Specified Antenna Structure Patents (Class 340/572.7)
  • RFID protocols with non-interacting variants
    Patent number: 9158948
    Abstract: In an RFID system having at least one tag and at least one reader, a tag and a reader can, in one embodiment, use a pair of keys, known to both the tag and the reader, to restrict the interaction of the tag and the reader so that tags having the pair of keys interact only with readers that use the pair of keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ruizhang Technology Limited Company
    Inventor: John Stephen Smith
  • RFID-based devices and methods for initializing a sensor
    Patent number: 9151741
    Abstract: An RFID-based analyte sensor is provided with an antenna adapted to receive energy from an RF field and produce a signal. A sensing material is electrically connected to the antenna and has an electrical property which varies in the presence of an analyte. An energy storage device is also electrically connected to the antenna and is adapted to receive and store energy from the antenna and selectively discharge the stored energy. An initializing element is electrically connected to the energy storage device and is energized by the stored energy discharged by the energy storage device. When the initializing element is energized, it operates to reduce the analyte content of at least a portion of the sensing material, effectively initializing the sensing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Ian James Forster
  • RFID tag circuits with floating differential inputs
    Patent number: 9142881
    Abstract: An Integrated Circuit (IC) for an RFID tag and a tag including such an IC are provided where the IC includes at least two rectifiers and two antenna ports for connecting to two respective antennas with at least three of the four antenna terminals not sharing a reference potential of the IC. According to other embodiments, the antenna ports are also electrically isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Oliver, Harley K. Heinrich, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Radio frequency identification reader with illuminated field of view
    Patent number: 9135477
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for, and method of, reading an RFID tag to obtain data, includes an RFID module supported by a housing and including an antenna for propagating an electromagnetic field over a field of view, as well as an illuminator supported by the housing for visibly illuminating the field of view to enable an operator to see the illuminated field of view and whether the RFID tag is within the illuminated field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Miklos Stern, Chandra Nair, Eric M. Johnson
  • RFID tag, method for producing RFID tag, and mold
    Patent number: 9129203
    Abstract: An RFID tag is provided which does not give a user a feeling of strangeness even when contacting his/her body and is firmly attachable to a fabric such as clothes. The RFID tag is for wireless communications and includes a main antenna 30 formed by a conductive fiber, a loop antenna 12 electrically coupled to the main antenna 30 without direct conductive connection, a semiconductor device 20 electrically connected to a terminal 16 of the loop antenna 12, and a resin 28 collectively sealing the main antenna 30, the loop antenna 12, and the semiconductor device 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: APIC YAMADA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fumihito Ishida, Masao Nishizawa, Kenji Kida, Tadahiko Hirano
  • Radio frequency switch and method for controlling the same, and radio frequency identification smart shelf system
    Patent number: 9117127
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) smart shelf system manages a product through communication with an RFID tag that is attached to the product on a shelf, and includes an RFID reader, a plurality of reader antennas, and an RF switch that is connected between the RFID reader and the plurality of reader antennas. The RF switch periodically varies a phase difference between RF signals of a portion of a plurality of output connection ports that set a connection to each of the plurality of reader antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jae-young Jung, Won Kyu Choi, Kyu Won Han, Chan-Won Park, Jong-Suk Chae, Cheol Sig Pyo
  • System for and method of locating radio frequency identification (RFID) tags associated with items in a controlled area
    Patent number: 9111190
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reading system having a phased antenna array accurately locates RFID tags in a controlled area, by steering an interrogating beam over the controlled area to interrogate the tags and generate return modulated RF signals. A primary receiver steers a primary receive beam at a primary steering angle that is fixed during each tag interrogation. A primary demodulator demodulates and reconstructs the received return modulated signals. A secondary receiver, independently of the primary receiver, steers a secondary receive beam at a plurality of secondary steering angles. A secondary correlator/demodulator demodulates the combined return modulated signals, and utilizes the reconstructed signal reconstructed by the primary demodulator at each of the secondary steering angles. Both the primary and the secondary receivers cooperate to accurately locate the same tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander M. Jacques, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Michael J. Koch
  • Ultra-high-frequency, UHF, radio frequency identification, RFID, reader, RFID network and method for communication in an RFID network
    Patent number: 9104925
