Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Birnbaum

Thomas J. Birnbaum 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).

  • Publication number: 20190393917
    Abstract: A system with one or more transceiver antenna assemblies for installation in vehicle side-view mirrors to enable communication with nearby vehicles. Each transceiver antenna assembly may have one or two antenna arrays implemented on a single printed circuit board, protected by an antenna housing used to mount the transceiver antenna inside the mirror assembly. Each antenna array in a dual-channel transceiver antenna may transmit and receive data over one of two DSRC channels. One channel may be used to transmit and receive vehicle data only and the other channel may be used to transmit and receive both vehicle data and audio/video (A/V) data. Each antenna array is connected to a radio in the vehicle that processes received signals and prepares signals for transmission. Such a transceiver antenna system may be especially useful for communication in truck platooning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Price, James T. O'Keeffe, Thomas J. Birnbaum, Ganymed B. Stanek, Joshua P. Switkes
  • Patent number: 10432244
    Abstract: A system with one or more transceiver antenna assemblies for installation in vehicle side-view mirrors to enable communication with nearby vehicles. Each transceiver antenna assembly may have one or two antenna arrays implemented on a single printed circuit board, protected by an antenna housing used to mount the transceiver antenna inside the mirror assembly. Each antenna array in a dual-channel transceiver antenna may transmit and receive data over one of two DSRC channels. One channel may be used to transmit and receive vehicle data only and the other channel may be used to transmit and receive both vehicle data and audio/video (A/V) data. Each antenna array is connected to a radio in the vehicle that processes received signals and prepares signals for transmission. Such a transceiver antenna system may be especially useful for communication in truck platooning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: PELOTON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Price, James T. O'Keeffe, Thomas J. Birnbaum, Ganymed B. Stanek, Joshua P. Switkes
  • Publication number: 20180337703
    Abstract: A system with one or more transceiver antenna assemblies for installation in vehicle side-view mirrors to enable communication with nearby vehicles. Each transceiver antenna assembly may have one or two antenna arrays implemented on a single printed circuit board, protected by an antenna housing used to mount the transceiver antenna inside the mirror assembly. Each antenna array in a dual-channel transceiver antenna may transmit and receive data over one of two DSRC channels. One channel may be used to transmit and receive vehicle data only and the other channel may be used to transmit and receive both vehicle data and audio/video (A/V) data. Each antenna array is connected to a radio in the vehicle that processes received signals and prepares signals for transmission. Such a transceiver antenna system may be especially useful for communication in truck platooning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Price, James T. O'Keeffe, Thomas J. Birnbaum, Ganymed B. Stanek, Joshua P. Switkes
  • Patent number: 10074894
    Abstract: A transceiver antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle side-view mirror to enable communication with nearby vehicles, in which each transceiver antenna may have one or two antenna arrays implemented on a single printed circuit board, protected by an antenna housing used to mount the transceiver antenna inside the mirror assembly. Each antenna array in a dual-channel transceiver antenna may transmit and receive data over one of two DSRC channels. One channel may be used to transmit and receive vehicle data only and the other channel may be used to transmit and receive both vehicle data and audio/video (A/V) data. Each antenna array is connected to a radio in the vehicle that processes received signals and prepares signals for transmission. Such a transceiver antenna assembly, when mounted within the side view mirror assembly of a truck, may be especially useful for communication in truck platooning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Peloton Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Birnbaum, James T. O'Keeffe, Charles A. Price, Joshua P. Switkes
  • Patent number: 8568026
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system capable of operating in harsh environments including a temperature sensor having an antenna, diode, and dielectric layer disposed on the object of interest is provided, wherein the antenna includes a buried portion that extends through and is electrically coupled to the object of interest, and an exposed portion disposed upon an outer surface of the dielectric layer and the diode is coupled between the object of interest and the exposed portion of the antenna. The antenna is configured to receive interrogating signals from a transmitter, and to transmit response signals corresponding to the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor and its harmonics, which are indicative of the measured temperature of the object of interest. A receiver detects the response signals and correlates the frequency to a known temperature response of the dielectric material. Methods of making and using the temperature measurement system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Wireless Sensor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Otto J. Gregory, John R. Conkle, Thomas J. Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 8348504
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system capable of operating in harsh environments including a temperature sensor having an antenna, diode, and dielectric layer disposed on the object of interest is provided, wherein the antenna includes a buried portion that extends through and is electrically coupled to the object of interest, and an exposed portion disposed upon an outer surface of the dielectric layer and the diode is coupled between the object of interest and the exposed portion of the antenna. The antenna is configured to receive interrogating signals from a transmitter, and to transmit response signals corresponding to the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor and its harmonics, which are indicative of the measured temperature of the object of interest. A receiver detects the response signals and correlates the frequency to a known temperature response of the dielectric material. Methods of making and using the temperature measurement system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wireless Sensor Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Otto J. Gregory, John R. Conkle, Thomas J. Birnbaum
  • Publication number: 20110280279
