Specified Processing Arrangement For Detected Signal Patents (Class 340/572.4)
  • Patent number: 8446279
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Bethew Bertrand Jennings, III
  • Patent number: 8441354
    Abstract: An “RFID-Based Inference Platform” provides various techniques for using RFID tags in combination with other enterprise sensors to track users and objects, infer their interactions, and provide these inferences for enabling further applications. Specifically, observations are collected from combinations of RFID tag reads and other enterprise sensors including electronic calendars, user presence identifiers, cardkey access logs, computer logins, etc. Given sufficient observations, the RFID-Based Inference Platform automatically differentiates between tags associated with or affixed to people and tags affixed to objects. The RFID-Based Inference Platform then infers additional information including identities of people, ownership of specific objects, the nature of different “zones” in a workspace (e.g., private office versus conference room).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Venkata N. Padmanabhan, Lenin Ravindranath Sivalingam, Piyush Agrawal
  • Patent number: 8441355
    Abstract: A host article and electronic tag assembly includes an article portion of rubber-based material composition. The electronic device and antenna attach to or are embedded within the article portion. The antenna is constructed to be flexible and at least partially composed of a flexible conductive material such as conductive rubber. The flexible antenna conductive material is selected to provide material composition properties substantially equivalent to the rubber-based article portion, whereby rendering the antenna mechanically compatible for incorporation into the article portion. A change in compression within the rubber-based article portion changes compression forces exerted from the article portion on the antenna arms which, in turn, results in a detectable change in signal strength from the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: John Michael Fenkanyn
  • Patent number: 8436730
    Abstract: A system for disabling a fleeing vehicle via disrupting the vehicle's onboard computer or electrical system. The system optionally includes a tracking system for tracking the vehicle's location and/or a remote sensing system for identifying a payload contained in the vehicle or asset. A launcher of the disabling/tracking device may be handheld or vehicle mounted, and may use high pressure gas or another propellant to launch the projectile at a fleeing vehicle. The system may include a tether for connecting the disabling device to a power supply disposed on a pursuit vehicle or a handheld launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: SC Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Trevor A. Fischbach, P. Sean Sawyer, Amanda D. McCall
  • Patent number: 8432285
    Abstract: A multi-mode RFID tag includes a power generating and signal detection module, a baseband processing module, a transmit section, a configurable coupling circuit, and an antenna section. In near field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to a coil or inductor in the configurable coupling circuit to transmit an outbound transmit signal using electromagnetic or inductive coupling to an RFID reader. In far field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to the antenna section, and the multi-mode RFID tag then utilizes a back-scattering RF technology to transmit the outbound transmit signal to RFID readers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran, Amin Shameli
  • Patent number: 8427312
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to tamper detection, memorization, and indication for packaging. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: detecting when the package is opened and closed; and generating an alarm if the package is opened more than once after it is initially closed to indicate that the package has been tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Marmigere, Bernard Pucci, Xavier Rey-Robert, Pierre Secondo
  • Patent number: 8427279
    Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
  • Patent number: 8421627
    Abstract: A method of associating radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags with a region, location, or container is provided. The method can comprise, among other steps, transmitting an interrogation signal with an RFID reader corresponding to a read zone of a first size, receiving a response from at least one of the plurality of RFID tags in the region as a new tag, recording an indicator of the response of the at least one of the plurality of RFID tags, thereby designating it as a recorded tag, increasing the read zone of the RFID reader until no new tags are detected, and associating of each of the recorded tags with the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Rinkes
  • Patent number: 8421631
    Abstract: A radio frequency signal acquisition and source location system, including a first signal acquisition and source location module comprising an RF transceiver coupled to an antenna, the antenna provided with a electronic steering circuit. The antenna operative to launch an interrogation signal, the interrogation signal steerable by an electronic steering circuit. A processor operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and the electronic steering circuit, the processor provided with a data storage for storing a signal data record for each of at least one response signal(s) received by the RF transceiver(s). The signal data record including a signal identification, a received signal strength indicator and an RF signal direction along which respective signal(s) are received by the antenna, the RF signal direction derived from the electronic steering circuit. A position logic operative upon the data record(s) deriving a three dimensional signal origin location of each response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: RF Controls, LLC
    Inventors: Graham P. Bloy, Matthew E. Pierce, Russell Hofer
