Abstract: Methods of determining whether a digital trigger-labeled article is leaving or returning to a merchandising location are described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes detecting one or more articles having attached or affixed thereto one or more tags or labels comprising one or more digital triggers using a plurality of readers, wherein each reader includes multiple read zones. In some embodiments, each reader contains phased array antenna beam steering. In some embodiments, the readers are arranged at set intervals from each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting activity of variable weight-price items in detector-based inventory management and shopping systems in merchandising and/or storage areas are described herein. The methods described herein involve the use of multi-detector systems containing one or more digital triggers which can be read/detected in order to obtain a unique digital identity for the items. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is an RFID inlay and the detector-based system is a vision- or camera-based walk out shopping systems in order to detect variable weight-price items. In some embodiments, the vision- or camera-based walk out shopping system is deployed in a grocery store and the variable-weight items are selected from meats, cheeses, seafood, fruits and vegetables, deli items, salad bars, bulk items (e.g., nuts, coffee beans, grains, etc.) and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using multiple read area zones to generate more accurate item-level data are described herein. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve a local read area in combination with a wide read area. In some embodiments, a local area read device alone, or in combination with a wide area read device, is used to detect the removal or return of a product from a merchandising location or area in retail establishment. In some embodiments, a local area read alone, or in combination with a wide area read device, is used to detect the removal or return of a product from a merchandising location or area in retail establishment by detecting/reading a digital trigger on the product.

Abstract: A method for recovering missed RFID tagged items in an RFID tunnel environment is disclosed. The method comprises using a dynamic RFID tunnel system comprised of a first RFID tunnel and a second RFID tunnel to inventory one or more containers of items having RFID tags. A first RFID read of the one or more containers is performed in the first RFID tunnel and compared to an expected containers' inventory stored in a database. If the comparison does not match, a second RFID read of the containers is performed in a second, subsequent RFID tunnel at a higher RFID read power and by moving the containers at a speed slower than a speed of movement of the containers into the first RFID tunnel. If a comparison of the second read to the expected containers' inventory still does not match, the containers may be recirculated through the tunnel system or may be diverted to an exceptions audit depending on how the system is configured.

Abstract: A system for reading RFID tags or labels on merchandise in a shopping cart or basket includes a chamber sized and configured to receive a shopping cart or basket. The chamber includes a portal sized and configured to accommodate a shopping cart or basket, along with an associated closure that is movable between open and closed conditions. At least one antenna coupled to an RFID reader is associated with an interior of the chamber and oriented to send signals to and receive signals from RFID tags or labels on merchandise in a shopping cart or basket within the chamber. The chamber and the closure are configured to prevent signals sent to and from RFID tags or labels on merchandise in a shopping cart or basket within the chamber from exiting the chamber. A transport mechanism may be provided to automatically move the shopping cart or basket through the chamber.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a kit for forming a radio frequency container. The kit may include a top panel, a bottom panel having a raised support, at least one side panel configured to connect the top panel and the bottom panel, and an RF antenna configured for attachment to an interior surface of the container. The top panel, the bottom panel, and the at least one side panel may be configured to reflect and contain RF signals within the radio frequency container.

Abstract: A method for recovering missed RFID tagged items in an RFID tunnel environment is disclosed. The method comprises using a dynamic RFID tunnel system comprised of a first RFID tunnel and a second RFID tunnel to inventory one or more containers of items having RFID tags. A first RFID read of the one or more containers is performed in the first RFID tunnel and compared to an expected containers' inventory stored in a database. If the comparison does not match, a second RFID read of the containers is performed in a second, subsequent RFID tunnel at a higher RFID read power and by moving the containers at a speed slower than a speed of movement of the containers into the first RFID tunnel. If a comparison of the second read to the expected containers' inventory still does not match, the containers may be recirculated through the tunnel system or may be diverted to an exceptions audit depending on how the system is configured.

Abstract: A system of distributed printing for use with automated robotic sorting has at least one work cell including a robotic sorting station, and a plurality of locations that receive sorted items from the robotic sorting station, with each of the plurality of locations having a separate printer. Each printer is configured to print labels related to items received by the respective location, wherein the printers in the work cell are configured in a network that receives data relating to the labels to be printed in the respective locations. Also included is a method of using the system and operating the automated robotic sorting station to place items in the plurality of locations, and sending data to the work cell relating to the labels to be printed in the respective plurality of locations by the separate printers and in association with the items received by the respective plurality of locations.

Abstract: RFID devices are provided for use in combination with a food item or other temperature-sensitive item. The RFID devices include an RFID chip and an antenna electrically coupled to the RFID chip, along with a temperature-sensitive member. The temperature-sensitive member is configured to be in a first condition below a selected temperature and a second condition above the selected temperature to signify that the RFID device and associated food item or other temperature-sensitive item have been exposed to a temperature above the selected temperature. The temperature-sensitive member may be incorporated into the antenna to render the antenna at least partially inoperative above the selected temperature. The temperature-sensitive member may instead be configured to exhibit different colors below and above the selected temperature, or a single RFID device may include both types of temperature-sensitive members.

Abstract: A system of distributed printing for use with automated robotic sorting has at least one work cell including a robotic sorting station, and a plurality of locations that receive sorted items from the robotic sorting station, with each of the plurality of locations having a separate printer. Each printer is configured to print labels related to items received by the respective location, wherein the printers in the work cell are configured in a network that receives data relating to the labels to be printed in the respective locations. Also included is a method of using the system and operating the automated robotic sorting station to place items in the plurality of locations, and sending data to the work cell relating to the labels to be printed in the respective plurality of locations by the separate printers and in association with the items received by the respective plurality of locations.

