Patent Description:
Generally stated, radio-frequency identification is the use of electromagnetic energy to stimulate a responsive device (known as an RFID "tag" or transponder) to identify itself and, in some cases, provide additional information and/or data stored in the tag. RFID tags typically comprise a semiconductor device commonly referred to as the "chip", upon which are formed a memory and an operating circuitry, which is connected to an antenna. Typically, RFID tags act as transponders, providing information stored in the chip memory in response to a radio frequency interrogation signal received from a reader, also referred to as an interrogator. In the case of passive RFID devices, the energy of the interrogation signal also provides the necessary energy to operate the RFID tag device.

As referenced above, RFID tags are generally formed by connecting an RFID chip to some form of antenna. Antenna types are very diverse, as are the methods of constructing the same. One particularly advantageous method of making RFID tags is to use a strap, a small device with an RFID chip connected to two or more conductors that can be coupled to an antenna. The coupling of the conductors to the antenna can be achieved using a conductive connection, an electric field connection, magnetic connection or a combination of coupling methods.

RFID tags may be incorporated into or attached to articles that a user wishes to later identify and/or track. In some cases, the tag may be attached to the outside of the article with a clip, adhesive, tape, or other means and, in other cases, the RFID tag may be inserted within the article, such as being included in the packaging, located within the container of the article, or sewn into a garment. Further, RFID tags are manufactured with a unique identification number which is typically a simple serial number of a few bytes with a check digit attached. This identification number is typically incorporated into the RFID tag during its manufacture. The user cannot alter this serial/identification number, and manufacturers guarantee that each RFID tag serial number is used only once and is, therefore, unique. Such read-only RFID tags typically are permanently attached to an article to be identified and/or tracked and, once attached, the serial number of the tag is associated with its host article in a computer database.

Additionally, a number of retail products, other items, and their associated packaging have non-planar surfaces that are not ideal for receiving traditional RFID tags thereon. For example, on a bottle, it is oftentimes necessary to form the RFID tag antenna on the flat portion of the base or top of the bottle to obtain a more secure attachment between the bottle and the RFID tag, as opposed to a curved portion of said bottle. Therefore, there also exists in the art a long felt need for a method of forming an antenna on any portion of the bottle, or any other non-planar surface, that is adapted to the shape that, when used in conjunction with a reactive RFID strap that is flexible enough to conform to the surface, a high performance RFID tag is created. More specifically, the present invention discloses a method of depositing a conductor onto a non-planar surface of an object, wherein the antenna shape may be adapted to function optimally and thereby providing the manufacturer with greater flexibility in RFID tag formation and/or placement.

<CIT> discusses an electronic assembly with integrated circuit capacitively coupled to antenna. <CIT> discusses an RFID tag unit.

The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended independent claim.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

In one example not according to the present invention, the reactive RFID strap components contain an RFID chip or strap and a conductor component which are both secured to a clip component, such as a clip component formed of plastic or some other suitable material. The reactive RFID strap component is then attached to a metallic item or object. If the size and shape of the metallic item is suitable, the reactive RFID strap component is capable of inducing a far field antenna response, wherein coupling can be between electric fields, magnetic fields, or both with the coupling related to the structure of the reactive RFID strap component and its proximity to the metallic item.

In some examples not according to the present invention, the RFID chip and conductor component can be secured to the clip component in multiple ways. For example, the conductor component can be formed in a conductive loop with the RFID chip in series, with coupling primarily by the magnetic fields. Alternatively, the conductor component can be a generally U-shaped conductor on the frame which couples to a metallic item primarily by the electric fields. In other examples not according to the present invention, the conductor component can be a conductive loop that is mounted on the frame and encircles the tab of the clip component. The various alternative examples not according to the present invention of the clip components can be modified to help secure the clip component to the metallic item by adding surface deflections, adhesive fixing points, or tabs designed to engage with an opening or plurality of openings already formed in the metallic item or package to provide a more secure attachment thereto. Furthermore, various methods of manufacturing a RFID tag comprising an antenna and a reactive RFID strap on a three dimensional (3D) or non-planar object are also disclosed.