  • Patent number: 8421630
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that provide enhanced memory capabilities, redundant functionality, and multiple frequency capabilities to the RFID tag using an inter-RF network node communication connection. The inter-RF network node communication may allow the coordination of RFID tag memory and functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Tego Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Butler, Javier Berrios
  • Patent number: 8416081
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Kron, Richard E Halbach, James Stoffer, Mark J Kieckhefer
  • Patent number: 8416080
    Abstract: An RFID cabinet for monitoring items having an RFID tag includes a cabinet having at least one locking front door. An RFID detector is used for monitoring each item placed within the cabinet and is located within the interior of the cabinet. A computer is coupled to the RFID cabinet and controls opening and closing of the front door and is configured to receive an input that identifies the user. In this way, the computer is configured to periodically record data read from the RFID tags by the RFID detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventor: John Higham
  • Patent number: 8410905
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) recorder for cancelling a leakage signal includes a digital unit calculating and storing an amplitude and a phase of the leakage signal, and a leakage cancellation circuit generating a leakage cancellation signal to cancel the leakage signal in response to a control of the digital unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Il-Jong Song, Si-Gyoung Koo, Jin-Hun Koo, Young-Hoon Min
  • Patent number: 8410937
    Abstract: A security tag contains two parts. The contact (or lack thereof) of the two parts defines the operational state of the security tag. In one state, the security tag responds when a central control station runs a wireless security scan. In the other state, the tag does not respond. Thus the wireless security scan reveals the tag's operational state. If, for example, one part of the tag is affixed to a window, and the other part affixed to a flame of the window, then the two parts can be arranged so that they are in contact when the window is closed but not in contact when the window is open. A wireless scan of the tag thus reveals whether or not the window is open. In one embodiment, one part of the security tag includes an RFID circuit, and the other part includes an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Collins
  • Patent number: 8405509
    Abstract: Systems and methods to selectively attach and control antennas via diodes and current sources. In one embodiment, a system includes: an RFID reader having a plurality of reader antennas of different polarizations to transmit radio frequency signals; and at least one RFID tag. The RFID tag includes: a plurality of tag antennas of different polarizations; a plurality of diodes coupled to the plurality of tag antennas respectively; a receiver coupled to the plurality of diodes to receive the radio frequency signals from the tag antennas when the diodes are forward biased; and a set of one or more current controllers coupled to the plurality of diodes. In a receiving mode the controllers selectively forward bias the diodes to receive the signals from the RFID reader. In a transmitting mode the controllers selectively change the state of the tag antennas to transmit data via backscattering the radio frequency signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 8400270
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a binary status of a device are provided. A method for detecting an operating status of a device using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided. The method includes coupling a first portion of the RFID tag to a first portion of the device and coupling a second portion of the RFID tag to a second portion of the device, wherein the first portion of the device is moveable with respect to the second portion of the device, changing a position of the first portion of the device with respect to a position of the second portion of the device, detecting the change in position of the first device portion based on the movement of the first RFID tag portion, wherein the movement causes a change in a status of an RFID signal emitted by the RFID tag, and determining the status of the device based on the change in the RFID signal status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John William Brand
  • Patent number: 8401471
    Abstract: Signal transmission and/or reception device, by contactless inductive coupling comprising at least one structure forming one or several antennas, said structure comprising a plurality of conducting links (102, 106) in at least two parallel and distinct planes, a first plurality of said conducting links forming a first conducting circuit (104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704) through which a current (I1) will circulate, and a second plurality of said conducting links forms at least one second conducting circuit (108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708), distinct from said first circuit, and through which a current (I2) will circulate, the links being arranged such that the coefficient coupling between pairs of said circuits is zero or at least less than 5% or less than 1%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Judit Sala Sabate, Thierry Thomas
  • Patent number: 8400305
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a range within a wireless communication system is provided herein. The range information can then be used to locate a node (e.g., an asset tag). During operation, the minimum transmission power of a source transceiver (e.g., an RFID reader) that enables a tag to be detected will be used to indicate distance. Changes in transmit power will be used to indicate relative changes in distance to a particular node. The reader will be configured to always operate at a transmission power that will result in a certain percentage (e.g., 50%) detection rate for a target transceiver (e.g., an RFID asset tag). As the reader moves closer to the tag, the minimum detection power will decrease; as it moves farther from the tag, the minimum detection power will increase. This information is displayed to give a general change in range information between the RFID reader and the asset tag (e.g., increasing range or decreasing range).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Julius S. Gyorfi, Benjamin J. Benkritsky, Timothy J. Collins, Tom Mathew, Swee M. Mok
