RFID-tagged seal
View Patent ↗O-ring or other fluid seal member ( 10 ) and method of making such member. The member has a body ( 12 ) provided as a preform of a curable elastomeric polymeric material. A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder ( 50 ) is inserted into the preform. The preform is then cured to form the body and to embed the RFID transponder ( 50 ) therein.
1. A method of making a fluid seal member comprising the steps of
(a) providing a preform of a body, the body having in cross-section a central horizontal seal axis and a central vertical seal axis orthogonal to the horizontal seal axis, and the preform being formed of a curable elastomeric polymeric material;
(b) inserting a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder into the preform; and
(c) curing the preform to form the body and embed the RFID transponder entirely therein.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the RFID transponder is inserted in step (b) as being generally centered in the body relative to the horizontal seal axis.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the RFID transponder is inserted in step (b) as being centered in the body relative to the vertical seal axis.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the RFID transponder is inserted in step (b) as being centered in the body relative to the horizontal seal axis.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the preform is provided in step (a) with the elastomeric polymeric material comprising a natural or synthetic rubber.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the preform is provided in step (a) with the body extending about a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the vertical axis in defining a closed geometric shape.