Abstract: A capacitor strap that is applied to a security tag coil or antenna to form and properly tune an EAS or an RFID security tag. The capacitor strap is a thin film capacitor formed of two metal foils in between which is a dielectric material having ends that are electrically coupled to different points of a security tag coil or antenna. The capacitor strap may include an RFID integrated circuit, either in series or in parallel with the capacitor, which is then applied to security tag coil at a particular location to tune the tag to a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A communication-ready corrugated article and method for making the corrugated article is disclosed. The corrugated article includes a linersheet (e.g., craft paper), an undulating medium (e.g., craft paper), a conductive strip (e.g., metal, aluminum, wire, coil), and a security chip (e.g., RFID chip, EAS chip, integrated circuit, chip strap, RFID tag, EAS tag). The linersheet has a first side and a second side. The undulating medium is coupled to the first side of the linersheet, the conductive strip is positioned on the first side of the linersheet between the linersheet and the undulating medium. The security chip is attached to the second side of the linersheet opposite the conductive strip and is coupled to the conductive strip through the linersheet.

Abstract: A method of making a resonant frequency tag which resonates at a predetermined frequency. The method involves providing a first conductive pattern having an inductive element and a first land and a second conductive pattern having a second land and a third land which are joined together by a link. The second conductive pattern is overlaid the first conductive pattern such that the second land is positioned over the first land. The third land is in electrical communication with the inductive element of the first conductive pattern. The formed resonant frequency tag is energized to determine if the tag resonates at the predetermined frequency. If the tag resonates properly, the third land is electrically coupled to the inductive element. If it does not, the second conductive pattern is adjusted so that overlapping portions of the first and second lands are changed, altering the capacitance to adjust the resonant tag frequency.

Abstract: A method of making a resonant frequency tag having a predetermined frequency comprises forming a first conductive pattern comprising an inductive element and a first land having a first end connected to an inductive element end, and a second end spaced a predetermined distance from the first end; separately forming a second conductive pattern comprising a second land having a predetermined width and a link element; placing the second conductive pattern proximate the first conductive pattern at a first location wherein the second land overlies a portion of the first land with a dielectric therebetween establishing capacitive element plates having a first capacitance along with the inductive element forming a resonant circuit; measuring the resonant circuit frequency and comparing the measured and predetermined frequencies moving the second land along of the first land length to match the resonant frequency; and securing the second conductive pattern to the first conductive pattern.

Abstract: A tag and method of making it. The tag includes a first adhesive layer provided in a first predetermined pattern between a surface of a first substrate and a first conductive foil. The first pattern corresponds to a pattern for a first conductive trace, e.g., a portion of a resonant circuit. The first conductive foil is laminated, e.g., adhesively secured, to the surface of the first substrate to form a first conductive layer. A first portion of that layer is shaped, e.g., die-cut, to generally correspond to the first pattern. A second portion of the first conductive layer not corresponding to the first portion is removed, to establish the first conductive trace, with the adhesive layer confined within the boundaries of the first conductive trace. Another conductive trace is secured to the first conductive trace, with a dielectric therebetween, to form a resonant circuit.

Abstract: A method of making a resonant frequency tag which resonates at a predetermined frequency. The method involves providing a first conductive pattern having an inductive element and a first land and a second conductive pattern having a second land and a third land which are joined together by a link. The second conductive pattern is overlaid the first conductive pattern such that the second land is positioned over the first land. The third land is in electrical communication with the inductive element of the first conductive pattern. The formed resonant frequency tag is energized to determine if the tag resonates at the predetermined frequency. If the tag resonates properly, the third land is electrically coupled to the inductive element. If it does not, the second conductive pattern is adjusted so that overlapping portions of the first and second lands are changed, altering the capacitance to adjust the resonant tag frequency.

Abstract: A method of making a resonant frequency circuit is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (1) forming a first adhesive layer in a first predetermined pattern on a surface of a first substrate; (2) laminating a first conductive foil to the surface of the first substrate to form a first conductive layer; (3) forming a first portion of the first conductive layer in a shape generally corresponding to the first predetermined pattern; and (4) removing a second portion of the first conductive layer not corresponding to the first portion to establish a first conductive trace on the first substrate. A third conductive trace is formed on a third substrate. The third conductive trace is secured to the first conductive trace with a dielectric layer therebetween to form the resonant frequency circuit.

Abstract: A security tag used with an electronic article surveillance system for detecting the presence of the tag within a surveilled area utilizing electromagnetic energy at a frequency within a predetermined detection frequency range includes a dielectric substrate having first and second opposing principle surfaces, a peripheral outer edge, and a resonant circuit capable of resonating at a frequency within the predetermined detection frequency range. The security tag also includes a guard member, in one embodiment a discontinuous conductive member, effectively electrically isolated from the resonant circuit, extending along at least a portion of the peripheral outer edge of the substrate for surrounding at least a portion of the resonant circuit. The guard member electrically isolates the resonant circuit to facilitate testing of the resonant circuit during an early stage of the manufacturing process when the resonant circuit is in web form.