Apparatus for forming a wireless communication device
OwnerIan J. Forster, Patrick F. Kinginventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for manufacturing wireless communication devices for use in tracking or identifying items comprises cutting techniques that allow the size of antenna elements for the wireless communication device to be adjusted. Rollers cut tabs that form the antenna elements. In one embodiment, a plurality of rollers are used, each one effecting a different cut whose position may be adjusted so as to shorten or lengthen the antenna element. In another embodiment, the rollers are independently positionable to shorten or lengthen the antenna element. A radiator may be configured to assess a capacitance of the antenna elements prior to cutting to determine an appropriate size for the antenna elements.
Claims82
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- means for cutting a conductive tab to form an antenna element, wherein the means for cutting are positionable relative to the conductive tab to permit adjustable cutting of the conductive tab to obtain a desired electrical characteristic for the antenna element;
- and
- means for securing a wireless communication chip to the conductive tab and to a substrate, which thereby forms the wireless communication device, wherein the means for securing include a heater configured to heat pins of the wireless communication chip to a temperature above a yield point of the substrate so that the pins melt the substrate when inserted into the substrate.
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- means for cutting a conductive tab to form an antenna element, wherein the means for cutting are positionable relative to the conductive tab to permit adjustable cutting of the conductive tab to obtain a desired electrical characteristic for the antenna element;
- and
- means for securing a wireless communication chip to the conductive tab and to a substrate, which thereby forms the wireless communication device, wherein the means for securing include a heater configured to heat pins of the wireless communication chip for inserting the pins into a solder paste configured to melt and later harden to secure the wireless communication chip to the conductive tab.
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- means for cutting a conductive tab to form an antenna element, wherein the means for cutting are positionable relative to the conductive tab to permit adjustable cutting of the conductive tab to obtain a desired electrical characteristic for the antenna element;
- and
- means for securing a wireless communication chip to the conductive tab and to a substrate, which thereby forms the wireless communication device, wherein the means for securing include a welder configured to pass a high-current, low-voltage electrical pulse through pins of the wireless communication chip to weld the pins of the wireless communication chip to the conductive tab.
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- means for cutting a conductive tab to form an antenna element, wherein the means for cutting are positionable relative to the conductive tab to permit adjustable cutting of the conductive tab to obtain a desired electrical characteristic for the antenna element;
- and
- means for securing a wireless communication chip to the conductive tab and to a substrate, which thereby forms the wireless communication device, wherein the means for securing include a welder configured to pass a high-current, low-voltage electrical pulse through a thin foil that melts and secures the wireless communication chip to the conductive tab.
A method for producing a wireless communication device, the method comprising:
- cutting a conductive tab using a cutting tool to form an antenna element, wherein the cutting tool is positionable relative to the conductive tab to permit adjustable cutting of the conductive tab to obtain a desired electrical characteristic for the antenna element;
- and
- securing a wireless communication chip to the conductive tab and to a substrate using a mounting tool, thereby forming the wireless communication device, wherein the mounting tool includes a heater configured to heat pins of the wireless communication chip to a temperature above a yield point of the substrate so that the pins melt the substrate when inserted into the substrate.
A method for forming a wireless communication device, the method comprising:
- cutting a conductive tab using a cutting tool to form an antenna element, wherein the cutting tool is positionable relative to the conductive tab to permit adjustable cutting of the conductive tab to obtain a desired electrical characteristic for the antenna element;
- and
- securing a wireless communication chip to the conductive tab and to a substrate using a mounting tool, thereby forming the wireless communication device, wherein the mounting tool includes a heater configured to heat pins of the wireless communication chip for inserting the pins into a solder paste configured to melt and later harden to secure the wireless communication chip to the tab.
A method for forming a wireless communication device, the method comprising:
- cutting a conductive tab using a cutting tool to form an antenna element, wherein the cutting tool is positionable relative to the conductive tab to permit adjustable cutting of the conductive tab to obtain a desired electrical characteristic for the antenna element;
- and
- securing a wireless communication chip to the conductive tab and to a substrate using a mounting tool, thereby forming the wireless communication device, wherein the mounting tool includes a welder configured to pass a high-current, low-voltage electrical pulse through pins of the wireless communication chip to weld the pins of the wireless communication chip to the conductive tab.
A method for forming a wireless communication device, the method comprising:
- cutting a conductive tab using a cutting tool to form an antenna element, wherein the cutting tool is positionable relative to the conductive tab to permit adjustable cutting of the conductive tab to obtain a desired electrical characteristic for the antenna element;
- and
- securing a wireless communication chip to the conductive tab and to a substrate using a mounting tool, thereby forming the wireless communication device, wherein the mounting tool includes a welder configured to pass a high-current, low-voltage electrical pulse through a thin foil that melts and secures the wireless communication chip to the conductive tab.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.