  • Patent number: 8395485
    Abstract: A method for evaluating the current coupling factor between an electromagnetic transponder and a terminal, wherein a ratio between data representative of a voltage across an oscillating circuit of the transponder and obtained for two pairs of inductive and capacitive values of this oscillating circuit is compared with one or several thresholds, the two pairs of values preserving a tuning of the oscillating circuit to a same frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS
    Inventor: Luc Wuidart
  • Patent number: 8395486
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interactively interfacing handheld devices and RFID media are described. A method for interactively interfacing HHDs and RFID media. The method includes starting an application on a HHD for interfacing with RFID media, the HHD including a RFID reader, receiving user input relating to the storing of commands or messages of RFID media, creating one or more commands or messages based on the received user input, and storing the one or more commands or messages on a RFID media using the RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Q Street, LLC
    Inventors: Ali M. Sajadi, Mohamad Reza M. Sajadi, David Carrott
  • Patent number: 8395515
    Abstract: A system and associated processes monitor hand hygiene compliance. The system includes hand hygiene product dispensers positioned within areas of concern (AOC) in a facility in which hand hygiene events are to be monitored. The dispensers detect dispense events initiated at the dispenser and transmit a dispense event signal indicative that a dispense event occurred along with dispenser identification information. The system also includes a plurality of compliance badges, each worn by a different person in the facility. Each compliance badge receives dispense event signals corresponding dispenser identification information associated with dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge. The badges store dispense event records associated with each dispense event initiated by the wearer and thus keep track of all dispense events initiated by the wearer of the compliance badge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Paul S. Schilling, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Joseph P. Erickson, Cheryl A. Littau
  • Patent number: 8397310
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for associating electronic devices to portable containers. A smart container is a container used for transporting items while traveling and comprising electronic devices. The smart container may comprise at least one module bay configured for receiving a module and a controller comprising a processing device associated with a memory. The controller is electrically associated with the module bay and configured for sending and/or receiving data to/from an electronic device associated with the module bay. The controller may be either an integral component of the smart container or a controller module removably received by the smart container. The smart container further comprises a power source associated with a power bus. The power bus is electrically associated with at least one of (a) a module bay, and (b) the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventors: Earl H. Parris, John Michael Kay
  • Patent number: 8391824
    Abstract: A method for detecting an end of modulation in a backscattered radio frequency signal according to one embodiment includes generating a fast average of a magnitude or power of an incoming signal; generating a slow average of the magnitude or power of the incoming signal; determining an end of modulation based on a relationship between the fast and slow averages; and outputting an end of modulation signal upon determining the end of modulation. A system for detecting an end of modulation in a backscattered radio frequency signal according to one embodiment includes a window integrator for generating a fast moving average of a magnitude or power of an incoming signal; a leaky integrator for generating a slow moving average of the magnitude or power of the incoming signal; logic for determining an end of modulation when the fast moving average crosses below the slow moving average; and logic for outputting an end of modulation signal. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Intelleflex Corporation
    Inventor: Dean Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8390431
    Abstract: RFID reader systems, readers, components, software and methods cause RFID tags to backscatter a combination made from at least portions of a first code and a second code, without transmitting any commands in the interim. The first and/or second codes may include a tag response to a reader challenge. In a number of embodiments, a separate command does not have to be sent for reading the second code along with the first code, thereby saving time in inventorying the tags. Plus, the combination can enable reading tag codes during tag manufacturing that are not otherwise readily available to read in the field. In some embodiments, the combination may further include one or more error-checking codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Diorio
  • Patent number: 8384544
