US6133836A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wireless communication and identification packages, communication systems, methods of communicating, and methods of forming a communication device
Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
•
Filing: 1998-02-27
•
Granted: 2000-10-17
•
Expires: 2018-02-27
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides wireless communication and identification packages, communication systems, methods of identifying an identification device, methods of communicating, and methods of forming a communication device. In one aspect of the present invention, a wireless communication package includes a communication device having a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Inventors
- 👤 Freddie W. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 07:20
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/067; G06K19/07; G06K19/0723
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 85
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with substantially an entire outer surface of the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with substantially an entire outer surface of the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 1 wherein the communication device comprises a remote intelligent communication device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 1 wherein the communication device comprises a radio frequency identification device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 1 wherein the appendage comprises a spacer and a conductive layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 4 wherein the conductive layer forms a ground plane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 4 wherein the conductive layer includes an outer periphery, and the antenna includes a peripheral edge received within the confines of the outer periphery of the conductive layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 4 wherein the spacer has a width of approximately one quarter the wavelength of the wireless communication signals.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 1 wherein the appendage is configured to reflect radio frequency energy of the wireless communication signals toward the antenna.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 1 wherein the communication device further comprises a housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 9 wherein the appendage is coupled with the housing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 9 wherein the housing comprises an encapsulant and the substrate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 9 wherein the appendage is coupled with an entire surface of the housing, and the area of a conductive layer of the appendage is larger than the attached surface of the housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
The wireless communication package according to claim 1 wherein the at least one antenna includes a first antenna configured to receive wireless interrogation signals and a second antenna configured to output wireless identification signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
86 words
A wireless identification package comprising: a housing; at least one antenna borne by the housing, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless interrogation signals and output wireless identification signals; communication circuitry electrically coupled with the antenna, the communication circuitry being configured to process received wireless interrogation signals and form wireless identification signals; and an appendage coupled with a surface of the housing, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving wireless interrogation signals and outputting of wireless identification signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
86 words
A wireless identification package comprising: a housing; at least one antenna borne by the housing, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless interrogation signals and output wireless identification signals; communication circuitry electrically coupled with the antenna, the communication circuitry being configured to process received wireless interrogation signals and form wireless identification signals; and an appendage coupled with a surface of the housing, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving wireless interrogation signals and outputting of wireless identification signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 14 wherein the wireless communication package comprises a remote intelligent communication device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 14 wherein the wireless communication package comprises a radio frequency identification device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 14 wherein the appendage comprises a spacer and a conductive layer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 17 wherein the spacer has a thickness of approximately one quarter the wavelength of the wireless communication signals.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 17 wherein the conductive layer comprises a ground plane configured to cover an entire surface of the housing.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 19 wherein the area of the ground plane is greater than the area of the coupled surface of the housing.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 14 wherein the appendage is configured to reflect radio frequency energy to increase radio frequency energy at the antenna.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 14 wherein the housing comprises a substrate and an encapsulant.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
34 words
The wireless identification package according to claim 14 wherein the at least one antenna includes a first antenna configured to receive wireless interrogation signals and a second antenna configured to output wireless identification signals.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The package of claim 14 wherein the appendage is coupled with substantially the entire surface of the housing.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
109 words
A communication system comprising: an interrogator configured to output and receive wireless communication signals; and a wireless communication package configured to communicate with the interrogator, the wireless communication package including: a communication device including a housing, at least one antenna borne by the housing, the antenna being operable to at least one of output and receive wireless communication signals, and communication circuitry coupled with the antenna, the communication circuitry being configured to process received wireless communication signals and form wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with an external portion of the housing of the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance wireless communications of the communication device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
109 words
