Abstract: An RFID verifier includes a transmit signal strength indicator (TSSI) and a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI). Using the TSSI, the RFID verifier may determine the amount of power an interrogated RFID tag is illuminated with. Similarly, using the RSSI, the RFID verifier may determine the amount of power returned to the RFID verifier by the RFID tag. By processing the returned power and the illuminating power with a transfer function, the RFID verifier may provide an absolute indicia of quality for the interrogated RFID tag.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a near-field RFID encoder is provided that includes a pair of capacitive elements formed from an arrangement of stripline conductors. The near-field encoder may non-resonantly excite RFID tags. In addition, the near-field encoder may characterize RFID tag quality using a VSWR measurement.

Abstract: An RFID verifier includes a transmit signal strength indicator (TSSI) and a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI). Using the TSSI, the RFID verifier may determine the amount of power an interrogated RFID tag is illuminated with. Similarly, using the RSSI, the RFID verifier may determine the amount of power returned to the RFID verifier by the RFID tag. By comparing the returned power to the amount used to illuminate the interrogated tag, the RFID verifier may provide an indicia of quality for the interrogated RFID tag.

Abstract: Instead of raising and lowering the tension in a full length of a liner with labels affixed thereto, the tension in a small portion of the liner is temporarily reduced, such as by clamping the liner between a tensioning device (usually a rewinder) and a peel point. The overall liner tensioning system is not affected. After the leading edge of a bad label is driven past the peel point, the tension is resumed, such as by releasing the clamping. The bad label then remains on the liner. This type of a mechanism allows rapid and precise control of tension at the peel point without having to control the overall tensioning system for the liner.

Abstract: An RFID tag is pre-programmed with information about an object or device used in an RFID printer system. The RFID printer system can then read this information and take the appropriate action, such as user notification or printer parameter adjustment, to improve printer performance. The RFID tag can contain information about and be attached to printer elements, such as an RFID label or roll of labels, a print head, or a printer ribbon.

Abstract: An RFID print system includes an RFID printer and reader, a host computer that transmits a data stream containing instructions or commands to the RFID printer for encoding an RFID tag, and a data manager that receives EPC data or other data from the encoded tag. The data manager transmits the data to the host computer, which can then compare what was encoded to what was intended to be encoded. The host computer can then transmit signals to other devices in the system for appropriate action, such as when the encoded tag is defective.

Abstract: An RFID encoder is used in conjunction with a barcode print and apply system. The RFID encoder utilizes information obtained from a data stream from a host computer, from a corresponding barcode label, or other source to program an RFID label. The programmed label can then be applied with an integrated applicator or an external applicator. The RFID encoder can also verify that an RFID tag or label has been properly encoded and has the same content as the corresponding barcode label. The RFID can further verify that the barcode has been properly printed. If both barcode and RFID tag contain the correct data, both types of labels are attached to a package, enabling the package to be read optically and with radio frequency signals.

Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna has a rectangular RF field spreader in contact with a triangular divergent RF conductor with an RF source point at the point. Ground planes are located on either side of the antenna. In another embodiment, the printer system extracts or parses bar code commands from a data stream and passes the commands to both a printer and an RFID reader to print the image and program the tag with the bar code information.

Abstract: An RFID verifier includes a transmit signal strength indicator (TSSI) and a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI). Using the TSSI, the RFID verifier may determine the amount of power an interrogated RFID tag is illuminated with. Similarly, using the RSSI, the RFID verifier may determine the amount of power returned to the RFID verifier by the RFID tag. By processing the returned power and the illuminating power with a transfer function, the RFID verifier may provide an absolute indicia of quality for the interrogated RFID tag.

Abstract: An RFID verifier includes a transmit signal strength indicator (TSSI) and a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI). Using the TSSI, the RFID verifier may determine the amount of power an interrogated RFID tag is illuminated with. Similarly, using the RSSI, the RFID verifier may determine the amount of power returned to the RFID verifier by the RFID tag. By comparing the returned power to the amount used to illuminate the interrogated tag, the RFID verifier may provide an indicia of quality for the interrogated RFID tag.

Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna has a rectangular RF field spreader in contact with a triangular divergent RF conductor with an RF source point at the point. Ground planes are located on either side of the antenna. In another embodiment, the printer system extracts or parses bar code commands from a data stream and passes the commands to both a printer and an RFID reader to print the image and program the tag with the bar code information.

Abstract: An RFID printer system and method interrogates or accesses RFID tags automatically using a user-defined sequence of settings for different RFID tags or classes. Once a successful interrogation is completed, the settings are saved and the saved settings are used for interrogation on the next tag. Each new roll of tags/labels starts interrogation with the first of the settings. Consequently, the printer system can read from and write to tags of more than one class without hardware or software changes in the printer.

Abstract: An RFID print system includes an RFID printer and reader, a host computer that transmits a data stream containing instructions or commands to the RFID printer for encoding an RFID tag, and a data manager that receives EPC data or other data from the encoded tag. The data manager transmits the data to the host computer, which can then compare what was encoded to what was intended to be encoded. The host computer can then transmit signals to other devices in the system for appropriate action, such as when the encoded tag is defective.

Abstract: An RFID encoder is used in conjunction with a barcode print and apply system. The RFID encoder utilizes information obtained from a data stream from a host computer, from a corresponding barcode label, or other source to program an RFID label. The programmed label can then be applied with an integrated applicator or an external applicator. The RFID encoder can also verify that an RFID tag or label has been properly encoded and has the same content as the corresponding barcode label. The RFID can further verify that the barcode has been properly printed. If both barcode and RFID tag contain the correct data, both types of labels are attached to a package, enabling the package to be read optically and with radio frequency signals.

Abstract: An RFID label with embedded tag is passed through an RFID antenna in a printer system, where the RFID antenna allows a roll of such labels to pass in close proximity to the antenna and still allow each individual RFID tag to be read and/or programmed. The RFID antenna has a rectangular RF field spreader in contact with a triangular divergent RF conductor with an RF source point at the point. Ground planes are located on either side of the antenna. In another embodiment, the printer system extracts or parses bar code commands from a data stream and passes the commands to both a printer and an RFID reader to print the image and program the tag with the bar code information.