    Abstract: In one embodiment a UHF RFID reader is adapted to operate in either a reader mode or in a tag emulation mode, wherein in the reader mode the UHF RFID reader communicates with at least one RFID tag to access the at least one tag's memory contents and in the tag emulation mode the UHF RFID reader communicates with at least one other UHF RFID reader to share memory content with the at least one other UHF RFID reader. Furthermore, an RFID network and a method for communication in an RFID network are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: ams AG
    Inventor: Giuliano Manzi
  • RFID tag antenna with compensation structure, RFID tag and RFID system
    Patent number: 9104953
    Abstract: The invention claims a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag antenna with a compensation structure, an RFID tag and an RFID system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SHANGHAI YAOCHUAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhijia Liu
  • Methods and apparatus for preserving privacy in an RFID system
    Patent number: 9098790
    Abstract: A card comprises an antenna configured to generate and receive radio frequency signals, a chip coupled with the antenna, the chip configured to store sensitive information and communicate the information to an authorized reader via the antenna, and a switching mechanism configured to tune and detune the antenna relative to the chip to enable and disable respectively, the chips ability to communicate the sensitive information via the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: NEOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Sheshidher Nyalamadugu, Jun Liu, Francisco Martinez de Velasco Cortina
  • RFID tag including environmentally sensitive materials
    Patent number: 9092709
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an RFID device is disclosed. The RFID device includes a substrate, an antenna structure having a first sheet of electrically conductive material including two parts and an elongated slot extending therebetween, a wireless communications device coupled to the substrate, and an environmentally-responsive material disposed within a portion of the elongated slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Ian J. Forster
  • Low frequency magnetic induction positioning system and method
    Patent number: 9086469
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a real-time location of an object or person in a facility using low frequency magnetic induction positioning is disclosed herein. Each of the plurality of low frequency receivers is configured to receive a signal packet from a low-frequency magnetic induction transmitter, decode the signal packet, and estimate a distance from the low-frequency magnetic induction transmitter to the low-frequency receiver based on the decoded signal packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: AWAREPOINT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew R. Perkins, Anthony Truscott, Wei Geng
  • Vehicle glass damage detection and reporting method
    Patent number: 9076277
    Abstract: A method to detect objects striking the windshield or other glass in a vehicle and report this at the conclusion of a vehicle rental transaction. A microphone or other device capable of detecting the sound of objects striking the windshield or glass of a vehicle is used to convert the sound into an electrical signal which is further processed and results of a suspected glass strikes are stored. This stored result is communicated to the rental agency following the completion of the rental period so that a thorough inspection for damage can be made and such damage can be assigned to the responsible party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Verne Delong
  • Diversity antenna
    Patent number: 9067466
    Abstract: An electronic component in a vehicle tire condition monitor system includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor. The first antenna is oriented at an angle with respect to the second antenna. Both of the antennas are capable of receiving RF signals transmitted from a sensor associated with a respective tire of the vehicle. The RF signals represent a condition of the respective tire. The processor receives the RF signals transmitted by the sensor from at least one of the antennas. The first and second antennas receive the condition signals from any of a plurality of the sensors associated with respective tires on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Robert Patterson, Kian Sheikh-Bahaie, Shawn D. Lammers
  • RFID tags with inductively coupled antennas
    Patent number: 9070066
    Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) assembly includes an IC, a repassivation layer disposed on the IC, and an inductor disposed on the repassivation layer. The IC includes a gapped seal ring. The inductor may couple to an RFID tag antenna, thereby allowing the IC to transmit and receive RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Oliver, Harley Heinrich, Ron Koepp, Christopher Diorio
  • Device and method for the automated reading/writing of RFID tags
    Patent number: 9053377
    Abstract: A device is provided for reading/writing RFID tags, and includes a so-called pre-defined reading site, on/in which at least one object bearing an RFID tag is to be placed; at least one RFID antenna; and at least one RFID reader co-operating with the RFID antenna; the at least one RFID antenna being arranged in such a way as to read the at least one RFID tag of the at least one object placed on/in the reading site. A method for reading RFID tags is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: IER
    Inventors: Franck Gentelet, Jean-Clement Bouveresse
  • Wireless IC tag and method for manufacturing wireless IC tag
    Patent number: 9053402
