Specified Antenna Structure Patents (Class 340/572.7)
  • Patent number: 8102021
    Abstract: A low cost passive RFID tag uses capacitive or inductive coupling between the RF IC chip and the antenna. Coupling elements are formed directly on the surface of the RF IC chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sychip Inc.
    Inventor: Yinon Degani
  • Publication number: 20120013469
    Abstract: An antenna sheet includes a mounting section on which an integrated circuit (IC) chip electrically connected with an antenna pattern is mounted, a first loop forming section that extends from both ends of the mounting section that holds the IC chip therebetween and forms a first loop, an intersection portion in which at least parts of both forefronts of the first loop forming section intersect with each other, and a second loop forming section that extends from the forefronts of the first loop forming section that intersect in the intersection portion and forms a second loop outside the first loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Manabu Kai, Teruhisa Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 8098161
    Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlay is provided that is substantially isolated from the environment in proximity to one side of the device. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlay is provided including a two-port microchip having a first and a second port, a first antenna coupled to the first port of the two-port microchip, a ground-plane, a first high-impedance body disposed substantially parallel to the first antenna and between the first antenna and the ground-plane, the first high-impedance body insulated from the ground-plane. The RFID inlay further includes a second antenna coupled to the second port of the two-port microchip, and a second high-impedance body disposed substantially parallel to the second antenna and between the second antenna and the ground-plane, the second high-impedance body insulated from the ground-plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Thomas G. Lavedas
  • Patent number: 8098139
    Abstract: There is disclosed a test head device for testing the functionality of a large number of RFID chips arranged in smart labels (17) within a smart label production apparatus by means of a data reading and/or data writing process, wherein the smart labels (17), each comprising a first antenna (10a-10e), are placed next to and behind one another on a common continuously moving strip, wherein the test head device comprises a plurality of test systems which function independently of one another, each of said test systems consisting of a write and/or read unit (12a-e), a second antenna (3, 11a-e; 18) connected thereto which is in each case assigned to one of the first antennas (10a-10e) for simultaneously transmitting read and/or write data between the first and second antennas (10a-10e; 3; 11a-e; 18) by means of ultrahigh frequency waves, and a common table unit which can be displaced at least in the height direction, wherein the second antennas (3; 11a-e; 18) are arranged on a common antenna carrier plate (2) orie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Muehlbauer AG
    Inventor: Henrik Bufe
  • Patent number: 8098201
    Abstract: An RFID tag includes an antenna and a chip, and the antenna includes a first polygonal dielectric material, first and second microstrip lines partially formed in the first dielectric material, a second polygonal dielectric material stacked on the first dielectric material, and a third microstrip line partially formed in the second dielectric material. According to the present invention, the RFID tag can efficiently receive electromagnetic waves to thereby maximize a readable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignees: Electronics & Telecommunications Research Institute, Industrial Cooperation Foundation of Chonbuk National University
    Inventors: Won Kyu Choi, Jeong Seok Kim, Gil Young Choi, Hae Won Son, Cheol Sig Pyo, Jong-Suk Chae
  • Patent number: 8098208
    Abstract: The invention relates to an antenna configuration, comprising at least one electrically insulating carrier substrate and at least one electrically conductive layer applied on at least one side of the carrier substrate, the electrically conductive layer having a first area region and a second area region, and the first area region of the electrically conductive layer having the form of at least one antenna structure. The at least one antenna structure is present in a manner electrically insulated from the second area region of the electrically conductive layer, and the second area region of the electrically conductive layer is subdivided, at least in regions directly adjacent to the at least one antenna structure, into island regions that are at least electrically insulated from one another. The at least one antenna configuration is suitable for use for contactlessly coupled transponders, in particular for RFID Tags or Smart Tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: PolyIC GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Ficker, Heinrich Wild, Wolfgang Clemens, Walter Lehnberger, Markus Lorenz
  • Patent number: 8093993