Referring initially to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of a reactive RFID strap component <NUM> in proximity with and coupled to a metallic item <NUM> or other conductive object. The reactive RFID strap component <NUM> is typically a reactive strap which induces an antenna response into the metallic item <NUM>, and is integrated into a plastic clip but can be any reactive object as is known in the art. Further, reactive RFID strap component <NUM> can be any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape, size and configuration of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> shown in the various FIGS. is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> may be any shape, size or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and satisfies user need or preference.

Typically, the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> is comprised of a RFID chip or strap <NUM> and a conductor component <NUM> which are both secured to a clip component <NUM>. The reactive RFID strap component <NUM> is then attached to a metallic item <NUM> or other suitable conductive object as is known in the art. If the size and shape of the metallic item <NUM> are sufficient, the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> can induce a far field antenna response. For example, coupling can be via electric fields (E), magnetic fields (H), or commonly, by both electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields with coupling being related to the structure of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> and its proximity to the metallic item <NUM>. Thus, coupling of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> to the metallic item <NUM> in the electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields is somewhat dependent upon geometry.

The reactive RFID strap components <NUM> can be versatile, such that they can be altered depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. For example, the reactive RFID strap components <NUM> can be produced to be relatively flat so they can be used in a roll to roll process, or other suitable distribution process as is known in the art. Further, the reactive RFID strap components <NUM> are designed to slip over the edges of metallic items <NUM> and could incorporate a stop such that they only transmit a certain distance. Additionally, the reactive RFID strap components <NUM> in their various possible alternative examples can comprise an adhesive with a release liner making the reactive RFID strap components <NUM> easy to attach to and remove from the metallic items <NUM>. The profile of the strap component <NUM>, or the amount of material that sticks up above the metallic item <NUM>, can be varied as well, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Overall, the reactive RFID strap components <NUM> are produced to be quite robust or strong and easily applied to the metallic items <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the RFID chip <NUM> and the conductor component <NUM> may both be secured to a clip component <NUM>. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of one possible example not according to the present invention of the clip component <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of an alternative example not according to the present invention of the clip component. Typically, the clip component <NUM> is a plastic clip, but can also be made of any suitable material as is known in the art. Further, the clip component <NUM> can be any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape, size and configuration of the clip component <NUM> shown in <FIG> is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the clip component <NUM> are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the clip component <NUM> (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the clip component <NUM> may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use. Further, the clip component <NUM> can typically be utilized in two basic forms as shown, however the clip component <NUM> can also utilize other suitable forms as is known in the art.

As shown in <FIG>, the clip component <NUM> comprises a tab component <NUM> and a frame component <NUM>. The tab component <NUM> comprises an edge section <NUM> that is aligned with the outside edge section <NUM> of the frame component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the clip component <NUM> comprises the tab component <NUM> surrounded by the frame component <NUM> on all edges. Thus, the two different forms of clip components <NUM> comprise different mechanical properties. For example, the clip component <NUM> of <FIG> would be easier to fit to a metallic item <NUM>, as at the end of the manufacturing process, the tab component <NUM> can be deflected and can easily be pushed over the aligned edge sections <NUM> and <NUM>. However, the clip component <NUM> form of <FIG> is less robust than that shown in <FIG>. Conversely, while the form of clip component <NUM> of <FIG> is more difficult to attach to a metallic item or object <NUM> compared to the form of clip component shown in <FIG>, the clip component form of <FIG> is more robust than the clip component form disclosed in <FIG> and will typically have a longer useful life.

As shown in <FIG>, the RFID chip <NUM> and the conductor component <NUM> are both secured to a clip component <NUM>. The RFID chip <NUM> and the conductor component <NUM> can be secured to the clip component <NUM> in multiple ways depending on the wants and/or needs of a user such as, for example, with adhesives. Further, the conductor component <NUM> can be any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape, size and configuration of the conductor component <NUM> shown in <FIG> is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the conductor component <NUM> are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the conductor component <NUM> (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the conductor component <NUM> may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and that satisfies user need.