Abstract: An RFID-enabled retail carriage basket, which may be placed within a retail carriage or may be integrated into a retail carriage, such as a shopping cart. The RFID-enabled retail carriage basket may have a base with a near-field radio-frequency antenna, and sidewalls arranged around the perimeter of the base. RF-reflecting material may be attached to the lower part of the carriage basket, on the outside of the base and along the lowest parts of the sidewalls. RF-mitigating material may be attached to the remaining parts of the sidewalls. The RFID-enabled retail carriage basket may be connected to a host device, which may control scanning of the basket that may be performed by the antenna. If desired, the RFID-enabled retail carriage basket may be provided in the lower basket of a double-basket shopping cart and configured to scan both the upper and the lower basket with the antenna.

Abstract: An RFID-enabled retail carriage basket, which may be placed within a retail carriage or may be integrated into a retail carriage, such as a shopping cart. The RFID-enabled retail carriage basket may have a base with a near-field radio-frequency antenna, and sidewalls arranged around the perimeter of the base. RF-reflecting material may be attached to the lower part of the carriage basket, on the outside of the base and along the lowest parts of the sidewalls. RF-mitigating material may be attached to the remaining parts of the sidewalls. The RFID-enabled retail carriage basket may be connected to a host device, which may control scanning of the basket that may be performed by the antenna. If desired, the RFID-enabled retail carriage basket may be provided in the lower basket of a double-basket shopping cart and configured to scan both the upper and the lower basket with the antenna.

Abstract: Methods for ranking search suggestions are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a search input and identifying at least one suggestion responsive to the search input from each of a plurality of suggestion sources. Each suggestion has an associated probability ranking value based on a likelihood that the search input is for a query or a likelihood that the search input is for an address. The method also includes providing, for display, each of the suggestions according to the associated probability ranking value of the suggestion. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention can have an adjustable length adapter that attaches to the firearm, and in one embodiment directly to an existing load tube. A mounting assembly and an indexing assembly are further provided. The mounting assembly has a mounting plate with an alignment hole for allowing a shell to pass there through from an aligned tube and into the adapter. The indexing assembly indexes relative the mounting assembly to successively align one of a plurality of tubes with the alignment hole. As one tube fills, the invention can be rotated to index the next tube and tension a rotator that can be positioned generally parallel to the firearm barrel. This process can be repeated until all four tubes are full. Upon emptying of a tube, a pin can be automatically activated to allow the indexing assembly to rotate relative the mounting assembly to align the next successive tube.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for assaying cell samples, which may be living cells, using probes labeled with composite organic-inorganic nanoparticles (COINs) and microspheres with COINs embedded within a polymer matrix to which the probe moiety is attached. COINs intrinsically produce SERS signals upon laser irradiation, making COIN-labeled probes particularly suitable in a variety of methods for assaying cells, including biological molecules that may be contained on or within cells, most of which are not inherently Raman-active. The invention provides variations of the sandwich immunoassay employing both specific and degenerate binding, methods for reverse phase assay of tissue samples and cell microstructures, in solution displacement and competition assays, and the like. Systems and chips useful for practicing the invention assays are also provided.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for providing launchable application source code are presented. A determination is made regarding which target platforms a launchable application executable will be run on. Once the platforms have been determined, a cross platform executable is generated using the launchable application source code. Platform specific executables are also generated for each selected platform. The cross platform executable is then combined with the platform specific executable for the platform to provide the platform independent launchable application. The platform specific executable is launched by an Operating System as part of a system service, such as a screensaver, and calls the cross platform executable which is executed on a virtual machine running on the platform.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of oxygen antagonists for inducing stasis in cells, tissues, and/or organs in vivo or in an organism overall. It includes methods and apparatuses for achieving stasis in any of these biological materials, so as to preserve and/or protect them. In specific embodiments, therapeutic methods and apparatuses for organ transplantation, hyperthermia, wound healing, hemorrhagic shock, cardioplegia for bypass surgery, neurodegeneration, hypothermia, and cancer is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for determining the degenerate binding capabilities of antibodies. The methods provide information about degenerate binding capabilities without the use of involved procedures. Optionally, a molecule toward which an antibody exhibits degenerate binding ability may be identified through the use of a reporter, such as, a composite organic inorganic nanocluster (COIN). COINs are sensitive SERS (surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy) reporters capable of multiplex analysis of analytes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of oxygen antagonists and other active compounds for inducing stasis or pre-stasis in cells, tissues, and/or organs in vivo or in an organism overall, in addition to enhancing their survivability. It includes compositions, methods, articles of manufacture and apparatuses for enhancing survivability and for achieving stasis or pre-stasis in any of these biological materials, so as to preserve and/or protect them. In specific embodiments, there are also therapeutic methods and apparatuses for organ transplantation, hyperthermia, wound healing, hemorrhagic shock, cardioplegia for bypass surgery, neurodegeneration, hypothermia, and cancer using the active compounds described.

Abstract: A hand-held portable printer includes a number of input devices mounted in or on a printer housing including a barcode scanner, keypad, communication interface in a receive mode and an RFID read/writer in a read mode. The hand-held portable printer also includes a number of output devices including a printing system, the communication interface in a transmit mode and the RFID read/writer in a write mode for writing to an external RFID chip. A processor selects received data from one or more of the input devices manipulates the data and/or combines it with other data for an output device wherein the data selected for one output device may be different then the data selected for another output device. The hand-held portable printer may utilize both an internal antenna and external antenna. Applying different energy levels to the antennas may determine whether the hand-held portable printer reads from and/or writes to a single RFID chip or a plurality of RFID chips.