A bracket for amplifying the antenna gain associated with installable RFID tags.

Abstract

A bracket for amplifying the antenna gain associated with an installable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is disclosed. An example device includes a bracket and an RFID tag. The bracket has a base, a first zigzag amplifying arm, and a second zigzag amplifying arm. The first zigzag amplifying arm is connected to the base and extends away from the base along a first direction, and the second zigzag amplifying arm is connected to the base and extends away from the base along a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The RFID tag is mounted to the base of the bracket. The first and second zigzag amplifying arms are respectively configured to: amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 827,234, filed March 23, 2020, entitled "Brackets for Amplifying AntennaGain Associated with Mountable RFID Tags". The entire contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 827,234 are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to installable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and more specifically, to a bracket for amplifying the antenna gain associated with installable RFID tags. Background Technology

[0004] RFID tags include radio frequency (RF) circuitry that enables data and / or information (e.g., identification information) stored on and / or in the RFID tag to be read and / or otherwise transmitted to a remotely located RFID tag reader and / or interrogator to provide the RFID tag's identity and / or location. In industrial process environments, RFID tags are typically suspended from and / or mounted to field and / or process equipment, allowing for remote determination of the identity and / or location of such equipment and / or gear within the process environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses a bracket for amplifying the antenna gain associated with a mountable RFID tag. In some disclosed examples, a device includes a bracket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In some disclosed examples, the bracket includes a base, a first zigzag amplifying arm, and a second zigzag amplifying arm, the first zigzag amplifying arm being connected to the base and extending away from the base in a first direction, and the second zigzag amplifying arm being connected to the base and extending away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some disclosed examples, the RFID tag is mounted to the base of the bracket. In some disclosed examples, the first zigzag amplifying arm and the second zigzag amplifying arm are respectively configured to: amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

[0006] In some disclosed examples, an apparatus includes a bracket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In some disclosed examples, the bracket includes a base and a zigzag amplifying arm connected to the base and extending away from the base in a first direction. In some disclosed examples, the RFID tag is mounted to the base of the bracket. In some disclosed examples, the zigzag amplifying arm is configured to: amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

[0007] In some disclosed examples, a device includes a bracket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In some disclosed examples, the bracket includes a central portion, a first amplifying arm, and a second amplifying arm. The first amplifying arm is connected to the central portion and extends away from the central portion along a first direction, and the second amplifying arm is connected to the central portion and extends away from the central portion along a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some disclosed examples, the first amplifying arm includes a through-hole configured to receive a fastener for suspending the bracket from an object. In some disclosed examples, the RFID tag is mounted to the central portion of the bracket. In some disclosed examples, the first and second amplifying arms are each configured to: amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example RFID tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a first example bracket constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 It includes installation to Figure 2 The bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID hanging tag.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tags.

[0013] Figure 6 Is as Figure 3 and Figure 4 Example diagram of antenna gain as a function of azimuth angle of RFID suspended tag.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a front view of a second example bracket constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 8 It includes installation to Figure 7 The bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID hanging tag.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tags.

[0018] Figure 11 Is as Figure 8 and Figure 9 Example diagram of antenna gain as a function of azimuth angle of RFID suspended tag.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a front view of a third example bracket constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 13 It includes installation to Figure 12 The bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID tag mounted on an RFID mountable bracket.

[0021] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Rear view of the RFID mountable bracket.

[0022] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 and Figure 14 Example surface current density distribution of an RFID mountable bracket.

[0023] Figure 16 Is as Figure 13 and Figure 14 Example diagram of antenna gain as a function of azimuth angle of RFID mountable bracket.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a front view of a fourth example bracket constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 18 It includes installation to Figure 17 The bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID hanging tag.

[0026] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0027] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 and Figure 19 Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tags.

[0028] Figure 21 Is as Figure 18 and Figure 19 Example diagram of antenna gain as a function of azimuth angle of RFID suspended tag.

[0029] Figure 22 This is a front view of the fifth example bracket constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 23 It includes installation to Figure 22 The bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID hanging tag.

[0031] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0032] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 and Figure 24 Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tags.

[0033] Figure 26 Is as Figure 23 and Figure 24 Example diagram of antenna gain as a function of azimuth angle of RFID suspended tag.

[0034] Figure 27 This is a front view of the sixth example bracket constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 28 It includes installation to Figure 27 The bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID tag mounted on an RFID mountable bracket.

[0036] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 Rear view of the RFID mountable bracket.

[0037] Figure 30 yes Figure 28 and Figure 29 Example surface current density distribution of an RFID mountable bracket.

[0038] Figure 31 Is as Figure 28 and Figure 29 Example diagram of antenna gain as a function of azimuth angle of RFID mountable bracket.

[0039] Figure 32 This is a front view of the seventh example bracket constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 33 It includes installation to Figure 32 The bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID hanging tag.

[0041] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0042] Figure 35 yes Figure 33 and Figure 34 Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tags.

[0043] Figure 36 Is as Figure 33 and Figure 34 Example diagram of antenna gain as a function of azimuth angle of RFID suspended tag.

[0044] Figure 37 This is an example diagram showing the reading range as a function of azimuth.

[0045] Figure 38 This is a magnified front view of the example convoluted configuration.

[0046] Figure 39 This is an enlarged front view of the first example alternative convoluted configuration.

[0047] Figure 40 This is a perspective view of an example RFID hanging tag, which includes tags mounted on... Figure 7 The bracket Figure 1 The RFID tag was modified to include Figure 39 The first alternative is a convoluted configuration.

[0048] Figure 41 yes Figure 40 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0049] Figure 42 This is a perspective view of an example RFID hanging tag, which includes tags mounted on... Figure 17 The bracket Figure 1 The RFID tag was modified to include Figure 39 The first alternative is a convoluted configuration.

[0050] Figure 43 yes Figure 42 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0051] Figure 44 This is an enlarged front view of the second example alternative convoluted configuration.

[0052] Figure 45 This is a perspective view of an example RFID hanging tag, which includes tags mounted on... Figure 7 The bracket Figure 1 The RFID tag was modified to include Figure 44 The second alternative is a convoluted configuration.

[0053] Figure 46 yes Figure 45 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0054] Figure 47 This is a perspective view of an example RFID hanging tag, which includes tags mounted on... Figure 17 The bracket Figure 1 The RFID tag was modified to include Figure 44 The second alternative is a convoluted configuration.

[0055] Figure 48 yes Figure 47 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag.

[0056] Certain examples are shown in the above figures and described in detail below. In describing these examples, the same or similar reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and for clarity and / or simplicity, certain features and views in the figures may be shown to scale or as enlarged schematically.

[0057] The descriptors “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein to identify multiple elements or components that can be individually mentioned. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on the context of their use, such descriptors are not intended to imply any temporal priority or order, but are merely labels used to separately refer to multiple elements or components for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in the claims by different descriptors such as “second” or “third.” In such cases, it should be understood that the use of such descriptors is merely for the purpose of facilitating reference to multiple elements or components. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In industrial process environments, RFID tags are typically suspended and / or installed on field and / or process equipment, enabling remote identification and / or location of such equipment within the process environment. In some cases, field or process equipment items with RFID tags may not be directly accessible, such as when the equipment is located in a restricted area or when it is obstructed by obstacles. In such situations, attempting to directly access the field or process equipment can put workers at risk. This risk can be mitigated (e.g., eliminated) by increasing the communication range (e.g., read range) associated with the RFID tag.

[0059] In isolation, known mountable RFID tags typically have a maximum antenna gain of -65 dBm or less, and a maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) of 5 feet or less. When such a known RFID tag is mounted to the example bracket disclosed herein, the example bracket advantageously amplifies the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag, and thus increases the maximum communication range associated with the RFID tag (e.g., maximum read range). As used herein in conjunction with the description of the gain associated with the antenna of the RFID tag, the terms “amplify” and / or any of their derivatives (e.g., “increase,” “enhance,” etc.) mean increasing the gain associated with the antenna of the RFID tag by incorporating the available electromagnetic field for more efficient power transmission of the RFID tag. In some examples, the bracket disclosed herein can increase the maximum communication range associated with the RFID tag (e.g., maximum read range) to 30 feet or more. Therefore, the example brackets disclosed herein enable RFID tag readers and / or interrogators to determine one or more of the following from a securely located remote location: (1) the identity and / or location of the RFID tag; (2) the identity and / or location of an object (e.g., field equipment) to which the bracket-mounted RFID tag is suspended; and / or (3) the identity and / or location of an object (e.g., field equipment) to which the bracket-mounted RFID tag is mounted.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example RFID tag 100 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 includes an example front surface 102 and an example rear surface 104 positioned relative to the front surface 102. Figure 1 In the example shown, the front surface 102, the rear surface 104, and / or more generally, the RFID tag 100 has a rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 1As shown, the RFID tag 100 has a length of approximately 31.0 mm, a width of approximately 31.0 mm, and a thickness of approximately 6.9 mm, where the length and width are the dimensions of the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100, and the thickness is the dimension between the front surface 102 and the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. In other examples, the front surface 102, the rear surface 104, and / or more generally, the RFID tag 100 may have different shapes and / or dimensions than described above. For example, the front surface 102, the rear surface 104, and / or more generally, the RFID tag 100 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have dimensions larger or smaller than those described above.

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the RFID tag 100 also includes an example through-hole 106, which extends from the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 to the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. A corresponding through-hole in the through-hole 106 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener to secure, couple, and / or mount the RFID tag 100 to a bracket. Fasteners may include, for example, one or more screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 1 In the example shown, the RFID tag 100 includes a total of two through holes 106, which are located at opposite corners of the RFID tag 100. In other examples, the RFID tag 100 may include a different number of through holes 106 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), and such through holes 106 may be located at... Figure 1 The positions shown are different.

[0062] Figure 1 RFID tag 100 includes radio frequency circuitry (e.g., located at...) Figure 1 Within the RFID tag 100 between the front surface 102 and the rear surface 104, the radio frequency circuitry enables data and / or information (e.g., identification information) stored on and / or in the RFID tag 100 to be read by and / or otherwise transmitted to a remotely located RFID tag reader and / or interrogator to provide the identity and / or location of the RFID tag 100. In some examples, Figure 1 The radio frequency circuitry of the RFID tag 100 operates and / or responds to a radio frequency band with a center frequency of approximately 915 MHz. In some examples, Figure 1 The radio frequency circuitry of the RFID tag 100 includes one or more internal antennas with associated gain. In some examples, it is associated with isolated... Figure 1The maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., an RFID tag 100 not mounted to a bracket) is approximately -65 dBm. In some examples, with isolated... Figure 1 The maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., the RFID tag 100 not mounted to the bracket) is less than five feet (e.g., about two to three feet).

[0063] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a first example support 200 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 2 The support 200 includes an example central portion 202, a first example magnifying arm 204, and a second example magnifying arm 206. The first magnifying arm 204 is connected to (e.g., integrally formed therewith) the central portion 202 and extends away from the central portion 202 in an example first direction 208. The second magnifying arm 206 is connected to the central portion 202 (e.g., integrally formed therewith) and extends away from the central portion 202 in an example second direction 210 opposite to the first direction 208. The first magnifying arm 204 forms and / or defines an example first end 212 of the support 200, and the second magnifying arm 206 forms and / or defines an example second end 214 of the support 200 positioned opposite to the first end 212. Figure 2 In the example shown, the central portion 202, the first amplifying arm 204, the second amplifying arm 206, and / or more generally, the support 200 has an example front surface 216 and an example rear surface 218 positioned opposite the front surface 216. The central portion 202, the first amplifying arm 204, the second amplifying arm 206, and / or more generally, the support 200 is preferably formed of one or more conductive metallic materials of any thickness (e.g., metal sheets, metal strips, signal traces on printed circuit boards, etc.).

[0064] Figure 2 The central portion 202 of the bracket 200 includes an example through-hole 220 extending from the front surface 216 of the central portion 202 to the rear surface 218 of the central portion 202. The corresponding through-hole 220 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener to... Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 is fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the central portion 202 of the bracket 200. Fasteners associated with the through-hole 220 may include, for example, one or more screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 2 In the example shown, the central portion 202 of the bracket 200 includes a total of two through holes 220, which are located at opposite corners of the central portion 202. In other examples, the central portion 202 of the bracket 200 may include a different number of through holes 220 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), and such through holes 220 may be located at... Figure 2 The positions shown are different.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the central portion 202 of the support 200 has a flat rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the central portion 202 of the support 200 has a length of approximately 32.0 mm, a width of approximately 32.0 mm, and a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, wherein the length and width are dimensions of the front surface 216 of the central portion 202, and the thickness is the dimension between the front surface 216 and the rear surface 218 of the central portion 202. In other examples, Figure 2 The central portion 202 of the support 200 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the central portion 202 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0066] Figure 2 The first amplifying arm 204 of the bracket 200 includes an example through-hole 222 located near the first end 212 of the bracket 200 and extending from the front surface 216 of the first amplifying arm 204 to the rear surface 218 of the first amplifying arm 204. The through-hole 222 is configured to receive fasteners to suspend the bracket 200 to an object (e.g., field equipment) and / or otherwise couple the bracket 200 to an object (e.g., field equipment). Fasteners associated with the through-hole 222 may include, for example, cable ties, cables, wires, ropes, straps, etc.

[0067] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the first amplifying arm 204 and the second amplifying arm 206 of the bracket 200 each have a flat, generally rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the first magnifying arm 204 of the bracket 200 has a length of approximately 54.0 mm, a width of approximately 32.0 mm, and a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, wherein the length and width are dimensions of the front surface 216 of the first magnifying arm 204, and the thickness is the dimension between the front surface 216 and the rear surface 218 of the first magnifying arm 204. The shape and / or dimensions of the second magnifying arm 206 are similar to those of the first magnifying arm 204. In other examples, Figure 2 The first magnifying arm 204 and / or the second magnifying arm 206 of the support 200 may have different shapes and / or sizes than those described above. For example, the first magnifying arm 204 and / or the second magnifying arm 206 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have sizes larger or smaller than those described above.

[0068] exist Figure 2In the example shown, the example distance 224 between the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the bracket 200 is approximately 140.0 mm. In other examples, the distance 224 between the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the bracket 200 can range from approximately 120.0 mm to approximately 160.0 mm. In some examples, the distance 224 between the first end 212 and the second end 214 of the bracket 200 preferably does not exceed a distance value equal to the distance of the RFID tag to be mounted on the bracket 200 (e.g., Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 operates and / or responds to a radio frequency (e.g., a center frequency of 915 MHz) of half the wavelength.

