Abstract: A modular communications systems includes an apparel item with a surface. Landing pads are positioned proximate to the surface with each landing pad uniquely positioned on the surface. Non-metallic antenna elements are each demountably, intermittingly, and conductively coupled to a unique landing pad; includes a non-metallic conductive composition; and a unique operational frequency compared to at least one antenna element. A hub is positioned on the surface and conductively coupled to each landing pad. Each communications device is demountably affixed to the surface; intermittingly, demountably, and conductively coupled to the hub; and includes a unique operational frequency. The hub intermittingly, demountably, and conductively couples each communications devices to a unique landing pad included in the plurality of landing pads.

Abstract: A communications node includes an apparel item in the form of a shoulder belt that includes an open state, closed state, and main body. A first portion curvingly extends from the main body. A second portion angularly extends from the main body opposite the first portion. A primary fastener demountably couples the first and second portions together when in the closed state. An antenna element and communications device are positioned within the apparel item. An hub is affixed to the apparel item and configured to receive audio/video input. A battery is positioned adjacent to the apparel item. A control circuit is positioned within the apparel item and coupled to the antenna element, hub, communications device, and battery. The control circuit establishes a self-organizing WAN with a plurality of computing devices each directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically connected to the WAN; and communicates with the computing devices using the self-organizing WAN.

Abstract: A modular communications systems includes an apparel item with a surface. Landing pads are positioned proximate to the surface with each landing pad uniquely positioned on the surface. Non-metallic antenna elements are each demountably, intermittingly, and conductively coupled to a unique landing pad; includes a non-metallic conductive composition; and a unique operational frequency compared to at least one antenna element. A hub is positioned on the surface and conductively coupled to each landing pad. Each communications device is demountably affixed to the surface; intermittingly, demountably, and conductively coupled to the hub; and includes a unique operational frequency. The hub intermittingly, demountably, and conductively couples each communications devices to a unique landing pad included in the plurality of landing pads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to transponder fabrication. In an embodiment, a plurality of antenna elements is applied to a first substrate at a first pitch. A plurality of fully functioning first transponders is positioned on to the first substrate in a manner to each be in electrical communication with an antenna element included in the plurality of antenna elements and thereby forms a plurality of fully functioning second transponders. The plurality of fully functioning first transponders are positioned on a second substrate at a second pitch. The plurality of fully functioning first transponders have a first read range. Second transponders have an increased read range relative to second transponders. The second pitch is greater than the first pitch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to wearable computing devices. In some embodiments, a wearable computing devices (“WCD”) for monitoring occupational hazards are disclosed. The WCD may include an apparel item having one or more control circuits affixed thereto. One or more sensors may be communicatively coupled to the computing device and configured to detect or monitor at least one of an aspect of a user of the WCD and an ambient environment of the user. The control circuits can be configured to generate one or more notifications when sensor data comprises a value above a threshold amount.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a symmetrical RFID antenna and method of formation. In one embodiment, the radio frequency identification antenna comprises a loop element having sides. A first and second conductive elements are in electrical communication with and extend opposite from a middle portion of a side. A third and fourth conductive elements are in electrical communication with and oppositely extend from a second side. A fifth conductive element extends from a vertex of the second conductive element to a vertex of the forth conductive element. The second and/or forth conductive elements comprise a quadrilateral portion. The second and/or forth conductive elements comprise a width that is at least about the length of a side included in the plurality of sides.

