Reader/Writers Offer Automatic Identification and Data Collection
SecuraKey makes available its e*Tag Quasar reader/writers, which have
been designed for a variety of automatic identification and data collection
applications. Compliant with ISO 15693 standards for Vicinity RFID,
these 13.56-MHz units offer open architecture and interoperability functionality,
and are compatible with ISO 14443 Part A, proximity standards for contactless
smart cards, says the manufacturer. The Quasar series is available with
a variety of communications capabilities. For example, RS-232 units
can communicate one-to-one with the serial port of a PC, and multiple
units can be connected via RS-485 on a twisted-pair bus and addressed
individually by serial number. For embedded applications, TTL communications
is an efficient and economical way to link a reader/writer to a microprocessor,
says SecuraKey.
Select Reader Service 2040
Mobile Computer Offers Rapid Data Capture
MaxID Ltd. debuts its iDL mobile computer and RFID reader designed
for use in a wide range of applications. The iDL provides a solution
for the efficient, rapid on-the-spot processing, data capturing, and
checking, together with connectivity to central databases via the integrated
GSM GPRS wireless link. The reader provides identification, verification,
data capture, and transacting capabilities within a mobile environment.
Key features of the offering include extensive integrated wireless capabilities,
an integrated high-density 2D barcode reader, integrated GPS positioning,
and integrated biometrics with a fingerprint sensor. Say company officials,
the integrated secure electronic transaction capability will authorize
credit and debit card payments on-the-go. An RFID module with compact
integrated antenna is available as an option. According to MaxIID, the
iDL offering has many potential applications, including logistics and
warehousing inventory management and control, law enforcement, mobile
electronic payments, mobile transport ticket sales, asset management,
and remote access to central databases.
Select Reader Service 2041
Integrated UHF Reader Works with Existing Hardware
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Psion Teklogix has launched an EPC-compliant
900-MHz RFID reader designed to operate its 7535 handheld computer.
Because the integrated reader can be retrofitted for use with existing
devices, customers benefit from a device that meets the EPC-compliance
requirements of Wal-Mart and the U.S. Department of Defense while leveraging
existing hardware infrastructures, say Psion officials. The integrated
UHF RFID reader is flexible and compatible with EPC Class 0, 0+, and
Class 1 standards, as well as ISO 18000-6B protocols. The lightweight
reader delivers multimedia data-capture capabilities by enabling the
integration of RFID, laser barcode scanning, and imaging into a single
handheld device. Its rugged design delivers additional system up-time
for increased productivity, even in harsh environments. The device’s
pistol-grip design makes it comfortable and easy to use for long periods
of time, According to Psion, the 7535 handheld computer offers multiple
scanner options, multiple radio options, and a high-performance internal
antenna that increases range by about 30%.
Select Reader Service 2042
Handheld Computer For Use in Challenging Work Environments
Tripod Data Systems features its TDS Ranger, a rugged handheld computer
designed for use even in the most challenging work environments. The
Ranger’s Windows CE operating system and capacity of up to 512
MB of Flash memory make it suitable for large, complex jobs, says the
manufacturer. The Ranger features a 206-MHz Intel StrongARM processor
to quickly process graphic-intensive applications. The offering comprises
carbon-fiber construction that makes it lightweight yet rugged, and
a soft polyurethane exterior that provides a strong grip in any weather,
says Tripod, adding that separate navigation, alpha, and numeric keypads
are widely spaced to make it easy to operate even when wearing gloves.
Every Ranger comes with a full-color screen. The reflective LCD touchscreen
keeps the display crisp and bright even in direct sunlight, while the
powerful front light illuminates the screen in low-light conditions,
says the manufacturer. The Ranger works in temperatures as high as 140°F
or as low as -13°F. The Ranger also meets military and IP67 standards
for drops, vibration, dust, corrosion, and water immersion. The Ranger
comes with a calculator for quick field calculations, a keypad wedge
for working with barcode laser scanners, and Wave Recorder software
that allows users to record and play back audio.
Select Reader Service 2043
RFID Reader Card Built for 1-Watt Power, Small Size
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WJ Communications introduces its MPR7000 RFID
card, which provides breakthrough performance in a standard PCMCIA
Type II package, says the manufacturer. The 1-Watt ERP offering represents
a new level for size, standards-based compatibility, ease of use, and
performance. Each RFID card includes the analog RF, digital circuitry,
and embedded firmware required for EPC Class 0 and EPC Class 1 operation.
Its modular design is flexible, and a simple firmware upgrade is all
that is required to incorporate future standards like UHF Gen 2. According
to company officials, the MPR7000 leverages the common PCMCIA Type
II PC card package with serial communications for ease of use. The
unit operates by plugging into any PCMCIA Type II socket wired for
serial communications, and operates via a simple WJ GUI program. WJ’s
simple but robust command set enables the fast creation of custom applications,
says WJ Communications. The offering is suited for use with a host
of reader and programmer solutions, including handhelds, printers,
smart packaging, material handling, and industrial products.