[0069] Figure 3 It includes installation to Figure 2 200 bracket Figure 1 An example RFID tag 100 and a perspective view of an RFID hanging tag 300. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 300. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, an RFID hanging tag 300 is formed by positioning the RFID tag 100 on the central portion 202 of the bracket 200 such that the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100 faces and / or contacts the front surface 216 of the central portion 202 of the bracket 200. Figure 3 and Figure 4 When positioned on the bracket 200, the RFID tag 100 can be fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the bracket 200 via fasteners (e.g., threaded rivets) that pass through a through-hole 220 of the central portion 202 of the bracket 200 from the rear surface 218 of the central portion 202 of the bracket 200 and into a through-hole 106 of the RFID tag 100. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The assembled RFID suspension tag 300 is configured to be suspended from an object (e.g., field equipment) via a fastener (e.g., cable tie, cable, wire, rope, strap, etc.) passing through a through hole 222 formed in the first amplifying arm 204 of the bracket 200.

[0070] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4In the example shown, the first amplifying arm 204 and the second amplifying arm 206 of the bracket 200 respectively amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., the gain of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100). By amplifying the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100, the first amplifying arm 204 and the second amplifying arm 206 operate together as a dipole antenna that increases the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100. For example, when the RFID tag 100 is mounted to the central portion 202 of the bracket 200 to form as described above... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the RFID tag 300 is suspended, the first amplifying arm 204 and the second amplifying arm 206 can increase the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100 by fifteen feet or more. In such an example, with an isolated RFID tag 100 (e.g., not installed to...), Figure 2 The maximum communication range of the bracket 200 is only 5 feet or less at a center frequency of 915 MHz, compared to the maximum communication range of the RFID tag 100 associated with the RFID hanging tag 300, which can be 20 feet or more at a center frequency of 915 MHz.

[0071] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tag 300 500. Figure 5 The surface current density distribution curve 500 shows the surface current density of the RFID hanging tag 300 with a center frequency of 915MHz. (Example:) Figure 5 As shown, the first amplifying arm 204 and the second amplifying arm 206 of the bracket 200 operate together as a dipole antenna and / or resonator for the RFID tag 100, with most of the resonant behavior occurring along the edges of the first amplifying arm 204 and the second amplifying arm 206 of the bracket 200. A through-hole 222 formed in the first amplifying arm 204 of the bracket 200 is located in the quiescent region of the first amplifying arm 204, thereby allowing... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The RFID hanging tag 300 can be suspended vertically from a metal object (e.g., the metal housing of a field device) via a metal fastener (e.g., a metal wire) passing through the through-hole 222, without the metal fastener intersecting the resonant edges of the first amplifying arm 204 and / or the second amplifying arm 206 of the bracket 200.

[0072] Figure 6 Is as Figure 3 and Figure 4 Figure 600 shows an example of the antenna gain as a function of the azimuth angle of an RFID hanging tag 300. Figure 6 In the example shown, the azimuth angle of 0 degrees (0°) corresponds to the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100, while the azimuth angle of 180 degrees (180°) corresponds to the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. The maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 in an isolated state is approximately -65 dBm at both the front surface 102 (e.g., at 0°) and the rear surface (e.g., at 180°). By comparison, Figure 6 Figure 600 shows that the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID hanging tag 300 is approximately -9 dBm at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) and approximately -13 dBm at the rear surface of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 180°). Therefore, the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 is in response to the RFID tag 100 being mounted to the bracket 200 to form... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The number of RFID hanging tags has increased significantly by 300.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a front view of a second example support 700 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 7 The support 700 includes an example base 702, a first example zigzag magnifying arm 704, and a second example zigzag magnifying arm 706. The first zigzag magnifying arm 704 is circumferentially positioned relative to and / or connected to the base 702 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 702) and generally extends away from the base 702 along an example first direction 708, and the second zigzag magnifying arm 706 is circumferentially positioned relative to and / or connected to the base 702 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 702) and generally extends away from the base 702 along an example second direction 710 opposite to the first direction 708. The first zigzag magnifying arm 704 forms and / or defines an example first end 712 of the support 700, while the second zigzag magnifying arm 706 forms and / or defines an example second end 714 of the support 700, located opposite the first end 712 of the support 700. Figure 7 In the example shown, the base 702, the first zigzag amplifying arm 704, the second zigzag amplifying arm 706, and / or more generally, the support 700 has an example front surface 716 and an example rear surface 802 positioned relative to the front surface 716 (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 8 (As shown). The base 702, the first zigzag amplifying arm 704, the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 and / or more generally, the support 700 is preferably formed of one or more conductive metal materials of any thickness (e.g., metal sheets, metal strips, signal traces on printed circuit boards, etc.).

[0074] Figure 7The base 702 of the bracket 700 includes an example through-hole 718 that extends from the front surface 716 of the base 702 to the rear surface 802 of the base 702. The corresponding through-hole 718 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener to... Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 is fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the base 702 of the bracket 700. Fasteners associated with the through-hole 718 may include, for example, one or more screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 7 In the example shown, the base 702 of the bracket 700 includes a total of two through holes 718, which are positioned relative to each other at opposite corners of the base 702. In other examples, the base 702 of the bracket 700 may include a different number of through holes 718 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), and such through holes 718 may be located relative to... Figure 7 The positions shown are different.

[0075] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the base 702 of the support 700 has a flat rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the base 702 of the bracket 700 has a length of approximately 32.0 mm and a width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the length and width are dimensions of the front surface 716 of the base 702. The base 702 of the bracket 700 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 716 and the rear surface 802 of the base 702. In other examples, Figure 7 The base 702 of the support 700 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the base 702 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0076] Figure 7 The first zigzag amplifying arm 704 of the bracket 700 has an example zigzag configuration 720, which facilitates amplification with RFID tags (e.g., RFID tags) to be mounted onto the bracket 700. Figure 1 The antenna gain associated with the RFID tag (100). The following is combined with... Figure 38 A more detailed description of the zigzag configuration 720 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 704 is provided. Figure 7 In the example shown, the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 of the bracket 700 has the same zigzag configuration 720 implemented by the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 of the bracket 700. In other examples, the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 of the bracket 700 may have a zigzag configuration different from the zigzag configuration 720 implemented by the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 of the bracket 700. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 39 and Figure 44 A more detailed description can be found by Figure 7Example alternative zigzag configurations implemented by either or both of the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 and / or the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 of the bracket 700.

[0077] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 of the bracket 700 each have a flat, generally rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the first zigzag magnifying arm 704 of the bracket 700 has an overall length of approximately 26.0 mm and an overall width of approximately 32.0 mm, wherein the overall length and overall width are the overall dimensions of the front surface 716 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 704. The first zigzag magnifying arm 704 of the bracket 700 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, wherein this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 716 and the rear surface 802 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 704. The shape and / or dimensions of the second zigzag magnifying arm 706 are similar to those of the first zigzag magnifying arm 704. In other examples, Figure 7 The first zigzag magnifying arm 704 and / or the second zigzag magnifying arm 706 of the bracket 700 may have different shapes and / or sizes than those described above. For example, the first zigzag magnifying arm 704 and / or the second zigzag magnifying arm 706 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have sizes larger or smaller than those described above.

[0078] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the example distance 722 between the first end 712 and the second end 714 of the bracket 700 is approximately 84.0 mm. In other examples, the distance 722 between the first end 712 and the second end 714 of the bracket 700 can range from approximately 64.0 mm to approximately 104.0 mm. In some examples, the distance 722 between the first end 712 and the second end 714 of the bracket 700 preferably does not exceed a distance value equal to the distance of the RFID tag to be mounted on the bracket 700 (e.g., Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 operates and / or responds to a radio frequency (e.g., a center frequency of 915 MHz) of half the wavelength.

[0079] Figure 8 It includes installation to Figure 7 700 bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID tag 100 and an RFID hanging tag 800. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 800. Figure 8 and Figure 9The RFID hanging tag 800 includes an example housing 804 having an example front surface 806 and an example rear surface 808. The example front surface 806 is oriented in the same direction as the front surface 716 of the bracket 700, and the example rear surface 808 is positioned relative to the front surface 806 and oriented in the same direction as the rear surface 802 of the bracket 700. The housing 804 supports and / or surrounds a first flexure amplifying arm 704 and a second flexure amplifying arm 706 of the bracket 700 to increase their mechanical integrity relative to the base 702 of the bracket 700 (e.g., to prevent the first flexure amplifying arm 704 and / or the second flexure amplifying arm 706 from bending relative to the base 702 of the bracket 700).

[0080] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The housing 804 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed to cover, contain, and / or surround) Figure 7 At least a portion (e.g., substantially all) of the support 700. For example, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, housing 804 covers, contains, and / or surrounds Figure 7 The bracket 700 is essentially a single unit, except for the front surface 716 of the base 702 of the bracket 700, which is the area reserved for the placement and / or installation of the RFID tag 100. The housing 804 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic, or porcelain. Forming the housing 804 of such a non-conductive material advantageously shields and / or insulates the enclosed components of the bracket 700 of the RFID pendant tag 800 (e.g., the first zigzag arm 704 and the second zigzag arm 706) from contacting one or more metal parts of the object (e.g., field equipment) on which the RFID pendant tag 800 may be suspended or coupled.

[0081] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The housing 804 includes an example first portion 810 and an example second portion 812. The first portion 810 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, accommodate, and / or surround the support 700 as described above. The second portion 812 is connected to and extends from the first portion 810. The second portion 812 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to support through-holes spaced apart from the support 700. Figure 8 and Figure 9In the example shown, the first portion 810 of the housing 804 has a flat, generally rectangular shape corresponding to the flat, generally rectangular shape of the support 700. The second portion 812 of the housing 804 has a flat, generally hemispherical shape corresponding in width to the first portion 810 of the housing 804. In other examples, the first portion 810 and / or the second portion 812 of the housing 804 may have different shapes. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The shape shown.

[0082] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the example shown, the first portion 810 of the housing 804 includes an example through-hole 902 that passes through the rear surface 808 of the housing 804 and is positioned to align with the aforementioned through-hole 718 of the base 702 of the bracket 700. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The RFID hanging tag 800 is formed by positioning the RFID tag 100 on the base 702 of the bracket 700 (e.g., the bracket 700 is at least partially surrounded by the housing 804) such that the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100 faces and / or contacts the front surface 716 of the base 702 of the bracket 700. When... Figure 8 and Figure 9 When positioned on the bracket 700, the RFID tag 100 can be fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the bracket 700 via fasteners (e.g., threaded rivets) that pass through a through-hole 902 in the housing 804 from the rear surface 808, through a through-hole 718 in the base 702 of the bracket 700, and into a through-hole 106 in the RFID tag 100.

[0083] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the example shown, the second portion 812 of the housing 804 includes an example through-hole 814 that is spaced apart from the bracket 700 and extends from the front surface 806 of the housing 804 to the rear surface 808 of the housing 804. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The assembled RFID suspension tag 800 is configured to be suspended from an object (e.g., field equipment) via a fastener (e.g., cable tie, cable, wire, rope, strap, etc.) passing through a through hole 814 formed in the housing 804.

[0084] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9In the example shown, the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 of the bracket 700 respectively amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., the gain of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100). By amplifying the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100, the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 operate together as a zigzag dipole antenna, which increases the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100. For example, when the RFID tag 100 is mounted to the base 702 of the bracket 700 to form as described above... Figure 8 and Figure 9 When the RFID tag 800 is suspended, the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 can increase the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100 by 25 feet or more. In such an example, with an isolated RFID tag 100 (e.g., not installed to...), Figure 7 The maximum communication range of the bracket 700 is only 5 feet or less at a center frequency of 915 MHz, compared to the maximum communication range of the RFID tag 100 associated with the RFID hanging tag 800 at a center frequency of 915 MHz, which can be 30 feet or more.

[0085] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 Example surface current density distribution curve of RFID hanging tag 800 1000. Figure 10 The surface current density distribution curve 1000 shows the surface current density of an RFID hanging tag 800 with a center frequency of 915 MHz. (Example:) Figure 10 As shown, the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 706 of the bracket 700 operate together as a zigzag dipole antenna and / or resonator of the RFID tag 100, with most of the resonant behavior occurring along the first example feed arm 1002 of the first zigzag amplifying arm 704 and the second example feed arm 1004 of the second zigzag amplifying arm 706.

[0086] Figure 11 Is as Figure 8 and Figure 9 Figure 1100 shows an example of the antenna gain as a function of the azimuth angle of an RFID hanging tag of 800. Figure 11In the example shown, the azimuth angle of 0 degrees (0°) corresponds to the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100, while the azimuth angle of 180 degrees (180°) corresponds to the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. The maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 in an isolated state is approximately -65 dBm at both the front surface 102 (e.g., at 0°) and the rear surface (e.g., at 180°). By comparison, Figure 11 Figure 1100 shows that the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID hanging tag 800 is approximately -6 dBm at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) and approximately -8 dBm at the rear surface of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 180°). Therefore, the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 is in response to the RFID tag 100 being mounted to the bracket 700 to form... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The number of RFID hanging tags has increased significantly by 800.

[0087] Figure 12 This is a front view of a third example support 1200 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 12 The bracket 1200 includes an example base 1202, a first example zigzag magnifying arm 1204, a second example zigzag magnifying arm 1206, and an example mounting arm 1208. The first zigzag magnifying arm 1204 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 1202 and / or attached to the base 1202 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 1202), and generally extends away from the base 1202 in an example first direction 1210. The second zigzag magnifying arm 1206 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 1202 and / or attached to the base 1202 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 1202), and generally extends away from the base 1202 along an example second direction 1212 opposite to the first direction 1210. Mounting arm 1208 is circumferentially positioned relative to and / or attached to base 1202 (e.g., integrally formed with base 1202) and extends away from base 1202 along an example third direction 1214, which is orthogonally oriented relative to a first direction 1210 and a second direction 1212. A first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 forms and / or defines an example first end 1216 of bracket 1200, while a second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 forms and / or defines an example second end 1218 of bracket 1200, which is positioned relative to the first end 1216 of bracket 1200. Figure 12 In the example shown, the base 1202, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204, the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206, the mounting arm 1208, and / or more generally, the bracket 1200 has an example front surface 1220 and an example rear surface 1302 positioned opposite the front surface 1220 (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 13 (As shown). The base 1202, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204, the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206, the mounting arm 1208 and / or more generally, the bracket 1200 is preferably formed of one or more conductive metal materials of any thickness (e.g., metal sheets, metal strips, signal traces on printed circuit boards, etc.).

[0088] Figure 12 The base 1202 of the bracket 1200 includes an example through-hole 1222, which extends from the front surface 1220 of the base 1202 to the rear surface 1302 of the base 1202. A corresponding through-hole in the through-hole 1222 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener to... Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 is fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the base 1202 of the bracket 1200. Fasteners associated with the through-hole 1222 may include, for example, one or more screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 12 In the example shown, the base 1202 of the bracket 1200 includes a total of two through holes 1222, which are located at opposite corners of the base 1202. In other examples, the base 1202 of the bracket 1200 may include a different number of through holes 1222 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), and such through holes 1222 may be located relative to... Figure 12 The positions shown are different.