    Abstract: An identification tag information reminder system and a method thereof are provided. The system comprises an identification tag, for storing a tag identification code, an identification condition data and a reminder message corresponding to the identification condition data; and a portable device, comprising a memory, for storing a plurality of predetermined reminder conditions; an identification tag access module, for accessing the tag identification code, the identification condition data and the reminder message corresponding to the identification condition data of the identification tag; a processing module, for comparing the predetermined reminder condition with the tag identification code and the identification condition data to generate a comparison result; and an indicating module, for outputting the reminder message according to the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng-Jian Chou, Meng-Shu Lee
  • Patent number: 8091790
    Abstract: Various RFID based blister pack embodiments are provided for improving the ability to detect and prevent tampering and counterfeiting of blister packs and/or facilitating the chain of custody tracking of blister packs during manufacture. Some embodiments employ an RFID chip network on the blister pack and some embodiments employ an RFID strap network on the blister pack, wherein the integrity of the network (or lack thereof) is used to indicate the possibility of tampering. Other embodiments determine the possibility of tampering based on the frequency of an RF signal that is received from a chip provided on the blister pack, which will vary depending on whether the associated antenna has been detuned as a result of some type of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Peter J. Hawrylak, Leonid Mats
  • Patent number: 8089360
    Abstract: A radio-frequency tag communication device including a receiver array antenna device for receiving a reply signal, a cancel-signal generating portion configured to generate a cancel signal for eliminating a leakage signal that is a part of a transmitted signal, which part is received by the receiver array antenna device, a cancel-signal control portion configured to control a phase and/or an amplitude of the cancel signal generated by the cancel-signal generating portion, and a received-signal combining portion configured to combine together received signals received by a plurality of antenna elements of the receiver array antenna device, to obtain a composite signal, and wherein the transmission of the transmitted signal and the reception of the received signals are concurrently controlled, and the cancel signal generated by the cancel-signal generating portion is applied to the received-signal combining portion, whereby the received signals and the cancel signal are combined together, so that a signal/noise
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 8085150
    Abstract: A case for containing objects can include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader antenna to detect any RFID tags placed within the case. The RFID antenna can operably connect with external RFID Reader components to detect RFID tags in the case. Alternately, a case can also include a passive RFID antenna to couple with any RFID tags in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Robert R. Oberle
  • Patent number: 8086190
    Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for reconfigurable devices for multi-frequency coexistence are provided. In this regard, an IC may be configured based on a frequency of signals processed by the IC. In instances that the IC may process signals of a first frequency, the IC may be configured such that a loop communicatively coupled to the integrated circuit may function as an inductor. In instances that the IC may process signals of a second frequency, the IC may be configured such that the loop may function as an antenna for transmitting and/or receiving the signals. The loop may be within and/or on the IC and/or a package such as a multilayer package to which the IC may be bonded. The loop may be fabricated with stripline and/or microstrip transmission line. In instances that the loop may function as an inductor, the loop may be communicatively coupled as part of a VCO tank circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8081080
    Abstract: This invention relates to a control installation (1) of a turbo-machine, comprising: a regulation device (2), a unit (4) located remotely from the device (2) by which it is controlled, a verification system (6) of the unit, comprising: an emitting/receiving antenna (8) connected to the device (2), a passive radiofrequency identification chip (12) mounted on the unit and incorporating information concerning this unit, wherein the chip (12) is designed to emit to the antenna (8) a radiofrequency signal comprising the information, in response to a radiofrequency signal sent by the antenna (8) to verify the unit, The installation is such that the antenna (8) is mounted on the unit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hispano Suiza
    Inventors: Olivier Marie Henriot, Laurent Gilbert Yves Hodinot, Bertrand Lacombe, Marc Raes
  • Patent number: 8081062
    Abstract: Provided is an antenna system with high isolation. The high-isolation antenna has transmission ports of a transmission antenna and reception ports of a reception antenna highly isolated from each other by using quadrature hybrid couplers. The antenna system includes: a transmission antenna having two feed points for transmitting signals; a reception antenna having two feed points for receiving signals; a transmission hybrid coupler which is connected to the two feed points of the transmission antenna and transmits transmission signals which have a phase difference of 90° with each other; and a reception hybrid coupler which is connected to the two feed points of the reception antenna and receives reception signals which have a phase difference of 90° with each other. The signals leaking from the two feed points of the transmission antenna to the two feed points of the reception antenna are offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hae-Won Son, Won-Kyu Choi, Chan-Soo Shin, Gil-Young Choi, Cheol-Sig Pyo
