Importance

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Abstract

Radio frequency identification elements, including linerless or lined labels, are produced with enhanced effectiveness. The antenna is printed with conductive ink or toner, and cross-over may be provided by spot printing a non-conductive material over a portion of the antenna and then printing a conductive cross-over element on the non-conductive material. Typically the antenna is printed on one face of a web, and the radio frequency identification chip is moved into contact with the opposite face of the web so that the contacts penetrate the web and engage the antenna so that the web material acts as a dielectric. Alternatively part of the antenna on the first face may be over-printed with a non-conductive material and the chip attached to the first face passing through openings in, or penetrating, the non-conductive material to engage the antenna. A protective substrate or coating is provided on at least one of the chip and antenna, for example by heating heat expandable microspheres, or applying a substrate having hot melt adhesive. The antenna may be printed with a printing media comprising a carrier including resin and wax and containing conductive material in it, and by heating the carrier so that it becomes fluid and is applied as a thick film on the substrate, and by allowing the carrier to cool so as to provide a conductive antenna. The printing may be accomplished at a speed of about 500 feet per minute or more.

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First Claim