Abstract: A system and method for operating a product return system. One or more electronic devices are received from a carrier at a return provider. A determination is made whether the one or more electronic devices include customer personal information. The one or more electronic devices are quarantined in response to determining the one or more electronic devices include CPI. The one or more electronic devices are processed in response to determining the CPI has been removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an RFID tag to facilitate the determination of its location while at the same time minimizing the energy drain on the tag's battery. At predetermined intervals, the tag transmits its identifier along with status information. If the status indicates that the tag is in a new location, the tag will then expend additional battery energy by participating in the determination of its location. The distance from an interrogator to the tag is determined by transmitting two signals from the interrogator that propagate at different velocities. By determining the difference in arrival times at the tag of the two signals, the distance from the interrogator to the tag can be determined.

Abstract: A communication system that communicates for locating one or more tags in a time and energy efficient manner. The tags are positioned in a communication region and are located by a locator. The tags are located through organized transmission and reception of signals between the tags and the locator. The locator locates and gives directions to tags from the locator using a radio link and a multi-channel ultrasonic acoustic link. The combination of linkages provides the means to determine the unobstructed bearing and distance between the locator and the tag and resolves multipath reflections.

Abstract: An electrode is lowered toward the surface of a liquid column until electrical contact is made between the electrode and a liquid column to establish current flow between the electrode and the liquid column. The electrode is raised from the liquid column. An additional quantity of liquid is added to the liquid column to cause the column to rise. The electrode is lowered toward the surface of the liquid column until electrical contact is again effected. The distance of travel of the electrode is measured as a determination of the rise in height of the liquid column and of the additional volume of liquid added to the column.

Abstract: Electrical contact is made between an electrode and a liquid column to establish current flow between the electrode and the liquid column. The electrode is raised up the liquid column until electrical contact is broken. An additional quantity of liquid is added to the liquid column to cause the column to rise and make electrical contact with the electrode. The electrode is raised up the liquid column until electrical contact is again broken. The distance of travel of the electrode is measured as a determination of the rise in height of the liquid column and of the additional volume of liquid added to the column.