Patents by Inventor William C. Egbert

William C. Egbert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9638822
    Abstract: An article, system and method related to a magnetomechanical marker used to mark stationary assets. Magnetomechanical markers can be arranged in clusters and associated with stationary assets, including assets buried underground. Markers can be associated with an asset by being attached to the asset, arranged in a particular spatial relationship with the asset, or in any other appropriate way. A portable locating device can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field to activate the magnetomechanical marker and thus locate the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ziyad H. Doany, Dean M. Dowdle, Michael E. Hamerly, William C. Egbert, Terrence H. Joyce, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150226872
    Abstract: An article, system and method related to a magnetomechanical marker used to mark stationary assets. Magnetomechanical markers can be arranged in clusters and associated with stationary assets, including assets buried underground. Markers can be associated with an asset by being attached to the asset, arranged in a particular spatial relationship with the asset, or in any other appropriate way. A portable locating device can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field to activate the magnetomechanical marker and thus locate the asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Ziyad H. Doany, Dean M. Dowdle, Michael E. Hamerly, William C. Egbert, Terrence H. Joyce, JR.
  • Patent number: 9013274
    Abstract: An article, system and method related to a magnetomechanical marker used to mark stationary assets. Magnetomechanical markers can be arranged in clusters and associated with stationary assets, including assets buried underground. Markers can be associated with an asset by being attached to the asset, arranged in a particular spatial relationship with the asset, or in any other appropriate way. A portable locating device can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field to activate the magnetomechanical marker and thus locate the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ziyad H. Doany, Dean M. Dowdle, Michael E. Hamerly, William C. Egbert, Terrence H. Joyce, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8998099
    Abstract: Antennas suitable for use in RFID devices include an insulating substrate and a first conductive micropattern disposed on or in the substrate, the first conductive micropattern defining a contiguous mesh conductor. The first conductive micropattern forms an antenna responsive to at least a frequency of 915 MHz, and includes interconnected traces having a trace width in a range from 0.5 to 20 microns. Furthermore, the first conductive micropattern is characterized by an open area fraction of at least 80% or 90%. RFID devices include such an antenna and an integrated circuit configured to transmit and receive signals using the antenna. Cards, such as financial transaction cards or identification cards, include such an antenna carried by a card layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Matthew H. Frey, Lijun Zu, William C. Egbert, Swagata R. Banerjee, Robert A. Sainati
  • Patent number: 8717244
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure describes an RFID tag designed such that the tag is both covert and not easily blocked from the interrogation signal by the hand or other body part of a person. In particular, the RFID tag is designed to have a long, narrow aspect that allows placement of the tag in locations on or in a book that are inconspicuous to the casual observer while extending beyond a hand of a person holding the book by the spine on or near a geometry centerline. The RFID tag includes a dipole segment and a loop segment coupled to the dipole segment. The loop segment of the modified dipole antenna provides the antenna with larger signal strength than conventional dipole antennas. Moreover, the conductive loop segment also provides improved impedance matching capabilities to allow the modified dipole antenna to match the impedance of an integrated circuit (IC) chip of the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terrence H. Joyce, Jr., Swagata R. Banerjee, William C. Egbert, Katherine A. Brown, Jaewon Kim, William A. Mittelstadt, Robert A. Sainati
  • Publication number: 20130264390
    Abstract: Antennas suitable for use in RFID devices include an insulating substrate and a first conductive micropattern disposed on or in the substrate, the first conductive micropattern defining a contiguous mesh conductor. The first conductive micropattern forms an antenna responsive to at least a frequency of 915 MHz, and includes interconnected traces having a trace width in a range from 0.5 to 20 microns. Furthermore, the first conductive micropattern is characterized by an open area fraction of at least 80% or 90%. RFID devices include such an antenna and an integrated circuit configured to transmit and receive signals using the antenna. Cards, such as financial transaction cards or identification cards, include such an antenna carried by a card layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew H. Frey, Lijun Zu, William C. Egbert, Swagata R. Banerjee, Robert A. Sainati
  • Publication number: 20120325359
    Abstract: An electronic marker and method of making an electronic marker for marking obscured articles. The marker includes a core made of flexible, and sometimes high permeability magnetic material and a solenoid disposed around the core. A capacitor is electrically coupled with the solenoid, and the marker is tuned to respond to a signal at a characteristic resonant frequency. The marker can attached to a conduit to be buried underground. The marker can further include a radio frequency identification chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Ziyad H. Doany, Dean M. Dowdle, William C. Egbert, Michael E. Hamerly, Terrence H. Joyce, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120068823
    Abstract: An article, system and method related to a magnetomechanical marker used to mark stationary assets. Magnetomechanical markers can be arranged in clusters and associated with stationary assets, including assets buried underground. Markers can be associated with an asset by being attached to the asset, arranged in a particular spatial relationship with the asset, or in any other appropriate way. A portable locating device can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field to activate the magnetomechanical marker and thus locate the asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Ziyad H. Doany, Dean M. Dowdle, Michael E. Hamerly, William C. Egbert, Terrence H. Joyce, JR.
