Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and method of manufacturing the same. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID tag includes a radio frequency (RF) inlay, the RF inlay including a carrier sheet, an antenna printed on the carrier sheet and a wireless communication device bonded to the antenna. The RFID tag also includes a plastic extrudate, the RF inlay being disposed within the extrudate so that the antenna and the wireless communication device are encapsulated on all sides within the extrudate. Optional metallic reflector and mounting adhesive layers may be laminated onto the underside of the extrudate. The present invention is also directed to an automated method for manufacturing the above RFID tag, such a method involving, in one embodiment, feeding a continuous supply of RF inlays into a cross-head extruder to yield a continuously extruded block and then cutting the block between successive antennae to yield a plurality of individual RFID tags.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device includes a conductive antenna structure having an elongated slot therein. Parts of the antenna structure on both sides of one end of the elongated slot are coupled to a wireless communication device, such as an RFID chip or interposer. On the opposite end of the elongated slot, parts of the antenna structure at both sides of the elongated slot are electrically coupled together, for instance by being coupled together by other conductive parts of the antenna structure. All of the parts of the antenna structure may be parts of a continuous unitary layer of conductive material. The antenna structure with the elongated slot therein may facilitate increased readability of the RFID device, particularly in directions out from the edges of the RFID device.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and method of manufacturing the same. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID tag includes a radio frequency (RF) inlay, the RF inlay including a carrier sheet, an antenna printed on the carrier sheet and a wireless communication device bonded to the antenna. The RFID tag also includes a plastic extrudate, the RF inlay being disposed within the extrudate so that the antenna and the wireless communication device are encapsulated on all sides within the extrudate. Optional metallic reflector and mounting adhesive layers may be laminated onto the underside of the extrudate. The present invention is also directed to an automated method for manufacturing the above RFID tag, such a method involving, in one embodiment, feeding a continuous supply of RF inlays into a cross-head extruder to yield a continuously extruded block and then cutting the block between successive antennae to yield a plurality of individual RFID tags.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and method of manufacturing the same. In a preferred embodiment, the RFID tag includes a radio frequency (RF) inlay, the RF inlay including a carrier sheet, an antenna printed on the carrier sheet and a wireless communication device bonded to the antenna. The RFID tag also includes a plastic extrudate, the RF inlay being disposed within the extrudate so that the antenna and the wireless communication device are encapsulated on all sides within the extrudate. Optional metallic reflector and mounting adhesive layers may be laminated onto the underside of the extrudate. The present invention is also directed to an automated method for manufacturing the above RFID tag, such a method involving, in one embodiment, feeding a continuous supply of RF inlays into a cross-head extruder to yield a continuously extruded block and then cutting the block between successive antennae to yield a plurality of individual RFID tags.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device includes a conductive antenna structure having an elongated slot therein. Parts of the antenna structure on both sides of one end of the elongated slot are coupled to a wireless communication device, such as an RFID chip or interposer. On the opposite end of the elongated slot, parts of the antenna structure at both sides of the elongated slot are electrically coupled together, for instance by being coupled together by other conductive parts of the antenna structure. All of the parts of the antenna structure may be parts of a continuous unitary layer of conductive material. The antenna structure with the elongated slot therein may facilitate increased readability of the RFID device, particularly in directions out from the edges of the RFID device.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes an RFID device, and a conductive material that cooperates with the RFID device to enhance performance of the RFID device. The RFID device and the conductive material may be within a distance of about one-quarter of a wavelength of energy most preferentially received by the RFID device. The RFID device may be mounted at an angle to the conductive material. Alternatively, or in addition, the RFID device may be partially overlapped by the conductive material. The RFID device may include a conductive antenna structure having an aperture therein.

Abstract: A frequency detector that detects a frequency signal indicative of the proximity of a transportation vessel or an intrinsically-safe area. The frequency detector may be associated with any type of electronic device. The frequency detector detects the presence of a frequency signal that is emitted by a transportation vessel and/or a frequency beacon associated with the transportation vessel. The frequency detector and/or container may disable, shut down, or reduce power of any electro-magnetic field generating devices associated with the frequency detector and/or container if the frequency detector receives a frequency signal indicative of the inside or proximity of a transportation vessel or an intrinsically-safe area. The container also includes a self-check frequency generator that emits a frequency signal capable of being detected by the frequency detector.

Abstract: A frequency detector that detects a frequency signal indicative of the proximity of a transportation vessel or an intrinsically-safe area. The frequency detector may be associated with any type of electronic device. The frequency detector detects the presence of a frequency signal that is emitted by a transportation vessel and/or a frequency beacon associated with the transportation vessel. The frequency detector and/or container may disable, shut down, or reduce power of any electro-magnetic field generating devices associated with the frequency detector and/or container if the frequency detector receives a frequency signal indicative of the inside or proximity of a transportation vessel or an intrinsically-safe area. The container also includes a self-check frequency generator that emits a frequency signal capable of being detected by the frequency detector.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes a field-emitting device that emits electric, magnetic and/or electromagnetic signals. The electronic device is associated with includes one or more sensors that are capable of detecting the proximity of a transportation vessel. Upon detection of the proximity of a transportation vessel, the electronic device deactivates and/or decouples power to the field-emitting device and/or other systems of the electronic device so that the components of the electronic device can no longer emit signals that may interfere with the transportation vessel systems. The electronic device may reactivate and/or re-couple power to the field-emitting device if the sensor(s) no longer detects the proximity of a transportation vessel. The electronic device may also perform the reactivation and deactivation procedure if the electronic device detects a hazardous area.

Abstract: The present invention includes a tracking device that is associated with a cargo container. The cargo container is used for shipping of goods and materials and is placed into transportation vessels for shipment. The tracking device includes a GPS for receiving positioning information concerning the location of the cargo container and is adapted to transmit the location of the cargo container remotely. Sensor(s) are also operatively associated with the cargo container and tracking device to sense information concerning the surroundings of the cargo container. The tracking device receives this sensor information and deactivates the tracking device when the cargo container is either inside or in proximity to the aircraft.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus in which a two-dimensional display constituting a perspective view of a three-dimensional surface consists of an array of discrete points appearing to model the surface. An aircraft pilot is provided with a display of ground terrain ahead of his aircraft using stored data representing the terrain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using stored data to produce a representation of a surface from the perspective of a platform moving across the surface (e.g. of ground terrain from an aircraft overflying the terrain) wherein the representation comprises a perspective view of an array of elements modelling the surface and the orientation of the array with respect to the surface changes with the direction of movement of the platform across the surface so as to keep the array aligned with the direction of platform movement and so avoid confusing changes in the display with changes in platform movement direction.