    Abstract: A wireless IC tag which has an electrically insulative substrate, an antenna circuit provided on the surface of the substrate and an IC chip connected to the antenna circuit, wherein the antenna circuit is formed of solder and the IC chip is connected to the antenna circuit via the solder, and A wireless IC tag comprising an electrically insulative substrate, an antenna circuit provided on the surface of the substrate, an IC chip connected to the antenna circuit, and a jumper wire connected to the antenna circuit, wherein the antenna circuit is formed of a solder, the jumper wire is insulatively coated with a resin composition that evaporates, decomposes, or melts at a temperature not higher than a soldering temperature, and the jumper wire is located on the same side of the substrate where the antenna circuit is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: TATEYAMA KAGAKU INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Honda
  • System and method for determining location of an item
    Patent number: 9049545
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for determining a location of an item using the services of an existing cellular infrastructure. A search request comprising a first item identifier of the item is received by a tracking service server from a user. A second item identifier of the item is retrieved by the tracking service server from a tracking service database. A search signal comprising the second item identifier is transmitted from the tracking service server to at least one mobile service provider system. The search signal is transmitted by the at least one mobile service provider system to a plurality of communicatively coupled transmitting towers which are configured to locate the item by capturing radio frequency signals, comprising the second item identifier, emitted by an identification tag coupled to the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Infosys Limited
    Inventors: Jagjit Duggal, Manish Agarwal
  • Method and system for object localization
    Patent number: 9043992
    Abstract: This document describes a method and system for object localization. In accordance with the method an object (1) is illuminated by at least one first type of signal, and response of the signal is detected. In accordance with the invention the object (1) equipped with a transponder (2, 3) backscattering the first type of signal, the transponder (2, 3) is illuminated also by a second type of signal affecting to the backscattering frequency of the transponder (2, 3), and the backscattered signal from the transponder (2, 3) is detected in order to localize the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT
    Inventors: Ville Viikari, Heikki Seppä, Kaj Nummila, Timo Varpula
  • RFID tag and RFID tag system
    Patent number: 9041514
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides an RFID tag, in which a null point is hardly generated. The RFID tag includes a long antenna provided in a rectangular surface. The antenna is accommodated in a tag case of the RFID tag, and the antenna extends in a direction oblique to sides constituting the rectangular surface of the tag case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidekatsu Nogami
  • Methods and systems for managing wireless devices
    Patent number: 9041532
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing patient monitoring devices are disclosed. Patient information is transmitted from a patient sensor operatively coupled to a patient to a patient monitor. The patient sensor and the patient monitor are communicatively coupled over a communications network available in a designated monitoring area. Further, loss of the patient sensor from the designated monitoring area is detected by one or more of the patient sensor, the patient monitor and a user. One or more loss prevention indicators are initiated at the patient sensor upon detecting the loss of the patient sensor. Additionally, the loss prevention indicators are communicated to indicate location of the lost patient sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: SM Shajedul Hasan, David Michael Davenport, Steven William Wik
  • Wireless monitoring of safety helmets
    Patent number: 9035776
    Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a system and method for remote monitoring of a subject wearing a sports helmet. In one aspect, the system includes a safety helmet and a sensor integrated with the helmet for continuously gathering head acceleration force data, the head acceleration force data associated with the head movements of a subject. The system also includes a wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor for transmitting the head acceleration force data and a mobile device for receiving the head acceleration force data from the wireless transceiver. The system further includes a database engine for displaying the head acceleration force data to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert R. Miller, II
  • Arrangement comprising an object made at least partially of metal or precious metal and an RFID identification device
    Patent number: 9024763
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement including an object made at least partially of metal and/or precious metal and an RFID system, wherein the object and the RFID system are connected to one another in such a way that the transponder and the aerial of the RFID system are applied on a site of the object, on its surface, which is facing or can be caused to face an assigned reading device or are embedded into its surface in the form of an inlay, and means are provided which shield or attenuate the electrically conductive surface of the object against eddy currents induced in the conductor loop. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for tracking and position-fixing objects of all kinds, which are made at least partially of metal and/or precious metal or are plated therewith, and into which a position-fixing device operating according to RFID technology is integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Soheil Hamedani