Abstract: In some embodiments, frames and methods are provided herein useful to assess contents of personal wearable item). In some embodiments, the frame includes a substrate and a system positioned on a section of the frame's substrate. The substrate includes sections positioned adjacent relative to each other and each distinguished by a demarcation; and coupling elements configured to affix the substrate to a surface(s) of the wearable item. The system includes sensor(s), transceiver(s), and I/O device(s) conductively coupled to a control circuit(s). The sensor(s) and transceiver(s), each oriented toward and away from the interior of the wearable item, respectively, each include conductive elements that transmit and/or intercept electromagnetic energy. The control circuit(s) can utilize the sensor to receive wireless signals transmitted by computing device; received wireless signals to determine the presence of the computing devices; and the I/O device(s) to present the status of the presence of the wireless signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a symmetrical RFID antenna and method of formation. In one embodiment, the radio frequency identification antenna comprises a loop element having sides. A first and second conductive elements are in electrical communication with and extend opposite from a middle portion of a side. A third and fourth conductive elements are in electrical communication with and oppositely extend from a second side. A fifth conductive element extends from a vertex of the second conductive element to a vertex of the forth conductive element. The second and/or forth conductive elements comprise a quadrilateral portion. The second and/or forth conductive elements comprise a width that is at least about the length of a side included in the plurality of sides.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a graphene-based Rotman lenses and associated methods of formation. In some embodiments, a lens is positioned proximate to a surface of a dielectric plate. In other embodiments, the lens comprises a first lens contour positioned opposite a second lens contour. In certain embodiments, a plurality of first transmission lines extends from the first lens contour and each terminating at a particular first port. In yet still other embodiments, a plurality of second transmission lines extends from the second lens contour and each terminating at a particular second port. In some embodiments, the lens includes a composition having a polymer(s) and a three-dimensional network of individual sheets of graphene positioned within the composition. In certain embodiments, the first port and/or the second port has a width of ?/2 or less.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to wearable computing devices. In some embodiments, a wearable computing devices (“WCD”) for monitoring occupational hazards are disclosed. The WCD may include an apparel item having one or more control circuits affixed thereto. One or more sensors may be communicatively coupled to the computing device and configured to detect or monitor at least one of an aspect of a user of the WCD and an ambient environment of the user. The control circuits can be configured to generate one or more notifications when sensor data comprises a value above a threshold amount.

Abstract: In some embodiments, transfer print circuits and associated fabrication methods are provided. In some embodiments, some transfer print circuits include a graphene sheet-based conductive composition printed on at least a portion of a first layer. A second layer is in communication with at least a portion of the first layer in a manner that at least covers a portion of the graphene sheet-based conductive composition. An electrical device is in electronic communication with the graphene sheet-based conductive composition. The graphene sheet-based conductive composition includes graphene sheets having an interconnectivity and a horizontal alignment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to wearable computing devices. In some embodiments, a wearable computing devices (“WCD”) for monitoring occupational hazards are disclosed. The WCD may include an apparel item having one or more control circuits affixed thereto. One or more sensors may be communicatively coupled to the computing device and configured to detect or monitor at least one of an aspect of a user of the WCD and an ambient environment of the user. The control circuits can be configured to generate one or more notifications when sensor data comprises a value above a threshold amount.

Abstract: In some embodiments, frames and methods are provided herein useful to assess the contents of wearable items (personal wearable item). In some embodiments, the frame includes a substrate and a system positioned on a section of the frame's substrate. The substrate includes sections positioned adjacent relative to each other and each distinguished by a demarcation; and coupling elements each configured to affix the substrate to a surface(s) of the wearable item. The system includes one or more control circuits, sensors, and I/O devices. The control circuit(s) can receive wireless signals transmitted by computing device; use the received signals to determine the present of the computing devices; and present the status of the presence of the wireless signal.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods to enable communication between computing devices. The system comprises a cellular-based RF source. A mobile computing device(s) is communicatively coupled to the RF source via a first wireless signal received thereby at a first signal strength. An antenna(s) is positioned proximate to the surface of a wearable item and comprises a conductor element(s) fabricated using a polymer(s) and fully exfoliated graphene sheets. A control circuit(s) is positioned proximate to the surface and in communication with the antenna. The control circuit communicates, via the antenna, with the RF source via a second wireless signal; communicates, via a second antenna, with the mobile device via a third wireless; and cause the mobile device to communicate with the RF source via the third wireless signal when it's strength is greater than the first wireless signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to transponder fabrication. In an embodiment, a plurality of antenna elements is applied to a first substrate at a first pitch. A plurality of fully functioning first transponders is positioned on to the first substrate in a manner to each be in electrical communication with an antenna element included in the plurality of antenna elements and thereby forms a plurality of fully functioning second transponders. The plurality of fully functioning first transponders are positioned on a second substrate at a second pitch. The plurality of fully functioning first transponders have a first read range. Second transponders have an increased read range relative to second transponders. The second pitch is greater than the first pitch.