RF-ACTIVATED TAG AND LOCATOR
First Claim
1. A locating system, comprising:
- (a) at least one tag device comprising;
(1) at least one passive RF energy detector means;
(2) at least one low-quiescent-power signal buffer means operatively coupled to said RF energy detector means; and
(3) at least one response means; and
, (b) at least one locator device comprising;
(1) an RF transmitter means suitable for activating said tag device;
(2) at least one antenna means coupled to said RF transmitter means; and
(3) at least one power source;
and where said system further comprises at least one relative proximity assessing means and at least one indicating means, and where said tag device is capable of being activated remotely by said locator device using an RF activation signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An object locating system employing tags and a handheld locator. A unique low power tag circuit enables highly compact form factor and extremely long operating life even from the smallest available batteries. The tag employs an efficient passive RF energy detector circuit rather than an active receiver, as well as a novel low-power temperature-compensated biasing circuit to provide uniform sensitivity over a broad temperature range. The locator device transmits a tag activation signal, receives tag RF responses, and reports presence and optionally proximity changes to the user. An alternate tag design directly conveys proximity changes. The locator may also incorporate tag functionality to aid in finding a misplaced locator.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A locating system, comprising:
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(a) at least one tag device comprising;
(1) at least one passive RF energy detector means;
(2) at least one low-quiescent-power signal buffer means operatively coupled to said RF energy detector means; and
(3) at least one response means; and
,(b) at least one locator device comprising;
(1) an RF transmitter means suitable for activating said tag device;
(2) at least one antenna means coupled to said RF transmitter means; and
(3) at least one power source;
and where said system further comprises at least one relative proximity assessing means and at least one indicating means, and where said tag device is capable of being activated remotely by said locator device using an RF activation signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification