CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/046,161 filed Sept. 4, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by references.

BACKGROUND

[0002]The present invention relates generally to antennas and specifically to printed radio frequency identification antennas. Radio-frequency identification ("RFID") is the wireless use of electromagnetic ("EM") fields to transfer data for the purposes of identifying and/or tracking objects. RFID tags ("tags") can contain integrated circuits having memory for information storage. Some tags may be powered by and read at short ranges, such as a few meters, via electromagnetic fields that are typically generated by EM induction. Other tags can use a local power source such as a battery, or where a local power source is unavailable can collect energy from the interrogating EM field, and then act as a passive transponder to emit microwaves or UHF radio waves (i.e., EM radiation at high frequencies).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003]FIG. 1 depicts an antenna, generally 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0004JFIG. 2 depicts an antenna, generally 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0005]FIG. 3 depicts an antenna, generally 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0006]FIG. 4 depicts an antenna, generally 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 5 depicts an antenna, generally 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 6 depicts an antenna, generally 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 7 depicts an antenna, generally 700, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 8 depicts an antenna, generally 800, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 9 depicts an antenna, generally 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012JFIG. 10 depicts an antenna, generally 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013]The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvements over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, references to proximal ends/portions refer to areas nearest to the integrated circuit ("IC") landing pads of conductor lines (discussed below) and references to distal ends/portions refer to areas furthest away from the IC landing pads. The conductive elements described below comprise alength that is parallel with the horizontal plane of the nearest conductor line and a width that is measured on a plane orthogonal to that of the length.

[0014]Radio-frequency identification ("RFID") is the wireless use of electromagnetic ("EM") fields to transfer data and may be utilized in an variety of applications, for example, identifying and tracking objects. RFID tags ("tags") can contain electronically stored information. Some tags can be powered by and read at short ranges, such as a few meters, via electromagnetic fields that are typically generated by EM induction. Other tags may use a local power source such as a battery, or where a local power source is unavailable may collect energy from the interrogating EM field, and then act as a passive transponder to emit microwaves or UHF radio waves (i.e., EM radiation at high frequencies).

[0015]Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide printable RFID antennas ("the antennas"). Additional aspects of the present invention seek to provide methods of fabricating the antennas. The antenna elements of the present invention can be printed utilizing a composition comprised of electrically conductive inks ("the composition"). The composition can include one or more conductive materials including, but not limited to, graphene sheets, graphite, conductive carbons, and/or conductive polymers (discussed further below). The antennas can be formed in a manner to operate within a variety of frequencies, including, but not limited to, HF, VHF, UHF, L, S, C, X, Ku, K, Ka, V, W, mm, A, B, C, D E, F, G H, I, J, K, L, and M. [0016]Certain antenna elements can comprise a metal-based composition. Applicable metals include, but are not limited to, silver, gold, aluminum, and/or copper. The graphene sheets, the composition, and/or the printing methods can be derived and/or accomplished by a variety of manners, including but not limited to, those disclosed by, for example, United Stated patent 7,658,901 B2 by Prud'Homme et al, United States patent application 2011/0189452 Al by Lettow et al, McAllister et al. (Chem. Mater. 2007, 19, 4396-4404), United States patent application 2014/0050903 Al by Lettow et al, and United States patent 8,278,757 B2 by Crain et al, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0017]The antennas are designed to be utilized with an active or passive RFID integrated circuit ("IC"). The IC can have any carrier wave frequency, maximum read distance, memory size, function, encoding scheme, and/or security protocol. The antennas can have an overall symmetrical structure. The antennas may can be formed to function as dipole antennas. The antennas may comprise an electrically conductive loop element that is in electrical

communication with two or more conductive elements. Loop elements can comprise the composition and/or a metal-based composition. Conductive elements can comprise the composition. Conductive elements can be any multi-sided structure, for example, three-, four-, five-, six-, seven-, eight-, ect. sided structures. ICs can comprise a memory component to store data, and a processing unit to process the data and/or modulate and demodulate RF signals. The data may include, for example, a number or alphanumeric expression identifying the tag and/or identifying information for the object to which the tag is attached, such as, for example, a serial number, identification number, stock number, lot number, and/or batch number. The antennas can receive and, in certain embodiments, transmit, RF signals. The antennas also comprise two or more conductor lines that each extend substantially from the middle of opposite sides of the loop element. The conductor lines comprise a proximate end that includes an IC pad and a distal end that is in electrical communication with the loop element. Conductor lines can comprise the metal-based composition.

[0018]FIG. 1 depicts an antenna, generally 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 100 can comprise loop 150, which is in electrical communication with conductive elements 110, 120, 130, and 140. Loop 150 is in electrical communication with conductor lines 160, which may each extend substantially from the middle area of the inner frame of a side of loop 150 toward the inner hollow of loop 150. Loop 150 can have a circumference that is smaller than or approximately equal to a predetermined wavelength. Loop 150 can be a four-sided (i.e. a quadrilateral) structure. Loop 150 can be a substantially square structure. Loop 150 can have one or more mitered corners 155. Each non-mitered side of loop 150 can be individually in electrical communication with conductive elements 110, 120, 130, or 140.

[0019]Mitered corners 155 can each have different or identical angles relative to a side of loop 150. Applicable angles can include, but are not limited to, at most 20° to 30°, 30° to 40°, 40° to 50°, 50° to 60°, 60° to 70°, or 70° to 80° relative to a side of loop 150. The width of the sides of loop 150 can be identical and/or different. Loop 150 can have one or more sides having a width that is at most 0.5mm to 0.75mm, 0.75mm to 1mm, 1mm to 1.25mm, 1.25mm to 1.5mm, 1.5mm to 1.75mm, or 1.75mm to 2mm.

[0020] Conductor lines 160 can have a serrated structure having a plurality of dentitions of one or more angles. Applicable dentition angles include, but are not limited to, acute angles, right angles, obtuse angles, and/or reflex angles. Conductor lines 160 can be of substantially equal lengths and/or widths. Conductor lines 160 can have widths that are greater than their associated IC pads. The proximal portions of conductor lines 160 can be tapered to the width of their IC associated pads.

[0021] Conductive elements 110, 120, 130, and 140 are conductive antenna elements.

Conductive elements 110, 120, 130, and/or 140 can have a quadrilateral shape. The quadrilateral shape can have at least two substantially identical convex vertices. The quadrilateral shape can have a length that is at least 15% to 20%, 20% to 25%, 25% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, or 55% to 60% its width. Conductive elements 110, 120, 130, and 140 can each have distal portions that are each in electrical communication with a different side of loop 150. Two or more of conductive elements 110, 120, 130, and 140 may have similar dimensions and/or similar shapes. The quadrilateral shape can be trapezoidal. One or more distal vertices of conductive elements 110, 120, 130, and/or 140 can be located no more than 0.5mm to 1mm, 1mm to 5mm, 5mm to 10mm, or 10mm to 15mm from the nearest distal vertex of another conductive element that is in electrical communication with loop 150.

[0022JFIG. 2 depicts an antenna, generally 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 200 comprises some antenna elements that are also included in antenna 100, which can have similar dimensions and/or orientations as discussed above.

Specifically, antenna 200 can comprise loop 150, mitered corners 155, and conductive elements 110, 120, 130, and/or 140.

[0023]Antenna 200 also comprises conductor lines 260, which can be in electrical

communication with loop 150 in a similar manner as conductor line 160 are relative to loop 150. Conductor lines 260 have distal ends that are wider than their associated proximal end.

Conductor lines 260 distal ends can have a width that is about 1.5X to 1.75X, 1.75X to 2X, 2X to 2.25X, 2.25X to 2.5X, 2.5X to 2.75X, or 2.75X to 3X the width of their associated proximal ends.

