Abstract:
An improved radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and related reader system and process are provided, wherein the RFID tag includes an on-board battery for enhanced signal transmission range, relatively rapid signal transmission speed, and optimized completion of a data transaction between the tag and a reader. The RFID tag further includes a power management system for activating the tag battery on an as-needed basis, and for thereupon enabling limited portions of the tag circuitry as required for a specific communication protocol, thereby conserving battery power and prolonging battery service life. In one preferred form, the battery is integrated with an antenna structure of single or dual mode with respect to frequency or type. This combination battery-antenna may be designed for recharging from a source of ambient energy.
Abstract:
An enhanced identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet, patch, headband, neckband, ankleband, legband, card, sticker, or other wearable appliance, may have a biometric sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, electromagnetic sensor, acoustic sensor, various opto-electronics and/or various security features such as tamper-evident and tamper-resistant features. The sensors may obtain information about the wearer such as a fingerprint, retina, iris, blood, DNA, genetic data, voice pattern, temperature and other characteristic. Security features include a fastener on the identification appliance, which indicates whether the appliance has been attached to a wearer and if so, enables circuit functions. If one tampers with the appliance, circuit functions may be disabled, certain data erased, and/or evidence of tampering made apparent. The appliance may monitor the location or determine the identity of passengers for an airplane, train, boat, bus, or other vehicle. Alternatively, the identification band may contain a person's immigration status.
Abstract:
An enhanced identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet, patch, headband, neckband, ankleband, legband, card, sticker, or other wearable appliance, may have a biometric sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, electromagnetic sensor, acoustic sensor, various opto-electronics and/or various security features such as tamper-evident and tamper-resistant features. The sensors may obtain information about the wearer such as a fingerprint, retina, iris, blood, DNA, genetic data, voice pattern, temperature and other characteristic. Security features include a fastener on the identification appliance, which indicates whether the appliance has been attached to a wearer and if so, enables circuit functions. If one tampers with the appliance, circuit functions may be disabled, certain data erased, and/or evidence of tampering made apparent. The appliance may monitor the location or determine the identity of passengers for an airplane, train, boat, bus, or other vehicle. Alternatively, the identification band may contain a person's immigration status.
Abstract:
A method of adjusting the 2-way communication range of an RFID system to assist a human operator to individually handle and interrogate a plurality of tagged objects, such as suitcases, that each include an RFID tag transceiver. An RFID interrogator transceiver is mounted on the human operator. The 2-way communication range between the interrogator transceiver and the tag transceivers is adjusted to only slightly exceed the closest distance between the interrogator and the tag while the operator is handling the tagged object. Preferably, the 2-way communication range is short enough that other tagged objects will remain outside the communication range and will not respond to messages from the interrogator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of verifying whether an object to be transported has reached its intended destination. In this aspect, an interrogator transceiver at a first destination interrogates an RFID tag transceiver on the object, and in response the tag transmits its intended destination.
Abstract:
A method of adjusting the 2-way communication range of an RFID system to assist a human operator to individually handle and interrogate a plurality of tagged objects, such as suitcases, that each include an RFID tag transceiver. An RFID interrogator transceiver is mounted on the human operator. The 2-way communication range between the interrogator transceiver and the tag transceivers is adjusted to only slightly exceed the closest distance between the interrogator and the tag while the operator is handling the tagged object. Preferably, the 2-way communication range is short enough that other tagged objects will remain outside the communication range and will not respond to messages from the interrogator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of verifying whether an object to be transported has reached its intended destination. In this aspect, an interrogator transceiver at a first destination interrogates an RFID tag transceiver on the object, and in response the tag transmits its intended destination.
Abstract:
The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a photovoltaic thin-film solar cell produced by a providing a pallet based substrate to a series of reaction chambers layers can be sequentially formed on the pallet based substrate.
Abstract:
A dispenser or applicator of garden liquids such as herbicides and pesticides. It is a long tube, preferably translucent, that has an applicator tip assembly at the base that dispenses a quantity of the liquid to one plant at a time in an exact spot while the user remains standing comfortably (without having to bend or stoop over). The device also has a spray nozzle so that a larger area can be sprayed, if desired. Finally, it has a top cap that has a small opening in it that allows a user to invert the device and apply the liquid to a larger area by simply moving the device around and sprinkling the liquid where desired. Because the tube is long, the user can remain standing comfortable and the liquid is dispensed at ground level. The device also comes with a small mounting bracket for securing it on a wall.
Abstract:
A radio frequency identification device includes an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. The receiver and transmitter together define an active transponder. The integrated circuit is preferably a monolithic single die integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. Because the device includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, the device has a much greater range.