Abstract: Contactless payment cards with on-card microchips are transported in mailers with RF shielding. The RF shielding is designed to prevent communication with and skimming of information from the contactless cards enclosed in the mailers while in transit.

Abstract: A blister package with an integrated RFID tag is provided. The conductive lidding material is modified to serve not only to seal some contents within some formed blister film, but also to act as an RFID tag antenna. An electronic circuit is electrically connected to the lidding film antenna. Methods of manufacture which integrate with conventional blister package manufacturing processes are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging system for protecting a radio frequency readable label from being read while the label is on or embedded within a packaged product. The product packaging may include a shielding member that is rendered unusable upon removal of the product from the packaging. The radio frequency readable product label may be on or in a product, and contain information related to the product, such as product identification.

Abstract: The electronic module (18) for an electronic device (10) such as a microcircuit card, comprises a substrate (20) delimiting first (20A) and second (20B) opposite faces. More particularly, the module (18) comprises a light source (26) borne by the second face (20B) of the substrate (20) and capable of illuminating a visible part of the electronic device.

Abstract: In an RF tag, a mask ROM or a flash memory is used for storing data such as an ID number. Although the mask ROM can be realized at a low price, rewriting is not possible. In addition, in the flash memory, although electric rewriting is possible, production cost increases. Accordingly, it is difficult to provide an RF tag by which data rewriting is possible at a low price. An RF tag is provided with a power supply circuit having a function to generate a power supply voltage from a weak radio signal and a memory which can hold data stored in a data holding portion by the power supply voltage. With the above structure, a high-performance RF tag capable of rewriting data such as an ID number after production can be provided at a low price.

Abstract: The invention concerns an inductive element for forming an electromagnetic transponder antenna, comprising a first group of mutually parallel conductors coplanar in a first plane, a second group of mutually parallel conductors coplanar in a second plane parallel to the first plane, and an insulating material separating the two groups of conductors, one end of each conductor of the first group being connected to one end of a conductor of the second group whereof the other end is connected to one end of another conductor of the first group, the connections between the conductors being conductive via holes in the thickness of the insulating material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems that use frequency selective surfaces (FSS) to aid in the operation of radio frequency identification (RFID) devices and products. In one embodiment, a system for interrogating radio frequency identification (RFID) tags includes a conveyor belt and an RFID reader. The conveyor belt has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to receive an item to which an RFID tag is affixed and the second surface is configured to slide on a metal slide plate. The RFID reader is configured to transmit instructions embodied in a radio frequency (RF) signal to the RFID tag, wherein the metal slide plate is positioned between the RFID reader and the RFID tag and comprises a frequency selective surface that is substantially transparent to the RF signal.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a transponder holder for controlling the readability of a transponder by an interrogator. Embodiments of the transponder holder can be removable mounted to a support structure, such as a windshield of a motor vehicle. The transponder can be supported by a plate of the transponder holder, which can be moved to position the transponder in a readable position and an unreadable position to allow a user to select whether the transponder is readable by an interrogator.

Abstract: A security tag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected the membrane, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane and an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition. A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the merchandise and an alarm operable to emit a tamper alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the merchandise in an unauthorized condition.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing one or more conditions inside a container is provided. The sensing device comprises a radio frequency based sensor; a support for positioning the sensor in operative proximity to the inside of the container, and a pick-up coil in operative association with the sensor.

Abstract: A multi-secured RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) electronic seal includes a bolt, a bolt pedestal and a RFID system. The bolt has a male bolt portion with an electrical connecting point. The bolt pedestal has a female pedestal portion with several nodes to electrically connect with the electrical connecting point to provide plural selections of connecting and disconnecting. The RFID system includes a RFID chip and a transmission conductor embedded in the bolt, and an antenna installed on the bolt pedestal. When the bolt and the bolt pedestal is securely locked together, whether the RFID chip is electrically connects to the antenna depends on if the electrical connecting point connects a preset node, so that a RFID signal may be selectively transmitted by the RFID chip through the antenna.

Abstract: The microcircuit card (10) comprising a body (12) delimiting an edge (14) of the card (10). The body (12) incorporates a luminous means (16) capable of illuminating at least partially the edge (14) of the card (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for initiating procedures whereby a smart device is able to analyze situational data sensed by the device, compare one or more event signatures representative of the sensed data with one or more sets of event signatures in a library of event signatures to logically determine completion of a job function and to then cause a specific action to be taken.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a substantially surface independent tagging system are disclosed. A resonant dielectric cavity is defined between upper and lower conducting layers, and closed at one end by a conducting base portion. Incident radiation couples into the cavity and is resonantly enhanced. An electronic device or tag paced at the edge of the cavity experiences a high electric field strength on account of this enhancement and is driven into operation.

Abstract: A RFID tag programmed with a distinct binary code is embedded in an IC and is electrically integrated with the IC so as to establish a communication path between the RFID tag and the IC. An electronic ID for the IC is defined and coordinated to match with the binary code of the tag. The electronic ID is an active ID that is used to communicate the unique identification information of the IC to other wired electronic components.

Abstract: An item tracking apparatus includes a tag interrogator that transmits an interrogation signal and receives a signal emitted by a tag affixed to an item in response to the tag receiving the interrogation signal, wherein the tag and item are part of a bio-compatible consumable dosage delivery unit and a controller that determines a state of the item based on the received signal. A consumable dosage delivery unit includes a dosage form and a bio-compatible wireless communications tag.

Abstract: The data carrier has a communication protocol storage unit storing a communication protocol for communicating with an external communication device, an RF analogue receiver receiving an interrogation signal from the external communication device as an RF signal, a contact communication end terminal unit performing contact communication with the external communication device, a communication command controller controlling a command used in an RF communication protocol performed via said RF analogue receiver or a contact-type serial communication protocol performed via said contact communication end terminal unit, and a connection selector selectively connecting one of said RF analogue receiver and said contact communication end terminal unit with said communication command controller.

Abstract: A dosing cap for use with or without a separate container for combining two different ingredients at time of use by dispensing ingredient one from the dosing cap into a container with ingredient two. The dosing cap includes a moisture and waterproof seal to prevent the ingredients from receiving any moisture during storage, an absorbent material (desiccant) included with the seal to absorb any residual moisture in the container or that might be received into the container during storage to ensure a moisture free environment for the ingredient and a tracking device such as a radio frequency identifying chip (RFID) that is attached to the dosing cap for product identification and tracking purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic seal for sealing a door. The door is equipped with a latch. The electronic seal includes a plug and a socket. The plug can be inserted in the socket through the latch. Thus, the door is sealed by the electronic seal. The door cannot be opened without breaking the electric seal. The electronic seal records any event of breakage.

Abstract: Reversibly activating or deactivating a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag comprising a circuit responsive to an environmental factor. An RFID tag includes an RFID chip for storing an RFID code, an antenna for communicating a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an environmentally sensitive switch.

Abstract: A theft-deterring security apparatus for articles with handles is described. The apparatus consists of a bracket that substantially surrounds an article handle and a locking body into which the bracket is telescopically inserted, to in turn compress both the bracket and the locking body about the article handle so as to be releasably fastened thereto. Fastening devices, such as a threaded screw and nut, are used to initiate and maintain compression of the bracket and locking body about the article handle. The bracket is shaped to accommodate different types of article handles. The bracket may be hinged to accommodate the insertion of article handles into the bracket periphery. The apparatus is further equipped with an electronic article surveillance element capable of setting off an alarm if an attempt is made to remove the article from the store. Alternatively, a pair of locking body elements surrounds a knob on an article handle.

Abstract: A rotation-activated electronic component, preferably a RFID tag mounted on or incorporated in a support that is rotated when read, e.g. a CD or DVD. The RFID tag comprises an antenna, a rotational switch, a component, advantageously a processor, and a time usage limiter. The antenna is adapted to transform received RFID signals to electric energy that powers the component and the rotational switch is adapted to cut the circuit unless the support does not rotate at or above a certain rotational speed. The time usage limiter counts down a timer when it is powered via the rotational switch and disables the RFID tag when the timer expires. Supports equipped with the RFID tag of the invention will thus respond until the timer expires, and preferably only if they rotate sufficiently.

