Abstract: A RFID printer for printing and determining the quality of RFID record members having transponders is provided. The RFID printer may be used to print RFID record members utilizing a continuous moving web. In particular, a RFID printer includes an integrated RFID data collector such that identifying RFID transponder information may be recorded and associated with a barcode for inventory tracking purposes. An association file created by the RFID printer may be transferred to a manufacturer or retailer brand owner. The association file may be deleted from the RFID printer upon acknowledgment of receipt of the transmitted association file to the manufacturer or retail brand owner. The RFID printer provides methods for determining quality of RFID printed record members.

Abstract: A system and method for encoding and printing RFID record members with a continuous moving web is provided. In particular, a printer such as a RFID printer is capable of encoding an inlay or multiple inlays within a record member while the web is continuously moving. While a record member is being encoded on a moving web, the record member may be printed upon when a leading edge of a record member reaches the print position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide radio frequency identification (RFID) test techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an RFID test system includes a transmission system for providing a radio frequency signal to a plurality of RFID devices and a plurality of radio frequency detectors configured to detect a response to the radio frequency signal from the corresponding RFID devices. A circuit is coupled to the radio frequency detectors and adapted to determine whether each of the plurality of RFID devices is operational based on whether the response was detected by the corresponding radio frequency detector. The RFID devices, for example, that fail the test may be provided with an identifying mark or disabled with a kill command.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide RFID communication and testing techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an RFID system includes a radio frequency source adapted to provide radio frequency energy to an RFID device, a short-range coupler adapted to couple with the RFID device, at least one diode coupled to the short-range coupler, and an interface. The interface is coupled to the diodes and adapted to provide via the short-range coupler and the diodes modulation of the radio frequency energy to the RFID device and detection of a signal provided by the RFID device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide radio frequency identification (RFID) communication techniques for RFID devices. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a RFID communication system includes a transmission system that provides a radio frequency signal to an RFID device and a detector circuit that detects a response to the radio frequency signal from the RFID device. A controller determines whether the RFID device is operational based on whether the response was detected by the detector circuit. The RFID communication system may be implemented within a handheld device, a manufacturing test system, or any device requiring RFID communication functionality, such as a printer or an applicator for RFID devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide RFID device test techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device test system includes an RFID device tester adapted to test RFID devices that are disposed in a closely spaced configuration. The RFID device tester applies a variable threshold, to each of the RFID devices tested, based on characteristics of at least one of the RFID devices neighboring the RFID device being tested.

Abstract: A pavement marker includes a base and at least one lens with retroreflective areas aligned to reflect headlights back toward a vehicle for producing a nighttime signal. The lens and/or the base are formed from resins that include a fluorescent material. At least a portion of the lens is free of the retroreflective areas so that the fluorescent material of the lens and/or the base produces a daytime signal emitted from or through the lens.

Abstract: A pavement marker has a base having at least one opening formed therein. A groove is formed in the base substantially adjacent the opening. The pavement marker further includes a cover for covering the opening in the base. The cover is formed with at least one energy directing rib configured for nesting with the groove in the base. The cover is ultrasonically welded to the base so that the energy directing rib melts and integrally fuses to portions of the base adjacent the groove.

Abstract: A surface-mounted pavement marker is provided for secure attachment to a pavement surface by adhesive. The bottom surface of the pavement marker is divided into sectors, and a parallel array of grooves is formed in each sector. The grooves in each array are angularly aligned to the grooves in adjacent arrays. Additionally, each groove extends continuously from its inner end to the outer periphery of the pavement marker.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously coating multiple thin layers of relatively viscous fluids comprises the relative adjustment of the viscosity of the fluids in order to achieve a viscosity ratio in the optimum range without adversely affecting the adhesive properties of the fluids. In the preferrred method, viscosity is adjusted by varying the temperature of one or both fluids prior to coating and/or by reformulating the liquids to vary their relative viscosities.

Abstract: An improved applicator die for alternately depositing different liquid coating materials on a moving web comprises a die body having switch bars for opening and closing respective flow passageways for supplying the different liquid coating materials to an elongated coating orifice from respective manifolds. The switch bars, flow passageways and manifolds are substantially as wide as and substantially parallel to the coating orifice of the die whereby changeover between different coating materials can be made very rapidly.

Abstract: An improved applicator die for alternately depositing different liquid coating materials on a moving web comprises a die body having switch bars for opening and closing respective flow passageways for supplying the different liquid coating materials to an elongated coating orifice from respective manifolds. The switch bars, flow passageways and manifolds are substantially as wide as and substantially parallel to the coating orifice of the die whereby changeover between different coating materials can be made very rapidly.

Abstract: A composite business form includes a face sheet having first and second sides. The first side has first and second regions, each region being adapted for receiving variable print information. A coating of pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed on the second side of the face sheet. A liner has one side attached to the second side of the face sheet by the adhesive. The one side of the liner has a first portion adapted to be releasably fixed to the adhesive in an area that is at least co-extensive with the first region of the face sheet, and a second portion adjacent to the first portion that is adapted to be permanently fixed to the adhesive in an area that is at least co-extensive with the second region of the face sheet.

Abstract: A label for applying to a CD includes a label adhering section and a detachable centering section integral therewith. The centering section is shaped so that the label registers exactly on center on the CD when the outside edge of the centering section abut the inside surfaces of the portable container in which the CD is housed.

Abstract: Sheetstock including a relatively thin portion on at least one of the longitudinal edges for facilitating use of the sheetstock in an ink jet or laser printer. The relatively thin portion may be easily removed after printing. Also, the sheetstock may be divided into a number of portions which may be easily separated from one another after printing.

Abstract: A tamper-evident label is disclosed having a base label substrate with an adhesive on its lower surface. Water-insoluble indicia are applied to the upper surface of the base label substrate. Water-soluble indicia or graphics are applied to at least the water-insoluble indicia. When exposed to water, the water-soluble indicia or graphics dissolve, and the water-insoluble indicia are revealed. The label further includes a plurality of perforations such that removal of the label from an application surface causes the label to fragment.