Patents by Inventor Joshua M. Girvin

Joshua M. Girvin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20100095522
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Bartronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin
  • Publication number: 20100012733
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Bartronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, John P. Norair
  • Publication number: 20090315716
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, John P. Norair, Peijen S. Mou
  • Patent number: 7579950
    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. The first layer encircles the holes in a serpentine path on one layer of the band and the second layer encircles the holes in a complimentary serpentine path on a different layer of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Bartronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, John P. Norair, Peijen S. Mou
  • Patent number: 7562445
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Bartronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin
  • Patent number: 7535356
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Bartronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, John P. Norair
  • Publication number: 20090048936
    Abstract: A method for purchasing goods in a cashless operation utilizing an RFID apparatus is provided. The RFID apparatus includes an EEPROM, the EEPROM being formatted to include a first group of data blocks and a second group of data blocks. Transaction data is stored in the first group of data blocks. When placing an order for goods or services, an RFID scanner scans the EEPROM. The RFID scanner reads a start block pointer value from a data block of the EEPROM. The pointer value corresponds to the address of the last written of the first group of data blocks or second group of data blocks. Data is then read from the last written group of data blocks. As the transaction is processed, the transaction data is modified in accordance with a purchase order to create modified data. The modified data is written to the second group of data blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, M. Christopher Wenneman, Peijen Shawn Mou
  • Patent number: 7417541
    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 electro-magnetic 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bartronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, John P. Norair
  • Patent number: 7388493
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Bartronics America, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin
  • Patent number: 7348888
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Proximities, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Girvin, John W. Lerch
  • Publication number: 20080048865
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, John P. Norair, Peijen S. Mou
  • Patent number: 7323998
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Proximities, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Girvin, John W. Lerch
  • Patent number: 7286055
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Proximities, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Girvin, John W. Lerch
  • Patent number: 7283054
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Proximities, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Girvin, John W. Lerch, Roger W. Pryor
  • Patent number: 7168626
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Proximities, Inc.
    Inventors: John W Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin
  • Patent number: 7119690
    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. The first layer encircles the holes in a serpentine path on one layer of the band and the second layer encircles the holes in a complimentary serpentine path on a different layer of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Proximities, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Lerch, Joshua M. Girvin, John P. Norair, Peijen S. Mou
  • Patent number: 7042357
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Proximities, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Girvin, John W. Lerch
  • Publication number: 20040257229
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Proximities
    Inventors: Joshua M. Girvin, John W. Lerch
  • Publication number: 20040189470
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Joshua M. Girvin, John W. Lerch