  • Patent number: 8077030
    Abstract: A separated tracking device includes a first portion including a location determining device operative to receive signals from a positioning system, a wireless communication device operative to communicate the location data from the first portion to a second portion of the tracking device, the second portion including a wireless data transceiver operable to transmit the location data to a remote server. In a particular embodiment, the first portion of the tracking device is attached to a first shoe and the second portion of the tracking device is incorporated in a second shoe. In another embodiment, the second portion of the tracking device is incorporated in a hand-held device. A method for manufacturing a separated tracking device and a method of operating a separated tracking device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Global Trek Xploration Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Kaminski, Jb Bittner Eriksen, Ronald L. Pellegrini, Patrick E. Bertagna
  • Patent number: 8077039
    Abstract: This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca Brumer, Nassib G. Chamoun, Rafael M. Cordero, Marc Davidson, James P. Kiely
  • Patent number: 8077044
    Abstract: Spatial antenna diversity is used with RFID tags to reduce sensitivity to multi-path fading. RFID tags can use a single multi-port chip or multiple multi-port chips. The ports of the chip or chips are coupled to separated feedpoints on one or more antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Pavel Nikitin, KVS (Venkata Kodukula) Rao, Sander Lam
  • Patent number: 8072328
    Abstract: A first tag communication apparatus is adapted to perform radio communications with a second tag communication apparatus and an RFID tag provided on a moving object. A controller is operable to cause an antenna to transmit first radio waves while changing a first direction that the first radio waves are transmitted. A receiver is operable to receive a second radio waves transmitted from the second tag communication apparatus. An extractor is operable to extract, from the second radio waves, synchronizing information indicative of a timing that the second tag communication apparatus changes a second direction that the second radio waves are transmitted therefrom. A synchronizer is operable to synchronize a timing that the controller changes the first direction with the timing that the second tag communication apparatus changes the second direction, based on the synchronizing information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ando, Takehiro Kawai
  • Patent number: 8070065
    Abstract: A distributed antenna array with a centralized data hub for determining the presence and location of RF tags has been disclosed. This antenna array centralizes electronics and distributes the RF to zones in a facility to greatly reduce the expense of recurring components for monitoring RF tags. A single BRT/hub with multiple antennas attached to transmit and receive ports is used to cover an entire facility. Large facilities are covered by a small number of the BRT/hub combinations. The BRT/hub has transmit antennas coupled thereto, preferably by co-axial cable, that transmit signals to a portion or all of the RF tags and all or a portion of them modulate and reflect the RF signal to a particular receiving antenna. The receiving antenna then returns the RF signal with tag data to the BRT/hub, preferably by co-axial cable. Also disclosed is an RF backscatter tag that cleanly switches a resonant aperture antenna on and off, thereby greatly increasing the mark-to-space ratio of the backscatter data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Goliath Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Overhultz, Gordon E. Hardman, John W. Pyne
  • Patent number: 8072333
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RIFD) inlay includes an electrical connection between a chip and an antenna. The electrical connection includes conductive interposer leads and a capacitive connection. The capacitive connection may involve putting the antenna and the interposer leads into close proximity, with dielectric pads therebetween, to allow capacitive coupling between the antenna and the interposer leads. The dielectric pads may include a non-conductive adhesive and a high dielectric material, such as a titanium oxide. The connections provide a convenient, fast, and effective way to operatively couple antennas and interposers. The RFID inlay may be part of an RFID label or RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Wayne Ferguson, David N. Edwards, Peikang Liu, Jason Munn, Ian J. Forster, Samuel A. Linder, Thomas Craig Weakley, David Puleston, Steven C. Kennedy, Christine U. Dang
  • Patent number: 8072334
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device includes a conductive antenna structure having an elongated slot therein. Parts of the antenna structure on both sides of one end of the elongated slot are coupled to a wireless communication device, such as an RFID chip or interposer. On the opposite end of the elongated slot, parts of the antenna structure at both sides of the elongated slot are electrically coupled together, for instance by being coupled together by other conductive parts of the antenna structure. All of the parts of the antenna structure may be parts of a continuous unitary layer of conductive material. The antenna structure with the elongated slot therein may facilitate increased readability of the RFID device, particularly in directions out from the edges of the RFID device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Ian J. Forster, David J. Puleston
