Patents by Inventor Mark Allen Kenkel
Mark Allen Kenkel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240030604Abstract: A wireless microphone system utilizes an antenna structure that supports dual frequency bands. With some embodiments, the wireless microphone system comprises a first apparatus (for example, a wireless transmitter) and an attached second apparatus (for example, an attached microphone), where the chassis of the first apparatus and the housing of the second apparatus support the antenna structure through an electrical connector (for example, through an outer shell of a Cannon (XLR) connector) between the two apparatuses. The chassis and the housing may support first and second halves of a dipole antenna, respectively. The first apparatus supports first and second electrical circuits that are operational within a first and second frequency band, respectively, and that connect to first and second input ports of a combining circuit (for example, a diplexer filter). The output port of the combining circuit connects to the housing through the electrical connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2022Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Adem Celebi, Mark Allen Kenkel, Tracy Wang, Zhen Ma
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Patent number: 11749910Abstract: A dual band antenna that allows the independent optimization of each frequency band by adjusting the sizes of the antenna elements. For example, an antenna may have two different drivers, one for the high-frequency and one for the low frequency. By using elements orthogonally connected to the low frequency driver, the low frequency driver can function as both a reflector to the high frequency drivers and the low frequency driver without affecting the antenna's performance in the high frequency. The antenna may also have parasitic elements. For example, parasitic directors parallel to the high frequency band driver can be configured to improve performance in the high frequency band. Pairs of additional parasitic directors can be orthogonally connected these directors. These pairs can be adjusted in size to improve performance in the low frequency band with minimal impact on performance in the high frequency band.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Mark Allen Kenkel
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Publication number: 20230114125Abstract: An antenna assembly for a wireless apparatus (such as a wireless microphone apparatus) comprises two inverted-F antennas. The antenna assembly may be formed from a single stamped sheet metal piece to facilitate manufacturing, which may allow the relative orientation of the two antennas to be reliably maintained. Moreover, manufacturing of the wireless apparatus may be simplified since one antenna assembly rather than two separate antennas may be connected to a printed circuit board of the apparatus. The two inverted-F antennas of the antenna assembly may have a common grounding element that joins the two inverted-F antennas and connects the two antennas to a ground plane of a printed circuit board, where the grounding element of the antenna assembly may be shaped to accommodate a corner of the printed circuit board that the antenna assembly is mounted to.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Mark Allen Kenkel, Charles V. Wiseman
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Publication number: 20230060856Abstract: A wireless apparatus (such as a wireless microphone) utilizes an antenna comprising at least one element, which also supports a mechanical feature, an electrical circuit feature, or an ornamental feature. When an element is incorporated into an antenna, the element also continues to support its original feature. Embodiments may support different antenna types, including a half wave dipole and an inverted-F antenna that may be configured at different frequency bands suitable for Bluetooth® and WiFi® services. Embodiments support a wireless microphone that utilizes an antenna comprising a grille assembly and a chassis housing, where the grille assembly and the chassis housing are separated by an electric insulator. The RF output of a transmitter is electrically connected to the grille assembly while a grounding point of the transmitter is electrically connected to the chassis housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2022Publication date: March 2, 2023Applicant: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Mark Allen Kenkel, Charles V. Wiseman
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Publication number: 20220376738Abstract: A wireless microphone system comprises system equipment (for example, rack-mounted equipment including receivers/transceivers, distribution amplifier), one or more transmission line accessories, and a transmission line network connecting the accessories with the system equipment. The transmission line accessory compensates for downlink RF losses on transmission lines between accessories and between an accessory and system equipment. Compensation parameters for the transmission line accessory is determined by the system equipment by generating an uplink RF test signal by an RF source at the system equipment. The RF source may be varied over a plurality of frequencies to determine the compensation parameters over the plurality of frequencies. The system equipment subsequently instructs the transmission line accessory to configure an adjustable RF gain circuit (and also possibly a compensation filter) accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Mark Allen Kenkel, Scott R. Anderson, Steven M. Grad, Jon Caleb Halverson
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Publication number: 20220131280Abstract: A dual band antenna that allows the independent optimization of each frequency band by adjusting the sizes of the antenna elements. For example, an antenna may have two different drivers, one for the high-frequency and one for the low frequency. By using elements orthogonally connected to the low frequency driver, the low frequency driver can function as both a reflector to the high frequency drivers and the low frequency driver without affecting the antenna's performance in the high frequency. The antenna may also have parasitic elements. For example, parasitic directors parallel to the high frequency band driver can be configured to improve performance in the high frequency band. Pairs of additional parasitic directors can be orthogonally connected these directors. These pairs can be adjusted in size to improve performance in the low frequency band with minimal impact on performance in the high frequency band.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2021Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventor: Mark Allen Kenkel
