Abstract: A networked infrastructure is described that includes a set of programmed computing nodes, each node being configured with a processor and non-transitory computer readable media including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate a social security number registry server carrying out a method that provides an individual with the ability to remotely approve or disapprove, in real-time, the use of his/her social security number (SSN) by a relying party server.

Abstract: Carrying out, over a network infrastructure, secure execution of cryptographic operations using a public/private key pair is described, wherein the private key is permanently stored on a second computing device that is remote to and accessible to the first computing device through an open network. The method includes establishing a secure connection over the open network between the first computing device and the second computing device, sending a file via the secure connection over the open network to the second computing device and instructing the second computing device to: encrypt or decrypt the file with a private key, of the public/private key pair, that is stored on the second computing device; and send the encrypted or decrypted file to the first computing device via the secure connection over the open network. The encrypted or decrypted file is then received over the open network from the second computing device.

Abstract: A networked infrastructure is described that includes a set of programmed computing nodes, each node being configured with a processor and non-transitory computer readable media including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate a social security number registry server carrying out a method that provides an individual with the ability to remotely approve or disapprove, in real-time, the use of his/her social security number (SSN) by a relying party server.

Abstract: A networked infrastructure is described that includes a set of programmed computing nodes, each node being configured with a processor and non-transitory computer readable media including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate a social security number registry server carrying out a method that provides an individual with the ability to remotely approve or disapprove, in real-time, the use of his/her social security number (SSN) by a relying party server.

Abstract: A networked infrastructure is described that includes a set of programmed computing nodes, each node being configured with a processor and non-transitory computer readable media including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate a social security number registry server carrying out a method that provides an individual with the ability to remotely approve or disapprove, in real-time, the use of his/her social security number (SSN) by a relying party server.

Abstract: The invention provides one or more signal line structures that produce an electromagnetic field having a magnitude of at least an interrogation threshold of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for a substantial portion of an interrogation region. The signal lines may be made from copper and laid across a shelf in a storage area. The electromagnetic field may cause the tag to backscatter radio frequency (RF) signals to an RFID reader via the signal line.

Abstract: A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system verifies proper placement and functionality of RFID tags with respect to particular end-use RFID systems at the time the RFID tag is applied to an item but before the item is deployed. A device for verifying a location and functionality of an RFID tag on an item includes an item holder, a power coupling mechanism attached to the item holder, and an RFID reader electrically connected to the power coupling mechanism. The power coupling mechanism creates a near field for transmission of read or write commands from the RFID reader to an RFID tag on an item placed on the item holder to verify the location and functionality of the RFID tag as applied to the item with respect to a near-field coupling mechanism of a particular end-use RFID system. The device may include additional power coupling mechanisms for testing the functionality of the tag.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an extended radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The extended RFID tag includes an ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID tag having a dipole antenna attached to a first surface of a substrate. The extended RFID tag further includes an antenna extension attached to the UHF RFID tag and overlapping at least a portion of the dipole antenna for electromagnetically coupling the antenna extension and the dipole antenna in operation. The extended RFID tag further includes an insulator positioned between the dipole antenna and the antenna extension to electrically isolate the dipole antenna from the antenna extension.

Abstract: The invention provides one or more signal line structures that produce an electromagnetic field having a magnitude of at least an interrogation threshold of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for a substantial portion of an interrogation region. The signal lines may be made from copper and laid across a shelf in a storage area. The electromagnetic field may cause the tag to backscatter radio frequency (RF) signals to an RFID reader via the signal line.

Abstract: Non-networked radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and methods are described that use RFID tags to exchange information between non-networked RFID readers. The RFID tags may store information about conditions the RFID-tagged items have encountered while being processed. RFID readers may dynamically update the information stored on the RFID tags as the RFID-tagged items are processed at nodes. An RFID tag may include a processor that dynamically determines process control instructions based on the information.

