Abstract: A member for attachment to tire includes a functional object in suspension in a soft substance of very high deformability.

Abstract: The invention relates to the locating and identifying of objects with radiofrequency communication by inductive coupling, without electrical contact, between a reader and a tag. The device includes an array of N fixed RFID markers of RFID tag type, with inductive antennas placed at known positions, N being an integer greater than 1 and an RFID tag reader provided with a fixed reading inductive antenna passing in proximity to the N markers. The position of the N markers with respect to the inductive reading antenna is such that the mutual inductance between the inductive antenna of any marker and the inductive reading antenna is zero when no object to be located is present in the vicinity of the array of markers, and nonzero when an RFID tag is present in the vicinity of the marker considered. A coupling is established in the presence of a mobile tag in proximity to a marker.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for use with a vehicle according to one embodiment includes a housing adapted for permanent or detachable coupling to the vehicle, control circuitry coupled to the housing, and a battery for providing power to the control circuitry. A secondary power source is also present for recharging the battery. A memory stores information relating to at least one of the vehicle and an owner of the vehicle. The capability of recharging the battery greatly extends the active (self-powered) life of the tag. Systems for tracking ownership of objects, servicing of vehicles, and other applications, as well as methods are also presented.

Abstract: A method of using radio frequency identification (RFID), in particular ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID, is described, which keeps pets from accessing forbidden areas. The pet wears a device which is preferably powered by the animal's own activity, converted to electrical power by a motion harvesting system to recharge a battery. The device uses an RFID reader to detect and identify RFID tags placed at boundaries of areas to which the pet is forbidden to enter, and sets off an alarm to warn the pet if it is approaching such an area. Because the RFID tags are individually identifiable, the forbidden area alarm can be configured to the pet, allowing use in a multiple-pet household.

Abstract: A portable terminal has a keypad. The portable terminal includes the keypad including a plurality of key buttons in a predetermined pattern and forming an antenna pattern by using devices connected to both ends of predetermined key buttons among the plurality of key buttons, a Radio Frequency (RF) communicator connected to signal lines of the predetermined key buttons of the keypad, a digital circuit for recognizing a signal input to the keypad, and a controller for controlling the keypad to be selectively switched to one of the digital circuit and the RF communicator according to a signal generated in a resonance frequency region of a particular service band.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for detecting and re-personalizing are provided herein. In an embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining an ID (i.e., an identification, such as a Dynamic Unique Identifier) from a RFID tag, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to the RFID tag. The ID read from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database. If the write of the new ID to the tag is verified, then database changes are committed to link the new ID to the subject. In an alternative embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining data from a memory of a RFID tag, wherein the memory has a first partition and a second partition, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to either of the first partition or the second partition of the RFID tag. If such write is verified, then the new ID is written to the other partition of the RFID tag. The data from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of containers may include a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path and a size part which is arranged in an interchangeable manner on the apparatus. The size part may include a first identification element based upon RFID technology in order to identify the size part. The size part may in turn include a position detection device which detects a position of at least one element of the apparatus with respect to the size part and emits a signal characteristic of this position.

Abstract: A security system including a security tag is provided. The security tag includes a housing and a pin in which the pin is removably insertable into the housing. The security tag further includes a latching element disposed within the housing and positionable in a lock position and in an unlock position. The latching element includes a pivot axis. The latching element has a substantially balanced rotational response about the pivot axis when exposed to an external physical mechanical impulse. The security tag further includes a bias element that releasably positions the latching element in the lock position. The latching element releasably engages the inserted pin when in the lock position.

Abstract: An information storage medium, a managed product and a management system in which the possible communication distance of an IC tag for wireless communication can be improved and the reading direction limitation can be reduced are provided. The information storage medium includes a wireless IC tag in which information is stored, a sheet body including a first spacer, an auxiliary antenna and a second spacer, and an elongated member formed of a conductive material. The elongated member is provided to be opposite to the wireless IC tag with respect to the sheet body. As the elongated member, for example, a part of a tool such as a body portion of a screwdriver can be used.

Abstract: A wide area radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes: a first RFID cell and a second RFID cell. The first RFID cell and the second RFID cell each include a reader and tags. The readers access the tags using ultra-wide band signaling. The RFID cells each include: a communications interface operable to communicate with a network operations center, and a communications gateway which supports direct communications between RFID cells. The method includes accessing the second RFID cell from the first RFID cell, and the accessing is performed using the communications gateway that can cover a range of at least five hundred meters.