[0089] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, the base 1202 of the support 1200 has a flat rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the base 1202 of the support 1200 has a length of approximately 32.0 mm and a width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the length and width are dimensions of the front surface 1220 of the base 1202. The base 1202 of the support 1200 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 1220 and the rear surface 1302 of the base 1202. In other examples, Figure 12 The base 1202 of the support 1200 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the base 1202 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0090] Figure 12 The first zigzag magnifying arm 1204 of the bracket 1200 has an example zigzag configuration 1224, which facilitates magnification with RFID tags (e.g., RFID tags) to be mounted onto the bracket 1200. Figure 1 The antenna gain associated with the RFID tag (100). The following is combined with... Figure 38The zigzag configuration 1224 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 1204 is described in more detail. In Figure 12 In the example shown, the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200 has the same zigzag configuration 1224 implemented by the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 of the bracket 1200. In other examples, the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200 may have a zigzag configuration different from the zigzag configuration 1224 implemented by the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 of the bracket 1200. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 39 and Figure 44 A more detailed description can be found by Figure 12 Example alternative zigzag configurations implemented by either or both of the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 and / or the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200.

[0091] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200 each have a flat, generally rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the first zigzag magnifying arm 1204 of the bracket 1200 has a total length of approximately 26.0 mm and a total width of approximately 32.0 mm, wherein the total length and total width are the overall dimensions of the front surface 1220 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 1204. The first zigzag magnifying arm 1204 of the bracket 1200 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, wherein this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 1220 and the rear surface 1302 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 1204. The shape and / or dimensions of the second zigzag magnifying arm 1206 are similar to those of the first zigzag magnifying arm 1204. In other examples, Figure 12 The first zigzag magnifying arm 1204 and / or the second zigzag magnifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200 may have different shapes and / or sizes than those described above. For example, the first zigzag magnifying arm 1204 and / or the second zigzag magnifying arm 1206 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have sizes larger or smaller than those described above.

[0092] Figure 12 The mounting arm 1208 of the bracket 1200 includes an example through-hole 1226 that extends from the front surface 1220 of the mounting arm 1208 to the rear surface 1302 of the mounting arm 1208. The through-hole 1226 is configured to receive fasteners to facilitate mounting the bracket 1200 to an object (e.g., field equipment). Fasteners associated with the through-hole 1226 may include, for example, screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 12 The mounting arm 1208 of the bracket 1200 has a flat, generally rectangular shape terminating at a rounded edge. For example... Figure 12As shown, the mounting arm 1208 of the bracket 1200 is coplanar with the base 1202 of the bracket 1200. In other examples, the mounting arm 1208 of the bracket 1200 may alternatively be bent and / or positioned at an angle relative to the base 1202 of the bracket 1200. For example, as described below. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the mounting arm 1208 of the bracket 1200 is bent and / or positioned at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) relative to the base 1202 of the bracket 1200. As... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, bending and / or positioning the mounting arm 1208 of the bracket 1200 relative to the base 1202 of the bracket 1200 at an angle advantageously reduces the profile and / or shape factor of the bracket 1200 (when viewed from the front (e.g., from the front surface 1220 of the base 1202 of the bracket 1200)).

[0093] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, the example distance 1228 between the first end 1216 and the second end 1218 of the bracket 1200 is approximately 84.0 mm. In other examples, the distance 1228 between the first end 1216 and the second end 1218 of the bracket 1200 can range from approximately 64.0 mm to approximately 104.0 mm. In some examples, the distance 1228 between the first end 1216 and the second end 1218 of the bracket 1200 preferably does not exceed a distance value equal to the distance of the RFID tag to be mounted on the bracket 1200 (e.g., Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 operates and / or responds to a radio frequency (e.g., a center frequency of 915 MHz) of half the wavelength.

[0094] Figure 13 It includes installation to Figure 12 1200 bracket Figure 1 An example RFID tag is shown in the perspective view of an RFID mountable bracket 1300. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Rear view of the RFID mountable bracket 1300. Figure 13 and Figure 14The RFID mountable bracket 1300 includes an example housing 1304 having an example front surface 1306 and an example rear surface 1308. The front surface 1306 is oriented in the same direction as the front surface 1220 of the base 1202 of the bracket 1200, and the rear surface 1308 is positioned relative to the front surface 1306 and oriented in the same direction as the rear surface 1302 of the base 1202 of the bracket 1200. The housing 1304 supports and / or surrounds a first flexure amplifying arm 1204 and a second flexure amplifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200 to increase their mechanical integrity relative to the base 1202 of the bracket 1200 (e.g., to prevent the first flexure amplifying arm 1204 and / or the second flexure amplifying arm 1206 from bending relative to the base 1202 of the bracket 1200).

[0095] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The housing 1304 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, contain, and / or surround. Figure 12 At least a portion of the support 1200. For example, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, housing 1304 covers, contains, and / or surrounds Figure 12 The basic structure of the bracket 1200, except for the mounting arm 1208 of the bracket 1200 and the front surface 1220 of the base 1202 of the bracket 1200, which is the area reserved for the placement and / or installation of the RFID tag 100, is as follows: The housing 1304 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic, or porcelain. Forming the housing 1304 of such a non-conductive material advantageously shields and / or insulates the enclosed components of the bracket 1200 of the RFID mountable bracket 1300 (e.g., the first zigzag arm 1204 and the second zigzag arm 1206) from contacting one or more metal parts of an object (e.g., field device) to which the RFID mountable bracket 1300 can be coupled.

[0096] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The housing 1304 has a flat, generally rectangular shape corresponding to the flat, generally rectangular shape defined by the base 1202 of the support 1000, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204, and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206. In other examples, the housing 1304 may have a different shape. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The shape shown. In Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the example shown, housing 1304 includes an example through-hole 1402 that passes through the rear surface 1308 of housing 1304 and is positioned to align with the aforementioned through-hole 1222 of the base 1202 of bracket 1200. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The RFID mountable bracket 1300 is formed by positioning the RFID tag 100 on the base 1202 of the bracket 1200 (e.g., the bracket 1200 is at least partially surrounded by the housing 1304) such that the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100 faces and / or contacts the front surface 1220 of the base 1202 of the bracket 1200. When... Figure 13 and Figure 14 When positioned on the bracket 1200, the RFID tag 100 can be fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the bracket 1200 via fasteners (e.g., threaded rivets) that pass through the rear surface 1308 of the housing 1304, through the through hole 1402 of the housing 1304, through the through hole 1222 of the base 1202 of the bracket 1200, and into the through hole 106 of the RFID tag 100. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The assembled RFID mountable bracket 1300 is configured to be mounted to an object (e.g., field equipment) via fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc.) passing through through holes 1226 formed in mounting arms 1208 of the bracket 1200.

[0097] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the example shown, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200 respectively amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., the gain of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100). By amplifying the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 operate together as a zigzag dipole antenna, which increases the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100. For example, when the RFID tag 100 is mounted to the base 1202 of the bracket 1200 to form as described above... Figure 13 and Figure 14 When the RFID mountable bracket 1300 is used, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 can increase the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100 by 25 feet or more. In such an example, with an isolated RFID tag 100 (e.g., not mounted to...), Figure 12 The maximum communication range of the bracket 1200 is only 5 feet or less at a center frequency of 915 MHz, compared to... Figure 13 and Figure 14 The maximum communication range associated with the RFID tag 100 mounted on the RFID mount bracket 1300 can be 30 feet or more at a center frequency of 915 MHz.

[0098] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 and Figure 14 Example surface current density distribution curve of RFID mountable bracket 1300 1500. Figure 15 The surface current density distribution curve 1500 shows the surface current density of the RFID mountable bracket 1300 with a center frequency of 915MHz. (Example:) Figure 15 As shown, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200 operate together as a zigzag dipole antenna and / or resonator of the RFID tag 100, with most of the resonant behavior occurring along the first example feed arm 1502 of the first zigzag amplifying arm 1204 and the second example feed arm 1504 of the second zigzag amplifying arm 1206.

[0099] Figure 16 Is as Figure 13 and Figure 14 Example curve of antenna gain as a function of azimuth angle for an RFID mountable bracket of 1300° (Figure 1600). Figure 16 In the example shown, the azimuth angle of 0 degrees (0°) corresponds to the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100, while the azimuth angle of 180 degrees (180°) corresponds to the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. The maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 in an isolated state is approximately -65 dBm at both the front surface 102 (e.g., at 0°) and the rear surface (e.g., at 180°). By comparison, Figure 16 The graph 1600 shows that the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID mountable bracket 1300 is approximately -6 dBm at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) and approximately -8 dBm at the rear surface of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 180°). Therefore, the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 is in response to the RFID tag 100 being mounted to the bracket 1200 to form... Figure 13 and Figure 14 The number of RFID mountable brackets increases significantly with the number of brackets.

[0100] Figure 17 This is a front view of the fourth example bracket 1700 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 17The support 1700 includes an example base 1702, a first example zigzag magnifying arm 1704, a second example zigzag magnifying arm 1706, and a suspension tab 1708. The first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 1702 and / or attached to the base 1702 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 1702) and generally extends away from the base 1702 along an example first direction 1710. The second zigzag magnifying arm 1706 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 1702 and / or attached to the base 1702 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 1702) and generally extends away from the base 1702 along an example second direction 1712 opposite to the first direction 1710. The suspension tab 1708 is circumferentially positioned relative to and / or attached to the first flexed amplifying arm 1704 (e.g., integrally formed with the first flexed amplifying arm 1704) and extends away from the first flexed amplifying arm 1704 along a first direction 1710. The suspension tab 1708 forms and / or defines an example first end 1714 of the support 1700, while the second flexed amplifying arm 1706 forms and / or defines an example second end 1716 of the support 1700, which is opposite to the first end 1714 of the support 1700. Figure 17 In the example shown, the base 1702, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704, the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706, the suspension tab 1708, and / or more generally, the support 1700 has an example front surface 1718 and an example rear surface 1802 positioned opposite the front surface 1718 (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 18 (As shown). The base 1702, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704, the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706, the suspension tab 1708 and / or more generally, the support 1700 is preferably formed of one or more conductive metal materials of any thickness (e.g., metal sheet, metal strip, signal traces on a printed circuit board, etc.).

[0101] Figure 17 The base 1702 of the bracket 1700 includes an example through-hole 1720, which extends from the front surface 1718 of the base 1702 to the rear surface 1802 of the base 1702. A corresponding through-hole in the through-hole 1720 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener to... Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 is fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the base 1702 of the bracket 1700. Fasteners associated with the through-hole 1720 may include, for example, one or more screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 17In the example shown, the base 1702 of the bracket 1700 includes a total of two through holes 1720, which are located at opposite corners of the base 1702. In other examples, the base 1702 of the bracket 1700 may include a different number of through holes 1720 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), and such through holes 1720 may be located relative to... Figure 17 The positions shown are at different locations.

[0102] exist Figure 17 In the example shown, the base 1702 of the support 1700 has a flat rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 17 As shown, the base 1702 of the bracket 1700 has a length of approximately 32.0 mm and a width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the length and width are dimensions of the front surface 1718 of the base 1702. The base 1702 of the bracket 1700 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 1718 and the rear surface 1802 of the base 1702. In other examples, Figure 17 The base 1702 of the support 1700 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the base 1702 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0103] Figure 17 The first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 of the bracket 1700 has an example zigzag configuration 1722, which facilitates magnification with RFID tags (e.g., RFID tags) to be mounted to the bracket 1700. Figure 1 The antenna gain associated with the RFID tag (100). The following is combined with... Figure 38 The zigzag configuration 1722 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 is described in more detail. In Figure 17 In the example shown, the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700 has the same zigzag configuration 1722 implemented by the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704 of the bracket 1700. In other examples, the zigzag configuration of the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700 may differ from the zigzag configuration 1722 implemented by the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704 of the bracket 1700. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 39 and Figure 44 A more detailed description can be found by Figure 17 Example alternative zigzag configurations implemented by either or both of the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704 and / or the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700.

[0104] exist Figure 17 In the example shown, the first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 and the second zigzag magnifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700 each have a flat, generally rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 17As shown, the first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 of the bracket 1700 has a total length of approximately 17.0 mm and a total width of approximately 32.0 mm, wherein the total length and total width are the total dimensions of the front surface 1718 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 1704. The first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 of the bracket 1700 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, wherein this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 1718 and the rear surface 1802 of the first zigzag magnifying arm 1704. The shape and / or dimensions of the second zigzag magnifying arm 1706 are similar to those of the first zigzag magnifying arm 1704. In other examples, Figure 17 The first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 and / or the second zigzag magnifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700 may have different shapes and / or sizes than those described above. For example, the first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 and / or the second zigzag magnifying arm 1706 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have sizes larger or smaller than those described above.

[0105] Figure 17 The suspension tab 1708 of the bracket 1700 includes an example through-hole 1724 located near a first end 1714 of the bracket 1700 and extending from the front surface 1718 of the suspension tab 1708 to the rear surface 1802 of the suspension tab 1708. The through-hole 1724 is configured to receive fasteners to suspend the bracket 1700 from an object (e.g., field equipment) and / or otherwise couple the bracket 1700 to an object. Fasteners associated with the through-hole 1724 may include, for example, cable ties, cables, wires, ropes, straps, etc. Figure 17 As shown, the suspension tab 1708 of the bracket 1700 is coplanar with the base 1702 of the bracket 1700, the first flexed magnifying arm 1704, and the second flexed magnifying arm 1706. In other examples, the suspension tab 1708 of the bracket 1700 may alternatively be bent and / or positioned at an angle relative to one or more of the base 1702, the first flexed magnifying arm 1704, and / or the second flexed magnifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700.

[0106] exist Figure 17 In the example shown, the suspension tab 1708 of the support 1700 has a flat, generally hemispherical shape. For example, as Figure 17 As shown, the suspension tab 1708 of the bracket 1700 has a total length of approximately 16.0 mm and a total width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the total length and total width are the overall dimensions of the front surface 1718 of the suspension tab 1708. The suspension tab 1708 of the bracket 1700 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 1718 and the rear surface 1802 of the suspension tab 1708. In other examples, Figure 17The suspension tab 1708 of the bracket 1700 may have a shape and / or size different from the shape and / or size described above. For example, the suspension tab 1708 may have annular and / or arcuate shape, circular shape, rectangular shape, elliptical shape, triangular shape, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0107] exist Figure 17 In the example shown, the example distance 1726 between the first end 1714 and the second end 1716 of the bracket 1700 is approximately 100.0 mm. In other examples, the distance 1726 between the first end 1714 and the second end 1716 of the bracket 1700 can range from approximately 80.0 mm to approximately 120.0 mm. In some examples, the distance 1726 between the first end 1714 and the second end 1716 of the bracket 1700 preferably does not exceed a distance value equal to the distance of the RFID tag to be mounted on the bracket 1700 (e.g., Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 operates and / or responds to a radio frequency (e.g., a center frequency of 915 MHz) of half the wavelength.

