Abstract: A dual mode detection device provides both radio frequency identification and electronic article surveillance functionality. The device includes a dual mode microchip including a logic circuit and a non-volatile memory, the dual mode microchip having an electronic article surveillance (EAS) capability and a radio frequency identification (RFID) capability. An antenna is operatively coupled to the microchip for operation of the RFID capability. A coil is operatively coupled to the microchip and a capacitor is integrated into the microchip such that the coil resonates at a specific frequency, wherein exceeding a breakdown voltage of the capacitor alters a state of a memory location in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: An RFID sensing system and method. An array of sensing elements is disposed on a surface of a mat, wherein each sensing element includes an RFID microchip, an antenna operatively coupled to the microchip, and a pressure-sensitive material disposed on at least the antenna. An RFID reader is provided for interrogating the array of sensing elements. An antenna operatively coupled to the reader communicates with each sensing element disposed on the mat. Each sensing element in the array, in response to an interrogation signal, transmits a signal to the reader via the coupled antenna when a subject placed on the mat compresses the section of pressure-sensitive material for the sensing element.

Abstract: A method of assembling RFID components together while using an RFID chip that heats internally in order to assemble that RFID chip and another RFID component such as an antenna is followed while producing RFID assemblies or RFID devices. This RFID chip is associated with a member that has an electrical characteristic to develop heat internal of this RFID chip. An uncured adhesive is positioned between at least a portion of the RFID chip and a portion of the other RFID component. Action of the RFID chip internal member heats the RFID chip, heat emanating to the adhesive, resulting in adhesive curing into a cured adhesive joint attaching together the RFID chip and the other RFID component. This assembly is capable of being achieved without an external source of heat or pressure applied to the adhesive. Temperature monitoring is available to assess heat development in connection with threshold temperature designation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Robust merchandise tags, patches, inlays and labels are provided for mounting on garments, fabrics, apparel accessories and other flexible merchandising materials. These are robust enough to withstand processing during manufacturing, including steps such as machine washing, stone washing and chemical treatments, while being capable of remaining on the garment, fabric or the like during inventory handling, merchandising and consumer use. The robust merchandise tags combine a hybrid-slot loop antenna structure with an uncharacteristically large area conductor sheet in the nature of a foil or the like. Overlaminations and fold-over portions also can be included for robustness enhancement.

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 a plurality of medication-containing cells, with frangible covers overlaying each cell. An electrical circuit includes a sequential value element associated with each cell, with the sequential value elements being connected in parallel and having a unique value. When the cover of a cell is broken, the associated sequential value element is uncoupled from the electrical circuit. A measurement device calculates the combined value of the sequential value elements coupled to the electrical circuit to determine which of the cells have been accessed via breakage of the associated cover.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for testing remote frequency identification (RFID) straps. A testing system includes an amplifier electrically coupled to an inductor or inductive component. The system further includes a pair of contact points to be placed in contact with a pair of contact pads of an RFID strap. Connecting the contact points and the contact pads places the RFID strap in parallel with the inductor to define a resonant circuit. The characteristics of the resonant circuit as an oscillator depend at least in part on the capacitance and the resistance of the RFID strap. As such, the characteristics of the resonant circuit as an oscillator may be monitored to determine the capacitance and/or the resistance of the RFID strap. One or more characteristics of the RFID strap may be compared to one or more threshold values to determine whether the RFID strap is acceptable or defective.

Abstract: A system for measuring RFID strap characteristics by coupling through a dielectric. The system can include a meter, test pads, springs, and wiring. Test pads may contact a substrate opposite of the RFID strap, and the coupling capacitance through the dielectric substrate may be utilized to calculate the strap capacitance. Similarly, other electrical properties of an RFID strap or other RFID assembly may be measured by coupling through a dielectric.