Select Reader Service 2044
Passive Tag Designed for Use on Metal Substrates
Avery Dennison has announced the availability of its Metaltrack RFID
offering, a UHF 915-MHz passive tag that uses Class 0 and Class 1 chip
technology. According to the company, the tag–which is made of
weather-resistant materials for durability and reliability–can
be read at distances up to 20 feet. Designed for use on metal substrates
and cartons containing metal, Metaltrack tags include a permanent, acrylic
adhesive tape for easy attachment to metal substrates, says the manufacturer.
The chip-independent tags also have been tested with acceptable performance
on liquid-bearing enclosures, say company officials. Metaltrack also
offers a wide range of data capability, and a fast read rate of 50 items
per second.
Select Reader Service 2045
Orthopedic Device Tray Sealer for Heat Sealing
Belco Packaging Systems, Inc. has unveiled a line of medical tray
sealers developed for heat-sealing process control. The new line offers
an implantable device that controls both temperature and air-pressure
process alarms, as well as password-protected parameter setups. Time,
temperature, and pressure parameters are controlled through the operator
interface terminal of the programmable logic controller. The orthopedic
device’s RFID writing and reading capability for seal fixture
setup and recognition benefits orthopedic device manufacturers’ multiple
part number catalogs, states the manufacturer. Utilizing the RFID chip,
the device self-loads process parameters for any seal fixture, which
means that packages cannot be erroneously sealed using non-validated
parameters, according to Belco. Auto-indexing shuttles ensure the stable
handling of device components and packaging materials. Additionally,
the device utilizes thermal imaging technology for non-destructive seal
verification, affording the critical inspection of 100% of the packages,
according to the manufacturer. Minimal clean-room floor space is required
for the single shuttle tray sealer, and cleaning of the device through
the use of sterile, aggressive-formula, hard-surface, clean-room disinfectants
is made possible by passivation of the offering’s #304 stainless
steel frame and panel construction.
Select Reader Service 2046
Offering Integrates Tag Into Pharma Product Label
The Challenge Printing Company has recently introduced its RFIData
Label, which is designed specifically for the pharmaceutical industry,
fully integrating an RFID tag into the product label. The company’s
offering allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to electronically track
each bottle throughout the supply chain, thus enabling the creation
of an electronic drug pedigree. Challenge Printing can encode, embed,
scan, and verify each and every RFID tag that leaves its facilities.
The company then shares that information with the customer, who can
use it to accomplish 100% accountability of every label received, says
the company.
Select Reader Service 2047
Colder Products Company Introduces Smart Coupling Technology to Europe
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Colder Products Company (CPC) has announced that
it will unveil its unique IdentiQuick smart coupling technology for
the first time in Europe at Interpack 2005 (April 21-27). The new fluid
connection and control technology–which integrates RFID technology into couplings and
package closures or inserts, enabling dispensing equipment to automatically
exchange product data at the exact time and location of connection–can
be utilized in soft drink or juice dispensing systems, and bag-in-box
applications. Says the company, IdentiQuick protects brand integrity,
improves safety, and helps food and beverage firms realize significant
cost savings. Also to be showcased at Interpack 2005 is the company’s
new Disposable Universal Dispensing Coupler (DUDC) bag-in-box fitment.
A reliable, self-resealing, non-spill, and cost-effective connection
for condiment, sauce, beverage syrup, and dairy food applications,
the DUDC fitment is virtually tamperproof, claim company officials.
The fitment provides a foil seal that protects against contamination,
and shows any possible evidence of tampering. The DUDC product also
offers IdentiQuick RFID tagging technology as an option.
Select Reader Service 2048
System Routes Data to RFID or Barcode Label
Paxar Corporation is offering the Monarch Smart Relay system for RFID,
which helps companies integrate RFID compliance labeling into their
barcode labeling processes. Its built-in intelligence automatically
routes label data streams to the appropriate RFID or barcode printer.
According to Paxar, the system allows customers to print RFID labels
within their barcode labeling process with few software changes and
a relatively small investment. The system visibly associates the RFID
and barcode batches together through headers and report labels. The
company also offers the Monarch RFID Inventory Roamer workstation, a
cart-based system that simplifies and streamlines the process of taking
inventory of RFID-tagged products. Says the company, inventory can be
taken as the workstation is wheeled through a department or work area,
gathering information from RFID-tagged items in only a few minutes.
Select Reader Service 2049
Active RFID Tamper and Location Device Released
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Avery Dennison, in conjunction with technology partner RF Code, has
developed the Secure Strap active RFID device. Say company officials,
the device, coupled with application-specific hardware and software,
enables the real-time location and tracking of people or assets, and
the ability to continuously monitor the integrity/security of the strap
using a unique tamper-evident feedback system. The system features a
built-in battery with a three-year operating life, an active cost-reducing
real-time location RFID tag (303.8 and 433.9 MHz), a durable plastic
housing with built-in, simple-to-use fiber-optic connectors and LED
indicator light, and a PVC-jacketed fiber-optic cable. The device offers
three distinct operating modes: initiation mode, armed mode, and tamper/alarm
mode. According to the companies, this feature increases the quality
of real-time tracking, traceability, and tamper evidence. Overall system
costs and infrastructure costs are reduced through a reusable long-life
tag, and long read ranges from 60 to over 400 meters, claim the manufacturers.
Select Reader Service 2050
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