Abstract: A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip arranged to process a transmission/received signal, a matching inductance element and a planar electrode which are provided on the surface of a feeder circuit board formed by a flexible dielectric, and a loop-shaped radiation plate provided on the undersurface of the feeder circuit board. Both ends of the radiation plate are coupled to a resonance circuit including an inductance element by electromagnetic field coupling. The wireless IC chip is operated using a signal received by the radiation plate. A response signal transmitted from the wireless IC chip is externally transmitted from the radiation plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems of tagging objects and reading tags coupled to objects. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a reading antenna, a tag reader coupled to the reading antenna, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising a tag antenna electromagnetically coupled to the reading antenna. The RFID tag couples to an object such as the body of a living organism or a metallic article. Moreover, the tag antenna has a far-field radiation pattern in a direction away from the object that is substantially unaffected by proximity of the RFID tag to the object, and substantially unaffected by which surface of the RFID tag faces the object.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a wireless tag includes a base member that is flexible and on a surface of which a wiring pattern is formed, a wireless circuit chip that is mounted on the base member and connected to the wiring pattern; protective members that cover the base member and the wireless circuit chip and are lower in hardness than the base member, and a plurality of spherical projections that are arranged on the surfaces of the protective members, higher in hardness than the base member, and so arranged as to interfere with other adjacent spherical projections when at least the protective members are bent beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: Described are RFID structures and methods for forming RFID structures. An RFID structure includes a loop antenna assembly, an antenna substrate supporting the loop antenna assembly, and a shielding layer parallel with a plane defined by the antenna substrate. The loop antenna assembly has a stand-alone resonant frequency of f1 above or below a standardized reader frequency range. The loop antenna includes an antenna track and at least two contact pads. The loop antenna assembly in combination with the shielding layer has a resonant frequency of f2 below the standardized reader frequency range. If positioned against a metallic surface, the loop antenna assembly in combination with the shielding layer has a resonant frequency within the standardized reader frequency range.

Abstract: An RNSS based street light controller pluggable into a standard electrical interface of a street light for drawing power and controlling a lamp of the street light eliminates the need for photosensors, wiring terminals and related components and yields a street light controller with modest installation and configuration requirements and robust performance and failure recovery characteristics. In some embodiments, the RNSS based street light controller comprises an RNSS receiver, a first electrical interface and a lamp controller, wherein the first electrical interface is adapted to couple with a second electrical interface of a street light and the lamp controller is adapted to regulate a supply of power to a lamp of the street light via the first electrical interface based at least in part on information received by the RNSS receiver.

Abstract: RFID readers transmit a Quiet Technology (QT) command to RFID tags causing at least one of the tags to transition between a private profile and a public profile. When a tag is inventoried in the private profile, it replies to the reader with contents from its private memory. When a tag is inventoried in the public profile, it replies to the reader with contents from its public memory, where the contents of the public memory may be a subset and/or modified version of the private memory contents, or entirely different altogether. The tag's profile can be switched again by another QT command from the reader, or following a loss of power at the tag. An access password and/or a short-range mechanism may be employed to allow only authorized readers to transition tag profiles or interrogate the private memory contents of tags in the public profile.

Abstract: A communication device includes a conductor plane, a first loop antenna disposed on one surface of the conductor plane via a first magnetic sheet, a second loop antenna being in a loop direction opposite to a loop direction of the first loop antenna and having an opening structure approximately identical in shape to the first loop antenna, the second loop antenna being disposed on another surface of the conductor plane via a second magnetic sheet so as to be roughly superposed on the first loop antenna, and a communication circuit processing a communication signal transmitted and received by the first and second loop antennas.

Abstract: A device supports an electronic tag to extending neck of a bottle where the extending neck includes a perimetrical undercut thereabout. The device includes a housing formed of a pair of matable housing portions for attachment about the neck of the bottle. At least one of the housing portions supports an electronic tag. A rim portion is formed on each housing portion. The rim portions are mutually aligned. The rim portions form a housing rim which is seatable in the undercut of the neck to prevent longitudinal movement of the mated housing portions along the neck.

Abstract: A method for producing a rollable web with successive antennas, where an electronic chip is attached to an antenna in a predetermined position. The position of an electronic chip changes with respect to the antenna when compared to at least some of the chips within individual and successive antennas. A rollable web includes successive antennas, where electronic chips are attached to antennas in a predetermined position. In the rollable web, the position of a chip changes with respect to the antenna compared to at least some of the chips within individual and successive antennas.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) system and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the RFID system includes a portable structure including a frame with a base supported by a plurality of wheels, an antenna tower and at least one removable shelf therein. The RFID system also includes an RFID reader located on the at least one removable shelf and at least one antenna mounted on the antenna tower and coupled to the RFID reader. The RFID system still further includes a computer system located on the at least one removable shelf and coupled to the RFID reader, and a power subsystem located on the at least one removable shelf and coupled to the RFID reader and the computer system.