  • Patent number: 8072335
    Abstract: An antenna assembly is provided suitable for use with a remote communications module such as, for example, a keyless entry module, a tire pressure monitoring module, etc. The antenna assembly generally includes a support, a folded metallic antenna element mounted on the support, an amplifier coupled to the folded antenna element, and a transmission line coupled to the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ayman Duzdar, Haiyang Wang, Huzefa Abdulkader Bharmal, Joseph M. Combi
  • Publication number: 20110291836
    Abstract: Microstrip patch antenna (46), feed structure (48), and matching circuit (50) designs for an RFID tag (10). A balanced feed design using balanced feeds coupled by a shorting stub (56) to create a virtual short between the two feeds so as to eliminate the need for physically connecting the substrate to the ground plane. A dual feed structure design using a four-terminal IC can be connected to two antennas (46a,46b) resonating at different frequencies so as to provide directional and polarization diversity. A combined near-field/far-field design using a microstrip antenna providing electromagnetic coupling for far-field operation, and a looping matching circuit providing inductive coupling for near-field operation. A dual-antenna design using first and second microstrip antennas providing directional diversity when affixed to a cylindrical or conical object, and a protective superstrate (66). An annular antenna (46c) design for application to the top of a metal cylinder around a stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel D. DEAVOURS, Mutharasu Sivakumar
  • Patent number: 8068032
    Abstract: An apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag that can improve versatility of the apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag, and further simplify equipment configuration and reduce costs of users by enabling information transmission/reception with a RFID circuit element in and outside the apparatus is provided. The apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag is provided with a housing constituting an outer profile of an apparatus main body and communicable regions both inside and outside the housing and has a loop antenna LC that can transmit/receive information with a RFID circuit element for a label production and a RFID circuit element for an information reading provided with an IC circuit part storing information and a loop antenna that transmits/receives information and a driving roller provided in the housing and configured to feed a tag label tape with print.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Fukui, Kunihiro Yasui, Kazunari Taki
  • Patent number: 8068057
    Abstract: An RFID tag that has a tag antenna and a tag LSI comprising: a power-supply element in which the tag LSI is mounted on a power-supply section; a plurality of patch antennas that function as tag antennas and sizes differs; and a high-frequency coupling section that couples the power-supply element with each of the patch antennas by high-frequency coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Yamagajo, Toru Maniwa, Manabu Kai
  • Patent number: 8068031
    Abstract: Readability of overlapping radio frequency identification (RFID) devices on overlapping objects, such as RFID labels on stacked garments, is improved by having different antenna configurations for the overlapped RFID devices. Each pair of closest overlapped RFID devices may have different respective antenna configurations. The different respective antenna configurations may be mirror images of one another, or may have the same shape, with a relative rotation between the two. The different antenna configurations may substantially fill an antenna-receiving portion that is located in the same relative location in each of the RFID devices, with the antenna-receiving portion covering most of an area of the RFID devices. Feedpoints of the different antenna configurations, for receiving a strap or interposer for coupling to the antenna configurations, may be in the same relative location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Ian J. Forster
  • Publication number: 20110285536
    Abstract: The present invention is a dynamic control containment unit for holding a plurality of discrete items, including a signal emitting mechanism associated with each of the plurality of discrete items, an enclosed housing having at least one receptacle accessible by a user and having at least one of the plurality of items contained therein, a passive signal receiving mechanism in communication with the receptacle for receiving signals emanating from the signal emitting mechanism and a securement system configured to prevent unauthorized access to the dynamic control containment unit. A controller is in communication with the signal receiving mechanism and initiates actions based upon the signal content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: MOBILE ASPECTS
    Inventors: Timur Sriharto, Muhammad Rahim, Pribadi Kardono, Suneil Mandava, Khang Le
  • Patent number: 8063769
    Abstract: A dual band antenna includes a far field antenna structure for facilitating the communication of first data with a remote device via far field signaling in a millimeter wave band. A near field antenna structure facilitates the communication of second data with a remote device via near field signaling in a near field band. The far field antenna structure and the near field antenna structure share at least one common antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Reza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8063779
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification seal comprises an antenna including a main antenna portion and at least one break-away portion and an RFID tag coupled and tuned to the antenna. The RFID tag outputs a signature in response to a scanning signal when tuned to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Solbyung Coveley
    Inventors: Michael E. Coveley, Srdjan Milutinovic, Yuping Huang
  • Publication number: 20110279274
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader includes an antenna unit and a signal processing unit. The antenna unit splits an input RF signal into a plurality of signals and respectively transmit the split signals through a plurality of antennae by setting the amplitudes or phases of the split signals to be different from one another. The signal processing unit is connected to the antenna unit through one transmission line, and transmits an RF signal to which a DC signal is added to the antenna unit. Accordingly, the amplitude and phase of the RF signal are set variable, so that it is possible to extend the identification range by dynamically controlling an antenna radiation pattern of the RFID reader and to stably communicate with the tag by decreasing the error rate of reception data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Jae Hwan IM, Hun PARK, Hak Min Seo
  • Patent number: 8058998
    Abstract: An RFID antenna comprising an elongated structure existing along an axis that is long compared to the signal wavelength and including twin ribbon-like feed lines of electrically conductive material, the feed lines being in a common plane and being uniformly laterally spaced from one another, and a plurality of radiating perturbations associated with the feed lines at a plurality of locations spaced along the feed lines, at each location each feed line has its own individual perturbation or portion of a perturbation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Wistron NeWeb Corporation, Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Walter D. Burnside, Robert J. Burkholder, Feng-Chi Eddie Tsai
  • Patent number: 8058995
    Abstract: Techniques that enable printing of multi-frequency RFID label schemes are provided. This may include a device for enabling printing of multi-frequency RFID label schemes, a method for printing multi-frequency RFID label schemes, as well as an article having one or more storage mediums having instructions that when executed by one or more processors result in a process for printing a multi-frequency RFID label scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Tyler Barnett, Raymond Michael Marowski, Forrest Lane Steeley, Mark Stephen Underwood, Evan James Powers
  • Patent number: 8059005
    Abstract: Monitoring assemblies, kits and methods for determining an operational state of a circuit protector in an electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Michael Craig Henricks, Robert Stephen Douglass, Joan Leslie Winnett Bender, Matthew R. Darr
  • Patent number: 8054184
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is embedded on a surgical instrument and a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is provided on a surgical robot to allow identification of the attached surgical instrument. The RFID tag includes an RFID circuit assembly, a first pot core half, and a first toroidal wire coil that fits within the first pot core half and is electrically coupled to the RFID circuit assembly to modulate received radio frequency (RF) energy. The RFID reader includes an RFID transceiver circuit, a second pot core half, and a second toroidal wire coil that fits within the second pot core half and is electrically coupled to the transceiver circuit to transmit RF energy and receive modulated RF energy from the first wire coil only when the first pot core half is substantially aligned with and proximate to the second pot core half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Arthur Cline, Alan Eton Loh
  • Patent number: 8055193
    Abstract: An underwater remote sensing system comprising a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic signal reflected from an object and determining means for determining the location of the object, wherein at least one of the transmitter and receiver is underwater. The determining means may be operable to determine the location of the object using signals received at three or more receiver positions. To do this, three or more receiver antennas may be provided. Alternatively, a single receiver antenna may be provided and moved between three or more different measurement locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20110267194
