Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g. – Radar transponder system – Radar transponder only
Reexamination Certificate
1994-07-15
2001-05-29
Sotomayor, John B. (Department: 3662)
Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g.,
Radar transponder system
Radar transponder only
C342S044000, C340S572800, C411S378000, C411S383000, C411S411000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06239737
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of electronic identification of objects and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus of attaching a radio transponder to an object which is to be identified.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Radio Frequency Identification of objects (RF/ID) involves wireless object identification. RF/ID is generally composed of two components—a reader and a transponder; the latter is commonly called an RF tag. In the field of RF/ID, there are various methods for attaching the transponder to the object to be identified. All these methods have significant drawbacks. For example, the most prevalent method of attaching a transponder to an object is by gluing the object and transponder together with epoxy or some other chemical. Unfortunately, the transponder can be easily removed and is not capable of withstanding harsh environments. Another common method of attaching a transponder to an object is lo use a circular transponder with a hole in the center. The resulting device is then mounted to the object to be identified with a screw or bolt. There are several drawbacks to this method. Specifically, the range of reading the transponder is reduced if a metallic fastening device is incorporated in the attachment, the transponder is easily removed from the object to be identified, the use of non-metallic fasteners combined with the transponder protruding from the object to be identified do not provide adequate protection from mechanical damage, and use of an attachment device separate from the transponder makes aesthetic installation very difficult.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for attaching a radio frequency transponder to an object. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for attaching a radio frequency transponder to an object wherein the transponder cannot be easily removed. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for attaching a radio frequency transponder to an object wherein the transponder can withstand a harsh environment. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for attaching a radio frequency transponder to an object wherein the range of reading the transponder is not dramatically reduced. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for attaching a radio frequency transponder to an object while maintaining an aesthetic installation.
These and other objects will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art and are met by the present invention as described and claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for attaching a radio frequency transponder to an object by using an attaching device constructed of plastic or some other non-ferrous material. Specifically, the attaching device is manufactured to allow a radio frequency transponder to become an integral part of the device. For example, the attaching device may be a integrated within a screw head and the screw head may be bevelled in a counterclockwise direction, or similar locking means, to prevent tampering with or removal of the device. With the transponder safely housed within the attaching device, the transponder can withstand harsh environments. Further, manufacturing the attaching device with non-ferrous material will allow the transponder to maintain an effective range for reading. Further still, the integration of the transponder into the attaching device results in an aesthetic design.
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Micro)n Technology, Inc.
Sotomayor John B.
Wells St. John Roberts Gregory & Matkin
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