Further, the conductor component <NUM> can typically be fitted to the clip component <NUM> in a multitude of different ways such as those shown, for example, in <FIG>. However, the conductor component <NUM> can also be fitted to the clip component <NUM> in any other suitable way as is known in the art. As shown in <FIG>, the conductor component <NUM> can be positioned in a conductive loop with the RFID chip <NUM> in series, thus coupling primarily in the magnetic (H) fields and positioned on the tab component <NUM>. Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the conductor component <NUM> can be formed as a generally U-shaped conductor on the frame component <NUM>, which couples to the metallic item <NUM> primarily by electric (E) field coupling. In a further alternative example not according to the present invention shown in <FIG>, the conductor component <NUM> may be positioned in a conductive loop with the RFID chip <NUM> in series and mounted on the frame component <NUM> such that it encircles the tab component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart of a basic method of manufacturing a reactive RFID strap component <NUM> for use with a metallic item <NUM>. At <NUM>, the method comprises forming an antenna on the surface of a suitable material, such as plastic, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Ideally, the material is thick enough to be self-supporting as a clip component, but thin enough to be processed roll to roll, for example <NUM> thick, or any other suitable thickness as is known in the art. Alternatively, a thick card or corrugated material may be used, or any other suitable material as is known in the art, if the roll to roll process is not used. Specifically, the antenna may be formed via pattern printing an adhesive, laminating the foil, cutting around the pattern, and stripping the matrix.

At <NUM>, a RFID chip or strap is then attached to the antenna, and at <NUM> the clip component is die cut such that a user cuts around the critical structural elements. The clip component may be retained in the web by a series of tabs or be positioned on a release liner and attached by an adhesive. At <NUM>, the clip components may then be formatted for use, such as by placing the clip components in rolls, canisters, or bags. For example, at <NUM>, the clip components can be formatted in rolls, the rolls are then used in a printer and dispensed into a product. At <NUM>, the clip components are cut into single units and dropped into a bag for manual assembly. At <NUM>, the clip components are stacked into a tube or canister for use with an applicator gun.

As shown in <FIG>, the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> may be modified via tools that apply heat and/or pressure to create deflections <NUM>. Alternatively, other suitable tools known in the art for making deflections <NUM> may be used, for example, punches. More specifically, <FIG> illustrate front and side views of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> before being shaped by the heat and/or pressure tool, or an alternative tool, to create deflections <NUM>.

Conversely, <FIG> illustrate front and side views of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> post-deflection creating process, namely after being shaped by a tool that uses heat and/or pressure, or other means, to form deflections <NUM> therein. The deflections <NUM> can either be 3D raised bump structures <NUM> or lowered bump structures <NUM> on the surface of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM>. The deflections <NUM> comprise surface bumps or catches which help to attach the clip component <NUM> to the conductor component <NUM> in a secure manner.

As shown in <FIG>, the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> can further comprise additional grip <NUM> or adhesive fixing points <NUM> to better secure the clip component <NUM>. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of an example not according to the present invention of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> modified with additional adhesive grips <NUM> and adhesive fixing points <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of an alternative example not according to the present invention of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> modified with additional grips <NUM> and adhesive fixing points <NUM>. Additional grips <NUM> and/or adhesive fixing points <NUM> may be added by printing or any other suitable form of dispensing as is known in the art. The grip <NUM> and adhesive fixing points <NUM> are typically added to the surface of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM>, but may also be added to any other suitable area as is known in the art.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> may further comprise a plurality of tabs <NUM> formed on its surface. As shown in <FIG>, any number of tabs <NUM> can be used depending on the wants and/or needs of a particular user. Specifically, the tabs <NUM> can be non-return flaps that are pushed out of the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> (see <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the tabs <NUM> engage the metallic item <NUM>. Typically, the tabs <NUM> engage a hole or opening <NUM> positioned in the metallic item <NUM>, or any other suitable area of the metallic item <NUM> as is known in the art. The hole or opening <NUM> is typically the opening already formed in the metallic item or object <NUM> and that is used for hanging the item <NUM> on a display rail or hook.

As shown in <FIG>, the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> may be secured to a metallic bag <NUM> to induce a far field antenna response, wherein coupling can be between electric fields, magnetic fields, or both. Further, <FIG> illustrates a graph of the far field response in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and which illustrates an approximate -11dBm sensitivity over the FCC band.

As shown in <FIG>, the reactive RFID strap component <NUM> may also be secured to a metallic box <NUM> to induce a far field antenna response, wherein coupling can be between electric fields, magnetic fields, or both. Further, <FIG> illustrates a graph of the far field response in accordance with the disclosed architecture, and which illustrates an approximate -<NUM> dBm sensitivity over the FCC band.

