed on an item and a RFID reader for locating the same. The system is configured to locate the RFID tag on either side of the physical barrier. The plurality of guard tags may comprise a plurality of negative encoded guard tags and a plurality of positive encoded guard tags, and an algorithm may be used to determine a probability of the RFID tag location within the physical space. A method of locating a RFID tag within a physical space, and a method of virtually shielding the physical space is also disclosed.

Abstract: The antenna of an RFID device is formed by applying an adhesive to a substrate. A conductor is secured to the substrate using the adhesive and then a gap is defined in the conductor in the shape of an antenna so as to isolate an inner region of the conductor from an outer region of the conductor. Heat is applied to the outer region of the conductor so as to cause at least a portion of the adhesive positioned between the outer region of the conductor and the substrate to undergo a phase change or be activated without causing at least a portion of the adhesive positioned between the inner region of the conductor and the substrate to undergo a phase change or be activated. The outer region of the conductor is then dissociated from the substrate, with the inner region of the conductor remaining secured to the substrate by the adhesive as an antenna.

Abstract: An active radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag receives an RFID interrogation signal via a first antenna. An integrated frequency reference in the RFID chip recovers the clock from the RFID interrogation and generates a reference clock for transmitting data responsive to the RFID interrogation. The integrated frequency reference generates the reference clock at the same frequency as the RFID interrogation for transmitting the response via the first antenna. The integrated frequency reference generates the reference clock at a different frequency for transmitting the response using a Bluetooth beacon message or a WiFi message via a second antenna. A mobile computing device can interrogate the RFID tag via an NFC interface and receive a response via a Bluetooth beacon messages or WiFi message received via a Bluetooth or wireless interface of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a flow pulsing system including a rotor, a stator, a dart which is configured to releasably couple with the rotor, and a nozzle releasably coupled to the rotor which is configured to control a fluid flow through the rotor. In some embodiments, the system uses a screen disposed therein which includes an inner bore in fluid communication with a plurality of lobe cavities along the rotor. In some embodiments, the system uses a stationary valve and an oscillating valve having a plurality of oscillating valve ports which are in fluid communication with the plurality of lobe cavities.

Abstract: A system for locating a RFID tag in a space or area having a physical barrier is disclosed herein. More specifically, the system comprises a plurality of guard tags for use in conjunction with a RFID tag disposed on an item and a RFID reader for locating the same. The system is configured to locate the RFID tag on either side of the physical barrier. The plurality of guard tags may comprise a plurality of negative encoded guard tags and a plurality of positive encoded guard tags, and an algorithm may be used to determine a probability of the RFID tag location within the physical space. A method of locating a RFID tag within a physical space, and a method of virtually shielding the physical space is also disclosed.

Abstract: An RFID device includes an antenna defining a gap, with an RFID strap electrically coupled to the antenna across the gap. The RFID strap is secured to the antenna by a self-adhesive substance, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an isotropic conductive adhesive, or an anisotropic conductive adhesive. The use of a self-adhesive substance allows for such an RFID device to be assembled at facilities other than dedicated RFID device manufacturing facilities, which may include a packaging supplier factory. Additionally, such an RFID device allows for the creation of a flexible “build on demand” system capable of producing a smaller number of RFID devices than are typically produced using conventional approaches. Such a system may further test, program, apply print to, and/or cut an RFID device that it has assembled.

Abstract: RFID devices are provided with an antenna coupled to an RFID chip by a direct or indirect connection. A data-carrying pattern that is visible at one or more wavelengths is incorporated into and/or onto the antenna. The pattern may comprise a plurality of apertures defined in the antenna or a material applied onto the antenna and having a property or properties different from a property or properties of the material used to form the antenna at one or more wavelengths. The pattern may carry data that is optically readable at one wavelength and quasi-optically readable at another wavelength. The pattern may include at least one sensing material configured to cause the pattern to present different data depending on whether a condition is existent or not. The antenna may include a plurality of layers, each with patterns or portions of a pattern or patterns that are visible at different wavelengths.

Abstract: RFID tags for use on a non-planar surface of an object, packaging around the object, or a metallic object, and methods of making and using thereof are disclosed. For 3D objects, the method comprises forming an antenna on the non-planar surface and positioning a reactive RFID strap in proximity to the antenna. The reactive RFID strap can induce a far field antenna response, wherein coupling can occur via electric fields, magnetic fields, or both. For metallic objects, an antenna is formed on the surface of a substrate. An RFID chip or strap is attached and the clip component cut. The clip components can be modified to help secure the clip component to the metallic item by adding surface deflections, adhesive fixing points, or tabs designed to engage with an existing hole or opening in the metallic item package or object.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an antenna for an RFID device includes providing a conductive material on a substrate and performing a first cutting process on the conductive material to define an initial antenna. Additional cutting processes are performed on the initial antenna to define a final antenna, with the first and any subsequent cutting processes being different. The subsequent cutting processes are capable of more finely defining regions of the antenna, such as in some embodiments when the first cutting process is a die cutting process and a second cutting process is a laser cutting process. While the subsequent cutting processes are capable of more finely defining regions of the antenna than the first cutting process. By combining multiple cutting processes, a final antenna equivalent to one made using only one or more of the subsequent cutting processes may be created at a lower cost.

