RFID tag for instrument handles
First Claim
1. An instrument comprising:
- a handle having a non-metallic material positioned on at least a portion of the handle, the non-metallic material having at least one surface;
a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip positioned at a surface of the non-metallic material of the handle; and
one or more radio frequency (RF) antenna segments positioned at a surface of the non-metallic material of the handle and operably connected to the RFID chip, wherein the one or more antenna segments are formed on the surface in a graphic image pattern, the graphic image pattern comprising at least one graphic image selected from the group consisting of a company logo, a warning label, text, and combinations thereof, and further comprising a substantially transparent protective layer positioned over at least a portion of the one or more antenna segments.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are exemplary implementations of an instrument having an RFID tag formed in or on the material of its handle. One or more antenna segments of the RFID tag may be formed from conductive material printed on or otherwise applied to a surface of the material or they may be formed from a conductive foil or other preformed material applied to the surface of the elastic material of the instrument handle. The antenna segments may be configured to represent at least a portion of a graphic, such as a company logo, for viewing by a user or handler of the instrument. At least a portion of the RFID tag and surrounding of the instrument handle may be covered by a protective material to prevent damage to the RFID tag as a result of repeated handling or subjection of the instrument to autoclaving, sterilization or caustic materials.
90 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An instrument comprising:
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a handle having a non-metallic material positioned on at least a portion of the handle, the non-metallic material having at least one surface; a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip positioned at a surface of the non-metallic material of the handle; and one or more radio frequency (RF) antenna segments positioned at a surface of the non-metallic material of the handle and operably connected to the RFID chip, wherein the one or more antenna segments are formed on the surface in a graphic image pattern, the graphic image pattern comprising at least one graphic image selected from the group consisting of a company logo, a warning label, text, and combinations thereof, and further comprising a substantially transparent protective layer positioned over at least a portion of the one or more antenna segments. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for implementing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in an instrument handle having a non-metallic material containing at least one surface that is positioned on at least a portion of the instrument handle, the method comprising:
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positioning an RFID chip at a surface of the non-metallic material of the instrument handle; and depositing conductive material on a surface of the non-metallic material of the instrument handle to form one or more radio frequency (RF) antenna segments, wherein the conductive material is deposited in a pattern so as to form at least one graphic image selected from the group consisting of a company logo, a warning label, text, and combinations thereof; and depositing a substantially transparent protective layer over at least a portion of the one or more RF antenna segments. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification