Abstract: An electronic timing system is provided for timing of athletic events including a radio-frequency identification antenna, a portable timing controller, a remote server, and a radio-frequency identification timing tag. The portable timing controller includes one or more radio-frequency identification readers, and a touch-panel computer electrically coupled to the one or more readers to manage data coming into the one or more readers. The controller further includes a first input/output device for exchanging data with the radio-frequency identification antenna, and a second input/output device for exchanging data with a remote server. The controller also may be powered by portable, user replaceable lithium-ion batteries. The radio-frequency identification timing tag is configured for attachment to an athlete. The timing tag and antenna are adapted for wirelessly communicating data between one another.

Abstract: An electronic timing system for timing of athletic events is provided. The timing system includes one or more vertically oriented radio-frequency identification reader assembly, a portable timing controller, a remote server, and a radio-frequency identification timing tag that is configured for attachment to an athlete. The vertically oriented radio-frequency identification reader includes an antenna assembly, a water-resistant radome surrounding the antenna assembly, and a tripod supporting the radome and antenna assembly. The portable timing controller includes one or more input/output devices, such as Ethernet or USB ports, for exchanging data with the radio-frequency identification antenna. The remote server also includes similar input/output devices for exchanging data with the input/output devices of the portable timing controller. The timing tag and antenna are configured for wirelessly communicating data between one another.

Abstract: A disposable timing tag is provided, including a thin, flexible planar sheet member having first and second end sections, and a middle section. A printed radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit is disposed on the middle section thereof and includes an integrated circuit chip, and a dipole antenna electrically coupled thereto. The dipoles of antenna extend generally along the longitudinal axis of the sheet member toward the first and second respective end sections thereof. The first and second end sections of the flexible planar member are separated from the middle section by fold lines formed in the surface of the planar member extending across the horizontal axis thereof, and the planar sheet member is folded such that the first and second ends thereof are connected to one another and the planar member forms a substantially D-shaped closed loop.

Abstract: An electronic timing system for timing of athletic events is provided. The timing system includes one or more vertically oriented radio-frequency identification reader assembly, a portable timing controller, a remote server, and a radio-frequency identification timing tag that is configured for attachment to an athlete. The vertically oriented radio-frequency identification reader includes an antenna assembly, a water-resistant radome surrounding said antenna assembly, and a tripod supporting said radome and antenna assembly. The portable timing controller includes input/output means for exchanging data with the radio-frequency identification antenna. The remote server also includes input/output means for exchanging data with the input/output means of the portable timing controller. The timing tag and antenna include means for wirelessly communicating data between one another.