Abstract: A system, apparatus (100) and method are described for an electronic article surveillance security tag (102) having a magnetically releasable tack retaining system, and a magnetic detaching device for use with the electronic article surveillance tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A security tag assembly and security system associated therewith to prevent the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a given area, such as a retail establishment. The security tag assembly comprises a base and at least one attachment member removably connected in an operative position on the merchandise being protected. A locking assembly including a locking member is structured to restrict detachment of the attachment member and is forcibly disposed out of movement restricting relation to said connector member when the base and the attachment member are separated. A detachment assembly and a data registering processor may include a two-way communication link which facilitates processing of the merchandise data disposed on the security tag assembly, such that the purchasing of the merchandise and the removal of the security tag assembly can be effectively accomplished without jeopardizing the security of the merchandise being sold.

Abstract: A housing assembly supports an electronic tag to the extending neck of a bottle. The housing assembly includes a housing for accommodating the electronic tag. The housing has a bearing surface for engagement with the extending neck of the bottle. A strap is coupled to the housing about the bottle neck. The strap has a bearing surface for engagement with the extending neck. The bearing surface of at least one of the strap and the housing is tapered to match the taper of the extending neck of the bottle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that control the supply of electrical power to one or more components of a computing device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A support includes a base having an outwardly extending projection with a passageway therethrough, and having a tag receiving portion configured to removably support a tag on the base adjacent one end of the passageway. A different arrangement involves a tag that includes a housing having an opening therethrough and having an annular surface around the opening, an annular gasket engaging the annular surface, and circuitry within the housing having a sensor located in the region of the opening and having a transmitter that can transmit wireless signals. A method includes defining a passageway that provides fluid communication between an interior and exterior of a container, supporting a tag on the exterior of the container, and causing the tag to sense, at a location in the region of an end of the passageway, a condition within the container.

Abstract: An overcap structure supports an electronic tag on a container cap. The overcap structure includes an overcap for supporting the electronic tag where the overcap is rotatably positionable about the cap of the container. The overcap includes a planar upper surface and depending annular skirt having an inwardly directed lip for positioning beneath the cap. The overcap is formed of mating components which are attachable about the cap preventing nondestructible detachment of the overcap from the container cap.

Abstract: A quality control system of concrete and cement products is provided in which the manufacturing information on cement products of mortar or concrete can be checked at any time, the reliability is such that there is no possibility of the recorded information being lost or falsified, there is no possibility of damage in concrete, and the directivity of the sensitivity of an antenna can be broadened.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an electronic tag housing used to support electronic tags to an article with a shrink wrap tube. The present invention provides an electronic tag assembly, including a housing, having a base and a cover attachable to the base. The housing includes a cavity for supporting an electronic tag. A heat shrinkable tube is supported by the housing between the cover and attachable base.

Abstract: An apparatus for contactless transactions is disclosed. In one embodiment, a transaction fob assembly includes a standardized fob core and an outer shell adapted to secure the core within the outer shell. Various embodiments provide for the fob core to include circuitry, an antenna, a battery, a switch and a LED.

Abstract: A security hard tag, uses an attachment clip to couple to an article, such as but not limited to clothing, to be protected and which can only be released from the article by use of an authorized detacher that is inserted into the security hard tag. The attachment clip may include various types of locking mechanisms on its two ends, one end which is permanently secured within the security hard tag housing and the other end which is releasably secured within the housing. Before being releasably secured within the housing, the one end is inserted through or around a portion of an article, or through a security tag loop attached to the article, and then that end is locked into the housing. The detacher uses a cam, either located on the detacher itself or positioned within the security hard tag housing, to interact with the one end of the attachment clip to release the locked end.

Abstract: A game can comprise a board with multiple RFID antennas and a game piece with a RFID antenna. When one of the multiple RFID antennas is adjacent to the RFID antenna in the game piece, the response characteristics of these RFID antennas can change so that the position of the game piece can be determined.

Abstract: An RFID tag has an IC chip and an antenna connected to the IC chip, the RFID tag including: a spacer that has elasticity; a first locking section that is formed around the IC chip; a second locking section that is arranged in a position apart from the first locking section across the spacer, is displaced toward the first locking section and locked on the first locking section by pressing force with which the spacer is pressed, and applies reactive force against the pressing force around the IC chip via the first locking section when the pressing force is removed; and a destruction section that destroys the IC chip or the antenna with the reactive force from the second locking section.

