Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an RFID scanner is provided herein. During operation, an RFID scanner will utilize beamforming techniques to appropriately beamform an interrogation signal. A first beamforming scheme will be used for a first task (e.g., EAS, inventory management, point-of-sale mode scanning of a first area, . . . , etc.) and a second beamforming scheme will be used for a second task.

Abstract: A photoacoustic detector includes a sensing region for receiving atmospheric samples of a gas. A permeable membrane overlays a gas input port of the sensing region. The membrane is mechanically clamped to the sensing region by a compression force.

Abstract: A call button attached to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag may be activated to send an alert to appropriate personnel. Direct current voltage is received at an input of a RFID tag. Responsive to a query of an RFID reader, the RFID tag detects a state of the call button based on a level of the direct current voltage present at the input of the RFID tag. The RFID tag sends the detected state of the call button to the reader. A signal is sent from a server based on a reported state of the call button.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving RFID coverage using an antenna array having an adaptive antenna beam. The apparatus includes an RFID reader including an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements. Subsets of the plurality of antenna elements are selectively activating in order to direct an antenna beam to communicate with at least one RFID tag. The method includes transmitting an interrogation signal from an antenna array by activating one or more subsets of a plurality of antenna elements forming the antenna array. In this way, the interrogation signal is directed thereby improving antenna coverage.

Abstract: A photoacoustic detector includes a sensing region for receiving atmospheric samples of a gas. A permeable membrane overlays a gas input port of the sensing region. The membrane is mechanically clamped to the sensing region by a compression force.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for use with an electronic locking system is provided. At least one key is selected in order to have access to at least one lock. This key to lock relationship is transferred to a memory of the key. The key is presented to the lock and at least a portion of the key to lock relationship from the key is transferred to a memory of the lock. This transfer updates the memory of the key to lock relationships in the lock. The update of the memory in the lock is noted in the memory of the key. The key may then be placed in communication with a computer so that at least a portion of the memory of the key is transferred to a database in the computer. This transfer updates the database in order to reflect the fact that the memory of the lock has been updated and completed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for use with an electronic locking system is provided. At least one key is selected in order to have access to at least one lock. This key to lock relationship is transferred to a memory of the key. The key is presented to the lock and at least a portion of the key to lock relationship from the key is transferred to a memory of the lock. This transfer updates the memory of the key to lock relationships in the lock. The update of the memory in the lock is noted in the memory of the key. The key may then be placed in communication with a computer so that at least a portion of the memory of the key is transferred to a database in the computer. This transfer updates the database in order to reflect the fact that the memory of the lock has been updated and completed.

Abstract: An RF amplifier for a phase and envelope varying signal employs a class C operated device for high efficiency. In order to improve the linearity of the class C operated device, a signal corresponding to the envelope of the amplifier output is formed and a portion thereof is fed back to an envelope modulation element such as a pulse width modulator connected to the class C operated device to reduce distortion at the amplifier output.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a double-sided transmission substrate formed with striplines and end-ports in juxtaposition on either side. The transmission substrate is sandwiched between two exterior dielectric substrates, each coated on one side with a metallic layer. The three substrates are laminated together. Through-holes are drilled into the lamination and its interior substrate, at known locations to intersect the said ports. The copper exteriors of each board are etched to identify two contact pad lands on each side. Plated-thru holes are created to connect to each of the ports.