Abstract: An identification device formed from a band of material and a non-reusable tamper-resistant fastening arranged to join opposite end regions of the band. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder is disposed in the band. The transponder includes and RFID circuit, such as may be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an antenna. In the present invention, the tamper-resistant fastening serves additional functions beyond securing the opposite end regions of the band together. Namely, the fastening can be made of a conductive material and designed to create electrical continuity between multiple conductors to enable or disable certain circuit functionality. In one variation, this continuity allows the excess tail portion of the wristband to be cut without disrupting circuit functionality. In another variation, the fastening mechanism is designed to crimp conductors together.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a wristband includes the steps of providing a bottom substrate. First circuit elements are deposited on the bottom substrate. A dielectric material is deposited at predetermined areas on the bottom substrate. A remainder of the circuit is deposited on the bottom substrate and dielectric materials. A transponder chip is secured to the bottom substrate to form a transponder. A second substrate is affixed to the bottom substrate such that the dielectric material and transponder are disposed between the bottom substrate and second substrate.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant RFID identification apparatus that includes a mechanism for storing an excess portion of the apparatus when engaged. The apparatus includes a substrate including a series of holes along a length thereof and a slot distal from the series of holes, a tamper-resistant locking mechanism for securing the apparatus to an object, an RFID circuit disposed on the substrate and an electrically conductive loop disposed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the RFID circuit, that is arranged to disable the RFID circuit when cut. The slot receives a tail portion of the substrate when the apparatus is secured.

Abstract: An identification device has a band and a non-reusable tamper-resistant fastening arranged to join opposite end regions of the band to fasten it around a limb of a user. A transponder circuit is attached to the band, and is responsive to a received wireless signal. In response to the received wireless signal, the transponder emits a wireless signal representative of information pre-stored in the transponder. An electrically conductive continuous loop on the band extends from the transponder and forms an electrically continuous path along substantially the entire length of the band, the loop being frangible and easily broken in response to an attempt to remove the band from the wearer's limb. Circuitry in the transponder is electrically connected to the loop and arranged to become inoperative and disable the transponder if the loop is broken.

Abstract: An identification device formed from a band of material and a non-reusable tamper-resistant fastening arranged to join opposite end regions of the band. A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder is disposed on the band. The transponder includes an RFID circuit, such as may be formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an antenna. First and second electrically conductive traces are coupled to different portions of the RFID transponder. The first and second traces are arranged such that the RFID transponder is disabled when the first and second electrically conductive traces come in contact with one another. Various arrangements of the conductive traces are described to achieve improved security and functionality over the prior art.

Abstract: A method for authorizing use of a disabling RFID apparatus includes attaching the apparatus to a wearer, verifying credentials associated with use of the apparatus, and tightening the apparatus to the wearer to prevent unauthorized removal of the apparatus. Optionally, an additional security method can include updating a data field indicating the credentials have been verified and the apparatus has been tightened to the wearer. In one embodiment, the RFID apparatus can include a band having a series of holes along a length thereof and an electrically conductive loop disposed in the band, wherein severance of the electrically conductive loop disables the apparatus. In another embodiment, the RFID apparatus can further include a tightening mechanism for attaching the apparatus to the wearer. The tightening mechanism can include a series of projections positioned to allow the apparatus to be tightened and not loosened.

Abstract: An identification apparatus, such as may be incorporated into a band of material used as a wristband. An identification function is disposed in the band, along with an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) function, that may be selected to be at least one of an electromagnetic or acousto-magnetic segment. The identification function is typically a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device. The EAS function segment operates independently of the RFID device, so that the presence or absence of one or more EAS segments can be detected without affecting the RFID function operation. In one embodiment, multiple segments are disposed on the band, with at least one segment having a different characteristic physical property than at least one other segment. The multiple segments may be formed on an upper and lower surface of the band, such that they overlap with one another in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant RFID wristband that becomes permanently disabled upon tampering. The wristband includes a plurality of holes for snugly securing the band to a wearer, an RFID circuit, and an electrically conductive loop disposed in the band. The RFID circuit and the conductive loop are electrically coupled to form a series circuit, severance of which disables the wristband. The electrically conductive loop includes a first layer and a second layer that are electrically isolated from one another, save for at least one electrical connection made preferably by a via at the end of the band distal from the antenna element.

Abstract: A process for electronic authorization to access a common account via personal identification devices such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, such as may be mounted on a wristband. RFID wristbands for auxiliary users are not authorized by a cashier/operator unless a primary account holder's RFID wristband is utilized as an immediate preceding step. This process alleviates a problem with simpler approaches which merely require operator authorization to associate auxiliary RFID wristbands with primary RFID wristbands.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an RFID disabling apparatus using prefabricated, “off-the-shelf” components. The method includes: disposing a prefabricated RFID circuit and a conductive loop on a substrate, coupling a first end of the conductive loop to a first endpoint of the RFID circuit, and coupling a second end of the conductive loop to a second endpoint of the RFID circuit. An optional electronic component can be coupled between the first endpoint and the second endpoint of the RFID circuit. The RFID circuit can be an “off-the-shelf” RFID circuit. A portion of the RFID circuit can be severed to create the first endpoint and the second endpoint.

Abstract: An identification device has a band and a non-reusable tamper-resistant fastening arranged to join opposite end regions of the band to fasten it around a limb of a user. A transponder circuit and antenna are attached to the band, so that they are responsive to a received wireless signal. In response to the received wireless signal, the transponder emits a wireless signal representative of information pre-stored in the transponder. An electrically conductive continuous loop on the band couples to the transponder and forms an electrically continuous path along substantially the entire length of the band. The conductive loop also serves as an extension of antenna, so that the transponder is thus arranged to become inoperative and disable the transponder if the loop is broken.

Abstract: A non-reusable tamper-resistant identification device, such as may be fastened around a limb of a user. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuit is disposed in a band of material, such as is suitable for use as a wristband. The RFID circuit comprises an antenna and a transponder, disposed adjacent the antenna and cooperating therewith for emitting and receiving a wireless signal. An electrically conductive loop forms at least a portion of a connection between the antenna and the transponder. In addition, the electrically conductive loop forms a continuous conductive path along substantially the entire length of the band. The conductive loop is preferably frangible and easily broken in response to an attempt to remove the band from the wearer's limb.