  • Wireless IC tag
    Patent number: 9016588
    Abstract: A wireless IC tag, to which data can be written by using an IC tag introducing machine, the wireless IC tag can ensure the communication distance required for writing and reading data in the wireless IC tag formed in a dimension that does not intensively affect the strength of the material for building a construction and is provided with antennas with performance of excellent directionality, is provided. The wireless IC tag including an RFID tag module, a plate-shaped ferrite core to which the] RFID tag module is mounted, a primary antenna wound around a circumferential surface of the plate-shaped ferrite core, the primary antenna being connected with the RFID tag module, and a pair of secondary antennas, each of the pair of secondary antennas being wound around a circumferential surface of the plate-shaped ferrite core and being connected with the RFID tag module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Mitomo Corporation
    Inventor: Kikuo Kaga
  • Authenticated radio frequency identification and key distribution system therefor
    Patent number: 9013266
    Abstract: An authenticated RFID system is provided that uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to reduce the signature size and read/write times when compared to traditional public key implementations such as RSA. Either ECDSA or ECPVS can be used to reduce the signature size and ECPVS can be used to hide a portion of the RFID tag that contains sensitive product identifying information. As a result, smaller tags can be used or multiple signatures can be written at different stages in a manufacturing or supply chain. A key management system is used to distribute the verification keys and aggregate signature schemes are also provided for adding multiple signatures to the RFID tags, for example in a supply chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Certicom Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Griffiths-Harvey, Brian Neill, Keelan Smith, Tony Rosati, Walt Davis
  • Method and system for a RFID transponder with configurable feed point for RFID communications
    Patent number: 9013311
    Abstract: A Method and system for a RFID transponder with configurable feed point for RFID communications is provided. In this regard, an RFID transponder may receive RF signals via a leaky wave antenna and modulate an amplitude of a backscattered signal associated with the received RF signals by switching between a plurality of feed points of the leaky wave antenna to vary an input impedance of said RFID transponder. Each of the plurality of feed points may be located in a different position in the resonant cavity of the leaky wave antenna. The input impedance may be controlled by switching a load in and out of a receive path of the RFID transponder. The leaky wave antenna may be integrated within and/or on an integrated circuit, an integrated circuit package, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Circuit structure and method of fabrication for facilitating radio frequency identification (RFID)
    Patent number: 9013310
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device and method of fabrication are presented. The RFID device includes an RFID antenna, a capacitor, and an RFID integrated circuit. The RFID antenna includes an elongate conductive trace disposed within an antenna area of the RFID device, and the capacitor includes an elongate capacitive structure for storing power. The elongate capacitive structure is aligned with the elongate conductive trace and embedded within the antenna area of the RFID device. The RFID integrated circuit is electrically coupled to the RFID antenna and to the capacitor, and the capacitor stores power within the antenna area of the RFID device to facilitate RFID integrated circuit functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Choongyeun Cho, Daeik Kim, Jonghae Kim, Moon Ju Kim
  • Three dimensional RF signatures
    Patent number: 9013308
    Abstract: Method and systems to detect tampering in a physical article are described herein. A method includes receiving, at a first point in time, at least two response signals from at least one RF tag in a set of RF tags associated with the physical article; forming a first response signature for the physical article based on the received response signals; receiving a second response signal from at least one other RF tag in the set of RF tags associated with the physical article at a second point in time; assessing a relative spacing between the RF tags associated with the physical article has changed from the first point in time to the second point in time; and determining tampering of the physical article as a result of the spacing assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Ashwood-Smith, Delfin Y. Montuno, Abel Dasylva
  • Product management system
    Patent number: 9013303
    Abstract: One feature of the present invention is a product management system that includes a package body for packing a product attached with an ID tag, and a reader/writer. The ID tag includes a thin film integrated circuit portion and an antenna, the package body includes a resonance circuit portion having an antenna coil and a capacitor, and the resonance circuit portion can communicate with the reader/writer and the ID tag. Accordingly, the stability of communication between an ID tag attached to a product and an R/W can be secured, and management of products can be conducted simply and efficiently, even if a product is packed by a package body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Arai, Mai Akiba, Yuko Tachimura, Yohei Kanno
  • Wireless devices including printed integrated circuitry and methods for manufacturing and using the same
    Patent number: 9004366
