Patents Assigned to Mineral Lassen LLC
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Patent number: 7327326Abstract: An antenna coupled to a wireless communication device that is comprised of a series of conductive elements that form a conductor when placed under a force. The conductor is coupled to a wireless communication device to provide an antenna so that the wireless communication device is capable of communicating at an operating frequency defined by the length and construction of the conductor. The wireless communication device, through its communication using the conductor as an antenna, acts as an indicator of force to an interrogation reader when the wireless communication device is capable of communicating to the interrogation reader using the conductor as an antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventor: Ian J Forster
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Publication number: 20080024384Abstract: An antenna coupled to a wireless communication device that is comprised of a series of conductive elements that form a conductor when placed under a force. The conductor is coupled to a wireless communication device to provide an antenna so that the wireless communication device is capable of communicating at an operating frequency defined by the length and construction of the conductor. The wireless communication device, through its communication using the conductor as an antenna, acts as an indicator of force to an interrogation reader when the wireless communication device is capable of communicating to the interrogation reader using the conductor as an antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: Mineral Lassen LLCInventor: Ian Forster
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Patent number: 7275040Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Ian J. Forster, Michael G. Ginn
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Publication number: 20070216593Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless communication device that is coupled to an energy source, such as a battery, capacitor, or solar cell. The wireless communication device is coupled to a slot in the energy source to form a slot antenna for wireless communication. The slot antenna receives communication signals from an interrogation reader or other communication device. The wireless communication device may be attached to a device or container for purposes such as communicating information regarding identification, manufacturing, tracking, and the like. The wireless communication device may also be coupled to the energy source for power.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Applicant: MINERAL LASSEN LLCInventors: Ian Forster, Patrick King, Michael Ginn
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Patent number: 7260372Abstract: An AM receiver incorporates an antenna, a transistor, a current source, and a power supply. The antenna is connected to a gate electrode of the transistor and through a link to a signal earth. In operation, the antenna receives radiation and generates a corresponding input signal which propagates to the gate electrode. The transistor is operable to process the input signal in two steps, namely to reflectively amplify the input signal to generate a correspondingly reflectively amplified input signal at the gate electrode in a first step, and amplitude demodulate the amplified input signal in a second step. The transistor is operable in a non-linear region of its current/voltage characteristic whereas it simultaneously provides reflective amplification and signal demodulation, namely the two steps occur simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Ian J Forster, Adrian N Farr
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Publication number: 20070171139Abstract: A wireless communication device includes an antenna for wireless communication with a remote interrogator. Several embodiments are disclosed to increase the options available to designers of wireless communication devices. In some embodiments, the antenna is a quarter wavelength long with one end of the antenna being grounded to provide desired impedance matching characteristics. The position of the ground plane relative to the antenna is also varied between embodiments. The connection from a wireless communication chip to the antenna is also varied between embodiments to provide alternate structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Patrick King, Ian Foster
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Patent number: 7239287Abstract: An antenna coupled to a wireless communication device that is comprised of a series of conductive elements that form a conductor when placed under a force. The conductor is coupled to a wireless communication device to provide an antenna so that the wireless communication device is capable of communicating at an operating frequency defined by the length and construction of the conductor. The wireless communication device, through its communication using the conductor as an antenna, acts as an indicator of force to an interrogation reader when the wireless communication device is capable of communicating to the interrogation reader using the conductor as an antenna.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventor: Ian J. Forster
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Patent number: 7234642Abstract: A memory device operable to receive an input signal and to generate a corresponding data bearing output signal in response. The device includes a series of circuit stages operable to be triggered by the input signal at a first stage of the series, thereby causing a sequential triggering of stages along the series to a last stage of the series to generate the output signal, the data represented in time durations taken for each stage in the series to trigger a subsequent stage in the series. Sequential triggering of the stages generates a data bearing output signal for output from the device. The device can be modified to repetitively output the data in response to the input signal. Moreover, the device can be adapted to provide a delay before repeating the data, thereby coping with contention when several of the devices are operating within range of one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventor: Ian Forster
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Patent number: 7191507Abstract: A method for manufacturing wireless communication devices for use in tracking or identifying other items comprises a number of cutting techniques that allow the size of the antenna for the wireless communication device. Further, the chip for the wireless communication device is nested so as to be flush with the surface of the substrate of the wireless communication device. Rollers cut the tabs that form the antenna elements. In a first embodiment, a plurality of rollers are used, each on effecting a different cut whose position may be phased so as to shorten or lengthen the antenna element. In a second embodiment, the rollers are independently positionable to shorten or lengthen the antenna element.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Ian J. Forster, Patrick F. King
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Publication number: 20060290587Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna may be in the form of a polygonal, elliptical curve and/or coil shape. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its curved structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breakage that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2006Publication date: December 28, 2006Applicant: MINERAL LASSEN LLCInventors: Ian Forster, Steven Terranova
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Publication number: 20060279425Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna is a conductor that is curved in alternating sections. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its curved structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breakage that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: December 14, 2006Applicant: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Ian Forster, Peter Horrell, Patrick King, Michael Pfeiffer
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Publication number: 20060250314Abstract: A wireless communication device and method for identifying a container, or communication information about a container using a slot in the container as an antenna. The device includes a wireless communication device for transmitting information regarding the container. The container includes an outer wall forming rim and a slot between the rim edge and the outer wall that is circular and continues without boundaries. The wireless communication device is coupled to the slot to provide the slot antenna for communications. An impedance matching network is additionally provided to make the operating frequency of the slot substantially the same as the operating frequency of the wireless communication device. Alternatively, shorting posts may be placed in the slot to define boundaries of the slot to match the operating frequency of the slot to the operating frequency of the antenna. Multiple feed points may be provided between the wireless communication device and the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2005Publication date: November 9, 2006Applicant: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Ian Forster, Peter Horrell
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Patent number: 7100432Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor comprises a pair of conductive plates surrounding a compressible dielectric to form a capacitor. Changes in pressure create changes in the capacitance of the capacitor which in turn may be measured to determine the changes in pressure. The pressure sensor may be constructed to be temperature and centripetal force compensated so that it may be positioned in a tire. A further embodiment uses the conductive plates to form a radiating element for the sensor such that it may wirelessly communicate with a remote interrogator.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventor: Ian J. Forster
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Publication number: 20060160513Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, such as a transponder, that has a plurality of antennas for multi-frequency usage. The wireless communication device comprises a control system, communication electronics, memory, and the aforementioned antennas. A wireless communication device having a pole antenna may be used with one or more loop conductor antennas to achieve the desired operating frequencies. A wireless communication device having a dipole antenna may be coupled across a loop conductor antenna to provide different loop conductor configurations depending on the frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Applicant: Mineral Lassen LLCInventor: Ian Forster
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Publication number: 20060050001Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna is a conductor that is bent in alternating sections to form peaks and valleys. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication with other communication devices, such as an interrogation reader. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its bent structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breaks that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2005Publication date: March 9, 2006Applicant: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Ian Forster, Peter Horrell, Patrick King
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Publication number: 20050275591Abstract: A wireless communication device includes an antenna for wireless communication with a remote interrogator. Several embodiments are disclosed to increase the options available to designers of wireless communication devices. In some embodiments, the antenna is a quarter wavelength long with one end of the antenna being grounded to provide desired impedance matching characteristics. The position of the ground plane relative to the antenna is also varied between embodiments. The connection from a wireless communication chip to the antenna is also varied between embodiments to provide alternate structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2005Publication date: December 15, 2005Applicant: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Patrick King, Ian Forster
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Patent number: 6975834Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, such as a transponder, that has a plurality of antennas for multi-frequency usage. The wireless communication device comprises a control system, communication electronics, memory, and the aforementioned antennas. A wireless communication device having a pole antenna may be used with one or more loop conductor antennas to achieve the desired operating frequencies. A wireless communication device having a dipole antenna may be coupled across a loop conductor antenna to provide different loop conductor configurations depending on the frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventor: Ian J. Forster
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Patent number: 6903704Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna is a conductor that is curved in alternating sections. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its curved structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breakage that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventors: Ian James Forster, Peter Robert George Horrell, Patrick F. King, Michael J. Pfeiffer
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Patent number: 6894616Abstract: A piezo-electric tag in the form of a card has a first dipole antenna, a first rectification circuit, a piezo-electric transformer, a second rectification circuit, and a transponder circuit. In operation, the antenna receives incoming radiation and generates a corresponding signal which propagates to the first circuit which demodulates and filters it to generate a signal which is applied to the transformer to excite it. The transformer increases the voltage amplitude of the signal by generating a relatively higher voltage amplitude signal which is used in the tag to generate a signal for supplying power to the transponder. The transformer provides voltage magnitude enhancement to generate potentials suitable for operating active electronic circuits incorporated into the tag. The tag can be personnel wearable and even adapted for permanent inclusion into biological systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Mineral Lassen LLCInventor: Ian J Forster