Abstract: An integrated high-performance and light-weight electric drive system for a bicycle is disclosed comprising an integrated unitary motor-controller-drive system that can be inserted into and removed from a first tube portion of a bicycle frame through an open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. A longitudinally-extending battery pack configured to be electrically connected with and to provide electrical power to the electric motor and the controller may be configured to be inserted into and removed from a second tube portion of the bicycle frame through the open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. Some or all of the electrical components may not be visible from the exterior of the bicycle. A unique digital torque sensing and control system is described along with regenerative braking and other unique features.

Abstract: An integrated high-performance and light-weight electric drive system for a bicycle is disclosed comprising an integrated unitary motor-controller-drive system that can be inserted into and removed from a first tube portion of a bicycle frame through an open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. A longitudinally-extending battery pack configured to be electrically connected with and to provide electrical power to the electric motor and the controller may be configured to be inserted into and removed from a second tube portion of the bicycle frame through the open bottom bracket shell portion of the bicycle frame. Some or all of the electrical components may not be visible from the exterior of the bicycle. A unique digital torque sensing and control system is described along with regenerative braking and other unique features.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for negotiating a communication link between first and second near field communication (NFC) devices is disclosed. A third NFC device is placed in close proximity with a first host device operatively containing the first NFC device to determine communication information including at least one of a communication mechanism and a data transfer protocol usable by the first host device. The communication information usable by the first host device is stored in a portable device operatively containing the third NFC device. The third NFC device is momentarily placed in close proximity with the second NFC device. The stored communication information of the first host device is transferred from the portable device to a second host device operatively containing the second NFC device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for negotiating a communication link between first and second near field communication (NFC) devices is disclosed. A third NFC device is placed in close proximity with a first host device operatively containing the first NFC device to determine communication information including at least one of a communication mechanism and a data transfer protocol usable by the first host device. The communication information usable by the first host device is stored in a portable device operatively containing the third NFC device. The third NFC device is momentarily placed in close proximity with the second NFC device. The stored communication information of the first host device is transferred from the portable device to a second host device operatively containing the second NFC device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for negotiating a communication link between first and second near field communication (NFC) devices is disclosed. A third NFC device is placed in close proximity with a first host device operatively containing the first NFC device to determine communication information including at least one of a communication mechanism and a data transfer protocol usable by the first host device. The communication information usable by the first host device is stored in a portable device operatively containing the third NFC device. The third NFC device is momentarily placed in close proximity with the second NFC device. The stored communication information of the first host device is transferred from the portable device to a second host device operatively containing the second NFC device.

Abstract: A communication device comprising at least first and second antennas wherein a quality of communication between the communication device 2 and a further device 20 is assessed when using the at least first and second antennas 8, 10, 12 so as to select one of the at least first and second antennas for further communications between the communication device and the further device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to negotiate communications parameters between near field communications (NFC) capable devices. In some embodiments, the NFC capable devices operate in a negotiation phase to negotiate one or more communications parameters prior to transferring information. In other embodiments, the NFC capable devices simultaneously negotiate the one or more communications parameters with the transferring of the information.

Abstract: A reader for reading a memory tag comprises a resonant circuit part, a frequency source, a tuning detector and a tuning controller. The resonant circuit part has a resonant frequency. The frequency source is operable to generate a driving signal and is connected to the resonant circuit part to provide inductive coupling to a tag. The tuning detector is responsive to the relative resonant frequencies of the resonant circuit part and a memory tag resonant circuit part of the memory tag to generate a tuning signal. The tuning controller is responsive to the tuning signal to control the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit part.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for negotiating a communication link between first and second near field communication (NFC) devices is disclosed. A third NFC device is placed in close proximity with a first host device operatively containing the first NFC device to determine communication information including at least one of a communication mechanism and a data transfer protocol usable by the first host device. The communication information usable by the first host device is stored in a portable device operatively containing the third NFC device. The third NFC device is momentarily placed in close proximity with the second NFC device. The stored communication information of the first host device is transferred from the portable device to a second host device operatively containing the second NFC device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to negotiate communications parameters between near field communications (NFC) capable devices. In some embodiments, the NFC capable devices operate in a negotiation phase to negotiate one or more communications parameters prior to transferring information. In other embodiments, the NFC capable devices simultaneously negotiate the one or more communications parameters with the transferring of the information.

Abstract: A method for generating a data transaction ID for an interaction between first and second units, the method comprising: the first data unit generating a first data item as a function of a first time data element, the first time data element being representative of a first time value, and transmitting the first data item to the second data unit; the second data unit generating a second data item as a function of the received first data item and transmitting the second data item to the first data unit; and the first data unit generating a third data item as a function of the second data item and a second time data element, the second time data element being representative of a second time value, wherein the third data item comprises a transaction ID unique to the interaction between the first and second data units.

Abstract: A method for modulating a signal transmitted by a first device to a second device which is energised by the signal, wherein the first device is further arranged to amplitude modulate the signal so as to transmit data thereon, the method further comprising phase modulating the signal.

Abstract: A physical object comprises one or more memory circuits adapted to be read wirelessly by a reader device attached to or incorporated within the physical object. Data in the memory circuit is protected from access by an unauthorised reader. Data in the memory circuit is also adapted to identify an authorised bearer of the physical object. Moreover, data in the memory circuit is adapted to allow access to a specified asset or assets by the authorised bearer.

Abstract: An inductively powered transponder device has an unpackaged integrated circuit in which is integrated an antenna for receiving power and signal from radio frequency transmissions. A heatsink is thermally connected to the integrated circuit. The heatsink has means to prevent eddy currents. A first layer and a second layer of web material are attached together to encapsulate the integrated circuit and the heatsink.

Abstract: A bottle for use with an apparatus such as a water cooler that is easy to install. The bottle has a recessed area on the bottom and a handle in the recessed area. The handle allows a human who is to install the bottle on a water cooler an easy way to grip and control the bottle, helping the human avoid spilling the water while the bottle is being installed.

Abstract: A reader for reading a memory tag comprises a resonant circuit part, a frequency source, a tuning detector and a tuning controller. The resonant circuit part has a resonant frequency. The frequency source is operable to generate a driving signal and is connected to the resonant circuit part to provide inductive coupling to a tag. The tuning detector is responsive to the relative resonant frequencies of the resonant circuit part and a memory tag resonant circuit part of the memory tag to generate a tuning signal. The tuning controller is responsive to the tuning signal to control the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit part.

Abstract: A communication device comprising at least first and second antennas wherein a quality of communication between the communication device 2 and a further device 20 is assessed when using the at least first and second antennas 8, 10, 12 so as to select one of the at least first and second antennas for further communications between the communication device and the further device.

Abstract: A method for generating a data transaction ID for an interaction between first and second units, the method comprising: the first data unit generating a first data item as a function of a first time data element, the first time data element being representative of a first time value, and transmitting the first data item to the second data unit; the second data unit generating a second data item as a function of the received first data item and transmitting the second data item to the first data unit; and the first data unit generating a third data item as a function of the second data item and a second time data element, the second time data element being representative of a second time value, wherein the third data item comprises a transaction ID unique to the interaction between the first and second data units.

Abstract: A bottle for use with an apparatus such as a water cooler that is easy to install. The bottle has a recessed area on the bottom and a handle in the recessed area. The handle allows a human who is to install the bottle on a water cooler an easy way to grip and control the bottle, helping the human avoid spilling the water while the bottle is being installed.

Abstract: A method for modulating a signal transmitted by a first device to a second device which is energised by the signal, wherein the first device is further arranged to amplitude modulate the signal so as to transmit data thereon, the method further comprising phase modulating the signal.