Abstract: A storage container assembly includes a container having a metal side wall, and a passive wireless repeater mounted on the side wall. The repeater includes a first antenna on one side of the side wall, a second antenna on an opposite side of the side wall, and an electrical connection between the first antenna and the second antenna. The electrical connection may be in the form of a first connector mounted to the first antenna and a second connector mounted to the second antenna.

Abstract: An RFID tagged implement assembly includes a metallic implement, and a wireless RFID transponder. The RFID transponder includes a housing; an inductive coupler within the housing, and an RFID chip coupled with the inductive coupler. The inductive coupler is inductively coupled with the metallic implement.

Abstract: A method of producing a sheet 1 with IC tags comprises the steps of: preparing and feeding a sheet 21a with electrical conductors formed thereon; providing an adhesive 18 on the sheet 21a with electrical conductors; preparing multiple IC chips 20 and successively feeding the IC chips 20; successively arranging each IC chip 20 on the electrical conductors 22 of the sheet 21a; and fixing each IC chip 20 onto the electrical conductors 22 through the adhesive 18. The sheet 21a with electrical conductors formed thereon includes a non-conductive sheet 21 and a pair of electrical conductors 22. The pair of electrical conductors 22 of the sheet 21a with the electrical conductors are provided on the non-conductive sheet 21, extend in the feed direction, and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A locator system for electronic devices including at least one jacket for a modular wireless communicator, each jacket having an identifier, and a modular wireless communicator that attaches to each one of the at least one jacket, including a positioning system for identifying a location of the modular wireless communicator, a log manager for recording a plurality of entries in a log, each entry including the jacket identifier for a jacket currently attached to the modular wireless communicator, and a current location as identified by the positioning system, and a controller for notifying the log manager of occurrence of a log trigger event, wherein the log manager records a new entry in the log when it receives a notification of a log trigger event from the controller, and wherein the log trigger events enable determination of a location where a jacket was last actively used with the modular wireless communicator.

Abstract: A hard cover product with a pair of cover boards attached to an outer liner in spaced-relation to define a spine, with a thin-film ink-circuit security device printed on a laydown area, and having an inner liner. The laydown area can be defined in the spine, and the inner liner or an inner body attached to the cover boards conceals the printed security device from casual observation of its presence. The laydown area can be defined on a surface of a sheet laminated to another sheet to define one of cover boards. The laminated sheets sandwich the printed security device without a surface indication of the presence of the ink-circuit printed security device therein. In another aspect, the thin-film ink-circuit security device printed on a surface of the cover board is concealingly covered by the inner or the outer liner.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting an item against theft, includes a device (10) for marking the item with a view to identifying same, the device including an area (16) for displaying information, a storage medium (26) in which data to be displayed is stored, elements (22, 24) for selecting data from the storage medium (26) to be displayed in the display area (16), wherein the protection assembly includes a member (14) for attaching the assembly to the item to be protected or to the packaging thereof.

Abstract: A digital media playing system includes, in one embodiment, a digital video and/or audio media object, such as a portable digital media container adapted to hold one or more digital storage mediums, that includes a radio frequency identification tag containing RFID tag information. The digital media playing system also includes a trusted media content playing device that has a radio frequency identification tag reader operatively coupled therewith, to read the RFID tag information from the RFID tag that is located on the portable media container and that securely downloads remotely stored audio and/or video media based on the RFID tag information. The RFID tag information that is in the RFID tag includes, in one embodiment, encrypted tag identification information and unencrypted remote content identification information as well as, if desired, portable digital media container authentication data (e.g. player ID).

Abstract: An article (100) has a device (122), and a radio frequency identification (RFID) module (102) coupled to the device. The RFID module is programmed to receive (210) provisioning instructions from a wireless source (142), and transfer (212) to the device the provisioning instructions when said device is enabled.

Abstract: A tag label producing apparatus has a cartridge holder for setting a first roll configured by winding a base tape equipped with identification marks, which include marks formed by two black strips and arranged with a pitch 2Pp and marks formed by one black strip and arranged with the pitch 2Pp, at a plurality of portions, a feeding roller driving shaft that feeds the base tape supplied from the first roll attached to the cartridge holder a print head that makes a predetermined print on the base tape or a cover film to be bonded thereto, and a mark sensor that detects the identification mark on the base tape, and controls the feeding roller driving shaft and the print head in coordination with each other in accordance with the detection result of the identification mark by the mark sensor.

