Patent US5850181A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5850181A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method of transporting radio frequency power to energize radio frequency identification transponders
Assignee: Intermec IP Corp
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Filing: 1996-04-03
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Granted: 1998-12-15
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Expires: 2016-04-03
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and a method of transporting energy from a base station to energize a remote RF transponder having an energy store is described, comprising transporting power in pulses of frequencies chosen from a randomly ordered list of frequencies, wherein the time between pulses when little power is transmitted is less than the time taken for the remote transponder to deplete the energy store.
Inventors
- 👤 Harley Kent Heinrich
- 👤 Rene Dominic Martinez
- 👤 Paul Jorge Sousa
- 👤 Li-Cheng Richard Zai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 17:17
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/067; G06K19/07; G06K19/0701; G06K7/00; G06K7/0008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A method of transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF transponder (RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising the steps of: (a) transporting for a first time RF electromagnetic wave energy from a base station having a base station antenna to the RF tag, the RF energy having a first frequency f 1 ;then (b) ceasing to transport RF energy during an off time t o , where the off time t o is less than a time where the RF tag loses one or more functions; and then (c) transporting for a second time RF electromagnetic wave energy from the base station to the RF tag, the RF energy having a second frequency f 2 different from the first frequency f 1 , the tag antenna and the rectifying circuit of the RF tag being adapted for receiving power at frequencies f 1 and f 2 .
Claim 2
Independent Claim
198 words
A method of transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF transponder (RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising the steps of: (a) transporting for a first time RF electromagnetic wave energy from a base station having a base station antenna to the RF tag, the RF energy having a first frequency f 1 ;then (b) ceasing to transport RF energy during an off time t o , where the off time t o is less than a time where the RF tag loses one or more functions; and then (c) transporting for a second time RF electromagnetic wave energy from the base station to the RF tag, the RF energy having a second frequency f 2 different from the first frequency f 1 , the tag antenna and the rectifying circuit of the RF tag being adapted for receiving power at frequencies f 1 and f 2 .
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the off time t o is greater than a time when a sideband of f 1 is generated, the sideband of f 1 having a frequency and power forbidden by government regulation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein steps a to c are repeated with different frequencies f 1 and f 2 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 3, wherein steps a to c are repeated a large number of times with a large plurality of different frequencies chosen in order from a randomly ordered list of different frequencies.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 4, where the off time t o is less than 400 milliseconds.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 5, where the off time t o is less than 400 microseconds.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6, where the off time t o is less than 50 microseconds.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the RF tag further comprises: and independent source of energy; and a switching means responsive to the RF energy transported to the tag adapted to connect the independent source of energy to the tag electronics when RF energy is transported to the tag.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 8, wherein the switching means is controlled by a tag decision means responsive to the RF energy transported to the tag.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF transponder (RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising the steps of: a) determining a list of a large plurality of different frequencies; b) transporting RF electromagnetic wave energy for a first time from a base station to the remote RF tag at a first frequency chosen from the list of large plurality of different frequencies; c) ceasing to transport RF energy during an off time t o , where the off time is less than a time where the tag loses one or more functions; d) repeating steps b) and c) using frequencies chosen in order from the list.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF transponder (RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising the steps of: a) determining a list of a large plurality of different frequencies; b) transporting RF electromagnetic wave energy for a first time from a base station to the remote RF tag at a first frequency chosen from the list of large plurality of different frequencies; c) ceasing to transport RF energy during an off time t o , where the off time is less than a time where the tag loses one or more functions; d) repeating steps b) and c) using frequencies chosen in order from the list.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the list is a list of frequencies in pseudo random order.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 11, wherein the tag antenna and the rectifying circuit of the remote RF tag are adapted to receive energy transmitted at each frequency of the list of frequencies in pseudo random order.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
172 words
A base station for transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising: an RF generator for sending RF signal; an RF amplifier/modulator for receiving the RF signal and for sending RF power to antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from a first frequency f 1 to a second frequency f 2 , the computer controlling the RF amplifier/modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced is less than the time where the RF tag energy store is depleted so that the tag electronics do not function.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
172 words
A base station for transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising: an RF generator for sending RF signal; an RF amplifier/modulator for receiving the RF signal and for sending RF power to antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from a first frequency f 1 to a second frequency f 2 , the computer controlling the RF amplifier/modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced is less than the time where the RF tag energy store is depleted so that the tag electronics do not function.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
68 words
The base station of claim 13, wherein the RF generator comprises: a first RF generator for generating the frequency f 1 ; a second RF generator for generating the frequency f 2 ; and and RF switch, wherein the computer controls the RF switch to switch the input of the RF amplifier/modulator from the output of the first RF generator to the output of the second RF generator.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
42 words