[0024JFIG. 3 depicts an antenna, generally 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Tag 300 can comprise loop 350, which is in electrical communication with conductive elements 310 and 320. Loop 350 is a four-sided structure that is in electrical communication with the distal ends of conductor lines 360. Loop 350 can have one or more sides that comprise similar widths as one or more of the sides of loop 150. Conductor lines 360 each have proximal ends that includes an IC pad. Conductor lines 360 can each have distal ends that extend substantially at a 90° angle from the middle area of a side of loop 350. Conductor lines 360 can each have overall widths that are similar to or wider than their IC pads. Conductor lines 360 can have proximal ends that are tapered to about the width of their IC pads. Conductor lines 360 can have equal lengths and/or widths compared to each other.

[0025] Conductive elements 310 and 320 are conductive antenna elements. Conductive elements 310 and 320 can each have a quadrilateral shape. Conductive elements 310 and/or 320 can be trapezoidal. Conductive elements 310 and 320 can have similar dimensions compared to each other. Conductive elements 310 and/or 320 can have at least two similarly angled vertices. Conductive elements 310 and/or 320 can have a proximal width that is at least 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to to 80%, 80% to 85%, or 85% to 90% the length of their associated distal widths. Conductive elements 310 and/or 320 can each have a length that is 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, or 70% to 75% of their related widths.

[0026] Antenna 300 can also comprise elements 312 and/or 314 that each extend from an opposite distal vertex of conductive elements 310 towards the median vertical axis of loop 350. Elements 312 and/or 314 can each be oriented relative to a non-parallel side of conductive 310 at an angle of 1° to 5°, 5° to 10°, 10° to 15°, 15° to 20°, 20° to 25°, 25° to 30°, 30° to 35°, 35° to 40°, 40° to 45°, 45° to 50°, 50° to 55°, 55° to 60°, 60° to 75°, 65° to 70°, or 70° to 75°. Elements 312 and/or 314 can have a length that is about 1% to about 5%, 5% to about 10%, 10% to about 15%, or about 15% to about 20 less than or greater than the length of conductive element 310 .

Elements 312 and/or 314 can have a width that is less than, greater than, or equal to the width of a side of loop 350 or conductor lines 360. Elements 322 and 324 can have similar dimensions and/or orientations relative to conductive element 320 compared to elements 312 and 314 relative to conductive element 310.

[0027]FIG. 4 depicts an antenna, generally 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 400 comprises some elements that are also included in antenna 300, which can have similar dimensions and/or orientations as discussed above. Namely, antenna 400 comprises loop 350, conductor lines 360, and conductive elements 310 and 320. Antenna 400 also comprises elements 412 and 424, which are each in electrical communication with conductive elements 310 and 320. Elements 412 and/or 424 can have a width that is similar, narrower, and/or wider than the width of a side of loop 350 or conductor lines 360. Elements 412 and 424 may each extend from an opposite distal vertex of conductive element 310 to the associated distal vertices of conductive element 320. FIG. 5 depicts an antenna, generally 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 500 comprises some of the same elements that are included in antenna 300, which can have similar dimensions and/or orientations as discussed above. Namely, antenna 500 can comprise conductive elements 310 and 320, conductor lines 360, as well as elements 312, 322, 314, and 324. [0028]Antenna 500 also comprises loop 550. Loop 550 is in electrical communication with conductor lines 360 and conductive elements 310 and 320. Loop 550 can comprise one or more mitered corners 555, which may have dimensions and/or orientations relative to loop 555 as mitered corners 155 can have relative to loop 155. Loop 550 may have similar dimensions and/or orientations as loop 150. Conductive elements 310 and/or 322 can each be in electrical communication with loop 550 in a similar manner as conductive elements 310 and/or 322 are relative to loop 350. Conductor lines 360 can be in electrical communication with loop 550 in a similar manner as conductive lines 360 are relative to loop 350.

[0029]FIG. 6 depicts an antenna, generally 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 600 comprises some elements that are also included in antennas 300, 400, and 500, which can have similar dimensions and/or orientations as discussed above.