<FIG> illustrate a, RFID tag <NUM> positioned on a surface <NUM> of a non-planar object <NUM>, and a method of manufacturing the same which are not according to the present invention. The RFID tag <NUM> contains an antenna <NUM>.

and a reactive RFID strap <NUM>. The reactive RFID strap <NUM> further contains an RFID chip <NUM>. Both the antenna <NUM> and the reactive RFID strap <NUM> can be any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape, size and configuration of both the antenna <NUM> and the reactive RFID strap <NUM> shown in the various FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of both the antenna <NUM> and the reactive RFID strap <NUM> are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of both the antenna <NUM> and the reactive RFID strap <NUM> (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, both the antenna <NUM> and the reactive RFID strap <NUM> may be any shape, size or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and satisfies user need and/or preference.

Typically, the RFID tag <NUM> can induce a far field antenna response. For example, coupling of the antenna <NUM> to the reactive RFID strap <NUM> can be via electric fields (E), magnetic fields (H), or commonly, by both electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields with coupling being related to the structure of the RFID tag <NUM>. Therefore, coupling of the antenna <NUM> to the reactive RFID strap <NUM> in the electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields is somewhat dependent upon geometry. The antenna <NUM> is conductive and is typically formed from a variety of conductive materials, such as, but not limited to, metal foils, cut mechanically or by a laser, printed conductive inks, or vapor deposited materials. Furthermore, the RFID tag <NUM> is formed by positioning the antenna <NUM> near the reactive RFID strap <NUM>.

The generally non-planar object <NUM> may be a box, bag, bottle, irregularly shaped product, or any other three dimensional object having at least one non-planar surface. It will be appreciated that the RFID tag <NUM> may be formed on the surface of a product itself, or on its primary or secondary packaging as desired, any of which may serve as the non-planar object <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> (not according to the present invention) of manufacturing the RFID tag <NUM> on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM>. The method begins at <NUM> where the non-planar object <NUM> for receiving the RFID tag <NUM> is selected. The construction of the RFID tag <NUM> begins by forming the antenna <NUM> on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM> at step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the reactive RFID strap <NUM> is then positioned on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM>. The reactive RFID strap <NUM> is then coupled to the antenna <NUM> to induce a far field antenna response as a functioning RFID tag <NUM> at step <NUM>.

Alternatively, and as also illustrated in <FIG>, the method <NUM> may begin at step <NUM> wherein the non-planar object <NUM> for receiving the RFID tag <NUM> is selected. At step <NUM>, the construction of the RFID tag <NUM> may begin by forming and positioning the reactive RFID strap <NUM> on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM>, prior to forming the antenna <NUM>. Then, at step <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> is formed on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM>, and the reactive RFID strap <NUM> is coupled to the antenna <NUM> to induce a far field antenna response as a functioning RFID tag <NUM> at step <NUM>. More specifically, the coupling of the antenna <NUM> to the reactive RFID strap <NUM> can be via electric fields (E), magnetic fields (H), or by both electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields. Additionally, the reactive RFID strap <NUM> may be physically coupled to the antenna <NUM> if so desired.

The antenna <NUM> may be deposited onto the non-planar object <NUM> by spraying or printing a conductive ink to form the antenna <NUM>. The ability to choose between spraying or printing to deposit a conductor onto a non-planar object, where an antenna shape may be adapted to function optimally, provides the manufacturer or other user with greater design flexibility and choice relative to the location on the non-planar object <NUM> where an RFID tag may be formed. For example, on a bottle, it is common to try to form an RFID tag antenna on a flat surface on either the base or a top of the bottle. However, by using the methods <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, a user may form the antenna <NUM> on any portion of the bottle surface, and adapt the same to the shape or contour of the bottle, so that in conjunction with the reactive RFID strap <NUM> that is flexible enough to conform to the surface <NUM>, a high performance RFID tag <NUM> may be created. It must also be appreciated that, if the reactive RFID strap <NUM> is not adequately flexible to attach to a highly complex three dimensional surface area where the antenna <NUM> is formed, the reactive RFID strap <NUM> may be placed on a relatively flat area and the antenna <NUM> sprayed to create a physical connection between the antenna <NUM> and the reactive RFID strap <NUM>, thereby forming the final RFID tag <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a method <NUM> (not according to the present invention) of manufacturing a RFID tag <NUM> adapted for a surface <NUM> of a non-planar object <NUM> based on the object shape and/or composition. More specifically, the method <NUM> utilizes a camera system and a laser grid or the like to precisely scan the non-planar object <NUM> onto which the antenna will be formed to insure that the antenna is correctly created, as there may be variations in the non-planar object <NUM> and/or its placement on a production line. As with the prior methods <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, the reactive RFID strap <NUM> may be placed on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM> before or after creation of the antenna <NUM> to form the high performance RFID tag <NUM>.