    Abstract: Printed integrated circuitry and attached antenna and/or inductor for sensors, electronic article surveillance (EAS), radio frequency (RF) and/or RF identification (RFID) tags and devices, and methods for its manufacture. The tag generally includes printed integrated circuitry on one carrier and an antenna and/or inductor on another carrier, the integrated circuitry being electrically coupled to the antenna and/or inductor. The method of manufacture generally includes of printing an integrated circuit having a plurality of first pads on a carrier, forming an antenna and/or inductor having a plurality of second pads on a substrate, and attaching at least two of the first pads of the printed integrated circuit to corresponding second pads of the antenna and/or inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Thin Film Electronics ASA
    Inventors: Patrick Smith, Criswell Choi, Vikram Pavate, James Montague Cleeves, Vivek Subramanian, Richard Young, Vince Biviano
  • Systems and methods for a RFID enabled metal license plate
    Patent number: 9007215
    Abstract: In the embodiments described herein, a RFID enabled license plate is constructed by using the license plate, or a retro-reflective layer formed thereon as part of the resonator configured to transmit signals generated by and RFID chip integrated with the license plate. Such an RFID enabled license plate can include a metal license plate with a slot formed in the metal license plate, and a RFID tag module positioned in the slot. The RFID tag module can include a chip and a loop, and the loop can be coupled with the metal license plate, e.g., via inductive or conductive coupling. In this manner, the metal license plate can be configured to act as a resonator providing increased performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Neology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Zhu, Chih-chuan Yen, Jason Liu, Joe Mullis
  • Terminal having radio frequency function and method of processing information of the terminal
    Patent number: 9007183
    Abstract: Provided are a terminal having a radio frequency identification (RFID) function and a method of processing information of the terminal for allowing intuitive interaction between a screen manipulation and an RFID manipulation with respect to using an RFID related service. The method of processing the information of the terminal including a screen and an RFID recognition unit, includes detecting a screen area corresponding to a position of the RFID recognition unit disposed at a predetermined position of the screen; displaying an RFID icon at a position of the detected screen area; recording information in an RFID tag based on the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon, and recognizing the information from the RFID tag the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-jun Han, Dae-Hyun Kim, Bo-mi Kim, Bo-hyun Kyung, Myoung-soon Choi, Kuk-hyun Han, Pil-seung Yang, Hark-joon Kim
  • RFID device with changeable characteristics
    Patent number: 9000924
    Abstract: An RFID device includes a first, relatively permanent portion and a second alterable or inactivatable portion. Upon the occurrence of some predetermined event, the second portion and/or its coupling to the first portion is physically altered, inactivating it. The first portion may itself be an antennaless RFID device that may be read at short range, and the second portion may be an antenna that, when coupled to the first portion, substantially increases the range at which the first portion may be read. The second portion may be configured to be altered or inactivated by any of a variety of predetermined events, such as involving physical, chemical or electrical forces, performed either on the RFID device, or upon an object to which the RFID device is coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Ian J. Forster, Yukihiko Sasaki
  • Lateral discrimination method and device
    Patent number: 8991703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of radio frequency identification (RFID). In one form, the invention relates to a method and/or device adapted to provide at least some level of providing lateral discrimination within a given area. The invention has been developed primarily for interrogating multiple passive transponders which are attached to objects to be identified by those respective transponders and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. A typical application is the identification of RFID transponders or other RFID devices, such as those embedded in plastic tokens or cards within a selected area and which may be provided near each other or stacked on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sato Vicinity Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Graham Alexander Munro Murdoch, Stuart Colin Littlechild
  • Systems for automatically tracking patching connections to network devices using a separate control channel and related patching equipment and methods
    Patent number: 8994547
    Abstract: Methods of automatically tracking a patching connection between a first connector port of a patch panel and a second connector port of a network device are provided in which a sensor is used to detect that a first end of a patch cord has been inserted into the second connector port. The patch cord has at least one data communications channel and a separate control channel. A first conductor of the control channel of the patch cord is biased to power an integrated circuit chip on the network device. In response to the detection by the sensor, a first signal is transmitted over the separate control channel of the patch cord to the network device. A second signal is received over the control channel of the patch cord in response to the first signal. The second signal includes a unique identifier that is associated with the second connector port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Michael German