Abstract: An asset protection system maintains a radio frequency field or signal in a monitored area. Assets have tags attached to them and are placed in the monitored area. The tags have a mechanism to attach them to the objects and have electronic components on board including a microprocessor, motion detector, radio frequency circuitry, audible alarm generator and in some cases, a passive EAS element. The tags are normally idle in the monitored area, but when the motion detector indicates that a tag is being moved, the RF circuitry checks for a signal or field at an expected frequency. If the tag does not detect a signal, the tag electronics determine that the tag has left the monitored area and generate an audible alarm. If a signal is detected, the tag returns to an idle state once it stops moving. The tags may also alarm if tampered with.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes an antenna for close proximity wireless transfer, a fixing module which is provided near the antenna and fixes an other apparatus to the own apparatus, a data communication module which executes data communication with the other apparatus by close proximity wireless transfer via the antenna, a communication state detection module which detects a communication state of communication with the other apparatus by the data communication module, and a fixation control module which controls fixation of the other apparatus by the fixing module in accordance with the communication state which is detected by the communication state detection module.

Abstract: A non-removable closure having a radio frequency identification, RFID, circuit integral therein. The RFID may be active or passive and may be integral with the top wall or side wall of the closure. The non-removable closure has a closure retainer which non-removeably engages a container neck at to which it is engaged. The closure retainer may be in the form of “J” hooks depending from the bottom portion of a side wall, an adhesive between the container neck and closure, or other closure retainer known to persons having ordinary skill in the art.

Abstract: An anti-theft tag includes a body that carries an EAS sensor, a shrinkable sleeve disposed about the outside of the body, an adhesive material disposed on the body between the body and the sleeve, and a sleeve holder extending from the body. The sleeve holder is constructed and arranged to hold the sleeve on the body such that a portion of the sleeve and the body define an aperture configured to receive an elongate article, such as an arm from a pair of eyeglasses. In use, once the anti-theft tag is disposed on the article, an assembler shrinks the sleeve to secure the anti-theft tag to the arm. In such a configuration, the sleeve and adhesive material holds the body of the anti-theft tag against the arm, thereby limiting the ability for a thief to remove the anti-theft tag from the elongate article by twisting or rotating the anti-theft tag relative to the article.

Abstract: A system and method for tracing the authenticity of and tracking their location of collectibles and reusables such as packaging and containers and pallets. This invention proposes the use, of a polymer or wet paper based planchette containing an RFID fully integrated system on a chip transponder which can be attached to a collectible or reusable through the use of a substrate friendly adhesive. As a collectable tracing and tracking system it is called “Collectable Cop”. As a reusable on the supply chain which reusable(s) requires tracking or tracing, it is referred to as the “Spot Chip” system. A planchette is defined herein as a small, oval or round shaped, wet paper or polymer based disk, smaller than a piece of dust, which can be randomly distributed on both sides of a collectible.

Abstract: A surveillance device in the form of an EAS tag (10) is provided, which includes a body (12) with one or more EAS markers (16) inside an inner cavity of the housing. The tag (10) further includes a detent (18) with one end (46) that is pivotally attached to the body (12) so that the detent (18) can pivot relative to the body (12) between an open condition and a locked condition and with a second end (52) that is releasably attachable to the body (12) when in the locked condition. When in the locked condition, the combination of the body (12) and a part of the detent (18) between its ends (46,52), encloses a space (20) adjacent the body (10) and an article such as an arm (32) of a spectacle frame can be gripped in the space. The tag (10) allows for tight gripping of various sizes of spectacle arms (32) by allowing the size of the space (20) to be adjusted.

Abstract: A theft-protection element intended to be attached to an item that is to be protected from theft and that is of textile or equivalent material, which theft-protection element is arranged to be attached to the item through a needle penetrating and passing through the item. The invention is characterized in that the point (5) of the needle is withdrawn in the resting condition (3a) of the needle into the disc (1) at a first side (7) of the recess (6), in that the point (5) of the needle is located in the said locked condition (3b) at a second, opposing, side (8) of the recess (6), and in that the said recess is sufficiently large that the material of the item can be introduced into it such that the needle (3) can pass through the material of the item, and in that the disc (1) is arranged such that the point (5) of the needle (3) is housed at the said second side (8) of the recess (6) in the locked condition (3b), or is placed in contact with, or is in the vicinity of, the said second side.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance apparatus for monitoring large objects is comprised of a base, at least one segment of tape, and an electronics housing. The segment of tape has a least one electrically conductive element running the length of the tape. The base rests on an object to be monitored, and the housing releasably latches onto the base, while each tape segment wraps around the object with each end of tape segment being fixed between the base and housing. Electronics within the housing complete a circuit through each tape segment and monitor the tape segments for electrical continuity. If electrical continuity is lost, either by cutting a tape segment, or unauthorized unlatching of the housing, an alarm can be sounded by the electronics within the housing. The electronic housing may be disarmed by a remote device and delatched from the base. Both base and tape segments may have adhesive elements.

