Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for testing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described. The tags are tested using a direct connection scheme, where a testing apparatus makes direct contact with a portion of a tag in order to perform a test on the tag. For example, the testing apparatus may read data from the tag to verify operation. Any number of tags may be tested at a time, including one tag at a time, or multiple tags in parallel.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for RFID readers forming a reader network are described. In an aspect of the present invention, readers communicate according to a “Listen Before Talk” (LBT) protocol to avoid undesirable interference.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for mobile devices and antenna thereof, are described herein. A mobile device include RFID reader functionality, and functionality for communicating with one or more wireless networks. A single antenna of the mobile device accommodates the network communication functionality and the RFID reader functionality. The communications network is any type of communications network, including a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a cell phone network. An antenna pattern of the antenna may be configurable. For example, a gain of the antenna may be varied, the antenna pattern may be shaped, directed, and/or polarized, the antenna pattern may be steered, and/or the antenna pattern may be ranged.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object having an encapsulated radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided. An RFID tag is mechanically or chemically affixed to a first portion of the object being manufactured. The first portion of the object, with the RFID tag affixed is placed in a cavity of a mold. The first portion is then over-molded with a first material such as high temperature thermoplastic or low temperature thermoset to generate a seamless object. A method for manufacturing an object having a partially encapsulated RFID tag is also provided. An RFID tag is laminated with a lamination material, such as high temperature thermoplastic. The laminated RFID tag is affixed to a mold. The laminated RFID tag is then over-molded with a first material to generate a seamless object. Methods for tracking medical instruments having encapsulated or partially encapsulated RFID tags are also provided.

Abstract: A system that facilitates desirable orientation of a display on a machine data reader comprises a keypad that is moveable with respect to a body of the machine data reader, the keypad utilized to relay information to the machine data reader. The system further comprises a component that senses a position of the keypad, and a component that orients the display based at least in part upon the sensed position of the keypad.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for RFID readers forming a reader network are described. In an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of RFID readers are configured to interrogate tags. Furthermore, the readers are configured to communicate with one another. Each of the readers include a ID number which identifies that particular reader within a reader network during communications. Each reader includes a network interface module and an optimization module to receive and process statistical data obtained from other readers in the network. Aspects of the present invention include a ‘primary/secondary’ reader network configuration, as well as a ‘distributed elements’ reader network configuration. A set of operational rules for the environment is indicated, and tag interrogations are optimized according to the rules. Readers may communicate according to a “Listen Before Talk” (LBT) protocol to avoid undesirable interference.

Abstract: Dies that are attached to a die plate can be transferred to a substrate. An actuator can be used to cause a die to be released from the die plate and to come into contact with the substrate. For example, the die may cover a corresponding hole in the die plate. The actuator can move a pin into the hole in the die plate, thereby pushing the die from the die plate. The actuator may be actuated by an electromagnetic stimulus. For instance, a solenoid having windings around a tubular core may provide the electromagnetic stimulus to the actuator. Current may be provided to the windings of the solenoid to generate the electromagnetic stimulus that actuates the actuator. The actuator may be provided in the tubular core of the solenoid.

Abstract: Described is an optical imaging system which a plurality of optical imaging devices coupled to one another via a communication network. Each of the optical imaging devices may include an apparatus for optically reading encoded data and storing the data in a data file, a voice recording apparatus for recording a voice message and storing the message in a message file and a voice reproducing apparatus. In addition, the device may include a file handling apparatus for assembling a transmission file and addressing the transmission file to an intended recipient one of the plurality of devices. The transmission file may include the data and message files. The transmission file is configured so that, upon receipt by the recipient device, the message file is automatically executed and played. Furthermore, the device may include a communication apparatus for communicating with other devices via the network, wherein the communication apparatus forwards the transmission file to the recipient device via the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for optimizing an interrogation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag population. An RFID reader sets an initial number of time slots used to interrogate a population of tags. The reader does not previously know the size of the tag population. The reader monitors responses of tags for one or more time slots of an interrogation round to collect statistical data, estimates a number of tags in the population based on the statistical data, and determines a new number of time slots based on the estimated number of tags. The reader adjusts the number of time slots accordingly for a subsequent interrogation round. The reader may repeat this process as needed to converge closer to the actual number of tags in the population, and an acceptable number of time slots, to enhance an efficiency of the process of interrogating the tag population.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a communication port integral with a battery pack assembly is disclosed. The system provides a pathway between an external unit and a host unit via a printed circuit board of the battery pack. The battery pack can include communication ports mounted on the printed circuit board for interfacing with external units. The printed circuit board further includes a substrate(s) formed with a predetermined wiring pattern electrically and/or mechanically joined to the CPU of the host unit, as well as the battery cell(s).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a system including a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and a reader. Each RFID tag of the plurality of RFID tags backscatter transmits a signal. In one embodiment, the reader includes a plurality of antennas and a signal processor. In another embodiment, the system includes a signal processor and a plurality of readers each including an antenna. In either embodiment, each antenna receives a plurality of signals corresponding to the backscatter transmitted signals. The signal processor combines the received plurality of signals to produce an output signal.

Abstract: An imager with a two dimensional array of sensors processes illumination data from a subset of the sensors located within a selected region of the image to determine imager settings prior to acting upon a full frame of data. In this manner imager settings can be quickly determined by transferring and examining only the segment of the sensor array data.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer is driven to mechanically oscillate a mirror at a mechanical resonant frequency with high precision despite frequency variations introduced by temperature, tolerances and ageing of components. Switches are actuated at different times in order to make the drive frequency correspond to the mechanical resonant frequency.

Abstract: Partial decode results that successfully decode a subset of bar code symbol components and a quality indicator associated with each component are stored. These partial decode results are combined based on the quality indicator to achieve an improved decode of the symbol.

Abstract: A user generates a programming bar code or programming parameter file that encompasses all desired parameter settings. A batch of scanners is programmed by scanning the bar code or reading the parameter file to simplify and expedite the programming process.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for isolating a portable hand held electronic unit from external mechanical shocks and/or vibrations by dampening them at several levels. The system can absorb an external mechanical shock at three different levels by employing an external bumper system, elastic housing design features, and an internal frame isolation. Moreover, such isolation assembly simplifies production of the portable electronic unit by enabling a “build to order process” according to a customer's specification.

Abstract: The combination of a rooftop optical element and a soft edge aperture stop, as well as the introduction of a negative spherical aberration in a positive focusing lens, improve working distance and depth of focus in both moving beam and imaging readers for electro-optically reading indicia such as bar code symbols, especially for close-in symbols, and moreover tend to reduce undesirable light intensity modulation in the beam profile thereby improving reader performance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for expanding an area of a semiconductor wafer, an enhancing die transfer capability. A wafer is attached to a support structure. The wafer is separated on the support structure into a plurality of dies. An area of the support structure is increased to increase a space between adjacent dies of the plurality of dies. Dies may be transferred from the expanded support structure.

Abstract: A programmable mobile terminal which includes a thumb wheel for selecting among a plurality of functions executable by the mobile terminal. The programmable mobile terminal allows a user to employ the same hand that is holding the mobile terminal to scroll through and select a function among a plurality of functions via the thumb wheel. The wheel portion of thumb wheel is rotated either clockwise or counter clockwise by the user's thumb or other finger to scroll a screen cursor through the functions and once the screen cursor of the mobile terminal is positioned at a desired function, the user can depress the wheel portion in a transaxial direction with the same thumb or finger to select the desired function. Also, the programmable mobile terminal allows a user to scan bar code information and use the thumb wheel for selecting among a plurality of functions relating to the scanned bar code information.