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that distribute electronic data, such as Electronic Product Code (EPC) data, obtained from RFID tags by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and/or servers to agents within an agent-based control system. The systems and methods employ a component that collects, filters, processes, and stores electronic product data. The component collects electronic product data through corresponding reader and/or server interfaces. This data can be filtered to accept particular electronic product data, processed to a format suitable to the agents, and stored. Such storage can include delineating the electronic product data across rows of a table by electronic product code and across columns of the table by various types of data. Upon receiving a subscription and/or request from an agent for electronic product data, the component can obtain and convey the information to the agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pavel Vrba, Filip Macurek, Vladimir Marik, Kenwood H. Hall, Pavel Tichy
  • Patent number: 8384524
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to wireless detection systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a wireless detection system includes a plurality of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, and an electronic reader for interrogating the plurality of SAW sensors. In some instances, each of the surface acoustic wave based sensors includes an integrated sensor coil. The electronic reader may include a plurality of reader coils and a controller. The controller may be configured to interrogate the plurality of surface acoustic wave based sensors using a time division interrogation. In some cases, each of the plurality of reader coils is inductively coupled to only one of the integrated coils of the SAW sensors at any given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Cornel Cobianu, Ion Georgescu, Cazimir Bostan
  • Patent number: 8384546
    Abstract: This invention relates to security protocols for RFID systems. Systems and methods are presented to protect the system from hackers attempting to compromise the RFID system. Also, methods and systems for improving RFID security are disclosed. The systems utilize mechanisms to determine the authenticity of the RFID tags used in such systems. The systems and methods also reduce unauthorized access to the RFID system. A system and method to make tags more difficult to compromise or counterfeit is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Joseph T. Foley, Sanjay Sarma, Stephen A. Weis
  • Patent number: 8385821
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8378815
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking assets from central stations using tracking devices enabled to receive GPS coordinates or site identities broadcast from transmitters at fixed locations within a wireless network. Plural position fixes are taken over time and forwarded to the central station. The position fixes are compared to establish a likelihood that apparent excursions from a predetermined boundary area are valid or not, prior to generating an alert signal that the asset has moved from the boundary area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gemalto SA
    Inventors: John E. McNulty, Gregory M. Jones
  • Patent number: 8378823
    Abstract: An anti-theft security system that utilizes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) beacon that emits an electromagnetic field that a corresponding security tag transponder detects in determining whether to set off onboard transponder alarms or to remain dormant. The EAS beacon is a self-contained beacon that can be easily installed at any desired location and can utilize local utility power or revert to battery power. Among other things, this avoids the large installation, calibration and maintenance costs and tasks of conventional EAS pedestals. The EAS beacon includes coil panels that are secured to an elongated housing that can be flexed to avoid or minimize damage should something or someone come into contact with the panels. An audible/visible alarm is activated when such flexing or tampering occurs. A passive infrared detector is provided to reduce power consumption when the EAS beacon is operating on battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Eckert, Brian Vincent Conti, Gary Mark Shafer, Brian Wiese
  • Patent number: 8379811
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting communication data of a fixed line phone include acquiring the communication data of the fixed line phone, writing the communication data into a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system and method further include establishing a communication between the fixed line phone and a handheld device using the RFID tag and a RFID reader of the handheld device, and transmitting the communication data in the RFID tag to the RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jing Bao
  • Patent number: 8378827
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna configuration for locating RFID tags has two sets of (mutually orthogonal) elongated reader coils, where each elongated reader coil corresponds to two or more different possible locations of RFID tags, and each possible location is associated with one reader coil in each of the two sets. The identities and locations of RFID tags can be determined by (sequentially) energizing the different sets of reader coils and correlating the recorded responses from RFID tags. In one application, the antenna configuration is used at the box level of a cold storage system for biological samples having one or more freezers, each freezer having one or racks, each rack receiving one or more boxes, each box receiving one or more sample containers, where, in addition to the biological sample, each sample container has a unique passive RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BioTillion, LLC
    Inventors: Hananel Davidowitz, Thomas Coradetti, Theodore Altman, Ilya Kovnatsky
  • Patent number: 8378813
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tracking and Geofencing system. Zones are classified into three types: safe, hazardous and travel, with the travel zone being defined in the preferred embodiment as any territory not in a safe or hazardous zone. The system monitors an asset by determining whether the asset is within a safe zone, logging data as to when the asset arrives in or leaves the safe zone and at what time it did so, while in transit from the safe zone to a hazardous zone logging the route of travel which may vary from day to day and notifying the owner if the asset goes motionless while in route for a user defined period of time, logging data as to when the asset arrives and leaves a hazardous zone such as time and duration and alerting the owner if the asset has exceeded a predetermined time within a hazardous zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Bannard
  • Publication number: 20130038452
    Abstract: An object locating, identifying, tracking, and surveillance system, denoted the Assets Locating, Tracking, and Surveillance System (ALTSS), is provided for managing physical objects and evidence in environments such as police departments, law offices, and the Courts. ALTSS employs radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, computer programming and database applications, networking technologies, and hardware elements. ALTSS may locate and track physical evidence, merchandise, information carriers like files, folders or individual pieces of paper, and people, under certain conditions, in near-real time. It may be configured as part of a local area network, a wide area network, or the Internet. ALTSS may employ exemplary components such as RFID transponders, scanners, strategically located antennas and computers to facilitate tracking of objects and people as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick SAWYER
  • Patent number: 8374721
    Abstract: A power-saving robot system includes at least one peripheral device and a mobile robot. The peripheral device includes a controller having an active mode and a hibernation mode, and a wireless communication component capable of activation in the hibernation mode. A controller of the robot has an activating routine that communicates with and temporarily activates the peripheral device, via wireless communication, from the hibernation mode. In another aspect, a robot system includes a network data bridge and a mobile robot. The network data bridge includes a broadband network interface, a wireless command interface, and a data bridge component. The data bridge component extracts serial commands received via the broadband network interface from an internet protocol, applies a command protocol thereto, and broadcasts the serial commands via the wireless interface. The mobile robot includes a wireless command communication component that receives the serial commands transmitted from the network data bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Halloran, Jeffrey W. Mammen, Tony L. Campbell, Jason S. Walker, Paul E. Sandin, John N. Billington, Jr., Daniel N. Ozick
  • Patent number: 8374555
    Abstract: A method for compensating the axial ratio of an antenna for testing radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and an apparatus using the method are provided. The method includes the following steps. An initial location of the RFID tag (or a tagged product) is set to obtain an initial vector. The RFID tag and the antenna are respectively rotated with a first axis and a second axis to detect characteristics of the RFID tag in all directions, and the first axis and the second axis are perpendicular. A polarization angle of the RFID tag is calculated according to the initial vector of the RFID tag and a location of the RFID tag after rotation. A compensation value is obtained through a look up table according to the polarization angle, so as to compensate for the axial ratio of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Min-Kao Hong, Po-Kuang Chang, Shang-Sian You
  • Patent number: 8368514
    Abstract: An electronic device and a method of operating the device. The device receives a first signal having a first frequency and a predetermined signal strength and retransmits a signal after a latency period and during a time period. The device comprises an oscillation circuit operating in a sub-threshold area in a meta-stable, first mode of operation. When the first signal is received, the oscillation circuit is trigged and passes to an active mode in a second mode of operation, wherein the circuit oscillates. Finally, the device is reset to the first mode of operation. The device may have an identity, which is used for the purpose of the system, which may be an RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: LeptonRadio AB
    Inventors: Per-Arne Wiberg, Urban Bilstrup
  • Patent number: 8368538
    Abstract: The invention relates to method for producing an RFID label. According to said method, a coupling antenna (2) arranged on a web-shaped support material (1) comprising an RFID chip (4) arranged thereon is glued onto a secondary antenna (10). The aim of the invention is to provide an RFID label that can be produced from few recyclable materials with little complication and in an environmentally friendly manner. The invention is characterized in that first the coupling antenna (2) comprising the chip (4) is glued onto a self-adhesive secondary antenna (10) in one step, the secondary antenna having a backing adhesive layer (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: bielomatik Leuze GmbH + Co.KG
    Inventors: Juergen Rexer, Martin Bohn
  • Patent number: 8368531
    Abstract: A method to wirelessly control an entity having an attached transponder is disclosed. A geographical zone is defined. The geographical zone can be defined by allowing a user to define and load to a transponder a plurality of waypoints, each waypoint defined by a geographical coordinate and a radius originating from the geographical coordinate. The geographical zone can also be defined by selecting a plurality of coordinates that are loaded to a transponder and mapped on a pixilated image. The microprocessor in the transponder is programmed to determine the occurrence of an event associated with the status of the entity in relation to the geographical zone. Finally, the microprocessor is configured to execute a configurable operation if the event occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Wirelesswerx International, Inc.
