Patents by Inventor Michael J. Koch
Michael J. Koch 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: 20240137737Abstract: A method, device, and system for managing a fleet of vehicles is disclosed. The method includes providing a telematics device for an electric vehicle of the fleet of vehicles, the telematics device being capable of obtaining data from the electric vehicle; using the telematics device to identify the electric vehicle based on the data obtained from the electric vehicle; providing a data definition set for the electric vehicle to the telematics device; and using the telematics device and the data definition set to determine whether the electric vehicle is in a vehicle mode based on the data obtained from the electric vehicle and the data definition set. The vehicle mode of the electric vehicle can be at least one of a charging mode, a driving mode, and a parked mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Geotab Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Mendes, Alexander K. Koch, Michael Giannikouris
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Patent number: 11915085Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced directionality for portal detector stations are provided. The systems include a portal detector station, an overhead detector station, a controller operatively coupled thereto. In embodiments, the controller analyzes read events detected by the portal detector station to determine a set of RFID tags included in a pallet of objects. The controller also analyzes read events detected by the overhead detector station to determine a direction of travel for the RFID tags included in the set of RFID tags and/or to detect stray read events that resulted in RFID tags being erroneously included in the set of RFID tags.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Robert E. Grant, Michael J. Koch
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Publication number: 20230409846Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced directionality for portal detector stations are provided. The systems include a portal detector station, an overhead detector station, a controller operatively coupled thereto. In embodiments, the controller analyzes read events detected by the portal detector station to determine a set of RFID tags included in a pallet of objects. The controller also analyzes read events detected by the overhead detector station to determine a direction of travel for the RFID tags included in the set of RFID tags and/or to detect stray read events that resulted in RFID tags being erroneously included in the set of RFID tags.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Robert E. Grant, Michael J. Koch
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Patent number: 11773990Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-port multi-mode valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports, including two inlet ports and four outlet ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. Six modes of operation are provided by rotation of the shell body.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: ROBERTSHAW CONTROLS COMPANYInventors: Michael J. Koch, Nishaj Attassery, Kyle William Svejcar, Eapen Chacko, Daniel Knapper
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Patent number: 11675044Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID system configured in a way that upon a detection of a variance in the direction of a maximum RSSI value for a given RFID tag in response to a plurality of interrogation signals transmitted by an RFID reader over a respective plurality of different directions, the RFID reader retransmits the plurality of interrogation signals over the respective plurality of different directions with successively lower power levels until the only response(s) being received no longer exhibit the previously detected variance.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael J. Koch, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Charles Burton Swope
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Publication number: 20220320710Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced fault tolerance for a radio frequency identification (RFID) phased array antenna are provided. The systems include a RFID reader that includes (i) a phased array antenna having N antenna elements; and (ii) a controller operatively connected to the phased array antenna. The controller is configured to (1) monitor a characteristic for each antenna element of a set of the N antenna elements; (2) based on the characteristic, detect a fault of a faulty antenna element of the set of the N antenna elements; and (3) responsive to detecting the fault of the faulty antenna element of the set of the N antenna elements, adjust a parameter of at least one other antenna element of the N antenna elements, wherein the parameter is a weight applied to a signal that is transmitted to or received at an antenna element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2021Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Michael J. Koch, Alexander M. Jacques
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Patent number: 11210480Abstract: Methods and devices for performing dynamic compensation of a phased array RFID reader are disclosed herein. An example method includes configuring an RFID reader having an antenna array to compensate for determined antenna element phase-shift errors. The method includes exciting a reference antenna element of the antenna array, emitting an emitted signal, receiving the emitted signal via a receiver antenna element of the antenna array, and generating a received signal. The method further includes determining, by a processor, a phase shift of the received signal relative to the emitted signal, and determining a phase-shift error. The method then includes configuring the RFID reader to compensate for the determined phase-shift error associated with the receiver antenna element in response to receiving an RFID tag signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael J Koch, Alexander M. Jacques, Camilo A. Gaitan Parra
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Publication number: 20210381607Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-port multi-mode valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports, including two inlet ports and four outlet ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. Six modes of operation are provided by rotation of the shell body.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Nishaj Attassery, Kyle William Svejcar, Eapen Chacko, Daniel Knapper
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Publication number: 20210231770Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID system configured in a way that upon a detection of a variance in the direction of a maximum RSSI value for a given RFID tag in response to a plurality of interrogation signals transmitted by an RFID reader over a respective plurality of different directions, the RFID reader retransmits the plurality of interrogation signals over the respective plurality of different directions with successively lower power levels until the only response(s) being received no longer exhibit the previously detected variance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Charles Burton Swope
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Patent number: 11061101Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader calibration system for use with a venue includes an RFID reader having a primary identifier and a plurality of secondary identifiers. The primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers having a respective unobstructed line of sight to a point on the floor of the venue. The RFID reader calibration system also includes a data capture device configured to be aimed at the primary identifier and the plurality of secondary identifiers and to capture respective coordinates of the primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers. The RFID reader calibration system also includes a controller configured to determine: a location of the RFID reader based on the coordinates of the primary identifier; and an orientation of the RFID reader based on the respective coordinates of the primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Yuly Mitelman, Michael J. Koch, Charles Burton Swope