  • Patent number: 7982616
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that includes a three-dimensional (3D) loop antenna. The 3D loop antenna includes a first conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the first conductive portion substantially lie in a first plane. The 3D loop antenna includes a second conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the second conductive portion substantially lie in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. An RFID circuit electrically connected to the loop antenna excites a current through the first and second conductive portions in a current loop that lies in a third plane that is not substantially parallel to the first and second planes. In some instances the third plane may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Swagata R. Banerjee, Robert A. Sainati, William C. Egbert, David K. Misemer
  • Publication number: 20100315205
    Abstract: Techniques are described for using radio-frequency identification (FID) tags and containers for specimens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: William C. Egbert
  • Patent number: 7847697
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that includes a three-dimensional (3D) loop antenna. The 3D loop antenna includes a first conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the first conductive portion substantially lie in a first plane. The 3D loop antenna includes a second conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the second conductive portion substantially lie in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. An RFID circuit electrically connected to the loop antenna excites a current through the first and second conductive portions in a current loop that lies in a third plane that is not substantially parallel to the first and second planes. In some instances the third plane may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Swagata R. Banerjee, Robert A. Sainati, William C. Egbert, David K. Misemer
  • Publication number: 20090207026
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that includes a three-dimensional (3D) loop antenna. The 3D loop antenna includes a first conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the first conductive portion substantially lie in a first plane. The 3D loop antenna includes a second conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the second conductive portion substantially lie in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. An RFID circuit electrically connected to the loop antenna excites a current through the first and second conductive portions in a current loop that lies in a third plane that is not substantially parallel to the first and second planes. In some instances the third plane may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Swagata R. Banerjee, Robert A. Sainati, William C. Egbert, David K. Misemer
  • Publication number: 20090207027
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that includes a three-dimensional (3D) loop antenna. The 3D loop antenna includes a first conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the first conductive portion substantially lie in a first plane. The 3D loop antenna includes a second conductive portion having a length and width that substantially exceed a thickness. The length and width of the second conductive portion substantially lie in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane. An RFID circuit electrically connected to the loop antenna excites a current through the first and second conductive portions in a current loop that lies in a third plane that is not substantially parallel to the first and second planes. In some instances the third plane may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Swagata R. Banerjee, Robert A. Sainati, William C. Egbert, David K. Misemer
  • Patent number: 7535366
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can survive exposure to microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William C. Egbert, Katherine A. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090121880
    Abstract: Applicators, apparatuses, and methods for applying a radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to items, particularly books and other library items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Terrence H. Joyce, JR., William C. Egbert
  • Publication number: 20090096696
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure describes an RFID tag designed such that the tag is both covert and not easily blocked from the interrogation signal by the hand or other body part of a person. In particular, the RFID tag is designed to have a long, narrow aspect that allows placement of the tag in locations on or in a book that are inconspicuous to the casual observer while extending beyond a hand of a person holding the book by the spine on or near a geometry centerline. The RFID tag includes a dipole segment and a loop segment coupled to the dipole segment. The loop segment of the modified dipole antenna provides the antenna with larger signal strength than conventional dipole antennas. Moreover, the conductive loop segment also provides improved impedance matching capabilities to allow the modified dipole antenna to match the impedance of an integrated circuit (IC) chip of the RFID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Terrence H. Joyce, JR., Swagatat R. Banerjee, William C. Egbert, Katherine A. Brown, Jaewon Kim, William A. Mittelstadt, Robert A. Sainati
  • Publication number: 20080143480
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can survive exposure to microwave energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: William C. Egbert, Katherine A. Brown
  • Patent number: 7315248
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags that are useful on metal or other conductive surface and to methods for manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the radio frequency identification tag includes: a substrate including a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface; a radio frequency identification antenna attached to the first major surface of the substrate; an integrated circuit attached to the antenna; and a first composite layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: William C. Egbert
  • Patent number: 7268687
    Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags include compensating elements. The compensating elements enhance the operation of a compensated RFID tag, even when in close proximity to other RFID tags, whether the other tags are compensated or uncompensated. The compensating elements can include a closed loop of conductive material added to a RFID tag antenna. The conductive loop compensates the RFID tag performance when multiple RFID tags are in close proximity, keeping the frequency response of the assembled group of tags substantially centered near the operating frequency of the RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William C. Egbert, Thomas Herdtle
  • Patent number: 7259678
    Abstract: A durable radio frequency identification tag. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a durable radio frequency identification tag comprising: a flexible substrate including a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface; a radio frequency identification antenna attached to the first major surface of the substrate; an integrated circuit attached to the antenna; and a thermoplastic guard attached to the flexible substrate adjacent the integrated circuit. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a durable radio frequency identification tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Katherine A. Brown, William C. Egbert, Jia Hu, Thomas C. Mercer, Terry S. Nees, Fay T. Salmon