Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention comprises a bar code scanner and an encoder for commissioning RFID transponders and includes a housing encasing a motor assembly, an RFID interrogator, a wireless communication means for transferring instructions and data from and to a remote host, on-board memory, a processor, and an antenna with corresponding mechanism to encode and verify a programmable RFID transponder. The present invention further includes novel methods for commissioning RFID transponders.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel systems and devices for commissioning wireless tags, RFID tags, and wireless sensors. The present invention benefits wireless sensors that are not directly part of a demand printed label. In one embodiment RFID tags or inlays are pre-loaded into cartridges prior to consumption and an encoder mechanism and corresponding antenna encodes and verifies the programmable RFID tags within the cartridges. This improvement adds significant convenience of loading RFID tags and enhances overall reliability of handling and applying the RFID tags. Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and devices that enable application and distribution of RFID tags in pre-loaded cartridges that are ready-to-use.

Abstract: The present invention improves systems and devices for commissioning wireless tags, RFID tags, and wireless sensors. The present invention benefits wireless sensors that are not directly part of a demand printed label. In one embodiment RFID tags are pre-loaded into cartridges prior to consumption. This improvement adds significant convenience of loading RFID tags and enhances overall reliability of handling and applying the RFID tags. Accordingly, the present invention includes methods and devices that enable application and distribution of RFID tags in pre-loaded cartridges that are ready-to-use.

Abstract: An integrated, hand-held device combining optical bar-code reading means with RFID-transponder commissioning means includes an on-board processing means, such as a portable-data-terminal that releasably couples to the device and wireless communicates with a host or network computer and seamlessly integrates data communication to and from the optical reader means and the commissioning means. A rechargeable battery pack provides power to each component and a single trigger mechanism enables multi-modal operation based on sensed conditions. Blank or pre-encoded RFID-transponders are supplied by a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment the present invention is an encoder for commissioning RFID transponders and includes a housing encasing a motor assembly, a motion and displacement sensor, wireless communication means for transferring instructions and data from and to a remote host, on-board memory, a processor, and an antenna with corresponding mechanism to encode and verify a programmable RFID transponder within a protective enclosure. The present invention further includes novel methods for commissioning RFID transponders, as well as methods for recycling and reusing the protective enclosure.

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antennas systems and methods that are less sensitive to orientation. One example includes an interrogator having a radio frequency transceiver, a first linearly polarized antenna in electrical communication with the transceiver, and a second linearly polarized antenna in electrical communication with the transceiver, the second antenna having a polarization in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first antenna; a control circuit is in electrical communication with the transceiver and with the first and second antennas, the control circuit operable to switch between interrogating with the first antenna and interrogating with the second antenna, and an RFID decoder is coupled to an output of the transceiver to decode an interrogated electromagnetic signal from a tag.

Abstract: An integrated, hand-held device combining optical bar-code reading means with RFID-transponder commissioning means includes an on-board processing means, such as a portable-data-terminal that releasably couples to the device and wireless communicates with a host or network computer and seamlessly integrates data communication to and from the optical reader means and the commissioning means. A rechargeable battery pack provides power to each component and a single trigger mechanism enables multi-modal operation based on sensed conditions. Blank or pre-encoded RFID-transponders are supplied by a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention is an encoder for commissioning RFID transponders and includes a housing encasing a motor assembly, wireless communication means for transferring instructions and data from and to a remote host, on-board memory, a processor, and an antenna with corresponding mechanism to encode and verify a programmable RFID transponder within a protective enclosure. The present invention further includes novel methods for commissioning RFID transponders, as well as methods for recycling and reusing various components including the protective enclosure and RFID transponders.

Abstract: A device, which may be mobile, comprises a data reader, scale, alarm indicator, and processor. The reader is capable of reading data encoded on an item within a reading zone, thereby generating read data. The item may be a pallet loaded with bulk articles. The device, if mobile, is positionable such that the item is within the reading zone and on the scale. The scale generates measured weight data of an item placed on the scale. The processor, which is connected to the reader, scale, and alarm indicator, is configured to access the read data and the measured weight data, to determine based on the read data an expected weight of the item, to compare the expected weight and the measured weight data, and to conditionally activate the alarm indicator if the expected weight and the measured weight data differ by at least a threshold amount.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods for deploying and/or recycling wireless tags, such as RFID tags and wireless sensors, and the containers they may be attached to. Also disclosed are improved RFID tag and wireless sensor configurations. In one configuration, an RFID tag/wireless sensor system is described that leaves RFID tags and wireless sensors undamaged and capable of reuse through numerous cycles. Methods are also disclosed for reducing waste and pollution resulting from wireless tags contaminating existing recycled waste streams.

Abstract: A method of biometrically identifying a customer of a retail or non-retail establishment to facilitate or enhance the customer's shopping experience. The method includes obtaining a biometric profile representative of a biometric characteristic of a customer using a biometric sensing device; retrieving shopping history related information for the customer based on the biometric profile; and providing the customer with one or more items that facilitate or enhance the customer's shopping experience such as coupons, a shopping list, and/or a map showing the physical location of shopping list items in the retail establishment, the one or items based on the shopping history related information.