[0108] Figure 18 It includes installation to Figure 17 1700 bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID tag 100 and an RFID hanging tag 1800. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 1800. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The RFID hanging tag 1800 includes an example housing 1804 having an example front surface 1806 and an example rear surface 1808. The front surface 1806 is oriented in the same direction as the front surface 1718 of the bracket 1700, and the rear surface 1808 is positioned opposite the front surface 1806 and oriented in the same direction as the rear surface 1802 of the bracket 1700. The housing 1804 supports and / or surrounds a first flexure amplifying arm 1704 and a second flexure amplifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700 to increase their mechanical integrity relative to the base 1702 of the bracket 1700 (e.g., to prevent the first flexure amplifying arm 1704 and / or the second flexure amplifying arm 1706 from bending relative to the base 1702 of the bracket 1700).

[0109] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The housing 1804 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, contain, and / or surround. Figure 17 At least a portion (e.g., substantially all) of the support 1700. For example, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, housing 1804 covers, contains, and / or surrounds Figure 17 The basic unit of the bracket 1700, except for the front surface 1718 of the base 1702 of the bracket 1700, which is the area reserved for the placement and / or installation of the RFID tag 100. The housing 1804 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic, or porcelain. Forming the housing 1804 of such a non-conductive material advantageously shields and / or insulates the enclosed components of the bracket 1700 of the RFID pendant tag 1800 (e.g., the first flexure amplification arm 1704 and the second flexure amplification arm 1706) from contacting one or more metal parts of the object (e.g., field equipment) on which the RFID pendant tag 1800 may be suspended or coupled.

[0110] Figure 18 and Figure 19 The housing 1804 includes an example first portion 1810 and an example second portion 1812. The first portion 1810 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, accommodate, and / or surround the base 1702, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704, and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706 of the support 1700 as described above. The second portion 1812 is connected to the first portion 1810 and extends away from the first portion 1810, and is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to surround the suspension tab 1708 of the support 1700 as described above. Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the example shown, the first portion 1810 of the housing 1804 has a flat, generally rectangular shape corresponding to the flat, generally rectangular shape of the base 1702 of the support 1700, the first curved amplifying arm 1704, and the second curved amplifying arm 1706. The second portion 1812 of the housing 1804 has a flat, generally hemispherical shape corresponding to the flat, generally hemispherical shape of the suspension tab 1708 of the support 1700. In other examples, the first portion 1810 and / or the second portion 1812 of the housing 1804 may have different shapes. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The shape shown.

[0111] exist Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the example shown, the first portion 1810 of the housing 1804 includes an example through-hole 1902 that passes through the rear surface 1808 of the housing 1804 and is positioned to align with the aforementioned through-hole 1720 of the base 1702 of the bracket 1700. Figure 18 and Figure 19The RFID hanging tag 1800 is formed by positioning the RFID tag 100 on the base 1702 of the bracket 1700 (e.g., the bracket 1700 is at least partially surrounded by the housing 1804) such that the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100 faces and / or contacts the front surface 1718 of the base 1702 of the bracket 1700. When... Figure 18 and Figure 19 When positioned on bracket 1700, RFID tag 100 can be fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to bracket 1700 via fasteners (e.g., threaded rivets) that pass through a through-hole 1902 of housing 1804 from the rear surface 1808, through a through-hole 1720 of base 1702 of bracket 1700, and into through-hole 106 of RFID tag 100.

[0112] exist Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the example shown, the second portion 1812 of the housing 1804 includes an example through hole 1814 that extends from the front surface 1806 of the housing 1804 to the rear surface 1808 of the housing 1804 and is positioned to align with the aforementioned through hole 1724 of the suspension tab 1708 of the bracket 1700. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The assembled RFID suspension tag 1800 is configured to be suspended from an object (e.g., field equipment) via fasteners (e.g., cable ties, cables, wires, ropes, straps, etc.) through through holes 1814 formed in the housing 1804 and through holes 1724 formed in the suspension tab 1708.

[0113] exist Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the example shown, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700 respectively amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., the gain of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100). By amplifying the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706 operate together as a zigzag dipole antenna, which increases the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100. For example, when the RFID tag 100 is mounted to the base 1702 of the bracket 1700 to form as described above... Figure 18 and Figure 19 When the RFID tag 1800 is suspended, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706 can increase the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100 by fifteen feet or more. In such an example, with an isolated RFID tag 100 (e.g., not installed to...), Figure 17The maximum communication range of the bracket 1700 is only 5 feet or less at a center frequency of 915 MHz, compared to the maximum communication range of the RFID tag 100 associated with the RFID hanging tag 1800 at a center frequency of 915 MHz, which can be 20 feet or more.

[0114] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 and Figure 19 Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tag 1800 2000. Figure 20 The surface current density distribution 2000 shows the surface current density of an RFID hanging tag 1800 with a center frequency of 915MHz. (Example:) Figure 20 As shown, the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704 and the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700 operate together as a zigzag dipole antenna and / or resonator for the RFID tag 100, with most of the resonant behavior occurring along the first example feed arm 2002 of the first zigzag amplifying arm 1704 and the second example feed arm 2004 of the second zigzag amplifying arm 1706. A through-hole 1724 formed in the suspension tab 1708 of the bracket 1700 is located in the resting region of the suspension tab 1708, thereby allowing… Figure 18 and Figure 19 The RFID hanging tag 1800 can be suspended vertically from a metal object (e.g., the metal housing of a field device) via a metal fastener (e.g., a metal wire) passing through a through-hole 1724, without the metal fastener intersecting the resonant portions of the first zigzag arm 1704 and / or the second zigzag arm 1706 of the bracket 1700.

[0115] Figure 21 Is as Figure 18 and Figure 19 Figure 2100 shows an example of the antenna gain as a function of the azimuth angle of an RFID hanging tag at 180°. Figure 21 In the example shown, the azimuth angle of 0 degrees (0°) corresponds to the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100, while the azimuth angle of 180 degrees (180°) corresponds to the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. The maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 in an isolated state is approximately -65 dBm at both the front surface 102 (e.g., at 0°) and the rear surface (e.g., at 180°). By comparison, Figure 21The graph 2100 shows that the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID hanging tag 1800 is approximately -10 dBm at the front surface 102 (e.g., at 0°) of the RFID tag 100 and approximately -12 dBm at the rear surface (e.g., at 180°) of the RFID tag 100. Therefore, the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 is in response to the RFID tag 100 being mounted to the bracket 1700 to form... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The number of RFID hanging tags has increased significantly by 1800.

[0116] Figure 22 This is a front view of the fifth example support 2200 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 22 The support 2200 includes an example base 2202 and an example zigzag magnifying arm 2204. The zigzag magnifying arm 2204 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 2202 and / or attached to the base 2202 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 2202) and generally extends away from the base 2202 along an example first direction 2206. The base 2202 forms and / or defines an example first end 2208 of the support 2200, while the zigzag magnifying arm 2204 forms and / or defines an example second end 2210 of the support 2200 positioned relative to the first end 2208 of the support 2200. Figure 22 In the example shown, the base 2202, the bendable magnifying arm 2204, and / or more generally, the support 2200 has an example front surface 2212 and an example rear surface 2302 positioned relative to the front surface 2212 (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 23 (As shown). The base 2202, the tortuous amplifying arm 2204 and / or more generally, the support 2200 are preferably formed of one or more conductive metal materials of any thickness (e.g., metal sheets, metal strips, signal traces on printed circuit boards, etc.).

[0117] Figure 22 The base 2202 of the bracket 2200 includes an example through-hole 2214, which extends from the front surface 2212 of the base 2202 to the rear surface 2302 of the base 2202. A corresponding through-hole in the through-hole 2214 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener to... Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 is fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the base 2202 of the bracket 2200. Fasteners associated with the through-hole 2214 may include, for example, one or more screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 22In the example shown, the base 2202 of the bracket 2200 includes a total of two through holes 2214, which are positioned relative to each other at opposite corners of the base 2202. In other examples, the base 2202 of the bracket 2200 may include a different number of through holes 2214 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), and such through holes 1018 may be located relative to... Figure 10 The positions shown are different.

[0118] Figure 22 The base 2202 of the support 2200 also includes an example notch 2216 and an example feed arm 2218. Figure 22 In the example shown, the notch 2216 is centrally located along the example edge 2220 of the base 2202 and extends inward from the example edge 2220 of the base 2202, which is adjacent to the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200. The feed arm 2218 of the base 2202 is centrally positioned within the notch 2216 and extends outward from the example central portion 2222 of the base 2202 across the edge 2220 of the base 2202, subsequently connecting to and / or merging with the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200 (e.g., integrally formed with the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200). In some examples, the feed arm 2218 of the base 2202 is connected to the internal antenna of the RFID tag to be mounted to the base 2202 of the bracket 2200 (e.g., Figure 1 Alignment (e.g., longitudinal alignment) of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100 with the feed arm 2218 of the base 2202. Alignment of the feed arm 2218 of the base 2202 with the internal antenna of the RFID tag mounted to the base 2202 further enhances the antenna gain improvement provided by the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200, as further described below.

[0119] exist Figure 22 In the example shown, the base 2202 of the support 2200 has a flat, generally rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 22 As shown, the base 2202 of the bracket 2200 has a length of approximately 32.0 mm and a width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the length and width are dimensions of the front surface 2212 of the base 2202. The base 2202 of the bracket 2200 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 2212 and the rear surface 2302 of the base 2202. In other examples, Figure 22 The base 2202 of the support 2200 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the base 2202 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0120] Figure 22 The bracket 2200's zigzag magnifying arm 2204 has an example zigzag configuration 2224, which facilitates magnification with RFID tags (e.g., RFID tags) to be mounted onto the bracket 2200. Figure 1 The antenna gain associated with the RFID tag (100). The following is combined with... Figure 38 A more detailed description of the zigzag configuration 2224 of the zigzag magnifying arm 2204 is provided below. (The following section combines...) Figure 39 and Figure 44 A more detailed description can be found by Figure 22 An example alternative zigzag configuration is implemented using the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200.

[0121] exist Figure 22 In the example shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200 has a flat, generally rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 22 As shown, the zigzag magnifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200 has a total length of approximately 26.0 mm and a total width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the total length and total width are the total dimensions of the front surface 2212 of the zigzag magnifying arm 2204. The zigzag magnifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 2212 and the rear surface 2302 of the zigzag magnifying arm 2204. In other examples, Figure 22 The zigzag magnifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the zigzag magnifying arm 2204 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0122] exist Figure 22 In the example shown, the example distance 2226 between the first end 2208 and the second end 2210 of the bracket 2200 is approximately 58.0 mm. In other examples, the distance 2226 between the first end 2208 and the second end 2210 of the bracket 2200 can range from approximately 48.0 mm to approximately 68.0 mm. In some examples, the distance 2226 between the first end 2208 and the second end 2210 of the bracket 2200 preferably does not exceed a distance value equal to the distance of the RFID tag to be mounted on the bracket 2200 (e.g., Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 operates and / or responds to a radio frequency (e.g., a center frequency of 915 MHz) of half the wavelength.

[0123] Figure 23 It includes installation to Figure 22 2200 bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of RFID tag 100 and RFID hanging tag 2300. Figure 24 yes Figure 23Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 2300. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The RFID hanging tag 2300 includes an example housing 2304 having an example front surface 2306 and an example rear surface 2308. The front surface 2306 is oriented in the same direction as the front surface 2212 of the bracket 2200, and the rear surface 2308 is opposite to the front surface 2306 and oriented in the same direction as the rear surface 2302 of the bracket 2200. The housing 2304 supports and / or surrounds the bent amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200 to increase its mechanical integrity relative to the base 2202 of the bracket 2200 (e.g., to prevent the bent amplifying arm 2204 from bending relative to the base 2202 of the bracket 2200).

[0124] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The housing 2304 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, contain, and / or surround. Figure 22 At least a portion (e.g., substantially all) of the support 2200. For example, as Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, except for the front surface 2212 of the base 2202 of the bracket 2200, the housing 2304 covers, accommodates, and / or surrounds the bracket. Figure 22 The bracket 2200 is essentially the entire structure, with the front surface 2212 reserved for the placement and / or installation of the RFID tag 100. The housing 2304 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic, or porcelain. Forming the housing 2304 from this non-conductive material advantageously shields and / or isolates the enclosed components of the bracket 2200 of the RFID pendant tag 2300 (e.g., the convoluted amplifying arm 2204) from contacting one or more metal parts of an object (e.g., a field device) on which the RFID pendant tag 2300 may be suspended or coupled.

[0125] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The housing 2304 includes an example first portion 2310 and an example second portion 2312. The first portion 2310 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, accommodate, and / or surround the support 2200. The second portion 2312 is connected to and extends from the first portion 2310. The second portion 2312 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to support through-holes spaced apart from the support 2200. Figure 23 and Figure 24In the example shown, the first portion 2310 of the housing 2304 has a flat, generally rectangular shape corresponding to the flat, generally rectangular shape of the support 2200. The second portion 2312 of the housing 2304 has a flat, generally hemispherical shape corresponding in width to the first portion 2310 of the housing 2304. In other examples, the first portion 2310 and / or the second portion 2312 of the housing 2304 may have different shapes. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The shape shown.

[0126] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The first portion 2310 of the housing 2304 includes an example through hole 2402 that passes through the rear surface 2308 of the housing 2304 and is positioned to align with the aforementioned through hole 2214 of the base 2202 of the support 2200. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The RFID hanging tag 2300 is formed by positioning the RFID tag 100 on the base 2202 of the bracket 2200 (e.g., the bracket 2200 is at least partially surrounded by the housing 2304) such that the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100 faces and / or contacts the front surface 2212 of the base 2202 of the bracket 2200. When... Figure 23 and Figure 24 When positioned on bracket 2200, RFID tag 100 can be fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to bracket 2200 via fasteners (e.g., threaded rivets) that pass through a through-hole 2402 of housing 2304 from the rear surface 2308 of housing 2304, through a through-hole 2214 of base 2202 of bracket 2200, and into through-hole 106 of RFID tag 100.

[0127] Figure 23 and Figure 24 The second portion 2312 of the housing 2304 includes an example through hole 2314 that is spaced apart from the bracket 2200 and extends from the front surface 2306 of the housing 2304 to the rear surface 2308 of the housing 2304. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The assembled RFID suspension tag 2300 is configured to be suspended from an object (e.g., field equipment) via a fastener (e.g., cable tie, cable, wire, rope, strap, etc.) passing through a through hole 2314 formed in the housing 2304.

