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 radio frequency identification (RFID) apparatus includes a housing, an RFID reader, and one or more RFID antennas disposed in the housing. The housing includes a first opening, a second opening, and a tunnel between the first and second openings. The housing is configured to be disposed over a track configured to transport a garment on hanger through the tunnel. The RFID antennas are configured to generate a first RFID signal substantially in the tunnel to interrogate an RFID tag associated with a garment on hanger as it transits through the tunnel. The RFID reader receives a second RFID signal transmitted by the RFID tag in response to receiving the first RFID signal. The RFID apparatus can include a segment of the track. The track can include a trolley configured to secure one or more garments on hangers. The trolley can include an RFID tag.

Abstract: A read chamber device is disclosed for use within a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning enclosure which provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons moving through the enclosure via a conveyor belt. The enclosure is positioned over a section of the conveyor belt, such that the plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt pass directly through the enclosure. The read chamber device is positioned centrally to the enclosure and projects a read zone via an antenna positioned in-line with the flow of the conveyor which allows the read chamber to read a large variety of inlays without changing the configuration settings of the device. The RFID scanning enclosure also utilizes dynamic power indexing (DPI) to combine parameter inputs to create a smarter reader that can anticipate changes. The reader is then manipulated in real-time to adapt to the needs of each carton and the tunnel scanning environment.

Abstract: A read chamber device is disclosed for use within a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning enclosure which provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons moving through the enclosure via a conveyor belt. The enclosure is positioned over a section of the conveyor belt, such that the plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt pass directly through the enclosure. The read chamber device is positioned centrally to the enclosure and projects a read zone via an antenna positioned in-line with the flow of the conveyor which allows the read chamber to read a large variety of inlays without changing the configuration settings of the device. The RFID scanning enclosure also utilizes dynamic power indexing (DPI) to combine parameter inputs to create a smarter reader that can anticipate changes. The reader is then manipulated in real-time to adapt to the needs of each carton and the tunnel scanning environment.

Abstract: A process for RFID certification of carton content. Cartons may be packed with a number of RFID-tagged items and sealed. A carton may then be placed in the proximity of a scanner, which may verify the number and type of items present in the container. The carton ID information and measured RFID data of the carton contents may then be compared to a database, and an RFID pack certification label prepared for the carton if there is no mismatch. Cartons may then be scanned after unloading at a distribution center and again after they are reloaded, for example by passing them through a door portal. Such a method may substantially reduce the costs of scanning and tracking items in a supply chain.

Abstract: An RFID reader apparatus designed to limit interference in a role of auditing individual RFID tagged or labeled items in areas of surrounding dense RIFD transponder populations. Such an RFID reader apparatus may include an RFID reader, a specialized antenna, and an enclosure, which may be constructed from ferrous material and which may be configured to hold the RFID reader and the specialized antenna in separate compartments. The enclosure may have one or more shelves, which may also be constructed from ferrous material. The RFID reader apparatus may also have a lid constructed from non-ferrous material. The RFID reader apparatus may be fitted to the bottom of an auditing workstation, for example with screws or other connectors, or may be placed within an auditing workstation specifically equipped to accommodate it.

Abstract: A method and system for performing inventory in a retail environment. The method and system can include a plurality of child smart signs disposed proximate a plurality of products, the smart signs having an RFID reader and having at least one other short distance communication device associated therewith, and the products having an RFID tag disposed thereon; one or more parent smart signs disposed proximate the plurality of child smart signs, the plurality of parent smart signs, each of the one or more parent smart signs receiving RFID data from a predetermined group of the plurality of child smart signs; a Wi-Fi node communicatively coupled to the one or more parent smart signs; and a server communicatively coupled to the Wi-Fi node for performing inventory using product data obtained from the plurality of products.

Abstract: A read chamber device is disclosed for use within a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning enclosure which provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons moving through the enclosure via a conveyor belt. The enclosure is positioned over a section of the conveyor belt, such that the plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt pass directly through the enclosure. The read chamber device is positioned centrally to the enclosure and projects a read zone via an antenna positioned in-line with the flow of the conveyor which allows the read chamber to read a large variety of inlays without changing the configuration settings of the device. The RFID scanning enclosure also utilizes dynamic power indexing (DPI) to combine parameter inputs to create a smarter reader that can anticipate changes. The reader is then manipulated in real-time to adapt to the needs of each carton and the tunnel scanning environment.

Abstract: A read chamber device disclosed for use within a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning enclosure which provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons moving through the enclosure via a conveyor belt. The enclosure is positioned over a section of the conveyor belt, such that the plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt pass directly through the enclosure. The read chamber device that may be positioned centrally to the enclosure and projects a read zone via an antenna positioned centrally within the read chamber device. The read chamber device provides for tuning the read zone via a movable metal plate comprising absorber material components secured to it, that is positioned at variable distances to partially or fully cover the read zone. The metal plate is moved into the read zone to obstruct a percentage of radio frequency energy from escaping the read zone, and thus narrowing the total read field.

Abstract: A thermal sensitive media for use with labeling or identification methods is disclosed. The thermal sensitive media comprises a media layer and a thermally sensitive record layer formed upon at least one surface of the media layer. The thermally sensitive record layer forms a visually discernable colored image in response to heat. However, the colored image is subject to degradation as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation within a known photodegradative wavelength range. An ultraviolet protective coating layer may then disposed over the thermally sensitive record layer. A lamination layer is positioned internal to the media layer and comprises a matrix of micro heating elements driven by radio frequency (RF) power. The matrix of micro heating elements are arranged in a pin array to energize the micro heating elements within the laminated media structure to create a simple numeric image.