Abstract: A security tag assembly structured to discourage unauthorized removal of merchandise comprising a base including at least one magnetomechanical member normally operatively oriented in an armed mode. The armed mode is at least partially defined by the magnetomechanical member demonstrating a vibration or mechanical resonance when exposed to a predetermined resonant frequency, such as when passing through or otherwise disposed in proximity to a monitoring alarm assembly. A stabilizing assembly comprising at least one stabilizing magnet is disposed and structured to expose said magnetomechanical member to a stabilizing magnet field sufficient operative characteristics to facilitate restoration or maintenance of the armed mode of the magnetomechanical member even when exposed to a disruptive magnetic field, such as when the magnetomechanical member is attempting to be disarmed by an unauthorized source.

Abstract: A magnetic detacher has a core magnet and a ring magnet. The core magnet has a body with a top and bottom surface, and produces a first magnetic field. The ring magnet defines a cavity. The ring magnet has a body with a top and bottom and produces a second magnetic field. The ring magnet is axially aligned with the core magnet such that the first magnetic field opposes the second magnetic field along the bodies and enhances it within the cavity. The top surface of the core magnet is separated from the bottom surface of the ring magnet by a predetermined distance thereby producing a resultant magnetic field having a first resultant field strength at a specific position greater than a second resultant field strength produced at the same position when the top surface of the core magnet abuts the bottom surface of the ring magnet.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are described for an electronic article surveillance security tag having a magnetically releasable tack retaining system, and a magnetic detaching device for use with the electronic article surveillance tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A product packaging comprises a cap on a transparent bottle to seal in a protected product. The cap includes an RFID chip and antenna that can report a serial number and product identification code to a nearby scanner. Reports from several such scanners in the distribution chain from manufacturer to retailers are logged and used to validate legitimate products by their movements. The caps are designed such that when opened the RFID antenna will break away from its associated RFID chip. The cap is molded of cross-linked polymers with a memory that makes it impossible to reseat it properly to the bottle once removed. A hologram target is placed backwards under a label on the side of the bottle so a laser beam can be directed through the backside of the bottle, through the contents, and to the hologram. The reflected laser light will have a signature that is very sensitive to the exact chemistry of the contents.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a label comprising a pasting part for pasting said label to an object and comprising an electronic device preferably for a radio frequency identification (RFID). In order to improve such a label, it is suggested that the electronic device is pivotably connected to said pasting part.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field circular microstrip antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: A theft deterrent tag includes a first tag element having a post and a second tag element for receiving the post to secure the tag elements together on an item of merchandise. Spaced electrical contacts within the second tag element receive therebetween the post, which abuts each of the electrical contacts to provide an electrical pathway between the contacts to close a first electrical circuit which turns the device on. The first tag element includes a head which depresses a plunger switch to arm the device. The device is configured to sound an onboard alarm in response to prying of the head or cutting of the post of the first tag element, or if an EAS tag receives a wireless signal from a security gate. Security gate alarms also sound if the tag moves through the gate or within a predetermined distance thereof.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: A RFID-enabled recommendation system and related method utilizing information from RFID tags of products (e.g., foodstuffs) to generate recommendations regarding said products. In accordance with one aspect, a server generates recommendations based on product-specific information sent from a RFID tag.

Abstract: A security device comprising a retaining member forming an adjustable loop, including a cable; a ratchet member connected to the cable, operable to narrow the loop and to prevent widening of the loop, including a first main part comprising a gear ring extending in a first plane with a saw tooth profile raised from the plane, a second main part, rotatable relative to the first main part, including a latch member biased towards the first plane to engage the gear ring, and a drum for winding up of the cable.

Abstract: A single sided RF tag suitable for use for electronic article surveillance comprises a tuned circuit formed on one side of a substrate. Provided by a deposited first conducting layer which comprises an inductive coil, which behaves as an antenna and is electrically connected to a first capacitor plate and a connection means to connect to a second conducting layer. A low dissipation factor dielectric layer is deposited onto said first conducting layer. A second conducting layer comprising at least one capacitor and a connection means to electrically connect to the first conducting layer is deposited on the dielectric layer. The second capacitor plate is substantially co-located above the first capacitor plate, to form the capacitor. The capacitor and coil together form a resonant circuit.