[0128] exist Figure 23 and Figure 24In the example shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200 amplifies the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., the gain of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100). In response to amplifying the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100, the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 operates as a zigzag monopole antenna, which increases the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100. For example, when the RFID tag 100 is mounted to the base 2202 of the bracket 2200 to form as described above... Figure 23 and Figure 24 When the RFID tag 2300 is suspended, the zigzag amplification arm 2204 can increase the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100 by thirty feet or more. In these examples, with isolated RFID tags 100 (e.g., not installed to...) Figure 22 The maximum communication range of the bracket 2200 is only 5 feet or less at a center frequency of 915 MHz, compared to the maximum communication range of the RFID tag 100 associated with the RFID hanging tag 2300 at a center frequency of 915 MHz, which can be 35 feet or more.

[0129] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 and Figure 24 Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tag 2300 2500. Figure 25 The surface current density distribution 2500 shows the surface current density of an RFID hanging tag 2300 with a center frequency of 915MHz. (Example:) Figure 25 As shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 2204 of the bracket 2200 operates as a zigzag monopole antenna and / or resonator for the RFID tag 100, with most of the resonant behavior occurring along the example feed arm 2502 of the zigzag amplifying arm 2204. Raised resonant behavior can also be seen along the feed arm 2218 of the base 2202 of the bracket 2200.

[0130] Figure 26 Is as Figure 23 and Figure 24 Figure 2600 shows an example of the antenna gain as a function of the azimuth angle of an RFID hanging tag 2300. Figure 26 In the example shown, the azimuth angle of 0 degrees (0°) corresponds to the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100, while the azimuth angle of 180 degrees (180°) corresponds to the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. The maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 in an isolated state is approximately -65 dBm at both the front surface 102 (e.g., at 0°) and the rear surface (e.g., at 180°). By comparison, Figure 26The graph 2600 shows that the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID hanging tag 2300 is approximately -2 dBm at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) and approximately -3 dBm at the rear surface of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 180°). Therefore, the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 is in response to the RFID tag 100 being mounted to the bracket 2200 to form... Figure 23 and Figure 24 The number of RFID hanging tags has increased significantly to 2300.

[0131] Figure 27 This is a front view of the sixth example bracket 2700 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 27 The bracket 2700 includes an example base 2702, an example zigzag magnifying arm 2704, and an example mounting arm 2706. The mounting arm 2706 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 2702 and / or attached to the base 2702 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 2702) and extends away from the base 2702 in an example first direction 2708. The zigzag magnifying arm 2704 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 2702 and / or attached to the base 2702 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 2702) and extends generally away from the base 2702 along an example second direction 2710 opposite to the first direction 2708. The mounting arm 2706 forms and / or defines an example first end 2712 of the bracket 2700, while the zigzag magnifying arm 2704 forms and / or defines an example second end 2714 of the bracket 2700 positioned relative to the first end 2712 of the bracket 2700. Figure 27 In the example shown, the base 2702, the bendable amplifying arm 2704, the mounting arm 2706, and / or more generally, the bracket 2700 has an example front surface 2716 and an example rear surface 2802 positioned relative to the front surface 2716 (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 28 (As shown). The base 2702, the zigzag amplifying arm 2704, the mounting arm 2706 and / or more generally, the bracket 2700 is preferably formed of one or more conductive metal materials of any thickness (e.g., metal sheets, metal strips, signal traces on printed circuit boards, etc.).

[0132] Figure 27 The base 2702 of the bracket 2700 includes an example through-hole 2718, which extends from the front surface 2716 of the base 2702 to the rear surface 2802 of the base 2702. A corresponding through-hole in the through-hole 2718 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener to... Figure 1The RFID tag 100 is fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the base 2702 of the bracket 2700. One or more fasteners associated with one or more through holes 2718 may include, for example, one or more screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 27 In the example shown, the base 2702 of the bracket 2700 includes a total of two through holes 2718, which are respectively positioned opposite each other at diagonally opposite corners of the base 2702. In other examples, the base 2702 of the bracket 2700 may include a different number of through holes 2718 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), and such through holes 2718 may be located relative to... Figure 27 The positions shown are at different locations.

[0133] Figure 27 The base 2702 of the support 2700 also includes an example notch 2720 and an example feed arm 2722. Figure 27 In the example shown, the notch 2720 is centrally located along the example edge 2724 of the base 2702 and extends inward from the example edge 2724 of the base 2702, which is adjacent to the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700. The feed arm 2722 of the base 2702 is centrally positioned within the notch 2720 and extends outward from the example central portion 2726 of the base 2702 across the edge 2724 of the base 2702, subsequently connecting to and / or merging with the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700 (e.g., integrally formed with the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700). In some examples, the feed arm 2722 of the base 2702 is integrated with the internal antenna of the RFID tag to be mounted to the base 2702 of the bracket 2700 (e.g., Figure 1 Alignment (e.g., longitudinal alignment) of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100 with the feed arm 2722 of the base 2702. Alignment of the feed arm 2722 of the base 2702 with the internal antenna of the RFID tag mounted to the base 2702 further enhances the antenna gain improvement provided by the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700, as further described below.

[0134] exist Figure 27 In the example shown, the base 2702 of the support 2700 has a flat rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 27 As shown, the base 2702 of the bracket 2700 has a length of approximately 32.0 mm and a width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the length and width are dimensions of the front surface 2716 of the base 2702. The base 2702 of the bracket 2700 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 2716 and the rear surface 2802 of the base 2702. In other examples, Figure 27 The base 2702 of the support 2700 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the base 2702 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0135] Figure 27 The bracket 2700's zigzag magnifying arm 2704 has an example zigzag configuration 2728, which facilitates magnification of RFID tags (e.g., RFID tags) to be mounted onto the bracket 2700. Figure 1 The antenna gain associated with the RFID tag (100). The following is combined with... Figure 38 A more detailed description of the zigzag configuration 2728 of the zigzag magnifying arm 2704 is provided below. (This is in conjunction with...) Figure 39 and Figure 44 A more detailed description can be found by Figure 27 An example alternative zigzag configuration is implemented using the zigzag amplification arm 2704 of the bracket 2700.

[0136] exist Figure 27 In the example shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700 has a flat, generally rectangular shape. For example, as... Figure 27 As shown, the zigzag magnifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700 has an overall length of approximately 26.0 mm and an overall width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the overall length and overall width are the overall dimensions of the front surface 2716 of the zigzag magnifying arm 2704. The zigzag magnifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 2716 and the rear surface 2802 of the zigzag magnifying arm 2704. In other examples, Figure 27 The zigzag magnifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the zigzag magnifying arm 2704 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0137] Figure 27 The mounting arm 2706 of the bracket 2700 includes an example through-hole 2730 that extends from the front surface 2716 of the mounting arm 2706 to the rear surface 2802 of the mounting arm 2706. The through-hole 2730 is configured to receive fasteners to facilitate mounting the bracket 2700 to an object (e.g., field equipment). Fasteners associated with the through-hole 2730 may include, for example, screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 27 The mounting arm 2706 of the bracket 2700 has a flat, generally rectangular shape terminating at a rounded edge. For example... Figure 27As shown, the mounting arm 2706 of the bracket 2700 is coplanar with the base 2702 of the bracket 2700. In other examples, the mounting arm 2706 of the bracket 2700 may alternatively be bent and / or positioned at an angle relative to the base 2702 of the bracket 2700. For example, as described below Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the mounting arm 2706 of the bracket 2700 is bent and / or positioned at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) relative to the base 2702 of the bracket 2700. As... Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, bending and / or positioning the mounting arm 2706 of the bracket 2700 relative to the base 2702 of the bracket 2700 at an angle advantageously reduces the profile and / or shape factor of the bracket 2700 (when viewed from the front (e.g., from the front surface 2716 of the base 2702 of the bracket 2700)).

[0138] exist Figure 27 In the example shown, when the mounting arm 2706 is coplanar with respect to the base 2702, the example distance 2732 between the first end 2712 and the second end 2714 of the bracket 2700 is approximately 96.0 mm. In other examples, the distance 2732 between the first end 2712 and the second end 2714 of the bracket 2700 can range from approximately 86.0 mm to approximately 106.0 mm. In some examples, the distance 2732 between the first end 2712 and the second end 2714 of the bracket 2700 preferably does not exceed a distance value equal to the distance of the RFID tag to be mounted to the bracket 2700 (e.g., Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 operates and / or responds to a radio frequency (e.g., a center frequency of 915 MHz) at half the wavelength. When the mounting arm 2706 is bent at 90 degrees (90°) relative to the base 2702 (e.g., as...), Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the example distance 2734 between the second end 2714 of the bracket 2700 and the end of the base 2702 of the mounting arm 2706 near the bracket 2700 is approximately 58.0 mm.

[0139] Figure 28 It includes installation to Figure 27 The bracket 2700 Figure 1 An example perspective view of an RFID tag 100 mounted on an RFID mountable bracket 2800. Figure 29 yes Figure 28 Rear view of the RFID mountable bracket 2800. Figure 28 and Figure 29The RFID mountable bracket 2800 includes an example housing 2804 having an example front surface 2806 and an example rear surface 2808. The front surface 2806 is oriented in the same direction as the front surface 2716 of the base 2702 of the bracket 2700, and the rear surface 2808 is opposite to the front surface 2806 and oriented in the same direction as the rear surface 2802 of the base 2702 of the bracket 2700. The housing 2804 supports and / or surrounds the bendable amplifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700 to increase its mechanical integrity relative to the base 2702 of the bracket 2700 (e.g., to prevent the bendable amplifying arm 2704 from bending relative to the base 2702 of the bracket 2700).

[0140] Figure 28 and Figure 29 The housing 2804 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, contain, and / or surround. Figure 27 At least a portion of the support 2700. For example, such as Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, housing 2804 covers, contains, and / or surrounds Figure 27 The basic integral of the bracket 2700, except for the mounting arm 2706 of the bracket 2700, and also except for the front surface 2716 of the base 2702 of the bracket 2700, which is the area reserved for the placement and / or installation of the RFID tag 100. The housing 2804 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic, or porcelain. Forming the housing 2804 of such a non-conductive material advantageously shields and / or isolates the enclosed components of the bracket 2700 of the RFID mountable bracket 2800 (e.g., the convoluted amplifying arm 2704) from contacting one or more metal parts of an object (e.g., field equipment) to which the RFID mountable bracket 2800 can be coupled.

[0141] Figure 28 and Figure 29 The housing 2804 has a flat, generally rectangular shape corresponding to the flat, generally rectangular shape defined by the base 2702 and the tortuous enlarging arm 2704 of the support 2700. In other examples, the housing 2804 may have a different shape. Figure 28 and Figure 29 The shape shown. In Figure 28 and Figure 29 In the example shown, housing 2804 includes an example through-hole 2902 that passes through the rear surface 2808 of housing 2804 and is positioned to align with the aforementioned through-hole 2718 of the base 2702 of bracket 2700. Figure 28 and Figure 29The RFID mountable bracket 2800 is formed by positioning the RFID tag 100 on the base 2702 of the bracket 2700 (e.g., the bracket 2700 is at least partially surrounded by the housing 2804) such that the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100 faces and / or contacts the front surface 2716 of the base 2702 of the bracket 2700. When... Figure 28 and Figure 29 When positioned on bracket 2700, RFID tag 100 can be fastened, coupled and / or mounted to bracket 2700 via fasteners (e.g., threaded rivets) that pass through a through hole 2902 in housing 2804 from the rear surface 2808 of housing 2804, through a through hole 2718 in base 2702 of bracket 2700, and into through hole 106 of RFID tag 100. Figure 28 and Figure 29 The assembled RFID mountable bracket 2800 is configured to be mounted to an object (e.g., field equipment) via fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc.) through through holes 2730 formed in mounting arms 2706 of the bracket 2700.

[0142] exist Figure 28 and Figure 29 In the example shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700 amplifies the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., the gain of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100). By amplifying the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100, the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 operates as a zigzag monopole antenna that increases the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100. For example, when the RFID tag 100 is mounted to the base 2702 of the bracket 2700 to form as described above. Figure 28 and Figure 29 When the RFID mountable bracket 2800 is used, the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 can increase the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100 by fifteen feet or more. In such an example, with an isolated RFID tag 100 (e.g., not mounted to...), Figure 27 The maximum communication range of the bracket 2700 is only 5 feet or less at a center frequency of 915 MHz, compared to... Figure 28 and Figure 29 The maximum communication range associated with the RFID tag 100 mounted on the RFID mount bracket 2800 can be 20 feet or more at a center frequency of 915 MHz.

[0143] Figure 30 yes Figure 28 and Figure 29Example surface current density distribution curve of RFID mountable bracket 2800 3000. Figure 30 The surface current density distribution curve 3000 shows the surface current density of the RFID mountable bracket 2800 with a center frequency of 915MHz. (Example:) Figure 30 As shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 2704 of the bracket 2700 operates as a zigzag monopole antenna and / or resonator for the RFID tag 100, with most of the resonant behavior occurring along the example feed arm 4802 of the zigzag amplifying arm 2704. Raised resonant behavior can also be seen along the feed arm 2722 of the base 2702 of the bracket 2700.

[0144] Figure 31 Is as Figure 28 and Figure 29 Example curve 3100 shows the antenna gain as a function of the azimuth angle of the RFID mountable bracket 2800. Figure 31 In the example shown, the azimuth angle of 0 degrees (0°) corresponds to the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100, while the azimuth angle of 180 degrees (180°) corresponds to the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. The maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 in an isolated state is approximately -65 dBm at both the front surface 102 (e.g., at 0°) and the rear surface (e.g., at 180°). By comparison, Figure 31 The graph 3100 shows that the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID mountable bracket 2800 is approximately -9 dBm at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) and approximately -10 dBm at the rear surface of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 180°). Therefore, the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 is in response to the RFID tag 100 being mounted to the bracket 2700 to form... Figure 28 and Figure 29 The number of RFID mountable brackets increases significantly with the number of brackets.