  • Method and system for controlling power for a power amplifier utilizing a leaky wave antenna
    Patent number: 8995937
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling power for a power amplifier utilizing a leaky wave antenna (LWA) are disclosed and may include configuring one or more power amplifiers (PAs) in a wireless device at a desired output power level. The PAs may be coupled to feed points on the LWAs that may exhibit an input impedance corresponding to an output impedance of the PAs. RF signals may be transmitted utilizing the LWAs. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The LWAs may be configured to transmit the RF signals in a desired direction. The LWAs may comprise microstrip or coplanar waveguides, wherein a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The input impedances of the feed points may be dependent on a position of the feed points in the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • RFID system and method
    Patent number: 8994599
    Abstract: An RFID system includes an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system. The product module assembly is configured to releasably engage at least one product container. A first RFID tag assembly configured to be positioned on the at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to position the first RFID tag assembly within a detection zone of the RFID antenna assembly whenever the product module assembly releasably engages the at least one product container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnerhip
    Inventors: James J. Dattolo, David Blumberg, Jr., Eric J. VanWyk
  • Physiological sensor system with automatic authentication and validation by means of a radio frequency identification protocol with an integrated RFID interrogator system
    Patent number: 8994553
    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: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Rebecca Brumer, Nassib G. Chamoun, Rafael M. Cordero, Marc Davidson, James P. Kiely
  • Systems and methods for breakaway RFID tags
    Patent number: 8991714
    Abstract: A breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it comprises part of a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCB). Thus, the breakaway RFID tag can be used to track the PCB as it migrates through a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the RFID tag can be assembled first and then used to track the PCB as it is populated with components and installed into larger assemblies and ultimately into the end device. Once the PCB is installed into a larger assembly or the end device, the breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it can be broken off and attached to the outside of the larger assembly or end device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Neology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Elizondo, John Azevedo
  • Permanently deactivatable security tag
    Patent number: 8985467
    Abstract: A permanently deactivatable security tag and method to create a permanently deactivatable security tag to eliminate tag pollution caused by reactivated tags reentering a store premises and setting off false alarms. The security tag includes a frangible conductive portion that fractures due to stress applied on the frangible conductive portion from a hardened substrate located on the tag. The hardened substrate induces stress to the frangible conductive portion located adjacent to the edge of the hardened substrate as the tag is flexed and bent. The fracture of the frangible conductive portion of the tag results in a shifting and/or disabling of the predetermined frequency of the security tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Mingle, Lawrence Appalucci
  • Enhancing the efficiency of energy transfer to/from passive ID circuits using ferrite cores
    Patent number: 8988224
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes an RFID gaming token with a ferrite core. When the RFID gaming tokens are stacked, the ferrite cores steer the flux field from the excitation antenna through the center of the annular antennas in each token. The resulting flux field increases the efficiency of the energy transfer from the excitation antenna to the passive tags. This increased efficiency also improves the data transfer to and from the passive tags. This increased efficiency allows for reading RFID gaming tokens at a higher stack height (or at a better error rate for a given stack height) as compared to existing air core gaming tokens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Magnet Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua K. Hoyt, Forrest S. Seitz
  • RFID tag parameter estimation using read difficulty factor
    Patent number: 8988199
    Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system uses read difficulty factors (RDFs) to improve tag-parameter estimation. During inventory, a reader can obtain a tag's item identifier (II), determine a read metric such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), retrieve an RDF associated with the II, and adjust the RSSI using the RDF to more accurately estimate a tag parameter such as distance from the reader antenna. The system can then use the estimated distance to categorize the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent C. Moretti, Robert C. Collins
  • Printed wiring board and wireless communication system
    Patent number: 8981906
    Abstract: A printed wiring board includes a circuit substrate on which sheets are laminated, a wireless IC element provided on the sheet, a radiator provided on the sheet, and a loop-shaped electrode defined by first planar conductors, via hole conductors, and one side of the radiator, coupled to the wireless IC element. The first planar conductors are coupled to the radiator and the second planar conductors by auxiliary electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Takeoka, Koji Shiroki
