Abstract: A radio frequency identification seal comprises an antenna including a main antenna portion and at least one break-away portion and an RFID tag coupled and tuned to the antenna. The RFID tag outputs a signature in response to a scanning signal when tuned to the antenna.

Abstract: A method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands comprises subjecting crude oil sands to vibration selected to cause bitumen to separate from crude oil sands and filtering the separated bitumen from the crude oil sands.

Abstract: An inventory-tracking unit associated with a storage unit holding items to be dispensed includes a card reader to read an access card issued to a user and a recorder to record data from items removed from the storage unit. A processor communicates with a sensor in the storage unit and with the card reader and recorder. The sensor provides item data to the processor that is associated with items removed from the storage unit. The processor compares item data received from the sensor with the data recorded by the recorder to detect coincidence. The processor generates a transaction upon coincidence of item data received from the sensor with the recorded data. A communications interface transmits the transaction to a remote site.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification seal comprises an antenna including a main antenna portion and at least one break-away portion and an RFID tag coupled and tuned to the antenna. The RFID tag outputs a signature in response to a scanning signal when tuned to the antenna.

Abstract: An inventory-tracking unit associated with a storage unit holding items to be dispensed includes a card reader to read an access card issued to a user and a recorder to record data from items removed from the storage unit. A processor communicates with a sensor in the storage unit and with the card reader and recorder. The sensor provides item data to the processor that is associated with items removed from the storage unit. The processor compares item data received from the sensor with the data recorded by the recorder to detect coincidence. The processor generates a transaction upon coincidence of item data received from the sensor with the recorded data. A communications interface transmits the transaction to a remote site.

Abstract: A method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands comprises subjecting crude oil sands to vibration selected to cause bitumen to separate from crude oil sands and filtering the separated bitumen from the crude oil sands.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification seal comprises an antenna including a main antenna portion and at least one break-away portion and an RFID tag coupled and tuned to the antenna. The RFID tag outputs a signature in response to a scanning signal when tuned to the antenna.

Abstract: A method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands comprises subjecting crude oil sands to vibration selected to cause bitumen to separate from crude oil sands and filtering the separated bitumen from the crude oil sands.

Abstract: An inventory-tracking unit associated with a storage unit holding items to be dispensed includes a card reader to read an access card issued to a user and a recorder to record data from items removed from the storage unit. A processor communicates with a sensor in the storage unit and with the card reader and recorder. The sensor provides item data to the processor that is associated with items removed from the storage unit. The processor compares item data received from the sensor with the data recorded by the recorder to detect coincidence. The processor generates a transaction upon coincidence of item data received from the sensor with the recorded data. A communications interface transmits the transaction to a remote site.

Abstract: A product dispensing unit comprises a housing, at least one main balun antenna within the housing and at least one product holder within the housing. The at least one product holder holds RFID tagged product to be dispensed from the housing. At least one supplementary antenna is positioned adjacent the product holder to cause RFID tags on the product to oscillate when excited by the main balun antenna.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification seal comprises an antenna including a main antenna portion and at least one break-away portion and an RFID tag coupled and tuned to the antenna. The RFID tag outputs a signature in response to a scanning signal when tuned to the antenna.

Abstract: A wireless transport protocol for data packets transmitted over a wireless communication network includes a user data field having data to be transmitted by a sending party to a receiving party. At least one sequencing field is appended to the data field. The at least one sequencing field includes information identifying the last data packet received by the sending party that was transmitted by the receiving party. This allows a sending party to determine whether the receiving party has received data packets by examining data packets received from the receiving party.

Abstract: A multi-function control switch for electrically operating devices, such as a lighting system, is disclosed. The multi-function control switch includes a rocker-type actuating arm for actuating a plurality of momentary switches. When actuated, the momentary switches send signals to an electronic operating module which houses a control logic circuit. The control logic circuit receives input keying sequences from the user, and interprets the input to determines whether the input keying sequence is associated with any of the command logic elements stored in its memory, and whether the system may validly switch from the current operating function to the new operating function. If the transition is valid, the control logic circuit signals the electronic operating module to execute the command logic element associated with the new operating function.