More specifically, the method <NUM> begins at step <NUM> by determining the three dimensional position and shape of the non-planar object <NUM> as the camera system scans the surface <NUM>. At step <NUM>, a design for an antenna <NUM> suitable for a chosen location along the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM> is selected, compensating for surface shape and position. A design of a reactive RFID strap <NUM> and a position for attaching the reactive RFID strap <NUM> to the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM> is chosen at step <NUM>. At steps <NUM> and <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> is then sprayed or created onto the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM>, and coupled to the reactive RFID strap <NUM> to form the RFID tag <NUM> on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM> to produce a far field antenna response. At step <NUM>, a measurement of RF performance is conducted, either inline or offline. If the RF performance is acceptable at step <NUM>, the method ends at step <NUM> with the design having been successfully produced. If, on the other hand, the performance is not acceptable, the method of manufacture returns to step <NUM> and the antenna design is adapted to optimize performance.

Alternatively, the reactive RFID strap <NUM> may be positioned on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM> before creation of the antenna <NUM>. Additionally, the antenna <NUM> may also be printed or otherwise positioned on the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM>. The coupling of the antenna <NUM> to the reactive RFID strap <NUM> can be via electric fields (E), magnetic fields (H), or by both electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields. Additionally, the reactive RFID strap <NUM> may be physically coupled to the antenna <NUM> if desired.

<FIG> illustrate a method <NUM> of manufacturing a RFID tag <NUM> adapted for a non-planar object <NUM> according to the present invention. The method <NUM> is adapted for creating a RFID tag <NUM> comprising more than one layer, which is advantageous as metal and liquid objects can cause a significant drop in the performance of a standard RFID tag. As such, an RFID tag design utilizing an antenna formed on a separating material, such as a foam plastic or similar material with a high dielectric constant, for example, a flexible plastic with a ceramic dielectric powder such as, titanium dioxide or a barium titanate may be used. <FIG> illustrates method <NUM>, wherein the RFID tag <NUM> is formed on the non-planar object <NUM> by first depositing a separator <NUM>, then an antenna <NUM>, and a reactive RFID strap <NUM> to form a "surface insensitive" RFID tag <NUM>.

More specifically, method of manufacturing a RFID tag <NUM> adapted for a non-planar object <NUM> begins at step <NUM>, wherein the non-planar object <NUM> for receiving the RFID tag <NUM> is selected. At step <NUM>, the construction of the RFID tag <NUM> begins with the separator <NUM> being deposited onto the non-planar object <NUM>, for example, by spraying. Next, at step <NUM>, an antenna <NUM> is formed on the separator <NUM>. As previously stated, the antenna <NUM> may be sprayed, printed, or otherwise positioned atop the separator <NUM>. At step <NUM>, a reactive RFID strap <NUM> is attached to the separator <NUM>, and coupled to the antenna <NUM> to create the RFID tag <NUM> with a far field antenna response at step <NUM>. Alternatively, the reactive RFID strap <NUM> may be positioned on the separator <NUM> before creation of the RFID antenna <NUM>. The coupling of the antenna <NUM> to the reactive RFID strap <NUM> can be via electric fields (E), magnetic fields (H), or by both electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields. Additionally, the reactive RFID strap <NUM> may be physically coupled to the RFID antenna <NUM> if desired.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative version of the method <NUM>, wherein the antenna shape and reactive RFID strap location are adapted to a thickness measurement <NUM> of the separator <NUM>. More specifically, after the separator <NUM> is deposited onto the surface of the non-planar object <NUM> at step <NUM>, the thickness <NUM> of the separator <NUM> is measured at step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> may be sprayed, printed, or otherwise positioned atop the separator <NUM>. At step <NUM>, a reactive RFID strap <NUM> is attached to the separator <NUM>, and coupled to the antenna <NUM> to create the RFID tag <NUM> with a far field antenna response at step <NUM> as before. It will be appreciated that the separator <NUM> does not need to be applied to a larger area of the non-planar object <NUM> than the area required for the RFID tag <NUM>. For example, the separator <NUM> may be created only directly underneath the RFID tag <NUM>, thereby blocking less of a surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM> so as to not obscure other desirable qualities such as branding or marking.

