Identification band using serpentine paths to detect tampering

Abstract

A tamper-resistant RFID wristband that becomes permanently disabled upon tampering. The wristband includes a plurality of holes for snugly securing the band to a wearer, an RFID circuit, and an electrically conductive loop disposed in the band. The RFID circuit and the conductive loop are electrically coupled to form a series circuit, severance of which disables the wristband. The electrically conductive loop includes a first layer and a second layer that are electrically isolated from one another, save for at least one electrical connection made preferably by a via at the end of the band distal from the antenna element. The first layer encircles the holes in a serpentine path on one layer of the band and the second layer encircles the holes in a complimentary serpentine path on a different layer of the band

1 . A tamper-resistant RFID identification apparatus, comprising:
 a band;   a fastener comprising a plurality of holes formed in the band;   an RFID circuit that includes an RFID transponder chip and an antenna element disposed on the band;   an electrically conductive trace external to the RFID circuit and disposed on the band and electrically coupled to the RFID transponder chip and the antenna element, and also arranged to disable the RFID circuit when the band is cut.   
     
     
         2 . The identification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive trace is provided by a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion disposed on a first side of the band and the second portion disposed on a second side of the band. 
     
     
         3 . The identification apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein a via through the band connects at least the first portion of the conductive trace to at least the second portion of the conductive trace. 
     
     
         4 . The identification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the RFID transponder chip is disposed on an end of the band that is distal from the antenna element. 
     
     
         5 . The identification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive trace provides a series connection between the RFID transponder chip and the antenna element. 
     
     
         6 . The identification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna element is a coiled antenna. 
     
     
         7 . The identification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener further includes a peg for engaging one of the holes. 
     
     
         8 . A tamper-resistant RFID band identification apparatus, comprising:
 a fastener comprising a plurality of holes and a locking peg; and   a disabling wire electrically coupled to an RFID circuit and disposed adjacent to the holes such that the identification apparatus will necessarily be disabled if a cut is made between any of the two holes.   
     
     
         9 . A tamper-resistant RFID band identification apparatus, comprising:
 a mechanism for securing the apparatus to a wearer using a selected one of a plurality of holes formed in the apparatus to engage a locking peg; and   a disabling wire electrically coupled to an RFID circuit and disposed with respect to the holes such that the apparatus will necessarily be disabled if a substantially longitudinal cut is made between any two holes.   
     
     
         10 . The identification apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive trace is disposed along substantially the entire length of the band.