    Abstract: A compact directional coupler and a mobile Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) reader transceiver system using the same. The compact directional coupler can include a primary transmission line, a secondary transmission line, and a second capacitor connected in parallel to the secondary transmission line. The coupler can further include a first capacitor connected in parallel to the primary transmission line and capacitors connected between both end of the first capacitors and the ground respectively. A mobile RFID reader transceiver system can include a transmission terminal circuit, a power amplifier, the compact directional coupler, an antenna, a low noise amplifier, and the reception terminal circuit. The system further can include a band-pass filer, and/or a power combiner to match an output terminal of the power amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Song Cheol Hong, Sun Bo Shim
  • Patent number: 8049622
    Abstract: Multiple RFID integrated circuit microradio chips are located at the feed point of an RFID tag antenna for greater, reliability, elimination of testing and to take advantage of coherent microradio operation for increased gain and power, better signal-to-noise ratios, improved range and low bit error rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Karl D. Brommer, Kenneth R. Erikson, Timothy P. Butler
  • Patent number: 8049630
    Abstract: An animal management system and scanning access device are disclosed. The scanning access device accesses RFID label disposed on/in animal body, and the information of the accessed RFID label is subsequently processed and transmitted to the animal management system via a communication transmission module for comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jin-Hao Chao Cheng, Yu-Lun Ho
  • Patent number: 8049625
    Abstract: An RFID tag's mobility can be increased and cost can be decreased by using high-performance mobile power antennas instead of battery powered tags. Disclosed are some power antennas that include a half wave rectifier, a full wave rectifier, and a voltage multiplier. These antennas can be cascaded to boost the power or voltage gain. Additionally, planar elements can be added to increase efficiency without decreasing mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Intermac Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dah-Weih Duan, Daniel J. Friedman, Harley Kent Heinrich, Ian Bardwell-Jones, Louis R. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 8049615
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a technique for logging an item encountered by a mobile device comprises automatically detecting an item in an uncontrolled environment, extracting an identity associated with the item, logging an encounter, wherein the encounter includes the identity, and deleting the encounter after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the encounter is not marked as relevant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Aaron T. Emigh, James A. Roskind
  • Patent number: 8049626
    Abstract: An RFID tag mounting circuit board has a configuration in which an RFIC chip, a minimum antenna, a circuit which matches the impedance of the RFIC chip and that of the antenna are mounted on a printed circuit board. With this configuration, the area occupied by the antenna of an RFID tag is suppressed, and a decrease in the component mounting density of the printed circuit board is also suppressed. The RFID tag mounting circuit board is configured to be capable of managing the histories of all components on a per-printed-circuit-board basis by attaching a reading device for an RFIC chip to a chip mounter which mounts an IC chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Sakama, Minoru Ashizawa
  • Patent number: 8044803
    Abstract: An article sales data processing apparatus comprises a wireless tag reading unit configured to read data in a wireless tag attached to an article, a processing unit configured to process sales data for the article sold as one transaction, on the basis of the data in the wireless tag read in the wireless tag reading unit, a judgment unit configured to judge whether to invalidate each of the wireless tags whose data has been read in the wireless tag reading unit, and an invalidation unit configured to invalidate the wireless tag judged to be invalidated by the judgment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabishiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8042744
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a substrate, an RFID chip, a chip contact part, a folding circuit and a radiation part is provided. The chip contact part is formed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the RFID chip. The folding circuit is formed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the chip contact part. The folding circuit has a winding part, which forms a hollow region, for compensating the antenna electric length. The radiation part is formed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the folding circuit, wherein one terminal of the winding part of the folding circuit is open, and the other terminal is electrically coupled to the radiation part. At least one of the folding circuit and the radiation part is asymmetric to the chip contact part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jiun-Jang Yu, Hsin-Hsien Yeh, Hong-Ching Lin, Chiung-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 8044804
    Abstract: A method for localizing a tag includes activating an antenna to transmit an RF signal and monitoring for a responsive signal transmitted by the tag. The signal range of the RF signal transmitted by the antenna may be altered if a responsive signal from the tag is not received. The method further includes detecting the responsive signal transmitted by the tag after the tag receives the RF signal transmitted at the altered signal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L. P.
