Abstract: Objects containing radio frequency transponders, such as RFID tags, can be encoded with information and mixed with a substance. The mixed objects and substance can be applied to a surface such as a road, such that a vehicle traveling over the surface may later read encoded information stored in the transponders. In one variation, the objects may include spherical marbles that are mixed with asphalt and embedded in a road surface. An apparatus includes components arranged to receive multiple objects, encode transponders contained in the objects, and mix them with a substance such as asphalt or concrete. Objects may include spheres having helical antenna elements or antenna elements formed on an outer surface thereof. A vehicle may be configured with a reader and antennas arranged to read transponders embedded in a roadway surface.

Abstract: Three-dimensional objects, such as product packages or gaming tokens, have formed thereon a three-dimensional antenna pattern coupled to a radio frequency transponder, such as an RFID tag. The antenna pattern permits signals from the transponder to be received regardless of the orientation or stacking condition of the objects. In one variation, a gaming token has formed thereon antenna portions on a top, bottom, and sides thereof, and a label having an RFID chip and antenna connectors is applied to the gaming token, thus coupling the RFID chip to the antenna that is formed around the gaming token.

Abstract: This process and apparatus induces an artificial quantity of a number of sequentially tuned discreet frequencies, in specific bandwidths and timeframes, into an encoded composition target of a number of receptive elemental resonators, not present in natural formations, which respond in kind, with programmed user formulation, by emitting combinations of intelligent pulses at corresponding specific frequencies and time periods. These pulses are detected, from the medium, and are converted to registered combinations of data that are associated with the target identification, providing a better, more comprehensive and cost effective means for the encoding and decoding of individual item identification data, without the use of existing passive identification methods, for collection and management, within existing Supply Chain and Asset Management tracking infrastructures.

Abstract: This process and apparatus induces an artificial quantity of a number of sequentially tuned discreet frequencies, in specific bandwidths and timeframes, into an encoded composition target of a number of receptive elemental resonators, not present in natural formations, which respond in kind, with programmed user formulation, by emitting combinations of intelligent pulses at corresponding specific frequencies and time periods. These pulses are detected, from the medium, and are converted to registered combinations of data that are associated with the target identification.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention comprises an apparatus for storing an end effector nestably adjacent a pipe to which it is attached and for moving the end effector into a working position laterally-displaced from said pipe is disclosed. Such apparatus desirably is part of the robotic welding apparatus wherein the end effector is a welding head. This apparatus comprises a pair of pipe segments in rotating end-abuttable relationship, each segment bearing a ring gear about its circumference; a pair of helical lotus petals having an in inner surface which conforms to the outer surface of the pipe segment to which each lotus petal is hingedly attached at its distal end, each lotus petal being attached hingedly at their respective distal ends to a lotus petal hinge attachment stage; drive means drivably connected to each of said ring gears for separately driving each pipe segment; and an end effector carried by said lotus petal hinge attachment stage.