Abstract: A near field linear element microstrip antenna is disclosed which is configured to read an RFID label such that a localized electric E field emitted by the antenna at an operating wavelength resides substantially within a zone defined by the near field. The localized E field directs a current distribution along an effective length of the antenna corresponding to a half-wave to a full-wave structure.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: A near field meanderline like antenna assembly is disclosed which is configured to read an RFID label. The antenna is configured as a single and continuous conductor and is configured to extend from one end of a substrate forming a feed point to another end of a substrate forming a termination point. The termination point is connected to a ground through a resistor and the conductor is configured to direct current in two dimensions along the conductor. A localized E field directs a current distribution along an effective length of the antenna corresponding to a half-wave to a full-wave structure.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field circular microstrip antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method to detect RFID tags in electronic article surveillance systems using frequency mixing. The system includes an RFID module that includes an energy coupler to receive transmitted energy that includes a first signal at a first frequency and a second signal at a second frequency, and a mixing element to mix the first and second signals, to generate a third signal at a third frequency, and the energy coupler to transmit the third signal to an EAS detection system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method to combine radio frequency identification and electronic article surveillance receivers into a single device are described. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package may include a substrate and an integrated circuit. The substrate may include at least one region, and a first magnetic material associated with the at least one region. The integrated circuit may have a second magnetic material associated therewith. The second magnetic material may be attracted to the first magnetic material to coupled the integrated circuit to the at least one region of the substrate. The IC package may be utilized in an RFID tag of an RFID system. An associated method for assembling an integrated circuit to a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to tune an antenna for a security tag may be described.

Abstract: An interface for coupling one or more security devices to a network. The interface includes a server for loading a network page in a browser; and at least one control module for receiving data from the network page loaded to facilitate communication of the data between the network page the security device(s). A system including a security device and such a network interface is also provided, along with a method of communicating data between a network device coupled to a network and a security device, and a method of providing notification of an alarm condition in a security device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a wireless transponder for a security system are described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a microwave label with field modulated dielectric are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a frequency-division marker are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect an external source are described.

Abstract: A phase compensated loop antenna having phase compensation elements distributed along the length thereof. The phase compensation elements compensate for current variations along the antenna length resulting from increasing the length of the antenna. A nested loop configuration incorporating at least one phase compensated loop antenna is also provided.

Abstract: A second-hand smoke filtering device having a hollow body; a cigarette holder disposed within the body and further having a holding chamber for the dual purpose of accepting a cigarette therein and for holding second-hand smoke; an igniter mechanism disposed within the holding chamber for lighting a cigarette when activated; and a drive mechanism coupled to the igniter mechanism for allowing the igniter mechanism to be moved forward or backward; a mouthpiece extended from the body for receiving smoke from the cigarette holder or holding chamber and transmitting second-hand smoke; a filter compartment disposed within the body for removing second-hand smoke; a valve mechanism disposed between the cigarette holder, mouthpiece, holding chamber, and filter compartment for controlling communication between the holding chamber, mouthpiece, cigarette holder, and filter compartment; and a selection mechanism coupled to the igniter mechanism, drive mechanism, and valve mechanism for allowing a user to activate and deac