A communication system comprising: an interrogator configured to output and receive wireless communication signals; and a wireless communication package configured to communicate with the interrogator, the wireless communication package including: a communication device including a housing, at least one antenna borne by the housing, the antenna being operable to at least one of output and receive wireless communication signals, and communication circuitry coupled with the antenna, the communication circuitry being configured to process received wireless communication signals and form wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with an external portion of the housing of the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance wireless communications of the communication device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The communication system according to claim 25 wherein the communication device comprises a remote intelligent communication device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The communication system according to claim 25 wherein the communication device comprises a radio frequency identification device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The communication system according to claim 25 wherein the appendage includes a spacer and a conductive layer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The communication system according to claim 28 wherein the spacer has a width of approximately one quarter the wavelength of the wireless communication signals.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The communication system according to claim 25 wherein the appendage is configured to reflect radio frequency energy to increase radio frequency energy at the antenna.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The communication system according to claim 25 wherein the housing comprises a substrate and an encapsulant.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 25 wherein the appendage is coupled with substantially an entire surface of the housing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
201 words
A communication system comprising: an interrogator configured to output wireless interrogation signals and receive wireless identification signals; a wireless communication package configured to receive the wireless interrogation signals from the interrogator and output wireless identification signals to the interrogator, the wireless communication package including: a communication device including: a housing; a first antenna borne by the housing, the first antenna being operable to receive wireless interrogation signals; a second antenna borne by the housing, the second antenna being operable to output wireless identification signals; and communication circuitry coupled with the first and second antennas, the communication circuitry being configured to process received wireless interrogation signals and form wireless identification signals responsive to the wireless interrogation signals; and an appendage coupled with an entire surface of the housing of the communication device and the appendage being configured to enhance wireless communications of the communication device, the appendage including: a spacer attached to the surface of the housing and having a width of approximately one quarter of the wavelength of the wireless interrogation signals and the wireless identification signals; and a ground plane attached to the spacer, the ground plane being configured to reflect the wireless interrogation signals and the wireless identification signals.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
201 words
A communication system comprising: an interrogator configured to output wireless interrogation signals and receive wireless identification signals; a wireless communication package configured to receive the wireless interrogation signals from the interrogator and output wireless identification signals to the interrogator, the wireless communication package including: a communication device including: a housing; a first antenna borne by the housing, the first antenna being operable to receive wireless interrogation signals; a second antenna borne by the housing, the second antenna being operable to output wireless identification signals; and communication circuitry coupled with the first and second antennas, the communication circuitry being configured to process received wireless interrogation signals and form wireless identification signals responsive to the wireless interrogation signals; and an appendage coupled with an entire surface of the housing of the communication device and the appendage being configured to enhance wireless communications of the communication device, the appendage including: a spacer attached to the surface of the housing and having a width of approximately one quarter of the wavelength of the wireless interrogation signals and the wireless identification signals; and a ground plane attached to the spacer, the ground plane being configured to reflect the wireless interrogation signals and the wireless identification signals.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of communicating comprising: providing an identification device; coupling an appendage with substantially an entire outer surface of the identification device to increase radio frequency energy at an antenna of the identification device during communications; outputting a wireless interrogation signal using an interrogator; receiving the wireless interrogation within the identification device; outputting a wireless identification signal using the identification device, the outputting being responsive to the receiving of the interrogation signal; and receiving the wireless identification signal using the interrogator.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of communicating comprising: providing an identification device; coupling an appendage with substantially an entire outer surface of the identification device to increase radio frequency energy at an antenna of the identification device during communications; outputting a wireless interrogation signal using an interrogator; receiving the wireless interrogation within the identification device; outputting a wireless identification signal using the identification device, the outputting being responsive to the receiving of the interrogation signal; and receiving the wireless identification signal using the interrogator.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 34 wherein the coupling comprises coupling an appendage having a spacer and a conductive layer with the identification device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 34 wherein the coupling comprises coupling an appendage having a spacer and a conductive layer with the identification device, the spacer having a width of approximately one quarter the wavelength of the wireless interrogation and identification signals.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 34 wherein the increasing comprises reflecting the wireless interrogation signals toward the antenna.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method according to claim 34 further comprising enhancing the outputting.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 34 further comprising enhancing the outputting comprising reflecting the wireless identification signals using the appendage.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of communicating comprising: forming a communication device having a housing about at least one of communication circuitry and an antenna; receiving wireless communication signals using the communication device; outputting wireless communication signals using the communication device; and after the forming, coupling an appendage with the housing of the communication device to enhance at least one of the receiving and the outputting.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
63 words