Abstract: An anti-theft device comprised of a housing hingably connected to a cover. The housing and cover can move from an open position to a closed position to clasp and secure an article to be monitored. The housing and cover have latch components. When the housing and cover are rotated to a closed position in relation to one another, a latch component on the cover interconnects with a latch component of the housing to hold the housing and cover in a closed position. The latch components may be releasably lockable and may be released by application of a magnet to a blocking component in the housing which has a magnetically-attractable element associated with it, combined with manual manipulation of a latch switch to disengage the latching components of the housing and cover. The anti-theft device carries at least a passive electronic article surveillance element. More advanced electronic article surveillance elements may also be carried in the housing.

Abstract: A merchandise tag and a method of controlling a merchandise tag are provided. The merchandise tag may be used to deter theft of retail products.

Abstract: A ball (1) for use in a sporting activity can comprise a body having an electrical circuit (21) on a flexible substrate (20) received therein. The electrical circuit (21) comprises a dipole antenna (26) integrally formed with the electrical circuit (21) on the flexible substrate (20). The dipole antenna can comprise two arms (23, 24) each folded in a semi-circular shape.

Abstract: Illustrated is a system and method to inductively receive electrical power. Additionally, the system and method includes a non-volatile memory that includes data relating to the system and method, the non-volatile memory supplied with the electrical power. Further, the system and method includes a document into which the coil and the non-volatile memory are embedded.

Abstract: A plastic cap with IC tag storing product information provided on the upper surface of a top plate. The top plate is formed by an annular flange and a recessed portion 37, the recessed portion, including a side wall continuous to the inner circumferential edge of the annular flange and a bottom continuous to the lower end of the side wall. The tag 10 is attached to the annular flange to cover the recessed portion. A gap between the tag and the bottom is maintained to such a degree that the transmission and reception of signals to and from the tag are not interrupted when the back surface of the bottom comes in contact with water.

Abstract: Facility sanitization management includes receiving a condition of an individual and determining the condition is on a pre-defined list of conditions, and receiving tracking information indicative of locations in a facility traversed by the individual. The facility sanitization management also includes retrieving, from a first database, at least one solution for eliminating elements of the condition, and retrieving, from a second database, pre-defined structures and materials disposed in the locations, and identifying prescribed cleaning methods for the pre-defined structures and materials. The facility sanitization management further includes creating a clean-up job for each of the locations using the solution and based on the prescribed cleaning methods.

Abstract: An electric seal includes a wireless tracking facility having a wireless telecommunicating device disposed in a container and having two contacts, a housing engaged in the receptacle, and a lock shaft engageable into the receptacle and lockable to the housing for retaining the receptacle and the housing together, and the lock shaft includes a portion electrically connected to one of the contacts of the wireless telecommunicating device and another portion connected to the other contact of the wireless telecommunicating device for electrically coupling to the contacts of the wireless telecommunicating device together, and the wireless telecommunicating device emits a signal out when the lock shaft is cut or damaged.

Abstract: A ball separation device for a golf range target system is described. The ball separation device comprises a golf range target having a golf ball delivery shaft. A ball isolation system within the golf ball delivery shaft is configured to temporarily trap the ball within the shaft. A gate is configured to control the routing of a golf ball released from the ball isolation system. A control system queries the RFID reader while a ball is trapped in the ball isolation system. If the RFID reader receives a signal that identifies the golf ball as an RFID golf ball, the ball separation control system routes the ball to an RFID ball collector, otherwise, the ball is routed to a secondary location. After the determination is made as to where the trapped golf ball is to be routed, the ball isolation system releases the ball.

Abstract: An identification device (1) for a pneumatic spring (2) includes an RFID transponder (8), which is completely embedded into the elastomer matrix (13) of the flexible member (4). An electromagnetic field is generated by a read device (9), wherein the energy necessary for supplying the RFID transponder (8) is taken from the electromagnetic field generated by the read device (9). When the read device (9) is active, information can be exchanged between the RFID transponder (8) and the read device (9). The RFID transponder (8) operates completely without an internal energy supply. The RFID transponder (8) may also be configured as a read/write transponder including a memory chip, wherein data may be stored on the memory chip in a safe and permanent manner. By retrieving data from the RFID transponder (8), an identification of the pneumatic spring (2) is possible even without any internal power supply of the RFID transponder.

