Abstract: The claimed invention is directed to a contactless card, an inlay for a contactless card or a circuit embedded within a contactless card containing a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) circuit that is only actuated when the card is flexed. The RFID circuit comprises an antenna comprising a first conductive lead, a second conductive lead; and an RFID chip connected to the antenna. A dielectric layer having an aperture is embedded in between the antenna and a bridge, the aperture in the dielectric layer being situated between the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead of the antenna. Normally, the bridge is biased away from the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead. When the card is flexed, the bridge is biased into contact with the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead thereby completing the circuit.

Abstract: A metal-plated copperless substrate for an electrochromic display. The display includes the substrate in the form of a backplane whereon circuitry of less than about 1 micron in thickness is patterned from the copperless metal. A transparent frontplane is coupled to the substrate with an electro-active ink material therebetween through which pixels may be activated to form an image for the display.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to methods and apparatus for printed batteries using non-aqueous electrolyte and battery packaging. Various embodiments of the present subject matter include an all printed carbon and zinc battery having a lower substrate, a cathode current collector printed on the lower substrate, and a cathode printed on the cathode current collector. In various embodiments, an anode is printed on the lower substrate adjacent the cathode, a non-aqueous electrolyte is printed over the anode and the cathode, and a top substrate is laminated to the electrolyte. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: The claimed invention is directed to a contactless card, an inlay for a contactless card or a circuit embedded within a contactless card containing a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) circuit that is only actuated when the card is flexed. The RFID circuit comprises an antenna comprising a first conductive lead, a second conductive lead; and an RFID chip connected to the antenna. A dielectric layer having an aperture is embedded in between the antenna and a bridge, the aperture in the dielectric layer being situated between the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead of the antenna. Normally, the bridge is biased away from the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead. When the card is flexed, the bridge is biased into contact with the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead thereby completing the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin, layered, variable label structure with built-in electronic functionality. The display and/or other functional elements in the structure may be formed by printing processes. The label structure includes a thin, layered structure with an active display, comprising a base layer and a cover layer of material and a display component situated between the base layer and the cover layer. The display is formed with a layer of electrochromic ink and a pair of spaced apart electrodes. The cover layer includes a window to allow for the layer of electrochromic ink to be visible through the cover layer. The label also is configured to respond to an actuating event by completing an electrical connection between a power source and the pair of spaced apart electrodes of the display component, thereby causing the display to change its appearance.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates electronic components into an electronic core structure that may be readily hot laminated by existing processes. The structure may include multiple desired electronic components, such as a display, battery or other power source, integrated circuits, switches, magnetic stripe emulator, antenna, smart chips or other input devices. The structure includes laminated buffer layers to bridge layers and compensate for variation in electronic component dimensions. The structure may also incorporate battery packaging as part of the core layer structure and use printed electronic circuitry as part of the electronic core layers to impart the desired characteristics. A variety of components may be incorporated in the structure.

Abstract: A metal-plated copperless substrate for an electrochromic display. The display includes the substrate in the form of a backplane whereon circuitry of less than about 1 micron in thickness is patterned from the copperless metal. A transparent frontplane is coupled to the substrate with an electro-active ink material therebetween through which pixels may be activated to form an image for the display.

Abstract: An interposer and a method of manufacturing a flexible radio frequency (RF) type device having an IC and thin film circuits, such as an antenna. The device is made by using an easy-to-insert interposer subassembly with pre-positioned ICs to mechanically and electrically attach an IC to the thin film circuit. A method of mass producing radio frequency devices comprising antennas and ICs on interposers that are physically and electrically connected to the antennas using a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is an EL lamp module and a method of producing an EL lamp module. The EL lamp module of the present invention provides both an EL lamp (attachable or printed) and required electrical components for the proper function of the EL lamp in a single structure, thereby eliminating the necessity of separate electrical and mechanical connections for the final application of an EL lamp. The EL lamp module includes a printed circuit pattern and printed electrical components, and/or electrical components that may be connected through conventional printing techniques utilizing conductive and non-conductive pressure sensitive adhesives.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag comprising a first substrate and a second substrate is disclosed. An antenna element is disposed on the first substrate, and a first contact pad and a second contact pad is disposed on the second substrate. A circuit is coupled to the first and second contact pads, and the first and second contact pads are designed to make electrical contact with the antenna element.

