Abstract: Techniques are provided for reducing the transmission of infrared (IR) signals outside of a reclamation receptacle. Techniques include using a reclamation receptacle having an IR transmitter configured to transmit IR signals when the reclamation receptacle is in a closed configuration and configured to cease transmission of the IR signals when the reclamation receptacle is in an open configuration. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag may be deposited in the reclamation receptacle. The RFID tag may receive the IR signals and generate a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the IR signals, wherein the RF signal indicates that the RFID tag is in the reclamation receptacle.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for reducing the transmission of infrared (IR) signals outside of a reclamation receptacle. Techniques include using a reclamation receptacle having an IR transmitter configured to transmit IR signals when the reclamation receptacle is in a closed configuration and configured to cease transmission of the IR signals when the reclamation receptacle is in an open configuration. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag may be deposited in the reclamation receptacle. The RFID tag may receive the IR signals and generate a radio frequency (RF) signal in response to the IR signals, wherein the RF signal indicates that the RFID tag is in the reclamation receptacle.

Abstract: An improved RFID tag reader is provided. More specifically, an RFID tag reader is provided that includes a plurality of antenna panels arranged to form a sensing volume in which RFID tags are read. Additionally, the RFID tag reader includes a novel switching mechanism that activates the antenna panels in sequence while minimizing cross coupling between the antenna panels. Furthermore, a novel antenna geometry also reduces antenna cross coupling.

Abstract: A wireless-enabled tightening system for fasteners is disclosed. The system includes a visual designator configured to project an indicator onto a workpiece. The system also includes a torque wrench comprising a wireless transmitter and a means for identifying whether the correct torque has been applied to a fastener on the workpiece and configured to provide a feedback for a user. The system also includes a camera configured to capture an image of the workpiece when an appropriate amount of torque has been applied to the fastener. The system further includes a microprocessor for determining sequence of the fastener and identifying the tightened fastener.

Abstract: A system and method a bi-directional wireless information system includes a plurality of sensor nodes spaced along a path of travel of an object, each of the sensor nodes corresponding to a specified location along the path of travel. The system also includes a transceiver associated with the object, the transceiver configured to communicate with the plurality of sensor nodes, such that a location of the object is determinable based on wireless communication between the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes. A central database included in the system is configured to receive the location of the object from at least one of the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes, receive object-specific data from at least one of the transceiver and the plurality of sensor nodes, and transmit location-specific data to the transceiver.

Abstract: An improved RFID tag reader is provided. More specifically, an RFID tag reader is provided that includes a plurality of antenna panels arranged to form a sensing volume in which RFID tags are read. Additionally, the RFID tag reader includes a novel switching mechanism that activates the antenna panels in sequence while minimizing cross coupling between the antenna panels. Furthermore, a novel antenna geometry also reduces antenna cross coupling.

Abstract: A system for a radio frequency identification tag of a radio frequency identification system, comprises an antenna mounted on a respective unit of equipment and a power supply electrically coupled to the antenna. The antenna is configured to energize a radio frequency identification tag without contact for enhancing read range of the radio frequency identification tag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular antenna panel including an antenna wire disposed in a panel substrate, and also including one or more electrical connectors and one or more mechanical connectors disposed at one or more edges of the modular antenna panel. The electrical connectors are configured for electrical connectivity with adjacent modular antenna panels and the mechanical connectors are configured to enable mechanical connections with adjacent modular antenna panels. Two or more modular antenna panels can be arranged to form an antenna assembly for a radio frequency identification system. Adjacent modular antenna panels are electrically connected to one another by engaging one or more of the electrical connectors disposed at one or more edges of the adjacent modular antenna panels, and are mechanically connected to one another by engaging one or more of the mechanical connectors disposed at one or more edges of the adjacent modular antenna panels.

Abstract: A radio identification enabled wrench system is disclosed. The system includes a template having multiple RFID tags. The template also corresponds to a part associated with a particular fastener that is associated with each of the multiple RFID tags. The system further includes a torque wrench having a RFID reader and a RFID antenna and a means for identifying what fastener the wrench is being used upon and whether the correct torque has been applied to the fastener and configured to provide a feedback for a user. The system includes a means for transferring data that may be either wired or wireless.

Abstract: A wireless-enabled tightening system for fasteners is disclosed. The system includes a visual designator configured to project an indicator onto a workpiece. The system also includes a torque wrench comprising a wireless transmitter and a means for identifying whether the correct torque has been applied to a fastener on the workpiece and configured to provide a feedback for a user. The system also includes a camera configured to capture an image of the workpiece when an appropriate amount of torque has been applied to the fastener. The system further includes a microprocessor for determining sequence of the fastener and identifying the tightened fastener.

Abstract: A device mounted on a tractor trailer is disclosed. The device includes at least one input from a sensor input device or at least one external communication device. The device further includes a receiver configured to receive an incoming data via either the sensor input device or the external communication device. The device also includes a processor configured to generate an alert message to be associated with the trailer on which the system is mounted. The device also includes a transmitter configured to broadcast a signal containing the alert message.

Abstract: A method and system for pacing a vehicle along a path of travel is described. The method includes determining a geographical location of the vehicle, displaying a vehicle position icon representative of the geographical location, determining an optimal position for the vehicle, displaying a pace icon representative of the optimal position for the vehicle, and operating the vehicle to maintain a vehicle position icon displayed on the operator pace display substantially coincident with the pace icon displayed on the operator pace display.