Specifically, antenna 600 can comprise loop 550, conductor lines 360, conductive elements 310 and 320, and elements 412 and 424. Loop 550 is in electrical communication with conductor lines 360 and conductive elements 310 and 320. Conductive element 310 and 320 can have similar orientations and/or dimensions relative to elements 412 and 424 as discussed above.

[0030]FIG. 7 depicts an antenna, generally 700, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 700 includes loop 750, which is in electrical communication with conductor lines 360. Loop 750 can have a length that is 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70% its height. Loop 750 can comprise one or more sides that have a width that is about the width of conductive elements 710 and/or 720. Loop 750 can have a height that is substantially equal to the height of loop 150. Loop 750 can include mitered corners 755, which can have one or more similar orientations relative to a side of loop 750 as mitered corners 155 has relative to loop 150. [0031]Antenna 700 can also include elements 712 and 714. Elements 712 and/or 714 can have a length that is shorter than the length of conductive elements 710. For example, elements 712 and/or 714 can have a length that is 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 99% the width of conductive element 710. Elements 722 and/or 724 can have similar dimensions and/or orientations relative to conductive element 720 as elements 712 and/or 714 have relative to conductive element 710.

[0032JFIG. 8 depicts an antenna, generally 800, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 800 comprises elements that are also included in antennas 100, 300, and 700, which can have similar dimensions and/or orientations as discussed above.

Specifically, antenna 800 comprises conductor lines 360, conductive elements 710 and 720, elements 712, 714, 722, and 724, loop 150, and mitered corners 155. Loop 150 is in electrical communication with conductor lines 360 and conductive elements 710 and 720. Conductive element 710 can be in electrical communication with elements 712 and 714. Conductive element 720 can be in electrical communication with elements 722 and 724.

[0033]FIG. 9 depicts an antenna, generally 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 900 includes elements that are also included in antennas 300 and 700, which can have similar dimensions and/or orientations as discussed above. Specifically, antenna 900 can comprise loop 750, which is in electrical communication with conductor lines 360, and elements 712, 714, 722, 724. Antenna 900 can further comprise conductive elements 910 and 920, wherein the distal vertices of conductive element 910 are each in electrical communication with one of elements 712 and 714, and wherein the distal vertices of conductive element 920 are each in electrical communication with elements 722 and 724. [0034]Conductive elements 910 and 920 may each have proximal ends that are in electrical communication with loop 750, wherein the connection points are each aligned substantially in the middle area of opposite sides of loop 750 each opposite to a conductor line 360. The proximal end of conductive elements 910 and 920 may be narrower that their associated distal ends, for example the proximal ends can have a width that is 1% to 5%, 5% to 10%, 10% to 15%), or 15%o to 20%) of the width of their associated distal ends. The distal portion of conductive elements 910 may be in electrical communication width elements 712 and 714, which can have similar associated dimensions as disclosed above and have an orientation relative to conductive element 910 that can be similar to the orientation and/or dimensions of elements 712 and 714 are relative to conductive element 710. Conductive elements 920 comprise elements 722 and 724, which can have similar associated dimensions as disclosed above and have an orientation relative to conductive element 920 that can be similar to the orientation of elements 722 and 724 are relative to conductive element 720.

[0035]FIG. 10 depicts an antenna, generally 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 1000 comprises some elements that are also included in antennas 100, 300, 700, 800, and 900, which can have similar orientations and/or dimensions as disclosed above. Specifically, antenna 1000 comprise loop 150, which is in electrical communication with conductor lines 360 and conductive elements 910 and 920. Conductive elements 910 and 920 can each have an orientation relative to loop 150 that is similar to the orientation of conductive elements 910 and 920 have relative to loop 750 (discussed above). Distal vertices of conductive element 910 is in electrical communication with elements 712 and 714 as discussed above. The distal vertices of conductive element 920 are each in electrical communication with elements 722 and 724 as discussed above. PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK