Abstract: The invention relates to the use of RFID systems for use with items of interest having RFID tags, such as in a library. The invention has particular applicability to determining the location, order, and other information regarding such items.

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.

Abstract: A document (10) is covered by a laminate (13) comprising a layer of microspheres (16) over an adhesive layer (14) covering a source image (12) such as a photograph, printed matter, or a bar code arranged on a substrate (11). Light impinging on the document (10) is split by the optical properties of the microspheres (16) and underlying specular reflectors. The remaining light passes through the microspheres (16), through the adhesive layer (14) and strikes the substrate (11) or source image (12) on the document (10), and is reflected (18) and scattered (20). Alternatively, the laminate (13) can comprise a plain or clear layer of polyester without microspheres over the adhesive layer (14). Light impinging on the laminate (13) passes through the polyester and laminate (14) to strike the substrate (11) or source image (12) where it is reflected and scattered. A first light source (24) directs light to the document (10).

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.

Abstract: Multilayer films are provided that exhibit a colored appearance when viewed at an oblique angle as a result of one or more reflection bands in the visible region of the spectrum. The films however provide no substantial reflection bands in either the visible or near infrared regions for light normally incident on the film. The films can be made to shift from clear at normal incidence to an arbitrary designed color at an oblique angle without necessarily becoming cyan.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a security laminate comprising a retroreflective layer comprising a plurality of retroreflective microbeads partially embedded in and protruding from a beadbond layer and having image receptive material disposed around the protruding microspheres. In another embodiment, the security laminate further comprises indicia patterns viewable in retroreflective light. In another embodiment, the security laminate is imaged on the image receptive material.

Abstract: An antenna design for radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags. More particularly, the present invention relates to design for RFID tags particularly operating in the ultra high frequency (“UHF”) operating band.

Abstract: A user interface for a radio frequency identification interrogation system is disclosed, which interface may include graphics, sounds, lights, or combinations of the foregoing that provide information to a user in regard to the materials being interrogated.

Abstract: Various radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described that dynamically vary their resonant frequency to reduce or eliminate the potential effects of electromagnetic “tag-to-tag” coupling. An RFID tag, for example, includes a main antenna tuned to a first resonant frequency, and switching circuitry that dynamically changes the resonant frequency of the main antenna. The switching circuitry may selectively couple electrical elements, such as capacitive elements, inductive elements, or combinations thereof, to vary the resonant frequency of the RFID tag. The RFID tag may include a sensing circuit that determines when to selectively couple the electrical element to the main antenna to adjust the resonant frequency of the main antenna.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are disclosed. For example, an exit control system is described that detects unauthorized removal of articles from a protected facility. A series of antennas are setup to produce interrogation corridors located near the exit of the protected area. RFID tags are attached to the articles to be protected. Each tag includes information that uniquely identifies the article to which it is affixed and status information as to whether the articles removal from the facility is authorized. The RF reader outputs RF signals through the antennas to create electromagnetic fields within the interrogation corridors. The reader outputs RF power from a single port to the multiple antennas via a splitter/combiner. In this way, a single RF reader with only one transmitter/receiver port simultaneously interrogates multiple antennas. A variety of techniques are described by which the reader can detect the removal of an unauthorized article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating radio frequency identification device made of densified metal powder and to a sticker including the same device. The present invention also relates to radio frequency identification antenna made of densified metal powder and to a sticker including the same antenna. The present invention also relates to methods of indicating that a radio frequency identification antenna or sticker has been tampered with.

Abstract: Microlens sheetings with composite images are disclosed, in which the composite image floats above or below the sheeting, or both. The composite image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Methods for providing such an imaged sheeting, including by the application of radiation to a radiation sensitive material layer adjacent the microlenses, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multilayer films are provided that exhibit a colored appearance when viewed at an oblique angle as a result of one or more reflection bands in the visible region of the spectrum. The films however provide no substantial reflection bands in either the visible or near infrared regions for light normally incident on the film. The films can be made to shift from clear at normal incidence to an arbitrary designed color at an oblique angle without necessarily becoming cyan.

Abstract: Multilayer optical films are comprised of materials with glass transition temperatures below room temperature (<30° C.). The high refractive index polymers are unique in that they exhibit mechanical properties similar to other low Tg semi-crystalline polymers, yet have significant birefringence (>0.05) when strain induced oriented. Novel combinations of comonomers for thermoplastics control the rate of crystallinity for improved processability and flexibility, giving the films crease and crumple recovery advantages.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of RFID systems for use with items of interest having RFID tags, such as in a library. The invention has particular applicability to determining the location, order, and other information regarding such items.

Abstract: An antenna design for radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags. More particularly, the present invention relates to design for RFID tags particularly operating in the ultra high frequency (“UHF”) operating band.

Abstract: A system for customizing individual internet access includes a server that registers a user with the system, stores information pertaining to internet sites the user is authorized to access, and controls the user's access to internet sites. A carding station is provided to enter personal identification information about the user and information regarding internet sites the user is authorized to access into the system. The carding station also generates a personal smart card for the user that includes a read only memory storing a serial number that correlates with data about the user stored in the server. An internet station is provided to allow the user to view the internet only with his or her personal smart card. While accessing the internet, the server controls the user's access to internet sites based on whether the information stored in the server indicates that the user is authorized to access the specific internet sites that are requested to be displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on a continuous web of linerless tape defined by a print side for subsequent application to an article. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support for a continuous web of linerless tape; an undriven platen roller located downstream of the support; a print head associated with the undriven platen roller, wherein the undriven platen roller directs the continuous web of linerless tape past the print head for printing on the print side thereof; and a driven roller positioned adjacent the platen roller and downstream of the print head for pulling the web of linerless tape from the platen roller.