Abstract: Methods and systems of receiving data payload of RFID tags. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising selecting (by each of a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags) a time window within which to transmit (the selecting to create respective time windows), sending a start signal from a RFID reader to the plurality of RFID tags (the start signal indicative of the start of a first time window), and transmitting a signal by each of the plurality of RFID tags in the respective time windows.

Abstract: Method and system of placing a RFID tag in a continuous transmission mode. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising sending a command from a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to a first RFID tag, and then transmitting continuously by the first RFID tag based on the command. Other illustrative embodiments are RFID tags comprising a tag antenna, and a RFID circuit coupled to the tag antenna. The RFID circuit is configured to, responsive to a first command from a RFID reader, repeatedly transmit a message to the RFID reader.

Abstract: Methods and systems of changing antenna polarization. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an antenna having a first feed point and a second feed point, an antenna communication circuit, and a switch assembly that selectively couples the antenna communication circuit to the first feed point, and that selectively couples the antenna communication circuit to the second feed point. The feed point (or group of feed points) is selected, for example, based on polarization of an electromagnetic wave to be radiated from or received by the antenna.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling and delivering a vaporous element or compound, for example, selenium or sulfur, from a solid source to a work piece are provided. The methods and apparatus may be used in photovoltaic cell manufacturing. The apparatus may comprise a treatment chamber, for example, a box furnace or a tube furnace. The chamber may include an inner enclosure, an outer enclosure, and heating sources capable of independent thermal control, for example, in compliance with a predetermined heating schedule. The apparatus include devices and mechanisms for isolating the treatment chambers from the ambient environment. The methods and apparatus may be adapted to control metalloid vapor delivery in photovoltaic cell processing, for example, the processing of CIGS and CIGSS photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Multi-Antenna element systems and related methods. At least some of the illustrative embodiments comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising an antenna system. The antenna system comprises a ground plane, a first antenna element on a first side of the ground plane, and a second antenna element on a second side of the ground plane opposite first antenna element. The illustrative RFID tag further comprises a first radio frequency identification circuit coupled to the first antenna element.

Abstract: Methods and systems of determining physical characteristics associated with objects tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising making a first reading of a RFID tag coupled to an object (an electromagnetic signal received from the RFID tag having a first received signal strength indication (RSSI)), making a second reading of the RFID tag (an electromagnetic signal received from the RFID tag having a second RSSI), and a determining whether the object is moving using (at least in part) the first and second RSSI. Other illustrative embodiments, may determine (in addition to or in place of determining movement) orientation of the object based, at least in part, on the electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: Some embodiments include wireless communications systems, remote communications systems, external device circuits, wireless device communications modification methods, and wireless communications device communications methods.

Abstract: Methods and systems of determining physical characteristics associated with objects tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising receiving an electromagnetic signal transmitted by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to an object (the receiving the electromagnetic signal in response to an interrogating signal), and determining orientation of the object based, at least in part, on the electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems of tagging objects and reading tags coupled to objects. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a reading antenna, a tag reader coupled to the reading antenna, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising a tag antenna electromagnetically coupled to the reading antenna. The RFID tag couples to an object such as the body of a living organism or a metallic article. Moreover, the tag antenna has a far-field radiation pattern in a direction away from the object that is substantially unaffected by proximity of the RFID tag to the object, and substantially unaffected by which surface of the RFID tag faces the object.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.

Abstract: Communications methods, methods of forming a reader, wireless communications readers, and wireless communications systems are described in some embodiments. In one embodiment, a communications method includes associating a plurality of remote communications devices with a plurality of objects located within a wireless communications range of a reader having a first configuration, providing one of the remote communications device within a wireless communications range of a reader having a second configuration, wherein the wireless communications range of the reader having the second configuration is less than the wireless communications range of the reader having the first configuration, and during the presence of the one of the remote communications devices within the wireless communications range of the reader having the second configuration, implementing communications between the reader having the second configuration and only the one of the remote communications devices.

Abstract: A shipping container has a passive radio antenna element having internal and external antennas. A connector spanning the wall joins the two antennas. An internal communications device is disposed within the container and an external communications device is disposed external to the container. Another shipping container has a repeater element having internal and external antennas. A repeater unit spans the wall joining the two antennas. A communications device is disposed within the container and another communications device is disposed externally. RF signals are re-radiated by the antennas. Methodology includes emitting RF signals from a communication device disposed at a first location, receiving the signals through an antenna comprised by an antenna element, and re-radiating the signal from a second antenna comprised by the element, where the element spans the wall of a shipping container. The re-radiated signal is received by a second communications device disposed at a second location.

Abstract: Some embodiments includes RFIDs capable of activating an observable indicator upon receiving an indicate signal. Some embodiments includes RFIDs capable of activating an observable indicator based on a position of a manually operated switch. Some embodiments include interrogators capable of verifying a radio connection prior to sending an indicate signal to an RFID. Some embodiments include indication systems. Some embodiments include methods of determining a bi-directional communication range of an interrogator. Some embodiments include re-assessing a bi-directional communication range of an interrogator subsequent to an environment change. Some embodiments include methods of activating an observable indicator based on the position of a manually operated switch. Some embodiments include methods of indicating bi-directional functionality of a radio connection with an observable indicator of an RFID.

Abstract: An RFID (radio frequency identification device) tag comprising a processor; a memory configured to store an identification number that distinguishes the tag from other tags; a transponder coupled to the memory and the processor, the tag being configured to arbitrate by selecting a random number, in response to an inventory query from a reader, and to respond to the reader depending on the random number selected, the tag being further configured for multiple concurrent inventory session arbitrations with multiple readers by separately storing random numbers for respective inventory session arbitrations. RFID readers, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes read-only memory obtaining a kill password that cannot be changed, wherein it is not possible for a reader to kill a RFID tag by sending a kill command. A method of manufacturing an RFID tag and a method of impeding an RFID tag from being killed by a kill command are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of coordinating a plurality of RFID readers includes controlling the RFID readers such that only one of the readers performs an inventory of RFID tags at a time. A system for coordinating a plurality of RFID readers is also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include observable properties triggered upon interrogation of RFIDs. The RFIDs can be passive RFIDs, and the observable properties can be visible changes that require little power to generate, and little or no power to maintain. The visible information can include information about items tracked with the RFIDs, such as shipping information. Some embodiments include passive RFIDs utilizing a single antenna to power an integrated-circuit chip and a visual identifier. Some embodiments include methods of locating interrogated RFIDs. Some embodiments include methods of tracking items.

Abstract: A device has a monolithic semiconductor integrated circuit with integrated circuitry, interrogation receiving circuitry provided on the monolithic integrated circuit forming at least part of the integrated circuitry and configured to receive an interrogation signal from the interrogator unit, an antenna electrically coupled to the interrogation receiving circuitry and configured to communicate with the remote interrogator unit, a power source electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry and configured to generate operating power for the communications device, and at least one of the antenna and the interrogation receiving circuitry having reconfigurable electrical characteristics, the electrical characteristics being reconfigurable to selectively tune the at least one of the antenna and the interrogation receiving circuitry within a range of tuned and detuned states to realize a desired receiver sensitivity of the communications device.