Abstract: Methods of monitoring items and/or materials from a manufacturing process. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of monitoring items and/or materials from a manufacturing process using a plurality of RFID tagged containers, and a plurality of stations associated with different portions of the manufacturing process, where each station includes an RFID reader.

Abstract: An asset tracking system is provided, having particular usefulness in connection with the interrogation of RFID-tagged pallets by a forklift equipped with one or more RFID reader antennas. A useful embodiment of an RFID-tagged pallet is described, along with other beneficial components of such a system.

Abstract: An object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tags is disclosed. Objects to be moved between locations are outfitted with RFID tags having information relating to the identities of the objects. The locations are also marked by RFID tags containing information on the locations. A transport vehicle for moving the objects is equipped with an RFID interrogator capable of detecting signals from the RFID tags. An onboard processor provides the operator of the vehicle with instructions on the movement of objects. The processor also determines the identities of the objects and locations from the detected signals and provides the operator with feedback as to the identity of an object being moved, the location of the vehicle and any error in carrying out the instructions. Numerous variations of the basic system and method using RFID tags are also described.

Abstract: An asset tracking system is provided, having particular usefulness in connection with the interrogation of RFID-tagged pallets by a forklift equipped with one or more RFID reader antennas. A useful embodiment of an RFID-tagged pallet is described, along with other beneficial components of such a system.

Abstract: A spout for a liquid container, such as a gasoline container, as well as a container equipped with the spout. The spout comprises a fluid passage and a vent passage fluidically parallel with the fluid passage. The fluid passage has an inlet, an outlet, and an S-shaped portion between the inlet and outlet. The vent passage has an inlet adjacent the outlet of the fluid passage. The S-shaped portion of the fluid passage is configured to entrap a liquid therein, causing a liquid lock to form, when a liquid is dispensed through the spout and air is prevented from flowing through the vent passage. In this manner, the spout is capable of preventing the overfilling of a receptacle tank being filled with fluid dispensed from a container equipped with the spout when the fluid level in the receptacle tank blocks the flow of air into the inlet of the vent passage.

Abstract: An object tracking and management system and method using radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tags is disclosed. Objects to be moved between locations are outfitted with RFID tags having information relating to the identities of the objects. The locations are also marked by RFID tags containing information on the locations. A transport vehicle for moving the objects is equipped with an RFID interrogator capable of detecting signals from the RFID tags. An onboard processor provides the operator of the vehicle with instructions on the movement of objects. The processor also determines the identities of the objects and locations from the detected signals and provides the operator with feedback as to the identity of an object being moved, the location of the vehicle and any error in carrying out the instructions. Numerous variations of the basic system and method using RFID tags are also described.

Abstract: A spout for a liquid container, such as a gasoline container, as well as a container equipped with the spout. The spout comprises a fluid passage and a vent passage fluidically parallel with the fluid passage. The fluid passage has an inlet, an outlet, and an S-shaped portion between the inlet and outlet. The vent passage has an inlet adjacent the outlet of the fluid passage. The S-shaped portion of the fluid passage is configured to entrap a liquid therein, causing a liquid lock to form, when a liquid is dispensed through the spout and air is prevented from flowing through the vent passage. In this manner, the spout is capable of preventing the overfilling of a receptacle tank being filled with fluid dispensed from a container equipped with the spout when the fluid level in the receptacle tank blocks the flow of air into the inlet of the vent passage.

Abstract: A power circuit for N series connected loads according to the present invention includes N transformers having primary windings connected in series across a constant current AC source and secondary windings connected in series with the N loads. N-1 conductors are coupled from a junction between the loads to a corresponding junction between the secondary windings. Failure of one of the loads resulting in an open circuit will not interrupt power to the remaining loads.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system for feeding coal into a gasifier operating at high pressures. A coal-water slurry is pumped to the desired pressure and then the coal is "dried" prior to feeding the coal into the gasifier by contacting the slurry with superheated steam in an entrained bed dryer for vaporizing the water in the slurry.