Abstract: A system for parcel transport and tracking that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a plurality of geographically spaced repositories. The exemplary repositories include a plurality of enclosed compartment spaces. Access to each of the enclosed compartment spaces is controlled by respective door which is in operative connection with the respective lock. Central control circuitry in operative connection with the repositories is operative to control access to the compartment spaces and to cause compartments to be selectively accessible so that selected parcels may be placed therein or removed therefrom. Exemplary arrangements provide for the pickup of parcels at initial pickup addresses at which shipments originate and deliveries to final delivery addresses of parcel recipients.

Abstract: A wireless electromagnetic coupler arrangement for reactive near field coupling comprising a sequential array of coupling elements which are geometrically arranged one- or two-dimensionally. By means of feeding an unmodulated wave of electromagnetic energy to each of the coupling elements and a respective associated harvester element, in an initial sensing state, an automatic selection of a single coupling element or plural coupling elements which establish a particularly strong and efficient interaction with an inlay is performed. By means of a respective feedback loop, a switchable array of resistances is used to activate the selected coupling element(s) for coupling of information to/from the loop and to de-activate the remaining coupling elements.

Abstract: A card for storing both emergency information and payment information is disclosed. The card can be used by an emergency responder to retrieve emergency information for the user. The emergency information can enable the emergency responder to better render aid to the user. The card can have one or more processors, a sensor, and a memory in communication with the one or more processors and storing an application thereon. The application can cause the card to receive a request from a user device (e.g., from an emergency medical technician, or EMT) to access emergency information stored in the memory, transmit a security challenge to the user device, authenticate a received response to the security challenge from the user device, and transmit the emergency information to the user device.

Abstract: Material in a supply chain is tracked by a method of applying a DNA taggant set to a first batch of the material produced by a first supplier of the material. The DNA taggant set corresponds to a tag string corresponding to the first supplier. The first batch is aggregated with a second batch to create an aggregated lot. A sample is selected from the aggregated lot and tested to determine a DNA taggant set of the sample. After selecting a sample from the aggregated lot, the sample may be labeled with a grade and then placed in a receptacle corresponding to the grade.

Abstract: An improved surgical sponge having a contrast agent, such as bismuth beads, secured to the sponge material in a unique pattern of a type not found in nature or in human anatomy. The unique pattern is preferably spaced dots or circles having various sizes and spacing, potentially arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. The desired unique pattern is arranged such that the dots or other non-natural shapes are large enough to remain visible, while small enough to avoid adversely affecting the pliability and absorption of the sponge.

Abstract: A recessed downlight fixture and method for installation is provided. The recessed downlight fixture can be installed in a retrofit application, after a ceiling is installed, through a pre-existing opening in that ceiling. Alternatively, a recessed downlight fixture according to a second embodiment can be installed before a ceiling is present. In either embodiment, the light source coupled to, for example, a heat sink, can be universally moved in three degrees of movement, rotationally, along a tilt axis, or further within the ceiling to increase or decrease the recess. All such universal adjustments can take place through and below the ceiling opening during or after installation.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to wireless sensing nodes, energy harvesting, and energy charging. The disclosure also generally relates to reporting data gathered by the wireless sensing nodes to one or more network services.

Abstract: The disclosure features a method of creating a communications network. In this method, a first tape node includes a first type of wireless communication interface and a second type of wireless communication interface having a longer range than the first type of wireless communication interface. A second tape node includes the first type of wireless communication interface that is operable to communicate with the first tape node over a wireless communication connection established between the first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first and second tape nodes. Over a wireless communication connection, the first tape node sends programmatic code executable by the first tape node to function as a master tape node with respect to the second tape node.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a portable electronic device that executes a command from a host device includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor acquires biometric information. The processor causes the sensor to acquire first biometric information for generating a template used for authentication, and after the first biometric information is acquired, causes the sensor to acquire second biometric information used for generating the template. Where the similarity between the first biometric information and the second biometric information exceeds a first threshold value, the processor outputs a signal indicating that the second biometric information is inappropriate for use as biometric information for generating the template.

Abstract: An antenna includes first and second antenna elements and first and second couplers. The first antenna element includes a first radiation conductor and a first feeder line. The second antenna element includes a second radiation conductor and a second feeder line. The second feeder line is coupled to the first feeder line such that a first component, which is a capacitance component or an inductance component, is dominant. The first coupler couples the first and second feeder lines such that a second component is dominant. The first radiation conductor and the second radiation conductor are arranged at an interval of ½ or less of a resonance wavelength. The second radiation conductor is coupled to the first radiation conductor with a first coupling method in which a capacitive coupling or a magnetic field coupling is dominant. The second coupler couples the first and second radiation conductors with a second coupling method.