  • Radio-frequency identification (RFID) safety system
    Patent number: 8981955
    Abstract: A system and method for alerting operators of mobile equipment to the presence of people in monitored areas around the periphery of the mobile equipment they are operating is provided. The system includes an RFID detection system which is installed on the mobile equipment and alerts the operator to the presence of people wearing Personal Protection Equipment containing RFID safety tags. The system also includes a tag programming system which allows RFID safety tags to be created. The system also includes a tag testing system which allows a person to test the functionality of the RFID safety tags contained in the personal safety equipment they are wearing. The system also includes RFID personal safety equipment such as 3D safety vests and RFID hardhats which contains RFID safety tags. The 3D safety vests also include enhanced 3D visual markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Marlex Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe D. Schaible, Jonathan Fava, Peter Atef Wadie Basl, Norman H. Von Styp-Rekowski, Jeff William Edward McDonald, Jason Philip Garr
  • Communication system, information recording medium, and relay communication device
    Patent number: 8983529
    Abstract: The disclosed communication system, information recording medium, and relay communication device allow communication via electromagnetic induction, allow the use of low-cost information recording media, improve communication stability when information recording media is misaligned or rotated, and provide high IC-chip tolerance to flexion in information recording media. An information recording medium (3-1) has: an IC chip (32-1) that is capable of communication via electromagnetic induction; and a pair of thin conductive sheets (21-1) connected to the IC chip (32-1). A relay medium (2-1) has thin conductive sheets (31-1) and a loop antenna (22-1), with one of said thin conductive sheets (31-1) connected to one end of the loop antenna (22-1) and the other thin conductive sheet (31-1) connected to the other end of the loop antenna (22-1). A read/write device (1-1) has a loop antenna (12-1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Akiyama, Kei Ohsugi
  • Systems and methods for integrating radio-frequency identification circuitry into flexible circuits
    Patent number: 8978988
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuitry into flexible circuits are provided. An RFID integrated circuit can be embedded within a dielectric layer of a flexible circuit or between a dielectric layer and a conductive layer of the flexible circuit. Additionally or alternatively, an RFID antenna may be integrated into a conductive layer of the flexible circuit. Alternatively, both the integrated circuit and antenna of RFID circuitry may be provided off of the flexible circuit but an RFID connector coupling the integrated circuit and antenna may be integrated into the flexible circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Mauricia
  • RFID tag
    Patent number: 8981937
    Abstract: An RFID tag includes: an antenna receiving an RF signal from a reader; an AFE (analog front end) generating voltage using the RF signal; and one or more switches interposed between the antenna and the AFE and controlling the connection between the antenna and the AFE through the switch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Ji Man Park, Lee Mi Do, Kyu Ha Baek, Kun Sik Park, Dong Pyo Kim, Jong Chang Woo, Zin Sig Kim, Joo Yeon Kim, Ye Sul Jeong, Yong Hyun Ham
  • H-field shaping using a shorting loop
    Patent number: 8981940
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system with a shorting loop. The shorting loop at least partially surrounds the antenna. The shorting loop distorts the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna to improve the definition of the border of the read region of the antenna. In this manner, the RFID system provides more accurate discrimination between RFID tags inside the read region versus RFID tags outside the read region (i.e., improves the accuracy of determining that a particular RFID tag is inside the read region).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Magnet Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua K. Hoyt, Forrest S. Seitz
  • Product management system
    Patent number: 8976029
    Abstract: A system of managing product at a location in which a weight-sensing RFID tag is utilized to determine the weight or pressure applied to a substrate and then this information is read by an RFID reader and then transmitted to a data storage repository and processing program for further handling of the data. The data storage repository and processing program may be near the RFID reader or may be remotely located with respect to the RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Annette Cote McTigue
  • RFID tag and RFID system
    Patent number: 8973832
    Abstract: An RFID tag includes: a base sheet in which a plurality of first slits are formed to extend alternately from two opposite sides from an end of the base sheet; an antenna pattern provided on the base sheet by folding the antennal pattern to avoid the first slits; an RFID chip provided over the base sheet and electrically connected to the antenna pattern; an elastic sheet provided over any one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the base sheet; and a protective sheet provided on a surface of the elastic sheet opposite to the surface that is in contact with the base sheet and including second slits formed to correspond in position to the first slits of the base sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takayoshi Matsumura, Noritsugu Osaki