Abstract: A sealed insulating glass unit comprises two glass sheets held apart by a spacer, optionally with a sealant between the edges of the glass sheets outside the spacer. The insulating glass unit contains an electronic device, having information relating to the origin, manufacture and/or properties of the insulating glass unit capable of being read from the device by means actuated from outside the insulating glass unit. The device is embedded within the spacer or sealant so that it is concealed within the insulating glass unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems of tagging objects and reading tags coupled to objects. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a reading antenna, a tag reader coupled to the reading antenna, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising a tag antenna electromagnetically coupled to the reading antenna. The RFID tag couples to an object such as the body of a living organism or a metallic article. Moreover, the tag antenna has a far-field radiation pattern in a direction away from the object that is substantially unaffected by proximity of the RFID tag to the object, and substantially unaffected by which surface of the RFID tag faces the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of flexible identification systems are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An RFID label comprising an RFID circuit and an RFID antenna, and optional secondary security label ensures the authenticity of a beverage contained in a beverage container. The RFID label cannot be removed without destroying the RFID label or rendering it inoperable. A secondary security label may be placed over the closure of the beverage container to provide a secondary measure against tampering as well as a visual indicator of authenticity. It is placed on a portion of the bottle, a portion of the beverage container's closure, and the RFID label. An attempt to remove the secondary security label will also render the RFID label unusable.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a portable electronic device and an article of manufacture. The article of manufacture includes a first mechanism for securing the article of manufacture to the portable electronic device. The article of manufacture also includes a second mechanism for defining a slot. The second mechanism is coupled to the first mechanism. The slot is shaped and sized to receive and securely hold a contactless integrated (IC) identification card. The card in question has no more than half of the planar extent defined for a standard ID-1 identification card.

Abstract: Compositions, systems and methods that allow for the detection of the actual physical delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a body are provided. Embodiments of the compositions include an identifier and an active agent. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including but not limited to, monitoring of therapeutic regimen compliance, tracking the history of pharmaceutical agents, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a selectively accessible enhanced radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, that is enhanced performance and security by being selectively responsive to predetermined electromagnetic interrogation thereof, that comprises an enhanced component for enabling a user to adjust and/or increase readable distances and selectively enable or disable interrogatory access to the enhanced RFID device, to protect from unauthorized interrogation thereof. The inventive enhanced RFID device comprises an antenna, a microchip and at least one enhanced component. The enhanced component may use “Electromagnetic Induction” to the antenna to increase performance (increase readable distances) and “Electromagnetic Shield”, to cover the antenna (for turn Off the RFID device).

Abstract: Anti-theft protection systems and methods for portable devices, such as portable electronic devices, that are unattended during use. The anti-theft protection systems and methods use a combination of measures including mechanical aspects, such as tethering the device to an object that is difficult to move, and electronic aspects that detect unauthorized movement and or alarm the user or other responsible party if unauthorized movement occurs.

Abstract: An antitheft device having a product display case with a double locking mechanism and an unlocking device for unlocking the locking mechanism. A product display case having a locking mechanism, and an unlocking device are provided. An attachment portion for a security tag is provided on the inside of the product display case, and a first case component and a second case component are openably fitted together in an X direction. The locking mechanism has a first lock device and a second lock device that latch together in a Y direction which intersects the X direction. The first lock device locks by latching in a Y1 direction, and unlocks upon being pressed in a Y2 direction by a projection of the unlocking device. The second lock device locks by latching in the Y2 direction, and unlocks upon being pulled in the Y 1 direction by a magnet in the unlocking device.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also be associated with food and communicate data about ingestion of food material to a receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to negotiate communications parameters between near field communications (NFC) capable devices. In some embodiments, the NFC capable devices operate in a negotiation phase to negotiate one or more communications parameters prior to transferring information. In other embodiments, the NFC capable devices simultaneously negotiate the one or more communications parameters with the transferring of the information.