The bases station of claim 13, where the time during which the power is reduced is greater than a time when a sideband of f 1 is generated, the sideband of f 1 having a frequency and power forbidden by government regulation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base station of claim 13, where the time during which the power is reduced is less than 400 milliseconds.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base station of claim 16, where the time during which the power is reduced is less than 400 microseconds.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base station of claim 17, where the time during which the power is reduced is less than 50 microseconds.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for transporting RF energy from a base station to one or more remote RF tags, comprising: an RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics; and a base station comprising an RF generator, and RF amplifier/modulator for sending RF power to an antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from a first frequency f 1 to a second frequency f 2 , the computer controlling the RF amplifier /modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced is less than the time where the RF tag loses one or more functions.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for transporting RF energy from a base station to one or more remote RF tags, comprising: an RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics; and a base station comprising an RF generator, and RF amplifier/modulator for sending RF power to an antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from a first frequency f 1 to a second frequency f 2 , the computer controlling the RF amplifier /modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced is less than the time where the RF tag loses one or more functions.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
66 words
The system of claim 19, where the RF generator comprises: a first RF generator for generating the frequency f 1 ; a second RF generator for generating the frequency f 2 ; an RF switch, wherein the computer controls the RF switch to switch the input of the RF amplifier/modulator from the output of the first RF generator to the output of the second RF generator.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 19, where the time during which the power is reduced is greater than a time when a sideband of f 1 is generated, the sideband of f 1 having a frequency and power forbidden by government regulation.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 19, where the time during which the power is reduced is less than 400 milliseconds.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 22, where the time during which the power is reduced is less than 400 microseconds.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 23, where the time during which the power is reduced is less than 50 microseconds.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 19, where the RF generator comprises: a first RF generator for generating the frequency f 1 ; a second RF generator for generating the frequency f 2 ; and an RF switch, wherein the computer controls the RF switch to switch the input of the RF amplifier/modulator from the output of the first RF generator to the output of the second RF generator.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
224 words
A base station for transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising: an RF generator for sending an RF signal, where the RF generator comprises a first RF generator for generating a frequency f 1 , a second RF generator for generating a frequency f 2 , and an RF switch; an RF amplifier/modulator for receiving the RF signal and for sending RF power to an antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from the first frequency f 1 to the second frequency f 2 controlling the RF switch to switch the input of the RF amplifier/modulator from the output of the first RF generator to the output of the second RF generator, the computer controlling the RF amplifier/modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced less than the time where the RF tag loses one or more functions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
224 words
A base station for transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising: an RF generator for sending an RF signal, where the RF generator comprises a first RF generator for generating a frequency f 1 , a second RF generator for generating a frequency f 2 , and an RF switch; an RF amplifier/modulator for receiving the RF signal and for sending RF power to an antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from the first frequency f 1 to the second frequency f 2 controlling the RF switch to switch the input of the RF amplifier/modulator from the output of the first RF generator to the output of the second RF generator, the computer controlling the RF amplifier/modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced less than the time where the RF tag loses one or more functions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
201 words
A bases station for transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising: an RF generator for sending RF signal; an RF amplifier/modulator for receiving the RF signal and for sending RF power to an antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from a first frequency f 1 to a second frequency f 2 , the computer controlling the RF amplifier/modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced is less than the time where RF tag loses one or more functions and the time during which the power is reduced is greater than a time when a sideband of f 1 is generated, the sideband of f 1 having a frequency and power forbidden by government regulation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
201 words
A bases station for transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising: an RF generator for sending RF signal; an RF amplifier/modulator for receiving the RF signal and for sending RF power to an antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from a first frequency f 1 to a second frequency f 2 , the computer controlling the RF amplifier/modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced is less than the time where RF tag loses one or more functions and the time during which the power is reduced is greater than a time when a sideband of f 1 is generated, the sideband of f 1 having a frequency and power forbidden by government regulation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
180 words
A base station for transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising: an RF generator for sending an RF signal; an RF amplifier/modulator for receiving the RF signal for sending RF power to an antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from a first frequency f 1 to a second frequency f 2 , the computer controlling the RF amplifier/modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced is less than the time where the RF tag loses one or more functions and the time during which the power is reduced is less than 400 milliseconds.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
180 words
A base station for transporting Radio Frequency (RF) energy to an RF tag, the RF tag comprising at least one tag antenna, a rectifying circuit connected to the tag antenna for receiving energy from the tag antenna, a tag energy store for storing the energy received from the rectifying circuit, tag electronics, and means for delivering energy from the tag energy store to the tag electronics, comprising: an RF generator for sending an RF signal; an RF amplifier/modulator for receiving the RF signal for sending RF power to an antenna; and a computer, the computer controlling the RF generator to change from a first frequency f 1 to a second frequency f 2 , the computer controlling the RF amplifier/modulator to reduce power sent to the antenna during the entire time the RF generator is changing from f 1 to f 2 , where the time during which the power is reduced is less than the time where the RF tag loses one or more functions and the time during which the power is reduced is less than 400 milliseconds.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base station of claim 28, where the time during which the power is reduced is less than 400 microseconds.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The base station of claim 29, where the time during which the power is reduced is less than 50 microseconds.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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