[0145] Figure 32 This is a front view of the seventh example bracket 3200 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Figure 32The support 3200 includes an example base 3202, an example zigzag amplifying arm 3204, and a suspension tab 3206. The suspension tab 3206 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 3202 and / or attached to the base 3202 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 3202) and extends away from the base 3202 in an example first direction 3208. The zigzag amplifying arm 3204 is circumferentially positioned relative to the base 3202 and / or attached to the base 3202 (e.g., integrally formed with the base 3202) and generally extends away from the base 3202 along an example second direction 3210 opposite to the first direction 3208. The suspension tab 3206 forms and / or defines an example first end 3212 of the support 3200, while the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 forms and / or defines an example second end 3214 of the support 3200, which is opposite to the first end 3212 of the support 3200. exist Figure 32 In the example shown, the base 3202, the bendable amplifying arm 3204, the suspension tab 3206, and / or more generally, the support 3200 has an example front surface 3216 and an example rear surface 3302 positioned opposite the front surface 3216 (e.g., as shown in the example). Figure 33 (As shown). The base 3202, the zigzag amplifying arm 3204, the suspension tab 3206 and / or more generally, the support 3200 is preferably formed of one or more conductive metal materials of any thickness (e.g., metal sheets, metal strips, signal traces on printed circuit boards, etc.).

[0146] Figure 32 The base 3202 of the bracket 3200 includes an example through-hole 3218, which extends from the front surface 3216 of the base 3202 to the rear surface 3302 of the base 3202. A corresponding through-hole in the through-hole 3218 is configured to receive a corresponding fastener to... Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 is fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the base 3202 of the bracket 3200. Fasteners associated with the through-hole 3218 may include, for example, one or more screws, bolts, rivets, studs, bosses, straps, cable ties, etc. Figure 32 In the example shown, the base 3202 of the bracket 3200 includes a total of two through holes 3218, which are located at opposite corners of the base 3202. In other examples, the base 3202 of the bracket 3200 may include a different number of through holes 3218 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.), and such through holes 3218 may be located relative to... Figure 32 The positions shown are at different locations.

[0147] Figure 32 The base 3202 of the support 3200 also includes an example notch 3220 and an example feed arm 3222. Figure 32In the example shown, the notch 3220 is centrally located along the example edge 3224 of the base 3202 and extends inward from the example edge 3224 of the base 3202, which is adjacent to the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200. The feed arm 3222 of the base 3202 is centrally positioned within the notch 3220 and extends outward from the example central portion 3226 of the base 3202 across the edge 3224 of the base 3202, thereafter connecting to and / or merging with the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200 (e.g., integrally formed with the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200). In some examples, the feed arm 3222 of the base 3202 is connected to the internal antenna of the RFID tag to be mounted to the base 3202 of the bracket 3200 (e.g., Figure 1 Alignment (e.g., longitudinal alignment) of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100 with the internal antenna of the RFID tag mounted to the base 3202. Alignment of the feed arm 3222 of the base 3202 with the internal antenna of the RFID tag mounted to the base 3202 further enhances the antenna gain improvement provided by the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200, as further described below.

[0148] exist Figure 32 In the example shown, the base 3202 of the support 3200 has a flat rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 32 As shown, the base 3202 of the bracket 3200 has a length of approximately 32.0 mm and a width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the length and width are dimensions of the front surface 3216 of the base 3202. The base 3202 of the bracket 3200 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 3216 and the rear surface 3302 of the base 3202. In other examples, Figure 32 The base 3202 of the support 3200 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the base 3202 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0149] Figure 32 The bracket 3200's zigzag magnifying arm 3204 has an example zigzag configuration 3228, which facilitates magnification with RFID tags (e.g., RFID tags) to be mounted onto the bracket 3200. Figure 1 The antenna gain associated with the RFID tag (100). The following is combined with... Figure 38 A more detailed description of the zigzag configuration 3228 of the zigzag magnifying arm 3204 is provided below. (This is in conjunction with...) Figure 39 and Figure 44 A more detailed description can be found by Figure 32 An example alternative zigzag configuration is implemented using the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200.

[0150] exist Figure 32 In the example shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200 has a flat, generally rectangular shape. For example, as Figure 32 As shown, the zigzag magnifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200 has a total length of approximately 26.0 mm and a total width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the total length and total width are the total dimensions of the front surface 3216 of the zigzag magnifying arm 3204. The zigzag magnifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 3216 and the rear surface 3302 of the zigzag magnifying arm 3204. In other examples, Figure 32 The zigzag magnifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200 may have a different shape and / or size than those described above. For example, the zigzag magnifying arm 3204 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0151] Figure 32 The suspension tab 3206 of the bracket 3200 includes an example through-hole 3230 located near a first end 3212 of the bracket 3200 and extending from the front surface 3216 of the suspension tab 3206 to the rear surface 3302 of the suspension tab 3206. The through-hole 3230 is configured to receive fasteners to suspend the bracket 3200 to an object (e.g., field equipment) and / or otherwise couple the bracket 3200 to an object (e.g., field equipment). Fasteners associated with the through-hole 3230 may include, for example, cable ties, cables, wires, ropes, straps, etc. Figure 32 As shown, the suspension tab 3206 of the bracket 3200 is coplanar with the base 3202 and the flexural amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200. In other examples, the suspension tab 3206 of the bracket 3200 may alternatively be bent and / or positioned at an angle relative to one or more of the base 3202 and / or the flexural amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200.

[0152] exist Figure 32 In the example shown, the suspension tab 3206 of the support 3200 has a flat, generally hemispherical shape. For example, as Figure 32 As shown, the suspension tab 3206 of the bracket 3200 has a total length of approximately 16.0 mm and a total width of approximately 32.0 mm, where the total length and total width are the overall dimensions of the front surface 3216 of the suspension tab 3206. The suspension tab 3206 of the bracket 3200 also has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mm, where this thickness is the dimension between the front surface 3216 and the rear surface 3302 of the suspension tab 3206. In other examples, Figure 32The suspension tab 3206 of the bracket 3200 may have a shape and / or size different from the shape and / or size described above. For example, the suspension tab 3206 may have annular and / or arcuate shape, circular shape, rectangular shape, elliptical shape, triangular shape, etc., or may have a size larger or smaller than the dimensions described above.

[0153] exist Figure 32 In the example shown, the example distance 3232 between the first end 3212 and the second end 3214 of the bracket 3200 is approximately 74.0 mm. In other examples, the distance 3232 between the first end 3212 and the second end 3214 of the bracket 3200 can range from approximately 64.0 mm to approximately 84.0 mm. In some examples, the distance 3232 between the first end 3212 and the second end 3214 of the bracket 3200 preferably does not exceed a distance value equal to the distance of the RFID tag to be mounted on the bracket 3200 (e.g., Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 operates and / or responds to a radio frequency (e.g., a center frequency of 915 MHz) of half the wavelength.

[0154] Figure 33 It includes installation to Figure 32 3200 bracket Figure 1 An example perspective view of RFID tag 100 and RFID hanging tag 3300. Figure 34 yes Figure 33 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 3300. Figure 33 and Figure 34 The RFID hanging tag 3300 includes an example housing 3304 having an example front surface 3306 and an example rear surface 3308. The front surface 3306 is oriented in the same direction as the front surface 3216 of the bracket 3200, and the rear surface 3308 is positioned opposite the front surface 3306 and oriented in the same direction as the rear surface 3302 of the bracket 3200. The housing 3304 supports and / or surrounds the bent amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200 to increase its mechanical integrity relative to the base 3202 of the bracket 3200 (e.g., to prevent the bent amplifying arm 3204 from bending relative to the base 3202 of the bracket 3200).

[0155] Figure 33 and Figure 34 The housing 3304 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, contain, and / or surround. Figure 32 At least a portion (e.g., substantially all) of the support 3200. For example, as Figure 33 and Figure 34 As shown, housing 3304 covers, contains, and / or surrounds Figure 32The basic unit of the bracket 3200, except for the front surface 3216 of the base 3202 of the bracket 3200, is the area reserved for the placement and / or installation of the RFID tag 100. The housing 3304 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic, or porcelain. Forming the housing 3304 of such a non-conductive material advantageously shields and / or isolates the enclosed components of the bracket 3200 of the RFID pendant tag 3300 (e.g., the convoluted amplifying arm 3204) from contacting one or more metal parts of the object (e.g., field device) on which the RFID pendant tag 3300 may be suspended or coupled.

[0156] Figure 33 and Figure 34 The housing 3304 includes an example first portion 3310 and an example second portion 3312. The first portion 3310 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to cover, accommodate, and / or surround the base 3202 and the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the support 3200 as described above. The second portion 3312 is connected to and extends from the first portion 3310. The second portion 3312 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and / or constructed) to surround the suspension tab 3206 of the support 3200 as described above. Figure 33 and Figure 34 In the example shown, the first portion 3310 of the housing 3304 has a flat, generally rectangular shape corresponding to the flat, generally rectangular shape of the base 3202 of the support 3200 and the curved amplifying arm 3204. The second portion 3312 of the housing 3304 has a flat, generally hemispherical shape corresponding to the flat, generally hemispherical shape of the suspension tab 3206 of the support 3200. In other examples, the first portion 3310 and / or the second portion 3312 of the housing 3304 may have different shapes. Figure 33 and Figure 34 The shape shown.

[0157] exist Figure 33 and Figure 34 In the example shown, the first portion 3310 of the housing 3304 includes an example through-hole 3402 that passes through the rear surface 3308 of the housing 3304 and is positioned to align with the aforementioned through-hole 3218 of the base 3202 of the bracket 3200. Figure 33 and Figure 34 The RFID hanging tag 3300 is formed by positioning the RFID tag 100 on the base 3202 of the bracket 3200 (e.g., the bracket 3200 is at least partially surrounded by the housing 3304) such that the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100 faces and / or contacts the front surface 3216 of the base 3202 of the bracket 3200. When... Figure 33 and Figure 34 When positioned on the bracket 3200, the RFID tag 100 can be fastened, coupled, and / or mounted to the bracket 3200 via fasteners (e.g., threaded rivets) that pass through a through-hole 3402 in the housing 3304 from the rear surface 3308, through a through-hole 3218 in the base 3202 of the bracket 3200, and into a through-hole 106 in the RFID tag 100.

[0158] exist Figure 33 and Figure 34 In the example shown, the second portion 3312 of the housing 3304 includes an example through-hole 3314 that extends from the front surface 3306 of the housing 3304 to the rear surface 3308 of the housing 3304 and is positioned to align with the aforementioned through-hole 3230 of the suspension tab 3206 of the bracket 3200. Figure 33 and Figure 34 The assembled RFID suspension tag 3300 is configured to be suspended from an object (e.g., field equipment) via fasteners (e.g., cable ties, cables, wires, ropes, straps, etc.) through through holes 3314 formed in the housing 3304 and through holes 3230 formed in the suspension tab 3206.

[0159] exist Figure 33 and Figure 34 In the example shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200 amplifies the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 (e.g., the gain of the internal antenna of the RFID tag 100). By amplifying the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100, the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 operates as a zigzag monopole antenna, which increases the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100. For example, when the RFID tag 100 is mounted to the base 3202 of the bracket 3200 to form as described above... Figure 33 and Figure 34 When the RFID tag 3300 is suspended, the zigzag amplification arm 3204 can increase the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with the RFID tag 100 by 25 feet or more. In such an example, with an isolated RFID tag 100 (e.g., not installed to...), Figure 32 The maximum communication range of the bracket 3200 is only 5 feet or less at a center frequency of 915 MHz, compared to the maximum communication range of the RFID tag 100 associated with the RFID hanging tag 3300 at a center frequency of 915 MHz, which can be 30 feet or more.

[0160] Figure 35 yes Figure 33 and Figure 34Example surface current density distribution of RFID hanging tag 3300 3500. Figure 35 The surface current density distribution 3500 shows the surface current density of an RFID hanging tag 3300 with a center frequency of 915MHz. (Example:) Figure 35 As shown, the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200 operates as a zigzag monopole antenna and / or resonator for the RFID tag 100, with most of the resonant behavior occurring along the example feed arm 3502 of the zigzag amplifying arm 3204. Raised resonant behavior can also be seen along the feed arm 3222 of the base 3202 of the bracket 3200. The through-hole 3230 formed in the suspension tab 3206 of the bracket 3200 is located in the resting region of the suspension tab 3206, thereby allowing… Figure 33 and Figure 34 The RFID hanging tag 3300 can be suspended vertically from a metal object (e.g., the metal housing of a field device) via a metal fastener (e.g., a metal wire) passing through a through-hole 3230, without the metal fastener intersecting with the resonant portion of the zigzag amplifying arm 3204 of the bracket 3200.

[0161] Figure 36 Is as Figure 33 and Figure 34 Figure 3600 shows an example of the antenna gain as a function of the azimuth angle of an RFID hanging tag 3300. Figure 36 In the example shown, the azimuth angle of 0 degrees (0°) corresponds to the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100, while the azimuth angle of 180 degrees (180°) corresponds to the rear surface 104 of the RFID tag 100. The maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 in an isolated state is approximately -65 dBm at both the front surface 102 (e.g., at 0°) and the rear surface (e.g., at 180°). By comparison, Figure 36 The graph 3600 shows that the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID hanging tag 3300 is approximately -5 dBm at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) and approximately -6 dBm at the rear surface of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 180°). Therefore, the maximum antenna gain associated with the RFID tag 100 is in response to the RFID tag 100 being mounted to the bracket 3200 to form... Figure 33 and Figure 34 The number of RFID hanging tags has increased significantly to 3300.

[0162] Figure 37 Figure 3700 shows an example of the reading range as a function of azimuth. Figure 3700 includes a first example curve 3702, which is related to... Figure 1The isolated RFID tag 100 corresponds to this. Figure 3700 also includes a second example curve 3704, which corresponds to the tag installed on... Figure 2 200 bracket Figure 1 RFID tag 100, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. Figure 3700 also includes a third example curve 3706, which corresponds to the installation onto... Figure 7 700 bracket Figure 1 RFID tag 100, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. Figure 3700 also includes a fourth example curve 3708, which corresponds to the installation onto... Figure 12 1200 bracket Figure 1 RFID tag 100, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown. Figure 3700 also includes a fifth example curve 3710, which corresponds to the installation onto... Figure 17 1700 bracket Figure 1 RFID tag 100, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown. Figure 3700 also includes a sixth example curve 3712, which corresponds to the installation onto... Figure 22 2200 bracket Figure 1 RFID tag 100, such as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown. Figure 3700 also includes a seventh example curve 3714, which corresponds to the installation onto... Figure 27 The bracket 2700 Figure 1 RFID tag 100, such as Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown. Figure 3700 also includes an eighth example curve 3716, which corresponds to the installation to Figure 32 3200 bracket Figure 1 RFID tag 100, such as Figure 33 and Figure 34 As shown.

