Apparatus for forming a wireless communication device
AssigneeMineral Lassen LLC
InventorsIan J. Forster, Patrick F. King
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims25
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of rollers configured to receive a production line, wherein the plurality of rollers includes three rollers, and wherein each roller is configured to make a cut on the production line to cut a pair of antenna elements;
- means for cutting an antenna element from the production line;
- and
- means for securing a wireless communication chip to both the antenna element and a substrate to form the wireless communication device.
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- means for adjustably cutting a first tab for use as a first antenna element;
- means for adjustably cutting a second tab for use as a second antenna element;
- and
- means for securing the first and second tabs to both a wireless communication chip and a substrate, thereby forming the wireless communication device;
- wherein the means for adjustably cutting the first and second tabs includes three rollers, and wherein each roller is configured to make a cut on a production line.
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of rollers configured to receive a production line;
- means for cutting an antenna element from the production line;
- means for securing a wireless communication chip to both the antenna element and a substrate to form the wireless communication device;
- and
- means for cutting fingers into the antenna element;
- wherein the means for securing a wireless communication chip includes means for heating pins of the wireless communication chip prior to insertion of the chip into the substrate with the fingers of the antenna element in contact with the heated pins.
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- means for adjustably cutting a first tab for use as a first antenna element;
- means for adjustably cutting a second tab for use as a second antenna element;
- and
- means for securing the first and second tabs to both wireless communication chip and a substrate, thereby forming the wireless communication device;
- wherein the means for adjustably cutting the first and second tabs includes at least two independently-positionable rollers;
- and
- wherein the means for adjustably cutting the first and second tabs comprises means for cutting the backing material around the chip and through the tabs.
An apparatus for forming a wireless communication device, the apparatus comprising:
- means for adjustably cutting a first tab for use as a first antenna element;
- means for adjustably cutting a second tab for use as a second antenna element;
- and
- means for securing the first and second tabs to both a wireless communication chip and a substrate, thereby forming the wireless communication device;
- wherein the means for securing the first and second tabs includes means for heating pins of the wireless communication chip prior to coupling to fingers cut into the first and second tabs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.