Abstract: Method and apparatus for simultaneously communicating with multiple smart card devices (17) supported on a common platform (16) so that each device has a respective chip (18) coupled to a respective communication interface (19). The common platform is positioned on a support surface (25) of a multi-head reader (21) so that the respective communication interface of each device is aligned with a respective head (23) of the reader; and multiple heads of the reader are simultaneously energized so as to effect communication with respective devices. The respective chip (18) and device coil antenna (19) of each of the smart card devices (17) may form a respective inlay, multiple inlays being integrally formed on a common inlay sheet constituting the common platform.

Abstract: A data transaction card having an interface for bi-directional contactless communication, and comprising a support (20) having a cavity (12) for accommodating therein a chip carrier therein module (10). The chip carrier module comprises a substrate (11) having a first side (45) and a second side (46), and an integrated circuit (30) mounted on the first side of the substrate for managing functions of the data transaction card. A coil antenna (40) is electrically connected to the integrated circuit for inductive coupling with remote antenna, connections to the coil antenna being accessible from the first side of the substrate. The chip carrier module is packaged into one discrete unit so as to be amenable to mechanical assembly of the data transaction card without requiring additional electrical connections between the support and the chip carrier module during or subsequent to assembly. Such a construction allows for efficient mass-production of the data transaction card.

Abstract: A self-closing cap for the filling neck of a container, the self-closing cap having integral therewith a smart card having a container coil antenna for communicating with a supply station coil antenna fixed to a supply nozzle when the supply nozzle is inserted into the container through the self-closing cap.

Abstract: A data transaction system for process monitoring, with smart cards of the ISO geometric dimensions, featuring contact and bi-directional inductive coupling communication, for collecting and storing data. The system comprises fixed triggering stations for short range data transfer with the smart cards in response to emissions from sensors. The sensors report data related to variables such as location, device status, operation sequencing and time. A send-and-receive station allows for downloading of the stored data and for loading instruction sets in contact or contactless mode. The smart cards comprise a signal amplifier, transceivers, a processor, memories, timer, an on-board battery, cognizable non-compliance warning, optional feedback and energy saving procedures.

Abstract: A data transaction device having a contactless mode of operation and comprising an antenna coil coupled to a processing unit via an antenna interface for allowing contactless data transmission between the data transaction device and a remote transceiver. A circuit within the antenna interface includes a modulator for modulating a signal transmitted by the remote transceiver and received by the antenna coil with outgoing data generated by the processing unit for transmitting via the antenna coil to the remote transceiver. The circuit further includes a variable loading circuit connected in series with a load seen by the antenna coil and having a capacitance connected across the load so as to effect a change in impedance of the load seen by the antenna coil thus allowing amplitude and/or phase modulation of said signal without complete interruption thereof and regardless of the magnitude of an external capacitance connected across the load.

Abstract: A data transaction device having contact and contactless modes of operation, comprises a semiconductor device for operating in contact and contactless modes in accordance with a respective contact or contactless data communications protocol. A contact field includes contacts fixedly connected to the semiconductor device for allowing data transmission between the contacts and the semiconductor device in accordance with the contact data communications protocol, whilst a coil antenna allows contactless data transmission between the coil antenna and the semiconductor device, in accordance with the contactless data communications protocol. An antenna interface coupled to the coil antenna, to the semiconductor device and to at least some of the contacts in the contact field is responsive to an electromagnetic field across the coil antenna for effecting contactless data transmission.

Abstract: A parking system includes a portable parking tag for each vehicle and a reading device. The portable parking tag includes a non-contact data communications circuit for effecting data transfer by mutual electromagnetic coupling with the reading device, a memory coupled to the data communications circuit for storing at least one parking parameter, and an antenna coupled to the data communications circuit for transmitting a first signal representative of each parking parameter. The reading device includes an antenna for receiving a first signal, a reading circuit coupled to the antenna and responsive to the first signal for reading each parking parameter stored in the parking tag memory, a validity verification circuit coupled to the reading circuit and responsive to the first signal for generating a validity signal, and output circuit coupled to the validity verification circuit and responsive to the validity signal for producing a visual or audible output signal.

Abstract: A data transmission system for the non-contact transmission of data between a station and a portable data carrier. The station includes a station transmitter operating at a predetermined frequency for generating a first signal and a demodulator for detecting a second signal superimposed on the first signal. An antenna is coupled via a length of cable to the station transmitter via a matching circuit so as to be operative at said frequency regardless of the length of the cable. The portable data carrier includes supply means for coupling to a source of electric power and a data carrier tuned antenna circuit inductively coupled with the station transmitter so as to receive power from the station. A data carrier data modulator is provided for modulating the first signal with the second signal in response to data stored within the data carrier and, by means of said inductive coupling, enabling the data to be transmitted from the data carrier to the station.