Abstract: An interposer and a method of manufacturing a flexible radio frequency (RF) type device having an IC and thin film circuits, such as an antenna. The device is made by using an easy-to-insert interposer subassembly with pre-positioned ICs to mechanically and electrically attach an IC to the thin film circuit. A method of mass producing radio frequency devices comprising antennas and ICs on interposers that are physically and electrically connected to the antennas using a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A system, container, and a label for monitoring the use of a container. The label is ideally inserted into the wall of the container. The label preferably includes an indicating ink that incrementally changes color or changes shade when certain external energy sources are applied. The labeled container can be used in a system of monitoring, characterizing, and recording information and traits regarding containers wherein the incremental changes in the indicating ink are measured. The information, such as counting cycles of container use, is preferably machine-readable, as well as human-readable.

Abstract: The present invention is an EL lamp module and a method of producing an EL lamp module. The EL lamp module of the present invention provides both an EL lamp (attachable or printed) and required electrical components for the proper function of the EL lamp in a single structure, thereby eliminating the necessity of separate electrical and mechanical connections for the final application of an EL lamp. The EL lamp module includes a printed circuit pattern and printed electrical components, and/or electrical components that may be connected through conventional printing techniques utilizing conductive and non-conductive pressure sensitive adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention is an EL lamp structure that provides multidirectional light emission from the structure through the use of transparent front and rear electrode layers in the EL lamp structure. By utilizing various printing and depositing methods for the structural component layers of the EL lamp, light emission can be provided from the front and back surfaces of an EL lamp structure as well as a surface of a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: The present invention is an EL lamp in the form of an adhesive label that can be mechanically and electrically connected to a surface or object through the use of conductive and non-conductive pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The conductive PSA is preferably pattern printed to make electrical connection with the contact of the EL lamp. The EL lamp label can be easily manufactured in large quantities on a continuous release liner provided in a roll or reel form. The EL lamp label is manufactured in large volumes and at high speeds using commercial printing, drying, laminating, punching and blanking equipment. The subsequent electrical and mechanical installation of the EL lamp label can also be performed on high speed equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved EL lamp structure having a reduced number of printed component layers. The EL lamp utilizes a flexible dielectric film, such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), that acts as a combination dielectric layer and structural substrate for the remaining layers of the EL lamp structure. The flexible dielectric film reduces the need for a separate dielectric layer and substrate layer. Furthermore, the flexible dielectric film eliminates the need for several printed dielectric layers, thus reducing production time and the occurrence of manufacturing defects during the printing process. In an alternate embodiment, a low cost flexible metalized film is used as a combination rear electrode, dielectric layer and substrate. This embodiment further reduces the number of printed component layers required in the EL lamp structure.

Abstract: A system, container, and a label for monitoring the use of a container. The label is ideally inserted into the wall of the container. The label preferably includes an indicating ink that incrementally changes color or changes shade when certain external energy sources are applied. The labeled container can be used in a system of monitoring, characterizing, and recording information and traits regarding containers wherein the incremental changes in the indicating ink are measured. The information, such as counting cycles of container use, is preferably machine-readable, as well as human-readable.

Abstract: A system, container, and a label for monitoring the use of a container. The label is ideally inserted into the wall of the container. The label preferably includes an indicating ink that incrementally changes color or changes shade when certain external energy sources are applied. The labeled container can be used in a system of monitoring, characterizing, and recording information and traits regarding containers wherein the incremental changes in the indicating ink are measured. The information, such as counting cycles of container use, is preferably machine-readable, as well as human-readable.

Abstract: A method and composition for clean up of an oil based composition using an aqueous solution. The clean up composition includes 5-60% by weight of a solubility controlling component exhibiting pH dependent water solubility behavior and 30-95% by weight of a diluent. The method includes applying the clean up composition to the oil based composition and cleaning the same with an aqueous solution having a wash pH falling within the pH levels at which the solubility controlling component is water washable.

Abstract: A lithographic ink composition, varnish and method in which the composition and varnish includes reduced levels of petroleum solvents, while retaining beneficial ink properties. The ink composition and varnish includes a resin component comprising a hard resin with elevated acid functionality in combination with a nonvolatile solvent component.