Abstract: An apparatus for tracking surgical assets includes a processor, a power supply for providing power to an entirety of circuitry of the apparatus, and a communications engine coupled with the processor. The communications engine is configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices external to the apparatus. The tracking apparatus further includes a piezoelectric element for generating an audible indication in response to an activation signal supplied thereto, and a piezoelectric driver coupled with the piezoelectric element and the processor. The piezoelectric element is disposed on an exterior surface of the apparatus. The piezoelectric driver is configured to generate the activation signal supplied to the piezoelectric element as a function of a user-initiated request signal and/or a control signal generated by the processor. The tracking apparatus is adapted to withstand elevated temperatures during a sterilization process of a medical asset to which the apparatus is attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking surgical assets includes a processor, a power supply for providing power to an entirety of circuitry of the apparatus, and a communications engine coupled with the processor. The communications engine is configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices external to the apparatus. The tracking apparatus further includes a piezoelectric element for generating an audible indication in response to an activation signal supplied thereto, and a piezoelectric driver coupled with the piezoelectric element and the processor. The piezoelectric element is disposed on an exterior surface of the apparatus. The piezoelectric driver is configured to generate the activation signal supplied to the piezoelectric element as a function of a user-initiated request signal and/or a control signal generated by the processor. The tracking apparatus is adapted to withstand elevated temperatures during a sterilization process of a medical asset to which the apparatus is attached.

Abstract: An antenna for a radio frequency identification (RFID) system and a method for communicating in an RFID system are provided. The antenna includes a first port configured to provide RFID communication in a first polarization plane and a second port configured to provide RFID communication in a second polarization plane. The first polarization plane is orthogonal to the second polarization plane.