A method of communicating comprising: forming a communication device having a housing about at least one of communication circuitry and an antenna; receiving wireless communication signals using the communication device; outputting wireless communication signals using the communication device; and after the forming, coupling an appendage with the housing of the communication device to enhance at least one of the receiving and the outputting.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 40 wherein the coupling comprises coupling an appendage having a spacer and a conductive layer with the communication device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 40 wherein the coupling comprises coupling an appendage having a spacer and a conductive layer with the communication device, the spacer having a width of approximately one quarter the wavelength of the wireless communication signals.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 40 wherein enhancing of the receiving comprises increasing radio frequency energy of received wireless communication signals at the antenna.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 40 wherein the enhancing comprises reflecting wireless communication signals.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 40 wherein the enhancing comprises reflecting wireless communication signals using a ground plane of the appendage.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 40 wherein the coupling comprises coupling the appendage with substantially an entire surface of the housing.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of forming a wireless communication package comprising: providing a substrate; supporting an antenna using the substrate; configuring the antenna to at least one of output and receive wireless communication signals; electrically coupling wireless communication circuitry with the antenna; forming a housing to house the antenna and the wireless communication circuitry; and after the forming coupling an appendage configured to enhance wireless communications with an external portion of the housing.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of forming a wireless communication package comprising: providing a substrate; supporting an antenna using the substrate; configuring the antenna to at least one of output and receive wireless communication signals; electrically coupling wireless communication circuitry with the antenna; forming a housing to house the antenna and the wireless communication circuitry; and after the forming coupling an appendage configured to enhance wireless communications with an external portion of the housing.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 47 comprises a method of forming a wireless communication package including a remote intelligent communication device.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 47 comprises a method of forming a wireless communication package including a radio frequency identification device.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 47 wherein the forming the housing comprises forming the housing about the antenna and wireless communication circuitry.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 47 wherein the forming the housing comprises encapsulating the communication circuitry, the antenna and a surface of the substrate.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 47 further comprising forming an appendage having a conductive layer and a spacer intermediate the housing and the conductive layer.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 47 further comprising configuring the appendage for reflecting wireless signals and increasing radio frequency energy at the antenna using the conductive layer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 47 further comprising receiving an outer peripheral edge of the antenna within the confines of an outer periphery of the appendage.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 47 wherein the coupling comprises coupling the appendage with substantially an entire surface of the housing.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of communicating comprising: outputting a radio frequency interrogation signal using an interrogator; receiving the radio frequency interrogation signal using a first antenna of a wireless identification device; coupling an appendage having a ground plane and a spacer with a housing of the wireless identification device; reflecting radio frequency energy of the radio frequency interrogation signal using the appendage; processing the radio frequency interrogation signal within the wireless identification device following the receiving; forming a radio frequency identification signal responsive to the processing of the radio frequency interrogation signal; outputting the radio frequency identification signal using a second antenna of the wireless identification device; reflecting radio frequency energy of the radio frequency identification signal using the appendage; spacing the first antenna and second antenna from the conductive layer a distance approximately equal to one quarter the wavelength of the radio frequency interrogation and identification signals using the spacer; and receiving the radio frequency identification signal using the interrogator.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of communicating comprising: outputting a radio frequency interrogation signal using an interrogator; receiving the radio frequency interrogation signal using a first antenna of a wireless identification device; coupling an appendage having a ground plane and a spacer with a housing of the wireless identification device; reflecting radio frequency energy of the radio frequency interrogation signal using the appendage; processing the radio frequency interrogation signal within the wireless identification device following the receiving; forming a radio frequency identification signal responsive to the processing of the radio frequency interrogation signal; outputting the radio frequency identification signal using a second antenna of the wireless identification device; reflecting radio frequency energy of the radio frequency identification signal using the appendage; spacing the first antenna and second antenna from the conductive layer a distance approximately equal to one quarter the wavelength of the radio frequency interrogation and identification signals using the spacer; and receiving the radio frequency identification signal using the interrogator.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
114 words
A communication system comprising: an interrogator configured to output and receive wireless communication signals; a wireless communication package configured to communicate with the interrogator, the wireless communication package including: a communication device including a housing, at least one antenna borne by the housing, the antenna being operable to at least one of output and receive wireless communication signals, and communication circuitry coupled with the antenna, the communication circuitry being configured to process received wireless communication signals and form wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with the housing of the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance wireless communications of the communication device; and wherein the housing comprises a substrate and an encapsulant.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
114 words
