The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 27, 2010
Filed:
Jul. 10, 2007
Robert Stewart, Boulder, CO (US);
Robert Stewart, Boulder, CO (US);
Allflex USA, Inc., DFW Airport, TX (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods are described for adapting a portable RFID reader to create a portable RFID reader assembly that includes an extension antenna. In many embodiments, the extension antenna can be added to increase the reach of the portable RFID reader. The extension antenna is inductively coupled to the portable RFID reader and in many embodiments, the extension antenna is retrofit to an existing portable RFID reader. In other embodiments, a portable RFID reader and one or more extension antennas are produced as part of a set. One embodiment of the invention includes a reader having reader circuitry configured to generate an activation signal, a first antenna, where the first antenna is electrically connected to the reader circuitry, a reader housing containing the reader circuitry, an extension antenna including an elongated housing, a second antenna located at one end of the housing, and a third antenna located at the opposite end of the housing, where the second antenna is electrically connected to the third antenna. In addition, the first antenna and second antenna are inductively coupled.