    Inventors: Houston Staton, James Ashley, Sr., James Ashley, Jr., Frank Mooney, Patrick Mooney, Edward Lang, Charles Maggs, German Santos
  • Patent number: 8369264
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting and providing a relevant subset of Wi-Fi location information to a mobile client device so the client device may estimate its position with efficient utilization of resources. A method of providing a relevant subset of information to a client device is based in part on scanning for Wi-Fi access points within range of the client device, using a Wi-Fi database that covers a large target region to retrieve information about these access points, using this information to estimate the position of the mobile client device, selecting a limited region in the vicinity of the estimated location of the client device, and providing information about Wi-Fi access points within this limited region to the client. For efficient transfer and maintenance of data, the target region may be divided into a hierarchy of fixed geographical tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Skyhook Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Brachet, Farshid Alizadeh-Shabdiz, Joel N. Nelson, Russel K. Jones
  • Patent number: 8362880
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading and executing program code at a micro-processor are disclosed. In this method, a monitoring procedure is performed to monitor whether the micro-processor receives a loading request corresponding to a target program code. If the loading request is received, the target program code is loaded from an external memory into an internal memory of the micro-processor. The micro-processor is then rebooted to enter a first mode in which the target program code in the internal memory is to be executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Hua Huang, Chih Yen Chang
  • Patent number: 8362902
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader may extract a reception from the extracted reception power, and analyze the power pattern. Next, the RFID reader may determine whether the RFID tag is identified based on an power from a tag signal transmitted from an RFID tag, generate a power pattern analysis result of the power pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sungwoo Jun, Ki Hak Kim, Hoon Jung, Jong Heung Park
  • Patent number: 8350668
    Abstract: Techniques for protecting communication between a card reader and a contactless smartcard are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protocol transmitter includes a transmit circuit and a processor. The transmit circuit is configured to generate a blocking signal having a frequency used by the card reader to communicate with the contactless smartcard. The processor is coupled to the transmit circuit and configured to modulate the blocking signal according to a communication protocol of the contactless smartcard. A first antenna of the protocol transmitter is disposed a predetermined distance from the card reader and is coupled to the transmit circuit to radiate the blocking signal. Optionally, the processor modulates the blocking signal so as to simulate a data exchange between the card reader and the contactless smartcard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Busch-Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8350705
    Abstract: A book product having an outer liner sheet defining spaced-apart opposing front and back covers, and a spine portion having a laydown area therebetween. A plurality of pages attached together on a spine side cooperatively attaches to the spine portion. A security device is disposed between the spine portion and the spine side of the pages in alignment with the laydown area for concealing the security device from casual indication of its presence and held after attachment of the bound pages to the outer liner during normal use thereof for book product purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Smartguard, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Hunt Nichols
  • Patent number: 8344878
    Abstract: A manner of creating an electronic device directory containing the identity of electronic devices that registered in an area associated with a plurality of events, which events are similar in certain respects. The directory is useful, for example, investigating criminal cases. When such an event occurs, an application server is notified and generates one or more device registration capture requests to determine which electronic devices are registered in the area and at approximately the same time at which the event occurs. The device registration capture associated with this event is compared with other device registration captures associated with other, similar events to create the electronic device directory. The electronic device directory entries are preferable filtered to select the devices most likely to be associated with the actual events in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Stuart O. Goldman, Karl F. Rauscher, Bernard Louis Malone, III
  • Patent number: 8346164
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8344892
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to personalizing event participation of a visitor at an event. Embodiments include communication nodes that form defined wireless areas. A first one of the communication nodes determines when the visitor enters a first defined wireless area in response to detecting an identifier associated with the personal portable wireless device associated with the visitor, records user activities of the visitor within the first one of defined wireless areas, and determines an interest of the visitor in response to the user activities in the first defined wireless area, where the interest is used to customize the event for the visitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Arturo M. Lorenzo, Hua Liu, Naveen Sharma
  • Patent number: 8346165
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8344854
    Abstract: An inter-office communication management system can include an inter-office communication item such as an inter-office mail envelope or routing slip. The inter-office communication item can be a transient document. An inter-office communication identifier placement module can affix an inter-office communication identifier to the first inter-office communication label. The inter-office communication label can be attached to the inter-office communication item. An inter-office communication tracking module can be used to track the inter-office communication item based on the inter-office communication identifier affixed to the inter-office communication label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric J. Shrader
  • Patent number: 8334751
    Abstract: A RFID cabinet comprises a cabinet structure and one or more drawers or shelves. Chambers are formed within the cabinet to house the one or more drawers or shelves. An RFID scanner is configured to scan items tagged with RFID tags in the chambers via one or more antennas. The antennas can include transmit and receive antennas or antennas configured to perform both transmit and receive functions. The drawers can have a access cover, or lid that can be controlled so as to control access to the drawer. The scanner can be configured to perform inventory control for the tagged items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Neology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Azevedo, Jeffrey Zhu, Eric Mikuteit, Jun Liu