Abstract: A receptacle for supporting a transponder on a support structure includes a housing having a first housing portion securable to the transponder and a second housing portion securable to the support structure. The first housing portion is pivotally secured to the second housing portion. The first housing portion and second housing portion include a shield for attenuating the transmission of electromagnetic signals. The first housing portion has a first position wherein the first housing portion and second housing portion form a chamber for enclosing the transponder and restricting the transmission of electromagnetic signals from the chamber. The first housing portion has a second position wherein the first housing portion and the transponder are displaced from the second housing portion thereby opening the chamber and exposing the transponder to permit the transmission of electromagnetic signals to and from the transponder.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a package bag having a metal layer, wherein the metal layer is formed with a first groove and a second groove, and the second groove has a first side extending to one edge of the metal layer and a second side away from said edge and communicating vertically with a central section of a first side of the first groove. The second side of the second groove is shorter than the first side of the first groove, such that the portions of the metal layer adjacent to the first side of the first groove form two first impedance-matching portions respectively, and the two corresponding portions of the metal layer adjacent to the first groove form two second impedance-matching portions respectively. Thus, due to the impedance-matching portions, a slot antenna can be formed on the metal layer for coupling with a communication device attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated system for asset tracking and management and utilizes near field Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology. RFID tags are attached to the assets, and RFID antennas (and corresponding readers) are strategically located in close proximity to read the tags. As applied to a rack or cabinet, near-field antennas are mounted along one of the mounting posts at each rack unit location such that when a piece of equipment (rack mounted or rail mounted) is installed at a particular rack unit space, the tag will be read and registered in an RFID management system. A magnetic field shaping arrangement ensures that crosstalk between adjacent rack positions is prevented. Ferrite elements are used to control the magnetic field.

Abstract: A method of incorporating an anti-counterfeiting device into a multi-walled container is provided. The multi-walled container includes an inner wall having an outer surface, an outer wall adjacent to the inner wall, and an anti-counterfeiting device sandwiched between the inner and outer walls. The method includes forming the inner wall from a polymeric composition, adhering the anti-counterfeiting device to the outer surface of the inner wall either during, or after formation of the inner wall, and then over molding the outer wall about the inner wall to form the multi-walled container. Suitable anti-counterfeiting devices for incorporation into the multi-walled container include RFID, printed or foil antennae, conductive inks, metal spheres, and x-ray readable foils.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can be used in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A security system tag. The security system tag includes a housing. The security system tag further includes an electronic article surveillance, EAS, element in which the EAS element is arranged to emit a detectable signal when introduced to an interrogation signal. The security system tag further includes a metal element in which the metal element is adapted to be heated. The security system tag further includes a first reversible adhesive proximate the metal element in which at least a portion of the first reversible adhesive de-bonds when thermally affected by the metal element when the metal element is heated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current invention entail a highly visible tag that can be attached to a product at a highly visible location on the product at a store, but can easily be removed once the purchaser buys the product and takes it home. Once the purchaser gets the product home, they can remove it themselves and use it in public. Once the tag is removed, it cannot be reattached by the consumer. Depending on the store policy, the product may not be returned, or an extra fee charged for returning the garment, or other similar policies. Absence of a tag makes it clear that the buyer has removed the tag and provides an indication that the product, such as a garment has been used or worn in public. The tag is most effective for products that are used in public, such as garments. The tag may carry EAS technology.

Abstract: A tracking device for assisting in traceability of grain includes a plastic body, an RFID chip disposed within the plastic body, and a weight comprised of a ferromagnetic material disposed within the plastic body. A method provides for dispensing tracking devices into a stream of grain so as to associate identifying information with the stream of grain. A system includes a dispensing device configured to singulate and dispense tracking devices into a flow of grain.

Abstract: An implantable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a hermetically sealed biocompatible container, an RFID microelectronics chip is disposed within the container, and a biocompatible antenna extends from the RFID microelectronic chip and exteriorly of the container. In an exemplary embodiment the container comprises a housing for an active implantable medical device (AIMD). In another exemplary embodiment the RFID tag is associated with an AIMD. The AIMD may comprise a lead system. The RFID tag may be disposed within a non-hermetically sealed portion of the AIMD, such a header block, and may include information pertaining to the AIMD. Another exemplary embodiment may include a sensor conductively coupled to the RFID microelectronics chip. The sensor may be disposed exterior of or within the container. The sensor measures properties and activities of the human body and the RFID tag is capable of transmitting said measured properties in real time.