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Patent number: 11158958Abstract: A dual band antenna that allows the independent optimization of each frequency band by adjusting the sizes of the antenna elements. For example, an antenna may have two different drivers, one for the high-frequency and one for the low frequency. By using elements orthogonally connected to the low frequency driver, the low frequency driver can function as both a reflector to the high frequency drivers and the low frequency driver without affecting the antenna's performance in the high frequency. The antenna may also have parasitic elements. For example, parasitic directors parallel to the high frequency band driver can be configured to improve performance in the high frequency band. Pairs of additional parasitic directors can be orthogonally connected these directors. These pairs can be adjusted in size to improve performance in the low frequency band with minimal impact on performance in the high frequency band.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Mark Allen Kenkel
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Publication number: 20210203084Abstract: A dual band antenna that allows the independent optimization of each frequency band by adjusting the sizes of the antenna elements. For example, an antenna may have two different drivers, one for the high-frequency and one for the low frequency. By using elements orthogonally connected to the low frequency driver, the low frequency driver can function as both a reflector to the high frequency drivers and the low frequency driver without affecting the antenna's performance in the high frequency. The antenna may also have parasitic elements. For example, parasitic directors parallel to the high frequency band driver can be configured to improve performance in the high frequency band. Pairs of additional parasitic directors can be orthogonally connected these directors. These pairs can be adjusted in size to improve performance in the low frequency band with minimal impact on performance in the high frequency band.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2019Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventor: Mark Allen Kenkel
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Patent number: 10985799Abstract: A frequency manager in a multi-band wireless microphone system provides the synchronization of fixed RF devices (for example, transceivers) operating in distant parts (for example, two or more frequency bands) of the frequency spectrum. Each transceiver may be paired with a wireless microphone and provides synchronization with the paired wireless microphone. Antenna signals are separated or combined into a plurality of frequency bands using a multi-band filter. Band-specific low noise amplifiers and power amplifiers may be utilized for each frequency band so amplifier performance can be optimized. Prior to distribution by a splitter, the plurality of frequency bands is combined or separated using a second multi-band filter. Transceivers that are connected to the frequency manager may then independently operate in one band, different frequency bands or a combination of bands.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Mark Allen Kenkel
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Patent number: 10743328Abstract: Systems and methods are described for concurrent usage and scanning of wireless channels, particularly with respect to dynamic frequency selection (DFS) and non-DFS channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Mark Allen Kenkel, Dean Komrska, Haneef Charania
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Patent number: 10522915Abstract: Slotted planar inverted F antennas are provided that can be operated in multiple frequency bands and are usable with electrically small ground planes. The antennas may have multiple planar levels and the impedance of each level (corresponding to a particular frequency band) may be independently adjustable. The antennas may have a self-supporting structure that does not require a separate frame. The antennas may further have a right hand circular polarization hemisphere and a left hand circular polarization hemisphere. Multiple antennas may be situated orthogonally to one another without adversely affecting their performance, due to the hemispherical polarizations, and thereby provide polarization diversity. The number of antennas and associated components used in wireless communications devices may be reduced by using the antennas, as well as reducing the amount of space needed for the antennas.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Mark Allen Kenkel
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Publication number: 20180359763Abstract: Systems and methods are described for concurrent usage and scanning of wireless channels, particularly with respect to dynamic frequency selection (DFS) and non-DFS channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Mark Allen Kenkel, Dean Komrska, Haneef Charania
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Publication number: 20180219292Abstract: Slotted planar inverted F antennas are provided that can be operated in multiple frequency bands and are usable with electrically small ground planes. The antennas may have multiple planar levels and the impedance of each level (corresponding to a particular frequency band) may be independently adjustable. The antennas may have a self-supporting structure that does not require a separate frame. The antennas may further have a right hand circular polarization hemisphere and a left hand circular polarization hemisphere. Multiple antennas may be situated orthogonally to one another without adversely affecting their performance, due to the hemispherical polarizations, and thereby provide polarization diversity. The number of antennas and associated components used in wireless communications devices may be reduced by using the antennas, as well as reducing the amount of space needed for the antennas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventor: Mark Allen Kenkel