<FIG> illustrates a further alternative version of the method <NUM>, wherein the accuracy of the initially applied material for the separator <NUM> is insufficient to permit formation of a stable RFID tag <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, the thickness <NUM> of the separator material <NUM> is adapted to insure stability of the RFID tag <NUM>, and may be rolled to a required or desired thickness. Further, if the separator material <NUM> is capable of curing with heat, the roller may be suitably heated for use to both roll and cure the separator material. More specifically, after the separator material <NUM> is deposited onto the surface of the non-planar object <NUM> at step <NUM>, the desired thickness <NUM> of the separator material <NUM> may be achieved at step <NUM> by, for example, hot roll. The separator material <NUM> may also be cured if required or otherwise desired at this stage. At step <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> may then be sprayed, printed, or otherwise positioned atop the separator material <NUM>. Then, at step <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), a reactive RFID strap <NUM> is attached to the separator material <NUM> and coupled to the antenna <NUM> to create the RFID tag <NUM> with a far field antenna response as previously described.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative version of the method <NUM>, wherein at least a portion of the antenna structure is deflected with respect to another portion of the antenna structure. The ability to create a deflected antenna structure is particularly desirable, as successfully creating conductors around sharp corners by printing is difficult. More specifically, the separator material <NUM> may further comprise a ramped portion <NUM>, and be sprayed or otherwise applied so that the ramped portion <NUM> is sloped or tapered downwardly to meet a surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM>. Once the separator material <NUM> with the ramped portion <NUM> is deposited at step <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> is printed or sprayed onto the separator material <NUM>, including down along the ramped portion <NUM> and into proximity contact with the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG> at step <NUM>. The reactive RFID strap <NUM> may then be attached to the separator material <NUM> and coupled to the antenna <NUM> to create the RFID tag <NUM> with a far field antenna response at <NUM> as described above. This method is particularly effective for forming "on-metal" type RFID tags, wherein the non-planar object <NUM> has a metallic surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates yet a further alternative version of the method <NUM>, wherein at least a portion of the antenna structure is deflected with respect to the other part of the antenna structure and the RFID tag comprises both a top and a bottom conductor. More specifically, the method <NUM> further comprises first applying a base conductor <NUM> to the surface <NUM> of the non-planar object <NUM> at step <NUM>. Then, at step <NUM>, the separator material <NUM> is sprayed or otherwise deposited atop the base conductor <NUM> so that the ramped portion <NUM> is sloped downwardly to the base conductor <NUM>. Once the separator material <NUM> with the ramped portion <NUM> is deposited at step <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> and reactive RFID strap <NUM> are printed or sprayed onto the separator material <NUM> down along the ramped portion <NUM> and into proximity contact with the base conductor <NUM> to create the RFID tag <NUM> with a far field antenna response at step <NUM>. This allows for a RFID tag structure wherein the base conductor <NUM> isolates the top conductor (i.e., antenna <NUM>) acting as the radiating antenna from the non-planar object <NUM>, and is particularly effective in applications in which the non-planar object <NUM> contains a high loss liquid such as water.

Claim 1:
A method of manufacturing a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag adapted for a non-planar object (<NUM>) comprising:
depositing(<NUM>) a separator(<NUM>) on the non-planar object (<NUM>);
forming(<NUM>) an antenna (<NUM>) on the separator after the separator has been deposited on the non-planar
object(<NUM>); and
positioning(<NUM>) a reactive RFID strap (<NUM>) on the separator (<NUM>), so that, when in use, the
reactive RFID strap couples to the antenna to induce a far field antenna response.