Printhead with RFID antenna

• US 20070013520A1
• Filed: 03/01/2006
• Published: 01/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Intermec IP Corporation (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Intermec IP Corporation (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Inventors: Conwell, Kevin, Adams, Matt
• Application Number:
  US11/365,480
• Publication Number:
  US 20070013520A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.100
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0025 the arrangement consisting of a wireless interrogation device in combination with a device for optically marking the record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10316 using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers antennas in general H01Q1/22
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2216 used in interrogator/reader equipment

Abstract

A printhead with a built-in antenna. The built-in antennaa allows for close proximity between the media and the antenna, particularly as media passes under the printhead. The RFID antenna embedded in the print head eliminates the potential interference and crosstalk between the smart labels. The built-in antenna at the print station allows for RF writing and printing at the same time. The close proximity of the antenna to the RFID tag also allows for reduced power, which is an advantage in portable devices that often have limited battery life. Having a RFID antenna built in to the print head, also allows for a printer with smaller dimensions. Further, the printer assembly and repairs are quicker because there is no need for an additional patch antenna component.

Claims

1. A printer comprising:

a printhead with an RFID antenna and a platen roller.

2. The printer of claim 1 wherein the antenna is built directly into thermal print head.

3. The printer of claim 2 further comprising an RF encoder board onboard the print head.

4. The printer of claim 2 further comprising an RF encoder board within printer that is connected to the antenna by a print head cable.