[0163] exist Figure 37 In the example shown, the zero azimuth (0°) on Figure 3700 corresponds to Figure 1 The front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100. As shown in the first curve 3702, with Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) is approximately four feet. The second curve 3704 illustrates the relationship with the tag being mounted on... Figure 2200 bracket Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) is approximately 23 feet. The third curve 3706 illustrates the relationship with mounting to... Figure 7 700 bracket Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 is approximately 30 feet at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°). The fourth curve 3708 illustrates the relationship with mounting to... Figure 12 1200 bracket Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) is approximately 30 feet. Curve 3710 shows the effect of mounting to... Figure 17 1700 bracket Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) is approximately 21 feet. Curve 312 shows the effect of mounting to... Figure 22 2200 bracket Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) is approximately 35 feet. Curve 3714 illustrates the connection to... Figure 27 The bracket 2700 Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) is approximately 23 feet. Curve 3716 illustrates the connection to the tag. Figure 32 3200 bracket Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 at the front surface 102 of the RFID tag 100 (e.g., at 0°) is approximately 31 feet. Therefore, with Figure 1 The maximum read range associated with the RFID tag 100 in response to the RFID tag 100 being installed Figure 2 200 brackets Figure 7 700 brackets Figure 12 1200 brackets Figure 17 1700 bracket Figure 22 2200 brackets Figure 27 bracket 2700 or Figure 32 The number of stents increased significantly by 3200.

[0164] Figure 38 This is an enlarged front view of the example convoluted configuration 3800. Figure 38 The convoluted configuration of 3800 corresponds to Figure 7The convoluted configuration of 720 Figure 12 The convoluted configuration 1224 Figure 17 The convoluted configuration of 1722 Figure 22 The convoluted configuration 2224 Figure 27 The convoluted configuration of 2728 and Figure 32 The convoluted configuration of 3228. Therefore, Figure 38 The convoluted configuration of the 3800 can be achieved through Figure 7 The first curved magnifying arm 704 and / or the second curved magnifying arm 706 of the bracket 700, through Figure 12 The first zigzag magnifying arm 1204 and / or the second zigzag magnifying arm 1206 of the bracket 1200, through Figure 17 The first zigzag magnifying arm 1704 and / or the second zigzag magnifying arm 1706 of the bracket 1700, through Figure 27 The bracket 2700 has a curved magnifying arm 2704, and / or through Figure 32 The bracket 3200 is achieved by using the curved amplification arm 3204.

[0165] Figure 38 The tortuous configuration 3800 includes an example feed arm 3802, a first example tortuous section 3804, and a second example tortuous section 3806. Figure 38 In the example shown, the feed arm 3802 is centrally located between the first bend portion 3804 and the second bend portion 3806, which are respectively constructed as mirror images of each other with respect to the feed arm 3802, as further described below. Figure 38 The feed arm 3802 includes an example first end 3808 and an example second end 3810 positioned opposite the first end 3808. The first end 3808 of the feed arm 3802 is configured to be connected to (e.g., integrally formed therewith) the base of a support (e.g., Figure 7 The base of the 700 bracket 702, Figure 12 The base of the 1200 bracket 1202, Figure 17 The base 1702 of the bracket 1700, etc., or a component connected to the base of the bracket (e.g., Figure 22 The base 2202 of the support 2200, the feed arm 2218, Figure 27 The base of the support 2700, the feed arm 2722, Figure 32 (e.g., the base 3202 of the support 3200, the feed arm 3222, etc.). The feed arm 3802 extends in a first example direction 3812 away from the position and / or location defined by the first end 3808 of the feed arm 3802.

[0166] Figure 38The first bend portion 3804 includes a first example segment 3814 having an example first end 3816 and an example second end 3818 positioned opposite the first end 3816. The first end 3816 of the first segment 3814 is connected to the second end 3810 of the feed arm 3802 (e.g., integrally formed with the feed arm 3802) such that the first segment 3814 is oriented perpendicular to the feed arm 3802 and extends from the feed arm 3802 in a second example direction 3820 perpendicular to the first direction 3812.

[0167] Figure 38 The first bend portion 3804 also includes a second example segment 3822 having an example first end 3824 and an example second end 3826 positioned opposite to the first end 3824. The first end 3824 of the second segment 3822 is connected to (e.g., integrally formed therewith) the second end 3818 of the first segment 3814, such that the second segment 3822 is oriented perpendicular to the first segment 3814 and extends from the first segment 3814 in a third example direction 3828, which is oriented perpendicular to the second direction 3820 and opposite to the first direction 3812.

[0168] Figure 38 The first bend portion 3804 also includes a third example segment 3830 having an example first end 3832 and an example second end 3834 positioned opposite to the first end 3832. The first end 3832 of the third segment 3830 is connected to the second end 3826 of the second segment 3822 (e.g., integrally formed with the second segment 3822), such that the third segment 3830 is oriented perpendicular to the second segment 3822 and extends from the second segment 3822 along a fourth example direction 3836, which is oriented perpendicular to the third direction 3828 and opposite to the second direction 3820.

[0169] Figure 38 The first bend portion 3804 also includes a fourth example segment 3838 having an example first end 3840 and an example second end 3842 positioned opposite to the first end 3840. The first end 3840 of the fourth segment 3838 is connected to the second end 3834 of the third segment 3830 (e.g., integrally formed with the third segment 3830), such that the fourth segment 3838 is oriented perpendicular to the third segment 3830 and extends from the third segment 3830 along a third direction 3828.

[0170] Figure 38The first bend portion 3804 also includes a fifth example segment 3844 having an example first end 3846 and an example second end 3848 positioned opposite the first end 3846. The first end 3846 of the fifth segment 3844 is connected to the second end 3842 of the fourth segment 3838 (e.g., integrally formed therewith), such that the fifth segment 3844 is oriented perpendicular to the fourth segment 3838 and extends from the fourth segment 3838 along a second direction 3820.

[0171] Figure 38 The first bend portion 3804 also includes a sixth example segment 3850, which has an example first end 3852 and an example second end 3854 positioned opposite to the first end 3852. The first end 3852 of the sixth segment 3850 is connected to the second end 3848 of the fifth segment 3844 (e.g., integrally formed with the fifth segment 3844), such that the sixth segment 3850 is oriented perpendicular to the fifth segment 3844 and extends from the fifth segment 3844 along a third direction 3828.

[0172] Figure 38 The first bend portion 3804 also includes a seventh example segment 3856 having an example first end 3858 and an example second end 3860 positioned opposite the first end 3858. The first end 3858 of the seventh segment 3856 is connected to the second end 3854 of the sixth segment 3850 (e.g., integrally formed with the sixth segment 3850), such that the seventh segment 3856 is oriented perpendicular to the sixth segment 3850 and extends from the sixth segment 3850 along a fourth direction 3836.

[0173] Figure 38 The first bend portion 3804 also includes an eighth example segment 3862, which has an example first end 3864 and an example second end 3866 positioned relative to the first end 3864. The first end 3864 of the eighth segment 3862 is connected to the second end 3860 of the seventh segment 3856 (e.g., integrally formed therewith), such that the eighth segment 3862 is oriented perpendicular to the seventh segment 3856 and extends from the seventh segment 3856 along a third direction 3828.

[0174] Figure 38 The first bend in the first portion 3804 also includes a ninth example segment 3868, which has an example first end 3870 and an example second end 3872 positioned opposite to the first end 3870. The first end 3870 of the ninth segment 3868 is connected to the second end 3866 of the eighth segment 3862 (e.g., integrally formed with the eighth segment 3862), such that the ninth segment 3868 is oriented perpendicular to the eighth segment 3862 and extends from the eighth segment 3862 along a second direction 3820. Figure 38In the example shown, the second end 3872 of the ninth segment 3868 is the free (e.g., unconnected) end of the first zigzag portion 3804.

[0175] like Figure 38 As shown, the second bend portion 3806 of the bend configuration 3800 is constructed in such a manner that, when viewed relative to the feed arm 3802 positioned at the center of the bend configuration 3800, it mirrors the aforementioned structure of the first bend portion 3804 of the bend configuration 3800. In other examples, the second bend portion 3806 may be configured differently from... Figure 38 The configuration is constructed as shown. For example, the second zigzag portion 3806 of the zigzag configuration 3800 can be constructed in such a way that, when viewed relative to the feed arm 3802 positioned at the center of the zigzag configuration 3800, it does not mirror the above-described structure of the first zigzag portion 3804 of the zigzag configuration 3800.

[0176] Figure 39 This is an enlarged front view of the first example alternative convoluted configuration 3900. Figure 39 The first alternative zigzag configuration 3900 includes an example feed arm 3902, a first example zigzag section 3904, and a second example zigzag section 3906. Figure 39 In the example shown, the feed arm 3902 is centrally located between the first bend portion 3904 and the second bend portion 3906, wherein the first bend portion 3904 and the second bend portion 3906 are respectively constructed as mirror images of each other with respect to the feed arm 3902, as further described below. Figure 39 The feed arm 3902 includes an example first end 3908 and an example second end 3910 positioned opposite the first end 3908. The first end 3908 of the feed arm 3902 is configured to be connected to (e.g., integrally formed therewith) the base of a support (e.g., Figure 7 The base of the 700 bracket 702, Figure 12 The base of the 1200 bracket 1202, Figure 17 The base 1702 of the bracket 1700, etc., or a component connected to the base of the bracket (e.g., Figure 22 The base 2202 of the support 2200, the feed arm 2218, Figure 27 The base of the support 2700, the feed arm 2722, Figure 32 (e.g., the base 3202 of the support 3200, the feed arm 3222, etc.). The feed arm 3902 extends in a first example direction 3912 away from the position and / or location defined by the first end 3908 of the feed arm 3902.

[0177] Figure 39The first bend portion 3904 includes a first example segment 3914 having an example first end 3916 and an example second end 3918 positioned opposite the first end 3916. The first end 3916 of the first segment 3914 is connected to the second end 3910 of the feed arm 3902 (e.g., integrally formed with the feed arm 3902) such that the first segment 3914 is oriented perpendicular to the feed arm 3902 and extends from the feed arm 3902 along a second example direction 3920, which is oriented perpendicular to the first direction 3912.

[0178] Figure 39 The first bend portion 3904 also includes a second example segment 3922 having an example first end 3924 and an example second end 3926 positioned opposite to the first end 3924. The first end 3924 of the second segment 3922 is connected to the second end 3918 of the first segment 3914 (e.g., integrally formed therewith), such that the second segment 3922 is oriented perpendicular to the first segment 3914 and extends from the first segment 3914 in a third example direction 3928, which is oriented perpendicular to the second direction 3920 and opposite to the first direction 3912.

[0179] Figure 39 The first bend portion 3904 also includes a third example segment 3930 having an example first end 3932 and an example second end 3934 positioned opposite to the first end 3932. The first end 3932 of the third segment 3930 is connected to the second end 3926 of the second segment 3922 (e.g., integrally formed with the second segment 3922), such that the third segment 3930 is oriented perpendicular to the second segment 3922 and extends from the second segment 3922 along a fourth example direction 3936, which is oriented perpendicular to the third direction 3928 and opposite to the second direction 3920.

[0180] Figure 39 The first bend portion 3904 also includes a fourth example segment 3938 having an example first end 3940 and an example second end 3942 positioned opposite to the first end 3940. The first end 3940 of the fourth segment 3938 is connected to the second end 3934 of the third segment 3930 (e.g., integrally formed with the third segment 3930) such that the fourth segment 3938 is oriented perpendicular to the third segment 3930 and extends from the third segment 3930 along a first direction 3912.

[0181] Figure 39The first bend portion 3904 also includes a fifth example segment 3944 having an example first end 3946 and an example second end 3948 positioned opposite to the first end 3946. The first end 3946 of the fifth segment 3944 is connected to the second end 3942 of the fourth segment 3938 (e.g., integrally formed with the fourth segment 3938), such that the fifth segment 3944 is oriented perpendicular to the fourth segment 3938 and extends from the fourth segment 3938 along a fourth direction 3936.

[0182] Figure 39 The first bend in the first section 3904 also includes a sixth example segment 3950, having an example first end 3952 and an example second end 3954 positioned opposite the first end 3952. The first end 3952 of the sixth segment 3950 is connected to the second end 3948 of the fifth segment 3944 (e.g., integrally formed with the fifth segment 3944), such that the sixth segment 3950 is oriented perpendicular to the fifth segment 3944 and extends from the fifth segment 3944 along a third direction 3928. Figure 39 In the example shown, the second end 3954 of the sixth segment 3950 is the free (e.g., unconnected) end of the first zigzag portion 3904.

[0183] like Figure 39 As shown, the second bend portion 3906 of the bend configuration 3900 is constructed in such a way that, when viewed relative to the feed arm 3902 positioned at the center of the bend configuration 3900, it mirrors the aforementioned structure of the first bend portion 3904 of the bend configuration 3900. In other examples, the second bend portion 3906 may be configured differently from... Figure 39 The configuration is constructed as shown. For example, the second zigzag portion 3906 of the zigzag configuration 3900 can be constructed in such a way that, when viewed relative to the feed arm 3902 positioned at the center of the zigzag configuration 3900, it does not mirror the aforementioned structure of the first zigzag portion 3904 of the zigzag configuration 3900.

[0184] Figure 39 The first alternative to the 3900 bend configuration can be replaced by any bend magnifying arm of any of the aforementioned brackets. Figure 38 This is achieved through a complex configuration of the 3800. For example, Figure 40 This is a perspective view of an example RFID hanging tag 4000, which includes the tag being mounted on... Figure 7 700 bracket Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 has been modified to include Figure 39 The first alternative is the tortuous configuration 3900. Figure 41 yes Figure 41 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 4000. As another example, Figure 42This is a perspective view of an example RFID hanging tag 4200, which includes tags mounted on... Figure 22 On the bracket 2200 Figure 1 RFID tag 100, which has been modified to include Figure 39 The first alternative is the tortuous configuration 3900. Figure 43 yes Figure 42 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 4200.

[0185] Figure 44 This is an enlarged front view of the second example alternative convoluted configuration 4400. Figure 44 The second alternative zigzag configuration 4400 includes an example feed arm 4402 and an example zigzag section 4404. Figure 44 In the example shown, the feed arm 4402 is centered relative to the bend 4404. Figure 44 The feed arm 4402 includes an example first end 4406 and an example second end 4408 positioned opposite the first end 4406. The first end 4406 of the feed arm 4402 is configured to be connected to (e.g., integrally formed therewith) the base of a support (e.g., Figure 7 The base of the 700 bracket 702, Figure 12 The base of the 1200 bracket 1202, Figure 17 The base 1702 of the bracket 1700, etc., or a component connected to the base of the bracket (e.g., Figure 22 The base 2202 of the support 2200, the feed arm 2218, Figure 27 The base of the support 2700, the feed arm 2722, Figure 32 (e.g., the base 3202 of the support 3200, the feed arm 3222, etc.). The feed arm 4402 extends in a first example direction 4410 away from the position and / or location defined by the first end 4406 of the feed arm 4402.