Abstract: An antenna installation structure includes an antenna substrate, an insulation layer, and a bonding material. The antenna substrate includes a dielectric base including first and second main surfaces, and an antenna conductor on the first main surface. The insulation layer is on the first main surface of the antenna substrate. The bonding material is between the insulation layer and a radiation side wall of a housing, is cured, and bonds the insulation layer to the radiation side wall. A linear expansion coefficient of the insulation layer is lower than a linear expansion coefficient of the bonding material and higher than a linear expansion coefficient of the antenna substrate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media provide automated identification techniques that associate at least two unique identifiers of one segment of a segmental multimode wireless flexible product to seamlessly and accurately bridge different identification methodologies to enable advanced real-time tracking of shipment location and status, and other such useful and advanced product and service offerings.

Abstract: A code scanning device for detecting an optical code on an object in a reading area, comprising a light transmitter for transmitting a reading beam, a deflection unit for periodically deflecting the reading beam over the reading area with a scanning frequency fscan, a light receiver for generating a received signal from the returning reading beam, a distance sensor for detecting a distance d from the object, and a control and evaluation unit configured to read a code content of the optical code on the basis of the received signal and to set the scanning frequency fscan as a function of the distance d.

Abstract: Logic mechanisms operate to define the position of at least one mechanical output based on the position of two or more mechanical inputs, and employ at least one control element that functions to determine (at least in part) whether an output is moved, and which provides the same function in more than one position. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input positions, whether a path to transmit motion to an output exists or does not exist. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input positions, whether or not motion of a driven element can be accommodated without moving an output.

Abstract: In some implementations, a device may configure security tags. The device may receive, from one or more cameras associated with the device, image data associated with a product moving through a scanning zone of the device. The device may determine, based on the image data, a direction of movement associated with the product moving through the scanning zone of the device. The device may configure, via a reader of the device and based on the direction of movement associated with the product, a setting of a security tag associated with the product.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a package status check are provided, including a scanner for use in a surgical field and having an antenna for emitting a radio frequency detection field, the scanner including control circuitry configured to determine a predetermined quantity of sponges corresponding to a complete pack of sponges; count a number of sponges associated with the pack with the scanner prior to use of the sponges in a surgical field; and issue an alert when a number of counted sponges does not match the predetermined quantity corresponding to the complete pack. The system and method may include the control circuitry configured to determine whether a sponge has been re-scanned or is unknown by comparing detected information with previously detected information prior.

Abstract: A system ensures the correct type of fuel is dispensed in an aircraft while removing the introduction of human error in the refueling process. The system includes an RFID tag disposed at one or more aircraft that electronically stores data such as engine type, engine hours, fuel type, tail number, and pilot/subscriber data for the aircraft on which the RFID tag is disposed. An RFID reader is disposed at or near a fuel dispensing mechanism, such as a fuel truck or tank. A signal indicative of fuel type is emitted from the RFID tag to the RFID reader. RFID tags on aircraft that are enrolled in the system's subscription service enable aircraft to be recognized by a module operating the fuel dispensing mechanism. Based on a comparison performed by the module, authorization to begin fueling is either permitted or declined.

Abstract: A system and method is described for detecting a foreign object inserted into a card reader. The card reader has a housing having an internal portion and a card entry slot formed therein. A reader device for reading information from a card is mounted within the internal portion of the housing. A transport mechanism is within the internal portion of the housing and includes a structure having one or more distinctive patterns on an upper surface thereof. A camera is mounted within the housing above the transport mechanism in a position to allow an image to be taken of the upper surface of the structure of the transport mechanism. A controller is coupled to the camera to receive images therefrom and configured to compare each image received from the camera to a reference image to determine when a foreign object has been inserted into the internal portion of the housing.

Abstract: Chip cards that are protected from unauthorized access to information and instructions stored in the chip card's chip by unauthorized persons using illicit devices that emulate chip readers to interrogate the chips in chip cards and obtain or download confidential data stored in the chips. The chip cards are disabled when not ready to be used, such that the chips cannot be accessed by illicit devices, thus protecting the chip card owner and/or issuer from potential losses.

Abstract: A mounting flange for a monopole includes a generally annular main panel surrounding a central hole. The main panel includes a plurality of first mounting holes that are substantially circumferentially equidistant from each other and at a first radial distance from a center of the central hole. The main panel also includes a plurality of second mounting holes that are substantially circumferentially equidistant from each other and at a second radial distance from a center of the central hole, the second distance being greater than the first distance.