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system capable of operating in harsh environments including a temperature sensor having an antenna, diode, and dielectric layer disposed on the object of interest is provided, wherein the antenna includes a buried portion that extends through and is electrically coupled to the object of interest, and an exposed portion disposed upon an outer surface of the dielectric layer and the diode is coupled between the object of interest and the exposed portion of the antenna. The antenna is configured to receive interrogating signals from a transmitter, and to transmit response signals corresponding to the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor and its harmonics, which are indicative of the measured temperature of the object of interest. A receiver detects the response signals and correlates the frequency to a known temperature response of the dielectric material. Methods of making and using the temperature measurement system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Otto J. GREGORY, John R. Conkle, Thomas J. Birnbaum
  • Publication number: 20080129594
    Abstract: Methods and systems for exploiting orthogonal antenna polarizations which restore MIMO capability to an otherwise single path link are disclosed. Disclosed dual-polarization antennae and antennae arrays create two orthogonally polarized independent channels of communication which are transmitted and received by similar dual-polarization antennae, taking advantage of the fact that orthogonally polarized electromagnetic waves travel independently and can be used as independent communication channels. Transmitters and receivers comprising such dual-polarization antennae behave as if two independent communication channels are available in the same line-of-sight link, allowing a doubling of the bandwidth and providing a way to exploit MIMO in outdoor and other line-of-sight communication links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Pera, Thomas J. Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 6867738
    Abstract: The present invention provides an aperture-fed patch antenna assembly that is recessed into a conductive surface of an external shell of an electronic device. In one embodiment, an antenna feed attached to a removable core of the electronic device may be removed from the external shell without requiring a manual disconnecting of the antenna feed from a wireless radio modem in the electronic device. The patch antenna assembly includes a shim having an aperture therein and positioned between a primary dielectric and a printed circuit board to create a secondary dielectric between the primary dielectric and the printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the primary dielectric is ceramic and the shim is plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Birnbaum, Stephen C. Fenwick, Arthur W. Astrin, Ricardo Mariano
  • Publication number: 20030117323
    Abstract: The present invention provides an aperture-fed patch antenna assembly that is recessed into a conductive surface of an external shell of an electronic device. In one embodiment, an antenna feed attached to a removable core of the electronic device may be removed from the external shell without requiring a manual disconnecting of the antenna feed from a wireless radio modem in the electronic device. The patch antenna assembly includes a shim having an aperture therein and positioned between a primary dielectric and a printed circuit board to create a secondary dielectric between the primary dielectric and the printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the primary dielectric is ceramic and the shim is plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas J. Birnbaum, Stephen C. Fenwick, Arthur W. Astrin, Ricardo Mariano
  • Patent number: 6496149
    Abstract: The present invention provides an aperture-fed patch antenna assembly that is recessed into a conductive surface of an external shell of an electronic device. In one embodiment, an antenna feed attached to a removable core of the electronic device may be removed from the external shell without requiring a manual disconnecting of the antenna feed from a wireless radio modem in the electronic device. The patch antenna assembly includes a shim having an aperture therein and positioned between a primary dielectric and a printed circuit board to create a secondary dielectric between the primary dielectric and the printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the primary dielectric is ceramic and the shim is plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Birnbaum, Stephen C. Fenwick, Arthur W. Astrin, Rieeardo Mariano
  • Patent number: 6400321
    Abstract: The invention includes an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly includes an antenna plate that defines an interior surface. The antenna plate includes a boss that extends from the interior surface of the antenna plate and a feed point. The antenna assembly also includes a ground plate that defines an interior surface. The ground plate includes a probe channel and a boss. Both the probe channel and the boss each extends from the interior surface of the ground plate. The ground plate boss is coupled to the antenna plate boss. The antenna assembly also includes a probe feed having a ground wire coupled to the probe channel and a conductor wire coupled to the feed point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Fenwick, Art Astrin, Thomas J. Birnbaum, Rick Mariano, Frank Fangonilo
  • Patent number: 5841407
    Abstract: An antenna includes a conductive coil electrically coupled to a wave launching structure and configured such that a plurality of capacitances act electrically in parallel with a plurality of distinct portions of the conductive coil. The capacitances configure what would otherwise be a conventional normal-mode helical antenna for operation at multiple, closely spaced resonance frequencies. The antenna operates at the multiple resonance frequencies with only a small loss of efficiency relative to the maximum response of a conventional normal-mode helical antenna that has a single resonance frequency. Also, the antenna in accordance with the invention is self-duplexing, eliminating the need for complex and expensive duplexing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: ACS Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 5323167
    Abstract: An antenna configuration system for determining the bearing angle of a radio frequency signal includes a plurality of loop antennas and at least one sense antenna. Through the utilization of combining networks with the loop antennas, in-phase and out-of-phase output signals are summed with the signal from the one sense antenna. The summed signal is sent to an adaptive processing system to allow for the determination the bearing angle of the radio frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Delfin Systems
    Inventors: David L. Peavey, Katherine A. Tieszen, Timothy D. Stephens, Thomas J. Birnbaum, Fred E. Schader, Nicholas Cianos, John R. Conkle