Zih Corporation

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Zih Corp., a Delaware Corporation with Its Principal Office in Hamilton, Bermuda

Robert S Gawelczyk

Boris Y Tsirline

Karl Torchalski

Anthony R Brown

Steven R Kovanko

Clive Paul Hohberger

Daniel F Donato

Mao Tian

Michael K Fein

Christopher Aiello

Robert A Ehrhardt

Mark B Urban

James M Rehberger

Tom Zwier

Derek J Hampson

Dan Monnier

Martin Andreas Karl Schwan

William Shuff

Carolyn M Ricci

Chris Aiello

H Mcleod Iii Willamson

H Mcleod Iii Williamson

An encoding module and related systems and components are provided. The encoding module includes a plurality of encoding elements arranged in an array of columns and rows and one or more switching elements configured to selectively connect the encoding elements to a reader. The connection of the encoding elements may be based on the location of a targeted transponder disposed among multiple adjacent transponders to ensure the selective communication with the targeted transponder only. The module is configured for various types and locations transponders to be used within a system, such as a printer-encoder. Each encoding element may include a loaded conductive strip comprising a loop shape portion and a shield that corresponds to the loop shape portion. In another embodiment, an access control system having an encoding module with the plurality of couplers and an access card having a plurality of transponders corresponding to the couplers is provided.

Encoding module, associated encoding element, connector, printer-encoder and access control system

A RFID system and an associated antenna-coupler are provided. The system may be for selectively communicating with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders is provided. The system may include a transponder conveyance, a transceiver, and an antenna-coupler. The transponder conveyance is adapted to transport at least one targeted transponder from a group of multiple adjacent transponders through a transponder operating region. The transceiver is configured to generate one or more electrical signals. The antenna-coupler has first and second microstrips in a cross-like arrangement relative to each other. Each of the first and second microstrips is configured to transmit one or more electro-magnetic fields concentrated in a near-field region of the antenna-coupler based on the one or more electrical signals for communicating with the targeted transponder.

RFID system and associated antenna-coupler

Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. An example spindle supported near field communication (NFC) device includes a spindle configured to mount to a mounting surface, the spindle having an axis of rotation; a beam shaping NFC device including: a ferromagnetic core portion coaxial with the spindle; a coil disposed around the core portion, the coil to generate a near field interrogation signal; a first ferromagnetic flange portion to direct the near field interrogation signal in directions extending radially from the axis and to restrict the near field interrogation signal from extending in a first axial direction associated with the axis; and a second ferromagnetic flange portion to direct the near field interrogation signal in the directions extending radially from the axis and to restrict the near field interrogation signal from extending in a second axial direction associated with the axis.

Spindle supported near field communication device

A system having a UHF RFID transceiver is adapted to communicate exclusively with a single electro-magnetically coupled transponder located in a predetermined confined transponder operating region. The system includes a near field coupling device comprising a plurality of lines connected in parallel with an unmatched load. The near field coupling device may be formed, for example on a printed circuit board with a plurality of electrically interconnected traces and a ground plane. The system establishes, at predetermined transceiver power levels, a mutual electro-magnetic coupling which is selective exclusively for a single transponder located in a defined transponder operating region. Also included are methods for selective communication with the transponder in an apparatus such as a printer-encoder.

Spatially selective UHF near field microstrip coupler device and RFID systems using device

Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a spindle supported near field communication (NFC) device including a spindle configured to mount to a mounting surface, and a beam shaping NFC device. The beam shaping NFC device may include: a ferromagnetic component including a core portion, wherein the core portion defines a core cavity and the spindle is inserted within the core cavity; and a wire coil disposed around the core portion. The ferromagnetic component may be configured to concentrate near field interrogation signals generated by the wire coil toward a near field interrogation region and away from the mounting surface, or other components capable of causing interference or degradation of the near field interrogation signals.

Media rolls, support structures for the media rolls, and media processing systems are provided. A media roll may include an identification transponder having retrievable information regarding the media units and associated media unit transponders wound around a core of the media roll. A support structure may include a spindle for supporting a media roll and include an identification coupler for communicating with the identification transponder. In addition to the spindle having the identification coupler, the media processing systems may include a second coupler for encoding the media unit transponders and a printhead for printing indicia onto the media units. The information retrieved from the identification transponder may be used to adjust one or more encoding and/or printing settings of the systems.

System for processing media units and an associated media roll

Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a printer that includes a housing and a beam shaping near field communication (NFC) device secured with the interior surface. The beam shaping NFC device may include a ferromagnetic component including a core portion and a bottom flange portion. The beam shaping NFC device may further include a wire coil disposed around the core portion. The ferromagnetic component may concentrate near field interrogation signals generated by the wire coil toward a near field interrogation region and away from nearby conductive components, such as the interior surface of the printer.

Beam shaping near field communication device

Media processing system and associated spindle

A RFID coupler capable of selectively communicating with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The coupler includes a grounded terminal load, a coupling element, a connecting element, an impedance matching element, and an input terminal. The coupling element is connected with the grounded terminal load and is configured to couple with the transponder by emanating an electromagnetic field. The input terminal is connected to a transceiver for receiving communication signals. The impedance matching element is connected to the input terminal and is configured to substantially match an input impedance of the coupler to a source impedance of the transceiver. The connecting element connects the impedance matching element to the coupling element. The coupling element and the impedance matching element are substantially parallel and separated by at least one dielectric layer and at least one ground plane.

Multi-layered efficient RFID coupler

Growing community of inventors

Chicago, IL, United States of America

Robert S Gawelczyk