    Inventor: Alan A. McReynolds
  • Patent number: 8044805
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag using a monopole antenna is provided, in which an antenna structure is disposed on a metal plate, two ends of an RFID chip are electrically connected to the antenna structure, and the antenna structure and the RFID chip form a loop structure. The RFID tag can be disposed on a surface of an object to be measured, or disposed in an inner accommodation space of the object to be measured, so it is widely used in various applications. Additionally, the RFID tag is easily manufactured, so the production cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the RFID tag has a larger readable distance, and an electromagnetic wave emitting direction of the RFID tag is adjustable according to different included angles between the metal plate and the antenna structure, thereby causing signals to be read easily and identification ability to improve, two desirable effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: China Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Shih-Kang Kuo, Sung-Lin Chen, Chang-Tsun Lin, Lung-Chi Liao
  • Patent number: 8044820
    Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: providing radio identification devices at known locations in the well, and providing a reader device configured to read the identification devices, and to control the operations responsive to signals from the identification devices. The method also includes the steps of providing a process tool, and transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well. The reader device is programmed to control the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device. The method can be used to perform perforating processes, packer setting processes, bridge plug setting processes, logging processes, inspection processes, chemical treating processes, and cleaning processes. In addition, the method can be performed dynamically by controlling the tool as it moves through the well, or statically by stopping the tool at a particular location within the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventors: Philip M Snider, Joseph A Zierolf
  • Patent number: 8040222
    Abstract: A radio-frequency tag communication system including (a) a radio-frequency tag, (b) a radio-frequency tag communication device configured to transmit a transmitted signal toward the radio-frequency tag, and to receive a reply signal transmitted from the radio-frequency tag in response to the transmitted signal, for thereby effecting radio communication with the radio-frequency tag, and (c) at least one reference tag disposed fixedly in an area of communication of the radio-frequency tag communication system and configured to transmit a reply signal in response to the transmitted signal, for thereby effecting radio communication with the radio-frequency tag communication device, and wherein the radio-frequency tag communication device includes a directivity control portion configured to control a directivity of communication with the radio-frequency tag, on the basis of a result of the radio communication of the radio-frequency tag communication device with the at least one reference tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Kuramoto, Shiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8040243
    Abstract: Structural health monitoring apparatuses and methods are disclosed. One or more structural health sensors may be used to disconnect and/or connect one or more RFID chips to an antenna such that wireless communication with the one or more RFID chips (or the absence of wireless communication) through the antenna indicates the structural health status. Example structural health sensors may be moisture detecting or fracture detecting. A remote reader may be used to establish the wireless communication with the one or more RFID chips to determine the structural health. The sensors and RFID chips may be passive and powered through the wireless communication from the remote reader. Such apparatuses and methods may be applied to any large structures requiring regular inspection, such as aircraft, ships, automobiles or buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jason P. Bommer, Gerardo Pena, Matthew C. Malkin
  • Patent number: 8041295
    Abstract: A mobile communication device capable of reducing a size of a proximity noncontact communication antenna and improving a proximity noncontact communication distance is provided. In a mobile communication device having both functions of a card function and a reader/writer function as a proximity noncontact communication and equipped with at least two proximity noncontact communication antennas or more for respective functions, a switching controlling portion 4 and a proximity noncontact communication controlling portion 5 for switching tuning circuits 3A, 3B of antennas 2A, 2B based on external equipments (an external proximity noncontact communication reader/writer and an external proximity noncontact communication card) that perform the proximity noncontact communication are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Simada
  • Patent number: 8035517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC.
    Inventor: Chad M. Gibson
  • Patent number: 8035522
    Abstract: A circuit chip having a loop-shaped antenna coil on a main surface and a tag sheet having an antenna pattern on a main surface are prepared, and the circuit chip is mounted on the main surface of the tag sheet so as not to place over the antenna pattern. The circuit chip is placed closely to the antenna pattern, and at least the half of the main surface is desirably faced against the antenna pattern. Thus, signals and/or power can be securely exchanged between the circuit chip (or antenna coil) and the antenna pattern. Therefore, a high-performance and rigid RFID tag can be obtained by roughly aligning the circuit chip and the tag sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Oroku, Naoya Kanda, Hidehiko Kando, Kouichi Uesaka