Abstract: An EAS tag (10) is provided which includes a lock mechanism (36) inside its body (15) for holding a shank (26) of a tack (12) captive and releasing the shank (26). The lock mechanism (36) includes a resilient detent (38) which includes a fixed part (52) that is fixedly mounted in the body (15) and a resiliently displaceable part (54) which is movable relative to the body (15) and which and which is accessible with a probe (14) from outside the body (15). An aperture (40) in which the shank (26) is receivable is defined in the detent (38) adjacent each of the fixed part (42) and the displaceable part (54). To release the lock mechanism (36), a probe (14) is passed into the tag body (15) to press the displaceable part (54) and move it relative to the fixed part (52), thus deforming the detent (38) resiliently such that the aperture (40) is also deformed to release the shank (26).

Abstract: A surveillance tag (10) is provided that has a body (12) defining an inner cavity (16) with one or more marker (18,52) and one or more detent (30) housed inside the cavity (16). The tag (10) includes a latch (20) that is pivotally attached to the body (12) and that defines one or more locking formations (26) that is spaced from its pivotal attachment to the body (12). The latch (20) is configured to pivot between a dosed orientation in which it's locking formation (26) is proximate the body (12) and an open condition in which the locking formation (26) is free from the body (12). The detent (30) is configured to engage the locking formation (26) of the latch (20) when the latch (20) is in its closed orientation and can be released by being attracting it with a magnetic force towards a detacher outside the body (12).

Abstract: A bottle security device includes a housing with an electronic surveillance article tag therein and a ratchet strap which extends from the housing and loops around the bottle neck to secure the device thereto. The strap has one-way locking teeth which are lockably engaged by a locking mechanism in the housing when the strap is inserted therein to secure the strap in a locked position. The housing has first and second opposed outer surfaces which taper radially outwardly and toward one another in a manner which makes the housing difficult to grasp manually or otherwise, thus helping prevent the breakage and removal of the device from the bottle. The tapered outer surfaces also serve to deflect impact forces to the housing to help prevent unauthorized removal of the device. An arcuate channel of the housing receives and aligns the strap for improved locking capability.

Abstract: A wireless IC tag mounted on a low magnetic permeability material is mounted on a holding part which has first and second surfaces and is made of a high magnetic permeability material. The holding part has a penetrating part which penetrates the first and second surfaces, and a notch which penetrates a part of the first and second surfaces at a periphery. A discontinuous region is formed on the holding part due to the notch, and at least on the penetrating part, the wireless IC tag is tightly held together with the low magnetic permeability material. An axis of reverse direction magnetic flux generated by an eddy current that flows in the periphery of the penetrating part and the notch is shifted from an axis of the magnetic flux produced by electromagnetic waves directed toward the wireless IC tag on the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: When playing a sport it is generally difficult to localize (exactly) an accessory requirement for that sport at a determined point in time. The localizing of sports equipment may however be desired in particular situations, for instance to track down lost articles of sports equipment, or to be able to apply the rules of a sport in efficient manner. The invention therefore relates to a system for localizing sports equipment. The invention also relates to a method for localizing sports equipment using such a system.

Abstract: In particular situations it may be desirable to follow, trace or otherwise localize specific (groups of) objects or animals, in particular people. The invention relates to a localization system. The invention also relates to a method for localizing objects or animals using such a localization system.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a facestock and a liner. The facestock includes an RFID circuit with an operating parameter, and the liner is releasably attached to the facestock such that when the liner is detached from the facestock, the operating parameter of the RFID circuit is desirably modified. The RFID tag may be configured so that the operating parameter that is modified is, for example, a read range or a propagation direction. The RFID circuit may include an RFID chip and an antenna, and the liner may include an electrical element that modifies a read range of the RFID circuit when the liner is attached to the facestock. More specifically, the electrical element may electrically couple with the antenna when the liner is attached to the facestock, thereby reducing the read range of the circuit. When the liner is removed, the antenna is decoupled from the electrical element and thereby enabled to operate at another read range, i.e., a specified operating range.

Abstract: A blister pack having at least one security tag formed from the metal layer of the blister pack. In one embodiment, the security tag is a detached portion of the metal layer that is entrenched in a corresponding channel in the plastic layer of the blister pack and which is then completed by electrically coupling a capacitor strap or chip strap to a gapped portion of the entrenched aluminum layer. Another embodiment also forms the security tag from the metal layer but the coil or antenna of the security tag is formed as part of the process of sealing the metal layer to the plastic layer. A capacitor strap or chip strap is then electrically coupled to a gapped portion of the coil or antenna.

Abstract: An anti-theft tag with a locking mechanism that cannot be removed without breaking the lock. The anti-theft of tag has a removable lock that can be replaced after it is broken. The securing pin secures the lock in place in the first part of the tag. When the securing pin is withdrawn, the locking mechanism can be detached from the anti-theft tag. An optional method is provided in which the detacher arm channel is sealed to prevent access by a pick. The remaining parts of the tag, other than the lock, can be recycled. An alternative anti-theft tag uses a resettable locking mechanism. A detacher arm moves the lock from a locked to an unlocked position. Once unlocked, the lock remains in the unlocked position until reset with a key. A key aperture is hidden under the pin securing means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a merchandise securing device (1) comprising at least one merchandise securing element (4, 5, 15) and a closing mechanism (6) with a fastening element (8) that can be inserted into a clamping element (18, 19, 20) of the closing mechanism (6) similar to a needle. Such a merchandise securing device (1) is provided with a housing contour that is essentially flat in the attachment area (14) in which the merchandise securing device (1) is fixed to the merchandise. The merchandise securing device (1) comprises a recessed closing mechanism (6) while the at least one merchandise securing element (4, 5, 15) located in or on the merchandise securing device (1) uses acoustomagnetic (AM) technology and/or radio frequency (RF) technology and/or radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap, have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.

Abstract: Techniques for linear release for a security tag are described.

Abstract: A surveillance tag apparatus for goods of varying size and shape comprising a lanyard, a housing and a pawl. The lanyard includes a flexible, elongated body having parallel ridges across at least one side, the body ending in one stop member. The housing includes an inner surface defining an internal chamber and an outer surface defining a pair of lanyard receiving passages. The first passage of the pair receives the body and abuts the stop member before securing the lanyard to a good and the second passage receives the body after. The housing defines at least one aperture connecting the internal chamber and second passage. The pawl is positioned within the internal chamber and includes at least one protrusion through at least one aperture into the second passage to engage at least one parallel ridge when the lanyard is secured to the good, thereby inhibiting removal of the lanyard.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for a detacher for a security device are disclosed. The detacher (180c) includes a magnet (1820) that can be moved relative to a housing (1810) by a motor (1830). Magnet and motor are mounted inside the housing.

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: A re-usable security hard tag for use with containers. The hard tag comprises two portions that are pivotally connected at first portion ends and the portions include semi-circular, outwardly extending flanges. A security tag is associated with one of the two portions. A displaceable pin of a latch mechanism locks together respective pin receptacles of each portion. The flanges couple to the bottom edge of either end of a container whereupon closure of the two portions' free ends about a hinge causes the pin to latch through the pin receptacles. The only way retract the pin and thereby release the hard tag from the container is by positioning the hard tag/container assembly adjacent a properly sized magnet available at a point of sale in a retail establishment. Non-removal of the hard tag before leaving the retail establishment causes store electronics to detect the security tag and set off an alarm or other warning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless communication device that attaches using magnetic force in whole or part to an article of manufacture, or other material having a magnetic surface portion. The wireless communication device contains a form of a magnet to provide magnetic force and attraction. A magnet can be a natural magnet, electromagnet or other type of material having magnetic properties. The wireless communication device may be detached from the article by altering the magnetic force created by its associated magnet. Altering is accomplished by using an external device or a device internal to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is also operable to receive and communicate information regarding the article to which it is attached remotely for identification, informative, and tracking purposes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method for electronic tracking of units originating from a common source which comprises a plurality of units physically joined with one another. A first transponder is physically associated with the common source, and the source is split to separate it into three or more of the units. A second transponder is physically associated with one of the three or more units, and the second transponder sends a code. The code of the second transponder is electrically associated with an identifier of the common source. In a particular aspect, the common source is an animal carcass. A batch comprises separate units of objects that are physically joined together. RFID tags are attached to each of the units and to the batch. The codes stored in the RFID tags are electrically associated with one another in a database.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method for electronic tracking of units originating from a common source which comprises a plurality of units physically joined with one another. A first transponder is physically associated with the common source, and the source is split to separate it into three or more of the units. A second transponder is physically associated with one of the three or more units, and the second transponder sends a code. The code of the second transponder is electrically associated with an identifier of the common source. In a particular aspect, the common source is an animal carcass. A batch comprises separate units of objects that are physically joined together. RFID tags are attached to each of the units and to the batch. The codes stored in the RFID tags are electrically associated with one another in a database.