Abstract: Systems and methods provided for testing remote frequency identification (RFID) straps on a web. Testing system includes a test head having a pair of contact pins configured to be moved toward the web (or configured to make contact with web moved towards them) and into contact with the web or RFID strap. Conveyor continuously moves the web to move individual RFID straps into and out of alignment with the test head. Controller causes the contact pins to move toward the web at a frequency that's greater than the frequency at which the conveyor moves consecutive RFID straps into alignment with the test head. Alternatively or additionally, the test head may have a mount formed of a compliant material that allows at least a portion of the test head to deflect while the contact pins are in contact with a continuously moving RFID strap, thereby maintaining contact between contact pins and strap.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for labeling a piece of merchandise with a wireless communication device. In addition to a wireless communication device, the merchandise tag includes an associated label made of a washable fabric material. The wireless communication device is incorporated into the label and includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna, with the antenna including a conductor sheet that defines a slot. The label is secured to a piece of merchandise at a sew line, with the sew line dividing the label into an upper portion and a lower portion. The RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the upper portion of the label, which may itself be positioned within a seam or neckline or waistband of the piece of merchandise.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for labeling a piece of merchandise with a wireless communication device. In addition to a wireless communication device, the merchandise tag includes an associated label made of a washable fabric material. The wireless communication device is incorporated into the label and includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna, with the antenna including a conductor sheet that defines a slot. The label is secured to a piece of merchandise at a sew line, with the sew line dividing the label into an upper portion and a lower portion. The RFID chip and the slot of the antenna, along with a relatively high conductance piece or portion of the conductor sheet, are positioned within the upper portion of the label, while a relatively low conductance piece or portion of the conductor sheet is positioned within the lower portion of the label.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a RF sensor comprising a sensing antenna and a reference antenna, wherein a sensing material is disposed upon said sensing antenna and wherein the sensing antenna is configured to test for specific analyte by measurement of the resonant impedance spectra, and the reference antenna is configured to mitigate and correct for environmental parameters and positionn. In a further embodiment, a method for sensing comprising; utilizing an RF sensor, wherein the RF sensor comprises a sensing antenna and a reference antenna, wherein said RF sensor is configured to test for a specific analyte; and, measuring a resonant impedance spectra of the sensing antenna and reference antennaat multiple frequencies to provide a subsequent multivariate analysis of a signal response from the RF sensor.

Abstract: Wireless charger units include a transmitter unit to provide an AC magnetic field at a predetermined frequency to a physically separate receiver unit, the receiver unit receives the alternating current magnetic field, converts the alternating current magnetic field into an alternating current, and rectifies the alternating current to provide a direct current output. The receiver unit can be resonant at a multiple integer of the predetermined frequency. The electronic device may be a disposable and may include a blister pack for pills with the receiver unit monitoring the usage of the pills. The receiver unit may also include an intelligent controller. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An RFID-based analyte sensor is provided with an antenna adapted to receive energy from an RF field and produce a signal. A sensing material is electrically connected to the antenna and has an electrical property which varies in the presence of an analyte. An energy storage device is also electrically connected to the antenna and is adapted to receive and store energy from the antenna and selectively discharge the stored energy. An initializing element is electrically connected to the energy storage device and is energized by the stored energy discharged by the energy storage device. When the initializing element is energized, it operates to reduce the analyte content of at least a portion of the sensing material, effectively initializing the sensing material.

Abstract: An RFID tag or label or device includes an RFID chip and an antenna. The antenna is manufactured by weakening a portion of a foil material, which weakened portion may be in a tessellating pattern. The foil material is then placed in contact with adhesive on a substrate. The foil material and substrate are separated, so as to retain on the substrate the portion of the foil material in contact with the adhesive. The foil material remaining on the substrate defines an antenna, which may subsequently be electrically connected to an RFID chip to provide an RFID tag or label or device.

Abstract: 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 RFD 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.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided that comprises an RFID transceiver configured to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals, the RFID transceiver comprising an integrated circuit chip (IC) coupled to an antenna having an impedance, gain and directionality that in conjunction with the characteristics of the IC defines a first read range of the RFID tag. The RFID tag also comprises a releasable coupler configured to be releasably engagable with the RFID transceiver comprising a coupling material, the releasable coupler being configured such that when the releasable coupler is releasably engaged with the RFID transceiver, the coupling material altering at least one of the impedance, the gain and the directionality of the antenna to define a second read range of the RFID tag, wherein the second read range is greater than the first read range.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: RFID labels blend with a branding color, a branding pattern or a branding color and pattern of an item of merchandise or packaging to which it is attached in order to provide inventory control and security functions, which are digitally printed onto a label substrate having an RFID inlay. When desired, the printed label has UV ink dots applied in a useful orientation and can provide a glowing code attribute to the label. Defined label shaping can be provided by digital cutting. Digital adhesive application can be included on the label substrate, which can be combined with digital cutting to provide for self-adhesion of the label, and the digital cutting and digital adhesive placement can be arranged so as to include dry tab characteristics to the label.

Abstract: 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.