Patent ID: 7398926

Claim:
A programming device for RFID transponders disposed on a web comprising: a) a strip transmission line comprising: i) a central conductor having a top and a bottom surface; ii) a first dielectric layer having a top and a bottom surface substantially parallel to one another and having a predetermined first thickness, said bottom surface being disposed adjacent said top surface of said central conductor; iii) a second dielectric layer having a top and a bottom surface substantially parallel to one another and having a predetermined second thickness and a second dielectric constant, said top surface being disposed adjacent said bottom surface of said central conductor; iv) at least one ground plane disposed proximate said top surface of said first dielectric layers and said bottom surface of said second dielectric layer, said strip transmission line having a characteristic impedance defined by at least one of the factors: said first thickness, said second thickness, said first dielectric constant, and said second dielectric constant; v) a terminating resistor external to the housing, connected between the conductor and the at least one ground plane, wherein the terminating resistor is formed as part of a removable end cap that secures the web within the housing and electrically couples a portion of the housing below the web with a portion of the housing above the web, operatively connected between said central conductor and at least one of said at least one ground plane; and b) a housing substantially surrounding said strip transmission line having an opening disposed adjacent said central conductor adapted to receive an RFID transponder therein; whereby, upon application of an RF programming signal to said central conductor, an RF field is generated and a first RFID transponder inserted into said opening may be programmed thereby while said RF field is of insufficient intensity to program any other RFID transponders adjacent said first RFID transponder.