A communication system comprising: an interrogator configured to output and receive wireless communication signals; a wireless communication package configured to communicate with the interrogator, the wireless communication package including: a communication device including a housing, at least one antenna borne by the housing, the antenna being operable to at least one of output and receive wireless communication signals, and communication circuitry coupled with the antenna, the communication circuitry being configured to process received wireless communication signals and form wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with the housing of the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance wireless communications of the communication device; and wherein the housing comprises a substrate and an encapsulant.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of forming a wireless communication package comprising: providing a substrate; supporting an antenna using the substrate; configuring the antenna to at least one of output and receive wireless communication signals; electrically coupling wireless communication circuitry with the antenna; forming a housing; coupling an appendage configured to enhance wireless communications with the housing; and wherein the forming the housing comprises encapsulating the communication circuitry, the antenna and a surface of the substrate.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of forming a wireless communication package comprising: providing a substrate; supporting an antenna using the substrate; configuring the antenna to at least one of output and receive wireless communication signals; electrically coupling wireless communication circuitry with the antenna; forming a housing; coupling an appendage configured to enhance wireless communications with the housing; and wherein the forming the housing comprises encapsulating the communication circuitry, the antenna and a surface of the substrate.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
97 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage comprising a spacer and a conductive layer coupled with the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
97 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage comprising a spacer and a conductive layer coupled with the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
The wireless communication package of claim 59 wherein the conductive layer forms a ground plane.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
34 words
The wireless communication package of claim 59 wherein the conductive layer includes an outer periphery, and the antenna includes a peripheral edge received within the confines of the outer periphery of the conductive layer.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
24 words
The wireless communication package of claim 59 wherein the spacer has a width of approximately one quarter the wavelength of the wireless communication signals.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
96 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a housing comprising an encapsulant and a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
96 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a housing comprising an encapsulant and a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
119 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a housing including a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with an entire surface of the housing of the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna, and the area of a conductive layer of the appendage is larger than the attached surface of the housing.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
119 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a housing including a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and at least one antenna electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the antenna being configured to at least one of receive wireless communication signals and output wireless communication signals; and an appendage coupled with an entire surface of the housing of the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna, and the area of a conductive layer of the appendage is larger than the attached surface of the housing.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
97 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and a first antenna and a second antenna individually electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the first antenna being configured to receive wireless interrogation signals and the second antenna being configured to output wireless identification signals; and an appendage coupled with the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
97 words
A wireless communication package comprising: a communication device including: a substrate; communication circuitry borne by the substrate, the communication circuitry being configured to at least one of process and form wireless communication signals; and a first antenna and a second antenna individually electrically coupled with the communication circuitry, the first antenna being configured to receive wireless interrogation signals and the second antenna being configured to output wireless identification signals; and an appendage coupled with the communication device, the appendage being configured to enhance at least one of receiving and outputting of wireless communication signals via the antenna.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of communicating comprising: providing an identification device; coupling an appendage having a spacer and a conductive layer with the identification device to increase radio frequency energy at an antenna of the identification device during communications; outputting a wireless interrogation signal using an interrogator; receiving the wireless interrogation signal within the identification device; outputting a wireless identification signal using the identification device, the outputting being responsive to the receiving of the interrogation signal; and receiving the wireless identification signal using the interrogator.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of communicating comprising: providing an identification device; coupling an appendage having a spacer and a conductive layer with the identification device to increase radio frequency energy at an antenna of the identification device during communications; outputting a wireless interrogation signal using an interrogator; receiving the wireless interrogation signal within the identification device; outputting a wireless identification signal using the identification device, the outputting being responsive to the receiving of the interrogation signal; and receiving the wireless identification signal using the interrogator.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 66 wherein the spacer has a width of approximately one quarter the wavelength of the wireless interrogation and identification signals.
Claim 83
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of communicating comprising: forming a communication device including supporting communication circuitry and an antenna using a substrate; receiving wireless communication signals using the communication device; outputting wireless communication signals using the communication device; and after the forming, coupling an appendage having a spacer and a conductive layer with the communication device to enhance at least one of the receiving and the outputting.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of communicating comprising: forming a communication device including supporting communication circuitry and an antenna using a substrate; receiving wireless communication signals using the communication device; outputting wireless communication signals using the communication device; and after the forming, coupling an appendage having a spacer and a conductive layer with the communication device to enhance at least one of the receiving and the outputting.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 68 wherein the spacer has a width of approximately one quarter the wavelength of the wireless communication signals.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-04-17 | 2004-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | 2008-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-17 | 2012-04-17 | 2012-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |