Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090289773 | EXTENDING THE READ RANGE OF PASSIVE RFID TAGS - An embodiment of the present invention improves the efficiency of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and helps to extend the effective read range for certain configurations of closely spaced RFID tags. Specifically, an embodiment helps to minimize energy losses that result when there is excess energy from the excitation source. This excess energy has the potential to damage the circuitry in RFID tags. A shunt regulator is often used to protect the RFID circuitry by clamping the voltage, but has the undesirable effect of converting this excess excitation energy into heat. Various embodiments are directed toward using only as much of the excitation energy as necessary to power the RFID circuitry. These embodiments include circuitry for a constant current power supply that can be implemented either with discrete components or built into a new ASIC design; a network that minimizes the amount of energy that is converted to heat by the shunt regulator built into many RFID circuits; and/or a sleep mode for reducing the energy consumed by an RFID tag after it has been read. An embodiment may have the benefit of making more of the excitation energy available to power other RFID tags nearby—thereby improving system performance and read range. | 11-26-2009 |
20100013602 | H-Field Shaping Using a Shorting Loop - 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). | 01-21-2010 |
20100060290 | IDENTIFICATION OF POWER SYSTEM PRIMARY ARCS BASED ON PULSE DENSITY - A diagnostic instrument distinguishes primary arcs from other electrical discharges in an electric power system based on pulse time density of radio frequency noise caused by the discharges. The instrument counts a maximum number of noise pulses in any small time window over a period, and identifies the discharges as primary arcs if the pulse time density is in a range characteristics of primary arcs. | 03-11-2010 |
20100176924 | RFID System with Improved Tracking Position Accuracy - In one embodiment the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The RFID system includes a reader system that generates electromagnetic energy, reader antennas that communicate information with RFID tags using the electromagnetic energy, switches that are coupled to the reader antennas. The reader system selectively controls the switches to short adjacent reader antennas. In this manner, the target (RFID tag) may be located with improved positional accuracy. | 07-15-2010 |
20120199701 | CONTROL, SOUND, AND OPERATING SYSTEM FOR MODEL TRAINS - The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit. | 08-09-2012 |
20120199702 | CONTROL, SOUND, AND OPERATING SYSTEM FOR MODEL TRAINS - The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit. | 08-09-2012 |
20130162409 | H-Field Shaping using a Shorting Loop - 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). | 06-27-2013 |
20130172964 | Heating system for patient thermal management - An electrifiable heating blanket for patients, particularly including small animals, undergoing surgery. Heating of the blanket is varied in accordance with patient body temperature changes. Control of the heating is provided by a control unit made accessible to a care giver (surgeon or assistant), and blanket temperature is varied by increasing/decreasing electrical current flow to the blanket via the control unit. A primary conductor path is provided from the electrical source to a base control unit and from the base control unit to the blanket covering the patient. The invention provides a secondary conductor path from a position along the primary conductor path and independently extended to a position of convenience to the surgeon or assistant. An electronic break out feature is provided at the point of diversion enabling electronics push button control from the hand control. | 07-04-2013 |
20130181820 | Extending the Read Range of Passive RFID Tags - An embodiment of the present invention improves the efficiency of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems and helps to extend the effective read range for certain configurations of closely spaced RFID tags. Specifically, an embodiment helps to minimize energy losses that result when there is excess energy from the excitation source. Various embodiments are directed toward using only as much of the excitation energy as necessary to power the RFID circuitry. An embodiment may have the benefit of making more of the excitation energy available to power other RFID tags nearby—thereby improving system performance and read range. | 07-18-2013 |
20130233923 | Enhancing the Efficiency of Energy Transfer to/from Passive ID Circuits Using Ferrite Cores - 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. | 09-12-2013 |
20140235308 | REAL-TIME TRACKING OF LOCATIONS OF MACHINE-READABLE PAI GOW GAMING TILES - A preferred embodiment of a Pai Gow gaming table ( | 08-21-2014 |