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Publication number: 20210192156Abstract: Methods and devices for performing dynamic compensation of a phased array RFID reader are disclosed herein. An example method includes configuring an RFID reader having an antenna array to compensate for determined antenna element phase-shift errors. The method includes exciting a reference antenna element of the antenna array, emitting an emitted signal, receiving the emitted signal via a receiver antenna element of the antenna array, and generating a received signal. The method further includes determining, by a processor, a phase shift of the received signal relative to the emitted signal, and determining a phase-shift error. The method then includes configuring the RFID reader to compensate for the determined phase-shift error associated with the receiver antenna element in response to receiving an RFID tag signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Alexander M. Jacques, Camilo A. Gaitan Parra
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Patent number: 10976408Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID system configured in a way that upon a detection of a variance in the direction of a maximum RSSI value for a given RFID tag in response to a plurality of interrogation signals transmitted by an RFID reader over a respective plurality of different directions, the RFID reader retransmits the plurality of interrogation signals over the respective plurality of different directions with successively lower power levels until the only response(s) being received no longer exhibit the previously detected variance.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael J. Koch, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Charles Burton Swope
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Patent number: 10817681Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving RFID coverage using an antenna array having an adaptive antenna beam. The apparatus includes an RFID reader including an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements. Subsets of the plurality of antenna elements are selectively activating in order to direct an antenna beam to communicate with at least one RFID tag. The method includes transmitting an interrogation signal from an antenna array by activating one or more subsets of a plurality of antenna elements forming the antenna array. In this way, the interrogation signal is directed thereby improving antenna coverage.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael J. Koch
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Publication number: 20200284869Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader calibration system for use with a venue includes an RFID reader having a primary identifier and a plurality of secondary identifiers. The primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers having a respective unobstructed line of sight to a point on the floor of the venue. The RFID reader calibration system also includes a data capture device configured to be aimed at the primary identifier and the plurality of secondary identifiers and to capture respective coordinates of the primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers. The RFID reader calibration system also includes a controller configured to determine: a location of the RFID reader based on the coordinates of the primary identifier; and an orientation of the RFID reader based on the respective coordinates of the primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2019Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Yuly Mitelman, Michael J. Koch, Charles Burton Swope
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Patent number: 10762310Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems, readers, and/or arrangements configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID arrangement configured communicate with an RFID tag via a primary transmit and receive signals and to contemporaneously determine a plurality of RSSI levels of the RFID tag over a 360-degree azimuth range via a plurality of secondary receive signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Michael J. Koch, Charles Burton Swope
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Patent number: 10726218Abstract: A method of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag bearing estimation comprises: at an RFID tag reader having a plurality of antenna elements, emitting a primary transmit beam; receiving a response signal from an RFID tag via the antenna elements; generating a first set of signal measurements corresponding to a first set of receive beam characteristics, based on a first partition of the response signal; generating a second set of signal measurements corresponding to a second set of receive beam characteristics, based on a second partition of the response signal; and combining the first and second sets of signal measurements, for selection of an estimated tag bearing for the RFID tag from the first and second receive beam characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael J. Koch, Guy P. Roberts, Joon Hwa Chun
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Publication number: 20200210656Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems, readers, and/or arrangements configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID arrangement configured communicate with an RFID tag via a primary transmit and receive signals and to contemporaneously determine a plurality of RSSI levels of the RFID tag over a 360-degree azimuth range via a plurality of secondary receive signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2018Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Michael J. Koch, Charles Burton Swope
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Publication number: 20200209348Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID system configured in a way that upon a detection of a variance in the direction of a maximum RSSI value for a given RFID tag in response to a plurality of interrogation signals transmitted by an RFID reader over a respective plurality of different directions, the RFID reader retransmits the plurality of interrogation signals over the respective plurality of different directions with successively lower power levels until the only response(s) being received no longer exhibit the previously detected variance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2018Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Charles Burton Swope
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Publication number: 20200173569Abstract: A multi-port valve is provided. The multi-port valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A valve member is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity. A seal member is also provided between the internal cavity and at least one of the ports. A check valve assembly is also provided in fluid communication with at least one of the ports to provide an additional checked flow therefrom or a checked flow therethrough. Temperature, pressure, and/or flow sensors may also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2019Publication date: June 4, 2020Applicant: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Michael J. Koch, Thomas J. Davern, James E. Pearson
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Patent number: 10515240Abstract: An RFID echo cancellation assembly includes: a circulator defining a transmission path from a transmit module to an antenna module, and a reception path from the antenna module to a receive module; a combiner on the reception path between the circulator and the receive module; a variable reflector for applying a cancellation signal to the combiner; a controller for setting an operational parameter at the variable reflector according to an attribute of a transmitted signal from the transmit module; and a coupler defining a segment of the transmission path between the transmit module and the circulator, and a cancellation path between the variable reflector and the combiner. The coupler couples a portion of the transmitted signal to the variable reflector, whereupon the variable reflector generates the cancellation signal based on the operational parameter, for transmission to the combiner via the cancellation signal path.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Mark W. Duron, Michael J. Koch, Amit Asthana