Abstract: A rotation-activated electronic component, preferably a RFID tag mounted on or incorporated in a support that is rotated when read, e.g. a CD or DVD. The RFID tag comprises an antenna, a rotational switch and a component, advantageously a processor. The antenna is adapted to transform received RFID signals to electric energy that powers the component. In a preferred embodiment, the rotational switch is adapted to cut the circuit unless the support does not rotate at or above a certain rotational speed. Supports equipped with the RFID tag of the invention will thus respond only if they rotate sufficiently. This can avoid collisions in case more than one such RFID tag is within communication range of an antenna of a reader. In a preferred embodiment, the information returned by the component is needed for full use of the content on the support.

Abstract: The apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag includes: a signal processing circuit and a radio frequency circuit transmission unit configured to create RFID tag information which is to be written to an IC circuit part of each RFID circuit element To that transmits/receives information, the RFID circuit element To includes the IC circuit part configured to updatably store information and a tag antenna connected to said IC circuit part; and a device antenna configured to transmit RFID tag information to the tag antenna by radio communication and write the RFID tag information to the IC circuit part, disposed so as to provide at least a area X where communication can be made near the feeding-out portion of a first roll formed by a base tape including a plurality of RFID circuit elements To.

Abstract: Methods and systems of attaching a radio transceiver to an antenna. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an antenna and an integrated circuit configured to operate as a radio transceiver. The antenna comprises a ground plane having a first edge surface, and an active element having a second edge surface. The ground plane and the active element are retained together such that the first and second edge surfaces are substantially coplanar and form an antenna edge. The integrated circuit is configured to operate as a radio transceiver, and the integrated circuit is mechanically coupled to the edge of the antenna and electrically coupled to the active element.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods are provided for facilitating copper-wire patching. More particularly, the assemblies and methods involve mounting patch ports arranged along a horizontal plane (horizontally-aligned) with respect to a tray. The tray is movably mounted with respect to a cabinet enclosure, e.g., via a pivotal or translational (sliding) relationship, thereby providing easy access to the ports. The horizontally-aligned configuration advantageously increases patching density within a cabinet structure while maintaining port accessibility.

Abstract: A signal receiving apparatus includes a main body for receiving control signals, and a cover covering the main body. The cover includes a receiving portion and at least one fixing portion. The receiving portion receives the main body, and the at least one fixing portion fixes the signal receiving apparatus to a housing of an electronic device. An electronic device using the signal receiving apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An expendable tamper evident seal system for monitoring a mechanism to which physical access is required in order to open or close an access-way, comprising: an embedding material moldable into a shape conforming to the mechanism and adapted to be applied to the mechanism; circuit components randomly embedded in the embedding material so as to be arranged in positions and orientations corresponding to the shape, whereby physical access to the mechanism that alters the shape of the embedding material correspondingly alters the positions and orientations of the circuit components in the material; and an electronic interrogation device (EID) including components that induce in the circuit components an electromagnetic spectral response indicative of the position of the EID relative to the positions and orientations of the circuit components in the material, and measure the spectral response.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to shield contactless portable electronic consumer devices such as radio frequency identification devices (RFID), tokens, mini-cards, key fobs, cellular phones, smartcards, etc. from wireless interrogation. In one embodiment, a contactless portable consumer device which includes a first antenna is shielded from unauthorized wireless interrogation with a radio frequency (RF) shield. The RF shield includes electrically conductive, non-ferromagnetic material and is configured to prevent unauthorized data transfer between a second antenna external to the portable consumer device and the first antenna.

Abstract: A method for tracking one or more portable devices in real time to detect theft of the one or more portable devices is provided. The method enables, firstly, interrogating a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag via a RFID reader during successive sweep intervals. The sweep interval represents active state of the RFID reader. Secondly, the method enables receiving one or more pairing information from the RFID tag. Further, the method enables comparing the one or more pairing information with corresponding one or more pairing information stored in the RFID reader. Finally, the method enables generating an alert signal via the wearable-band or the one or more portable devices when the one or more pairing information does not match with the corresponding one or more pairing information stored in the RFID reader.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transmitting and receiving information from a radio frequency (RF) transponder. A conductive adhesive connects an antenna in a non-metallized region to a metallized region. This feature transforms the entire metallized region of the radio frequency device (i.e., the remainder of the metallized material outside the non-metallized region) into an antenna.