[0186] Figure 44 The tortuous portion 4404 includes a first example segment 4412 having an example first end 4414 and an example second end 4416 positioned relative to the first end 4414. The first end 4414 of the first segment 4412 is connected to (e.g., integrally formed therewith) the second end 4408 of the feed arm 4402, such that the first segment 4412 is oriented perpendicular to the feed arm 4402 and extends from the feed arm 4402 along a second example direction 4418, which is oriented perpendicular to the first direction 4410.

[0187] Figure 44The bend in the second segment 4404 also includes a second example segment 4420 having an example first end 4422 and an example second end 4424 positioned opposite to the first end 4422. The first end 4422 of the second segment 4420 is connected to the second end 4416 of the first segment 4412 (e.g., integrally formed therewith), such that the second segment 4420 is oriented perpendicular to the first segment 4412 and extends from the first segment 4412 along a first direction 4410.

[0188] Figure 44 The bend in the section 4404 also includes a third example segment 4426 having an example first end 4428 and an example second end 4430 positioned opposite to the first end 4428. The first end 4428 of the third segment 4426 is connected to the second end 4424 of the second segment 4420 (e.g., integrally formed with the second segment 4420) such that the third segment 4426 is oriented perpendicular to the second segment 4420 and extends from the second segment 4420 along a third example direction 4432, which is oriented perpendicular to the first direction 4410 and opposite to the second direction 4418.

[0189] Figure 44 The bend in the section 4404 also includes a fourth example segment 4434 having an example first end 4436 and an example second end 4438 positioned opposite to the first end 4436. The first end 4436 of the fourth segment 4434 is connected to the second end 4430 of the third segment 4426 (e.g., integrally formed with the third segment 4426), such that the fourth segment 4434 is oriented perpendicular to the third segment 4426 and extends from the third segment 4426 along a first direction 4410.

[0190] Figure 44 The bend in the section 4404 also includes a fifth example segment 4440 having an example first end 4442 and an example second end 4444 positioned relative to the first end 4442. The first end 4442 of the fifth segment 4440 is connected to the second end 4438 of the fourth segment 4434 (e.g., integrally formed with the fourth segment 4434), such that the fifth segment 4440 is oriented perpendicular to the fourth segment 4434 and extends from the fourth segment 4434 along a second direction 4418.

[0191] Figure 44 The zigzag portion 4404 also includes a sixth example segment 4446 having an example first end 4448 and an example second end 4450 positioned opposite the first end 4448. The first end 4448 of the sixth segment 4446 is connected to the second end 4444 of the fifth segment 4440 (e.g., integrally formed therewith), such that the sixth segment 4446 is oriented perpendicular to the fifth segment 4440 and extends from the fifth segment 4440 along a first direction 4410.

[0192] Figure 44 The tortuous portion 4404 also includes a seventh example segment 4452, which has an example first end 4454 and an example second end 4456 positioned relative to the first end 4454. The first end 4454 of the seventh segment 4452 is connected to the second end 4450 of the sixth segment 4446 (e.g., integrally formed with the sixth segment 4446), such that the seventh segment 4452 is oriented perpendicular to the sixth segment 4446 and extends from the sixth segment 4446 along a third direction 4432.

[0193] Figure 44 The tortuous portion 4404 also includes an eighth example segment 4458 having an example first end 4460 and an example second end 4462 positioned opposite to the first end 4460. The first end 4460 of the eighth segment 4458 is connected to the second end 4456 of the seventh segment 4452 (e.g., integrally formed with the second end 4456 of the seventh segment 4452), such that the eighth segment 4458 is oriented perpendicular to the seventh segment 4452 and extends from the seventh segment 4452 along a first direction 4410.

[0194] Figure 44 The tortuous portion 4404 also includes a ninth example segment 4464, which has an example first end 4466, an example second end 4468 positioned relative to the first end 4466, and an example midpoint 4470 located approximately at the center between the first end 4466 and the second end 4468. The midpoint 4470 of the ninth segment 4464 is connected to the second end 4462 of the eighth segment 4458 (e.g., integrally formed with the eighth segment 4458), such that the ninth segment 4464 is oriented perpendicular to the eighth segment 4458 and extends from the eighth segment 4458 simultaneously along a second direction 4418 and a third direction 4432. Figure 44 In the example shown, the first end 4466 and the second end 4468 of the ninth segment 4464 are the free (e.g., unconnected) ends of the bend 4404.

[0195] Figure 44 The second alternative zigzag configuration 4400 can be replaced by any zigzag amplifying arm of any of the aforementioned brackets. Figure 38 The convoluted configuration of 3800 or its replacement Figure 39 The first alternative is the 3900 convoluted configuration. For example, Figure 45 This is a perspective view of an example RFID hanging tag 4500, which includes tags that are mounted on... Figure 7 On the bracket 700 Figure 1 The RFID tag 100 is modified to include Figure 44 The second alternative is the 4400. Figure 46 yes Figure 45 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 4500. As another example, Figure 47 This is a perspective view of an example RFID hanging tag 4700, which includes tags that are mounted on... Figure 22 On the bracket 2200 Figure 1 RFID tag 100, which has been modified to include Figure 44 The second alternative is the 4400. Figure 48 yes Figure 47 Rear view of the RFID hanging tag 4700.

[0196] As can be understood from the above, the disclosed bracket advantageously amplifies the antenna gain associated with a known RFID tag, and thus increases the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with such RFID tag. In some examples, the disclosed bracket can increase the maximum communication range (e.g., maximum read range) associated with such RFID tag from a distance of 5 feet or less to an improved distance of 30 feet or more. The disclosed bracket thus enables RFID tag readers and / or interrogators to determine one or more of the following from a securely located remote location: (1) the identity and / or location of the RFID tag; (2) the identity and / or location of an object (e.g., field equipment) to which the bracket-mounted RFID tag is suspended; and / or (3) the identity and / or location of an object (e.g., field equipment) to which the bracket-mounted RFID tag is mounted.

[0197] In some disclosed examples, an apparatus includes a bracket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In some disclosed examples, the bracket includes a base, a first zigzag amplifying arm, and a second zigzag amplifying arm. The first zigzag amplifying arm is connected to the base and extends away from the base along a first direction, and the second zigzag amplifying arm is connected to the base and extends away from the base along a second direction, opposite to the first direction. In some disclosed examples, the RFID tag is mounted to the base of the bracket. In some disclosed examples, the first and second zigzag amplifying arms are respectively configured to: amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

[0198] In some disclosed examples, the device also includes a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material. In some disclosed examples, the housing is configured to completely surround the first and second zigzag amplifying arms. In some disclosed examples, the housing includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the second portion being connected to the first portion and extending away from the first portion in a first direction. In some disclosed examples, the second portion includes a through-hole spaced from the support and configured to receive fasteners to suspend the housing from an object.

[0199] In some disclosed examples, the bracket further includes a mounting arm attached to the base and extending away from the base along a third direction, the third direction being positioned orthogonal to a first direction and a second direction. In some disclosed examples, the mounting arm includes a through-hole configured to receive fasteners for mounting the bracket to an object. In some disclosed examples, the device further includes a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the bracket, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material. In some disclosed examples, the mounting arm is oriented at an angle relative to the base.

[0200] In some disclosed examples, the bracket further includes a suspension tab connected to and extending away from the first zigzag amplifying arm in a first direction. In some disclosed examples, the suspension tab includes a through-hole configured to receive a fastener to suspend the bracket from an object. In some disclosed examples, the device further includes a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the bracket, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material. In some disclosed examples, the suspension tab is coplanar with the first zigzag amplifying arm.

[0201] In some disclosed examples, an apparatus includes a bracket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In some disclosed examples, the bracket includes a base and a zigzag amplifying arm connected to the base and extending away from the base in a first direction. In some disclosed examples, the RFID tag is mounted to the base of the bracket. In some disclosed examples, the zigzag amplifying arm is configured to: amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

[0202] In some disclosed examples, the device further includes a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material. In some disclosed examples, the housing is configured to completely surround the tortuous magnifying arm. In some disclosed examples, the housing includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the second portion being connected to the first portion and extending away from the first portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some disclosed examples, the second portion includes a through-hole spaced from the support and configured to receive fasteners to suspend the housing from the object.

[0203] In some disclosed examples, the bracket further includes a mounting arm connected to the base and extending away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some disclosed examples, the mounting arm includes a through-hole configured to receive fasteners for mounting the bracket to an object. In some disclosed examples, the device further includes a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the bracket, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material. In some disclosed examples, the mounting arm is oriented at an angle relative to the base.

[0204] In some disclosed examples, the support also includes a suspension tab attached to the base and extending away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some disclosed examples, the suspension tab includes a through-hole configured to receive a fastener to suspend the support from an object. In some disclosed examples, the device also includes a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material. In some disclosed examples, the suspension tab is coplanar with the base.

[0205] In some disclosed examples, the base includes a notch and a feed arm. In some disclosed examples, the notch extends inward from the edge of the base adjacent to where the zigzag amplifying arm is positioned. In some disclosed examples, the feed arm is centrally positioned within the notch. In some disclosed examples, the feed arm extends outward from the central portion of the base, across the edge of the base, and to the zigzag amplifying arm. In some disclosed examples, the notch is centrally positioned along the edge. In some disclosed examples, the feed arm is aligned with the internal antenna of the RFID tag.

[0206] In some disclosed examples, a device includes a bracket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In some disclosed examples, the bracket includes a central portion, a first amplifying arm, and a second amplifying arm. The first amplifying arm is connected to the central portion and extends away from the central portion along a first direction, and the second amplifying arm is connected to the central portion and extends away from the central portion along a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some disclosed examples, the first amplifying arm includes a through-hole configured to receive a fastener to suspend the bracket from an object. In some disclosed examples, the RFID tag is mounted to the central portion of the bracket. In some disclosed examples, the first and second amplifying arms are each configured to: amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

[0207] In some published examples, the central portion, the first amplifying arm, and the second amplifying arm are coplanar. In some published examples, the first amplifying arm defines a first end of the bracket, the second amplifying arm defines a second end of the bracket opposite to the first end, and the second end is separated from the first end by a distance approximately equal to half the radio frequency wavelength of the RFID tag operation.

[0208] Although certain example methods, apparatuses, and articles have been disclosed herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all methods, apparatuses, and articles that fall entirely within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. An apparatus including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the apparatus further comprising: A support having a base, a first zigzag amplifying arm, and a second zigzag amplifying arm, the first zigzag amplifying arm being connected to the base and extending away from the base along a first direction, the second zigzag amplifying arm being connected to the base and extending away from the base along a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first zigzag amplifying arm comprising: A feed arm having a first end connected to the base and a second end positioned opposite to the first end; A first bend, connected to the second end of the feed arm, the first bend comprising a first series of orthogonal bends; and A second bend, connected to the second end of the feed arm, the second bend comprising a second series of orthogonal bends, the feed arm being centrally positioned between the first bend and the second bend, the second bend being configured as a mirror image of the first bend with respect to the feed arm; and The RFID tag is attached to the base of the bracket; The first zigzag amplifying arm and the second zigzag amplifying arm are respectively constructed as at least one of the following: Amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or Increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the housing is configured to completely surround the first zigzag amplifying arm and the second zigzag amplifying arm.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to surround the at least portion of the support, the second portion being connected to the first portion and extending away from the first portion in the first direction, the second portion including a through-hole spaced apart from the support and configured to receive a fastener to suspend the housing from an object.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket further comprises a mounting arm connected to the base and extending away from the base in a third direction, the third direction being oriented orthogonal to the first direction and orthogonal to the second direction, the mounting arm including a through-hole configured to receive a fastener for mounting the bracket to an object.

6. The device of claim 5 further includes a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mounting arm is oriented at an angle relative to the base.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support further comprises a suspension tab connected to the first zigzag arm and extending away from the first zigzag arm in the first direction, the suspension tab including a through hole configured to receive a fastener for suspending the support from the object.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the suspension tab is coplanar with the first zigzag amplifying arm.

11. An apparatus including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the apparatus further comprising: A support having a base and a zigzag amplifying arm connected to the base and extending away from the base in a first direction, the zigzag amplifying arm comprising: A feed arm having a first end connected to the base and a second end positioned opposite to the first end; A first bend, connected to the second end of the feed arm, the first bend comprising a first series of orthogonal bends; and A second bend, connected to the second end of the feed arm, the second bend comprising a second series of orthogonal bends, the feed arm being centrally positioned between the first bend and the second bend, the second bend being configured as a mirror image of the first bend with respect to the feed arm; and The RFID tag is attached to the base of the bracket; The aforementioned tortuous amplifying arm is configured to be at least one of the following: Amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or Increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the housing is configured to completely surround the tortuous amplifying arm.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to surround the at least portion of the support, the second portion being connected to the first portion and extending away from the first portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second portion including a through-hole spaced apart from the support and configured to receive a fastener to suspend the housing from an object.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bracket further comprises a mounting arm connected to the base and extending away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the mounting arm including a through-hole configured to receive a fastener for mounting the bracket to an object.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the mounting arm is oriented at an angle relative to the base.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support further comprises a suspension tab connected to the base and extending away from the base in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the suspension tab including a through hole configured to receive a fastener for suspending the support from the object.

19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a housing configured to surround at least a portion of the support, the housing being formed of a non-conductive material.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the suspension tab is coplanar with the base.

21. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base includes a notch and a feed arm, the notch extending inwardly from an edge of the base adjacent to the location of the zigzag amplifying arm, the feed arm being centrally located within the notch, the feed arm extending outwardly from a central portion of the base, passing through the edge of the base, and reaching the first zigzag portion and the second zigzag portion.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the notch is centrally positioned along the edge.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the feed arm is aligned with the internal antenna of the RFID tag.

24. An apparatus including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the apparatus further comprising: A support having a central portion, a first amplifying arm, and a second amplifying arm, the first amplifying arm being connected to the central portion and extending away from the central portion along a first direction, the second amplifying arm being connected to the central portion and extending away from the central portion along a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first amplifying arm comprising: A through-hole, configured to receive a fastener to suspend the bracket from the object. The feed arm has a first end connected to the central portion and a second end positioned opposite the first end. A first bend, connected to the second end of the feed arm, the first bend comprising a first series of orthogonal bends, and A second bend, connected to the second end of the feed arm, the second bend comprising a second series of orthogonal bends, the feed arm being centrally positioned between the first bend and the second bend, the second bend being configured as a mirror image of the first bend with respect to the feed arm; and The RFID tag is attached to the central portion of the bracket. The first amplifying arm and the second amplifying arm are respectively constructed as at least one of the following: Amplify the antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or Increase the communication range associated with the RFID tag.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the central portion, the first amplifying arm, and the second amplifying arm are coplanar, the first amplifying arm defines a first end of the bracket, the second amplifying arm defines a second end of the bracket opposite to the first end, and the second end of the bracket is separated from the first end of the bracket by a distance equal to half the radio frequency wavelength of the RFID tag operation.

Images