Abstract: A method for performing one or more proactive remedial actions to prevent anode flow-field flooding in an anode side of a fuel cell stack at low stack current density. The method includes identifying one or more trigger conditions that could cause the anode flow-field to flood with water, and performing the one or more proactive remedial actions in response to the identified trigger conditions that removes water from the anode side flow-field prior to the anode flooding occurring.

Abstract: A thermal sensitive media for use with labeling or identification methods is disclosed. The thermal sensitive media comprises a media layer and a thermally sensitive record layer formed upon at least one surface of the media layer. The thermally sensitive record layer forms a visually discernable colored image in response to heat. However, the colored image is subject to degradation as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation within a known photodegradative wavelength range. An ultraviolet protective coating layer may then disposed over the thermally sensitive record layer. A lamination layer is positioned internal to the media layer and comprises a matrix of micro heating elements driven by radio frequency (RF) power. The matrix of micro heating elements are arranged in a pin array to energize the micro heating elements within the laminated media structure to create a simple numeric image.

Abstract: A read chamber device is disclosed for use within a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning enclosure which provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons moving through the enclosure via a conveyor belt. The enclosure is positioned over a section of the conveyor belt, such that the plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt pass directly through the enclosure. The read chamber device is positioned centrally to the enclosure and projects a read zone via an antenna positioned in-line with the flow of the conveyor which allows the read chamber to read a large variety of inlays without changing the configuration settings of the device. The RFID scanning enclosure also utilizes dynamic power indexing (DPI) to combine parameter inputs to create a smarter reader that can anticipate changes. The reader is then manipulated in real-time to adapt to the needs of each carton and the tunnel scanning environment.

Abstract: A mobile radio frequency identification (RFID) device for use with supply chain operations, association of things, and work in process operations. The mobile RFID device comprises a cart comprising four wheels and a handle for guiding its motion. The cart also comprises a top surface, an open lower shelf below the top surface, and a lower enclosure below the open lower shelf. The top surface of the cart comprises a very refined RF field which only scans items within a defined area. The defined area can be a flat work surface or a recessed well. The top surface also comprises a directional antenna that is completely hidden and communicatively coupled to an RFID reader. The lower enclosure below the open lower shelf is an enclosed storage cabinet that can house an RFID reader, an inverter (DC to AC), a battery, and a charger for the battery.

Abstract: A thermal sensitive media for use with labeling or identification methods is disclosed. The thermal sensitive media comprises a media layer and a thermally sensitive record layer formed upon at least one surface of the media layer. The thermally sensitive record layer forms a visually discernable colored image in response to heat. However, the colored image is subject to degradation as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation within a known photodegradative wavelength range. An ultraviolet protective coating layer may then disposed over the thermally sensitive record layer. A lamination layer is positioned internal to the media layer and comprises a matrix of micro heating elements driven by radio frequency (RF) power. The matrix of micro heating elements are arranged in a pin array to energize the micro heating elements within the laminated media structure to create a simple numeric image.

Abstract: Methods are provided for scanning and/or encoding a plurality of RFID tagged items. Such methods may involve inserting a plurality of RFID tagged items into an interior of an enclosure. A scanning or encoding signal is emitted within the enclosure and reflected off of an internal surface of the enclosure to contact at least one of the RFID tagged items. If an encoding signal is emitted, an RFID reader may transmit encoding information to the signal source (which may be an antenna) prior to emitting the encoding signal. On the other hand, if a scanning signal is emitted, information regarding the RFID tagged items may be transmitted to the RFID reader after the items have been scanned. According to one method, the same system may be used to either scan or encode a plurality of RFID tagged items.

Abstract: High density read chambers are provided for scanning and/or encoding a plurality of RFID tagged items. Such chambers may include an enclosure with an interior defined by upper and lower surfaces, with a sidewall extending therebetween. An access (such as a door) may be associated with at least one of the surfaces or the sidewall, with the access being at least partially opened to access the interior of the enclosure from an outside location. The chamber further includes an antenna positioned within the interior of the enclosure and an RFID reader associated with the antenna. The RFID reader receives signals from and/or transmits signals to the antenna, while the antenna emits a scanning or encoding signal within the interior of the enclosure, with at least a portion of at least one of the surfaces or the sidewall including a signal-reflective material facing the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A read chamber device disclosed for use within a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanning enclosure which provides a means of reading a plurality of cartons moving through the enclosure via a conveyor belt. The enclosure is positioned over a section of the conveyor belt, such that the plurality of cartons on the conveyor belt pass directly through the enclosure. The read chamber device that may be positioned centrally to the enclosure and projects a read zone via an antenna positioned centrally within the read chamber device. The read chamber device provides for tuning the read zone via a movable metal plate comprising absorber material components secured to it, that is positioned at variable distances to partially or fully cover the read zone. The metal plate is moved into the read zone to obstruct a percentage of radio frequency energy from escaping the read zone, and thus narrowing the total read field.

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.

Abstract: A faucet mounting system for positioning and supporting a faucet valve body and a rotatable faucet receptor on a sink deck includes a stand. The valve body is mounted in the stand above the sink deck and there is a bearing member which supports the stand on the sink deck. The receptor is rotatable about the stand and has a faucet wand support portion and there is a hose extending through the receptor and faucet wand support portion. The stand has a vertical wall which is at least in part discontinuous for passage of the hose. An upper portion of the stand vertical wall interlocks the stand and the valve body and there is a shelf on the inside of the vertical wall which supports the valve body above the sink deck.