Abstract: The antenna of an RFID device is formed by applying an adhesive to a substrate. A conductor is secured to the substrate using the adhesive and then a gap is defined in the conductor in the shape of an antenna so as to isolate an inner region of the conductor from an outer region of the conductor. Heat is applied to the outer region of the conductor so as to cause at least a portion of the adhesive positioned between the outer region of the conductor and the substrate to undergo a phase change or be activated without causing at least a portion of the adhesive positioned between the inner region of the conductor and the substrate to undergo a phase change or be activated. The outer region of the conductor is then dissociated from the substrate, with the inner region of the conductor remaining secured to the substrate by the adhesive as an antenna.

Abstract: Methods and systems form shaped wire lengths of flexible wire materials by use of dispensing heads and movement of same in a direction along an axis different from the axis of movement followed by a web of material with which the thus formed shaped wire lengths are combined or to which the thus formed shaped wired are secured or adhered by adhesives applied onto the web prior to or during dispensing. Items are prepared that are suitable for use as antenna components of RFID devices. Also, RFID elements can be positioned on the web and the shaped wire length applied to the RFID element to provide a combination RFID device having both antenna and RFID element. Shaping of the flexible wires is achieved in manufacturing times substantially shorter than other methods and systems.

Abstract: An RFID antenna structure is disclosed that is designed to operate in proximity to metal surfaces. The RFID antenna structure is placed at 90 degrees to the surface of the metallic object, allowing it to operate with minimal separation from the edge of the RFID antenna structure to the metallic object. In another embodiment, the RFID antenna structure comprises an anti-tamper embodiment wherein a RFID tag device is applied to twist and flip-top cap containers, such that tearing along the perforations on the cap disables the RFID tag device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing RFID element or chip components allow for the use of relatively common and inexpensive vibratory feeder handling equipment that require a much lower capital cost than systems incorporating technology such as flip chipping or direct punching down approaches. Instead, vibratory feeders provide feed handling equipment for the RFID element or chip components, which are subsequently fed and combined with RFID antennas in forming RFID devices such as RFID tags. The RFID chips are formed on or of non-silicon substrates such as printed parts. These substrates are relatively flexible, of materials such as polymeric sheets or other plastics. A stream of the RFID components is presented at a transfer station to an ordered series of RFID antennas, with the RFID components and antennas being combined in forming RFID devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring medication compliance to allow a doctor or medical care provider to determine whether a subject is ingesting a prescribed medication at the proper times. This can include the capability of remote access to remotely monitor compliance. A medication container includes at least one medication-containing cell, with a cover overlaying the cell. An electronic device including a capacitive touchscreen is electrically coupled to the medication container and programmed to detect whether the cell has been accessed through the cover. The base of the cell may be in capacitive contact with the capacitive touchscreen or there may be an insulator therebetween. An adaptor may be provided to electrically couple the medication container and the electronic device.

Abstract: An active radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag receives an RFID interrogation signal via a first antenna. An integrated frequency reference in the RFID chip recovers the clock from the RFID interrogation and generates a reference clock for transmitting data responsive to the RFID interrogation. The integrated frequency reference generates the reference clock at the same frequency as the RFID interrogation for transmitting the response via the first antenna. The integrated frequency reference generates the reference clock at a different frequency for transmitting the response using a Bluetooth beacon message or a WiFi message via a second antenna. A mobile computing device can interrogate the RFID tag via an NFC interface and receive a response via a Bluetooth beacon messages or WiFi message received via a Bluetooth or wireless interface of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing RFID element or chip components allow for the use of relatively common and inexpensive vibratory feeder handling equipment that require a much lower capital cost than systems incorporating technology such as flip chipping or direct punching down approaches. Instead, vibratory feeders provide feed handling equipment for the RFID element or chip components, which are subsequently fed and combined with RFID antennas in forming RFID devices such as RFID tags. The RFID chips are formed on or of non-silicon substrates such as printed parts. These substrates are relatively flexible, of materials such as polymeric sheets or other plastics. A stream of the RFID components is presented at a transfer station to an ordered series of RFID antennas, with the RFID components and antennas being combined in forming RFID devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems form shaped wire lengths of flexible wire materials by use of dispensing heads and movement of same in a direction along an axis different from the axis of movement followed by a web of material with which the thus formed shaped wire lengths are combined or to which the thus formed shaped wired are secured or adhered by adhesives applied onto the web prior to or during dispensing. Items are prepared that are suitable for use as antenna components of RFID devices. Also, RFID elements can be positioned on the web and the shaped wire length applied to the RFID element to provide a combination RFID device having both antenna and RFID element. Shaping of the flexible wires is achieved in manufacturing times substantially shorter than other methods and systems.