Patents by Inventor Michael R. Lovell

Michael R. Lovell 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).

  • Patent number: 7747274
    Abstract: Amplitude modulation of multiple carriers provides a pulse width modulated train resulting in a novel and effective communication mechanism to overcome difficulties in certain RF applications, particularly in the area of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). A novel conceptual pulse is formed and developed using a set of RF frequencies, such as ultra wideband frequencies, amplitude modulated to form a pulse width modulated binary coded signal. The concept is to wirelessly convey information only to a receiver at a specified distance or range. The RF energy may continue on in space, but receivers of the same design would only receive information from a transmitter if the receivers are located at a specified distance. Equivalent receivers at all other distances would see noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Joshua Y. Maina, Michael R. Lovell, Laura A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7722920
    Abstract: Described are methods of making an electronic device, such as an RFID tag, including fabricating an antenna by depositing an electrically conductive polymer onto a substrate. The electrically conductive polymer is electrically connected to an electronic component, such as an IC chip or a diode. The electronic component may be placed on the substrate before or after the electrically conductive polymer is deposited. Once deposited, the electrically conductive polymer is cured. The electrically conductive polymer may be deposited in a number of ways, such using a mask having a desired pattern and applying the electrically conductive polymer to the mask, by screen printing the electrically conductive polymer or by printing the electrically conductive polymer using ink jet printing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, James T. Cain, Michael R. Lovell, Jungfeng Mei
  • Publication number: 20090105782
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of diseases such as depression and epilepsy that do not require an onboard, implanted power supply. Power may be supplied from outside of the body by near-field inductive coupling with an external power supply provided in a support article (e.g., garment) worn by the patient. Power may also be supplied by providing an antenna for harvesting ambient RF energy and converting it into DC power. In addition, the methods and apparatus provide for remote, wireless programming of the parameters that specify the nature of current pulses provided to the vagus nerve by probes implanted in the body of the patient. The preferred stimulation profile is 1-2 milliamp pulses of 250 microseconds in duration at a frequency of 20 to 30 Hz, wherein the profile is repeatedly on for 30 seconds and off for 5 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Steven A. Hackworth, Michael R. Lovell, Doreen K. Jacob, Theodora Bennett, Robert Cuda, Kathy Hoelzle, Eric Laurenson
  • Publication number: 20080188257
    Abstract: Amplitude modulation of multiple carriers provides a pulse width modulated train resulting in a novel and effective communication mechanism to overcome difficulties in certain RF applications, particularly in the area of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). A novel conceptual pulse is formed and developed using a set of RF frequencies, such as ultra wideband frequencies, amplitude modulated to form a pulse width modulated binary coded signal. The concept is to wirelessly convey information only to a receiver at a specified distance or range. The RF energy may continue on in space, but receivers of the same design would only receive information from a transmitter if the receivers are located at a specified distance. Equivalent receivers at all other distances would see noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Joshua Y. Maina, Michael R. Lovell, Laura A. Schaefer