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Patent number: 9019885Abstract: An RF distribution system distributes a radio frequency (RF) signal to a plurality of receivers. Ports provide RF connectivity from the antennas to the receivers while also providing data connectivity between the receivers. Sensors detect which receivers are connected to the distribution system so that the distribution system can route data from the first detected receiver to the other detected receivers and back to the first detected receiver. The distribution system can dynamically alter the routing if the receiver configuration changes. Consequently, a receiver can send data to other receivers through A-ports and B-ports of a radio distribution system. The A-ports provide RF connectivity to a first antenna while the B-ports provide RF connectivity to a second antenna. Different commands for locking, unlocking, scanning RF spectrum, and configuring can be sent between the receivers via the A-ports and B-ports through the RF distribution system.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Marco, Scott N. Brumm, Steven M. Grad, Mark Allen Kenkel, Irwin Preet Singh
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Patent number: 8843075Abstract: A RF distribution system determines its configuration and verifies the consistency of the determined configuration. Based on a device identifier, the RF distribution system may individually instruct each RF component to provide a generated signal. Consequently, a first RF component may modulate a signal on a first port. If a second RF component detects a modulated signal on a second port, then the RF distribution system deems that the two RF components are connected together. The procedure may be repeated for the remaining RF components so that the RF configuration of the RF distribution system may be determined. The determined RF configuration may be further verified for operational consistency. The RF distribution system may also scan a RF spectrum, determine a set of frequencies that provides RF compatibility with the RF distribution system based on the scanning, and configure the RF components in accordance with the set of frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Mark Allen Kenkel, Christopher M. Meyer
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Patent number: 8576131Abstract: An antenna assembly and method of forming an antenna is disclosed. The antenna comprises a dielectric core wrapped with an antenna tape having a conductive portion. A printed circuit board extends from a chassis, and a ground element secures the printed circuit board to the chassis at a point located away from the chassis. The printed circuit board can be secured to the conductive portion on the tape through a wire or flex cable connection. The dielectric core can be formed of a shock absorbing material and is configured to extend into the chassis. The antenna assembly can be provided with an antenna cover placed over the dielectric core and a shock-absorbing material can be located between the dielectric core and the antenna cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Robert Scott Szopko, Michael Joseph Alwicker, Adem Celebi, Mark Allen Kenkel
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Publication number: 20120163635Abstract: An antenna assembly and method of forming an antenna is disclosed. The antenna comprises a dielectric core wrapped with an antenna tape having a conductive portion. A printed circuit board extends from a chassis, and a ground element secures the printed circuit board to the chassis at a point located away from the chassis. The printed circuit board can be secured to the conductive portion on the tape through a wire or flex cable connection. The dielectric core can be formed of a shock absorbing material and is configured to extend into the chassis. The antenna assembly can be provided with an antenna cover placed over the dielectric core and a shock-absorbing material can be located between the dielectric core and the antenna cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: SHURE ACQUISITION HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Robert Scott Szopko, Michael Joseph Alwicker, Adem Celebi, Mark Allen Kenkel
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Publication number: 20110080847Abstract: A RF distribution system determines its configuration and verifies the consistency of the determined configuration. Based on a device identifier, the RF distribution system may individually instruct each RF component to provide a generated signal. Consequently, a first RF component may modulate a signal on a first port. If a second RF component detects a modulated signal on a second port, then the RF distribution system deems that the two RF components are connected together. The procedure may be repeated for the remaining RF components so that the RF configuration of the RF distribution system may be determined. The determined RF configuration may be further verified for operational consistency. The RF distribution system may also scan a RF spectrum, determine a set of frequencies that provides RF compatibility with the RF distribution system based on the scanning, and configure the RF components in accordance with the set of frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Shure IncorporatedInventors: Mark Allen Kenkel, Christopher M. Meyer
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Patent number: 7301506Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for a helical antenna assembly that are constructed by placing a metallic tape strip diagonally onto non-metallic tape. The tape assembly is then rolled on a dielectric core. The metallic tape strip is coupled to an electrical connector and a center conductor that is located through the center of the dielectric core. The tape assembly may include one or two tabs that are bent over the ends the dielectric core to prevent the tape assembly from separating from the dielectric core. The tabs may be pinned by eyelets that are affixed to the center conductor. The pitch of the conductive portion of the tape assembly is determined to provide desired electrical characteristics when the tape assembly is wrapped around the dielectric core. The conductive portion of the tape assembly may be trimmed to obtain desired electrical characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Mark Allen Kenkel, Stuart P. Bauman