Abstract: A pest detection device includes a housing with a sensor and one or more bait members. The sensor includes one or more of a chisel-shaped electrically conductive trace carried on a substrate, a low resistance electrically conductive ink defining an electrical pathway on a substrate with a pointed profile, and/or a substrate including a directional grain structure oriented in a predefined manner relative to an electrically conductive pathway.

Abstract: A detection unit positioned on a package includes a magnet, a first magnetic switch, a second magnetic switch, a processor, and a clock. The first magnetic switch outputs a first control signal or a second control signal according to magnetic flux density of the magnet. The second magnetic switch outputs a third control signal or a fourth control signal according to the magnetic flux density of the magnet. The first control signal is the same as the third control signal; the second control signal is the same as the fourth control signal. When the processor receives the first control signal and the third control signal at the same time, the processor reads a first real-time clock (RTC) signal from the clock. When the processor receives the second control signal and the fourth control signal at the same time, the processor reads a second RTC signal from the clock.

Abstract: A hard cover product with a pair of cover boards attached to an outer liner in spaced-relation to define a spine, with a thin-film ink-circuit security device printed on a laydown area, and having an inner liner. The laydown area can be defined in the spine, and the inner liner or an inner body attached to the cover boards conceals the printed security device from casual observation of its presence. The laydown area can be defined on a surface of a sheet laminated to another sheet to define one of cover boards. The laminated sheets sandwich the printed security device without a surface indication of the presence of the ink-circuit printed security device therein. In another aspect, the thin-film ink-circuit security device printed on a surface of the cover board is concealingly covered by the inner or the outer liner.

Abstract: A system and method of determining likelihood of counterfeiting without inspection of currency compares signals returned by uniquely customized RFID chips when interrogated, preferably incident to a transaction. The RFID information is compared to RFID information for bills known to be in circulation in order to validate a given currency bill. Usage patterns can be determined from statistical analysis of such reports and reported usage patterns will statistically differ significantly if not radically with the number of RFID chips returning the same RFID information and such differences will increase in either or both of geographic locations of reports and frequency of reports with increase of the number of bills having duplicated RFID chips. The basic infrastructure for practice of the invention is also capable of tracking genuine currency following, for example, a theft or other criminal activity.

Abstract: A wireless tag device can communicate with an inquiry device includes: a local terminal storage unit storing local terminal identification information which can be discriminated from another wireless tag device; a reception detection unit detecting a signal transmitted from the inquiry device or another wireless tag device; an inquiry signal receiving unit receiving the detected inquiry signal if the inquiry signal is transmitted using a first frequency from the inquiry device; a reply signal transmitting unit transmitting a reply signal in response to the inquiry signal using a second frequency different from the first frequency; and a report signal transmitting unit transmitting a report signal including the local terminal identification information stored in the local terminal storage unit using a third frequency different from the second frequency if the inquiry signal transmitted from the inquiry device cannot be detected continuously in a specified time period in the reception detection unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing sheet material pertains to a housing (82) arranged for receiving a supply of sheet material (1), a feed mechanism (2) for advancing said sheet material through a discharge opening (100) of said housing (82), a motor (3) for driving said feed mechanism (2) and a controller (4) for powering the motor (3) to drive the feed mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID device that is intended to be used in connection with direct or indirect packaging of consumer food products, such as with the use of food trays, totes and other transport packaging for perishable items. The RFID device may include a RFID inlay assembly that has been encased in a laminate that is safe for use with food products.

Abstract: A visually and remotely readable apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of sensing units, a control unit and a flexible printed cable (FPC) to connect two units for exchanging information therebetween. A preferable structure of the sensing unit includes a fixed part secured to the body of the apparatus and two oppositely positioned rotatable parts, where two rotatable parts mounted on a common shaft with the fixed part arranged therebetween forming two angular position sensors. Each sensor is based on the capacitive coupling between two working surfaces of the rotatable part and the respective working surfaces of the fixed part with the electrodes are secured thereto. Two working surfaces of one part are confronted with two respective working surfaces of another part forming two working surface pair. Each sensor has two working surface pairs, one working surface pair is sensing pair for sensing angular position; another is coupling pair for coupling sensing signals.

Abstract: A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button can not be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a terminal having a mount for supporting a mechanical component. The terminal in one embodiment can be hand held and in one embodiment the mechanical component can comprise a hand strap. In one embodiment a terminal can include a pocket for receiving a mount.