Patents by Inventor Frank Mierke

Frank Mierke 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: 10122075
    Abstract: An antenna system for motor vehicles includes a surface that comprises an electrically conductive medium. A recess is located inside the electrically conductive surface, with the electrically conductive surface being a periphery of the recess. At least one electrically conductive crosspiece is electrically conductively connected to the periphery and protrudes into the recess and extends in the direction of a second side, facing the first side, of the periphery and there ends, forming a gap with the periphery. This crosspiece divides the recess into first and second parts with a gap connecting the two parts. At least one electrical line in a part of the recess originates at a feed point, located on the crosspiece but is electrically separate from it. The electrical line extends in the part of the recess in the direction of the periphery and is capacitively coupled to the periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke, Adrian Sigg
  • Patent number: 9966659
    Abstract: A one-piece antenna module, has at least one outside receiving and/or transmitting antenna element under an outer cover. The one-piece antenna module has an antenna box, which has no or few inside internal antennas and which surrounds the electronic circuits that interact with the antenna elements. The outer cover is detachably fastened to the antenna box and can be attached so as to protrude from an opening in the vehicle roof. The antenna box is closed on all sides and can be attached below the vehicle roof by a metal top side. The metal closed top side has feed-throughs for the outside antenna elements. The outside antenna elements in the outer cover are electrically coupled to the circuits inside the antenna box closed on all sides by the feed-throughs. Thus, a compact installation part is obtained, which provides complete shielding between an antenna part and a transceiver part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignees: Continental Automotive GmbH, Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Guy-Aymar Chakam, Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Gerhard Vogt
  • Publication number: 20160141750
    Abstract: An antenna system for motor vehicles includes a surface that comprises an electrically conductive medium. A recess is located inside the electrically conductive surface, with the electrically conductive surface being a periphery of the recess. At least one electrically conductive crosspiece is electrically conductively connected to the periphery and protrudes into the recess and extends in the direction of a second side, facing the first side, of the periphery and there ends, forming a gap with the periphery. This crosspiece divides the recess into first and second parts with a gap connecting the two parts. At least one electrical line in a part of the recess originates at a feed point, located on the crosspiece but is electrically separate from it. The electrical line extends in the part of the recess in the direction of the periphery and is capacitively coupled to the periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas LANKES, Frank MIERKE, Adrian SIGG
  • Patent number: 9270018
    Abstract: An improved rooftop antenna is characterized, inter alia, by the following features: the base (7) has a protruding base foot part (17) on the base lower side (7e) of said base; the base foot part (17) is formed integrally with the remaining part of the base (7) or connected thereto and is electrically conductive or coated, together with the base (7), with an electrically conductive layer; the base foot part (17) has a channel (117), which passes through the foot part (17) transversely and preferably perpendicular to the base (7) in a plug-in and joining direction (Z) for accommodating the at least one coaxial line (21); and the coaxial line (21) is inserted into the at least one channel (117) of the base foot part (17) in such a way that at least one section of the outer circumference of the outer conductor (27) of the coaxial line (21) is pressed mechanically with the electrically conductive inner wall of the channel (117) of the base foot part (17) and DC contact is thereby made therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: KATHREIN-WERKE KG
    Inventors: Frank Mierke, Gerhard Stadler, Florian Butscher, Gerhard Vogt, Johann Frisch
  • Patent number: 9178272
    Abstract: A multiband shark fin antenna for a vehicle may include at least one transmitting and one receiving antenna element from the group consisting of AM/FM antennas, telephone and RKE antennas, GPS antenna, SDARS antenna, stacked patch antenna, DAP antenna, WLAN antenna, WIMAX antenna or DRM antenna. The antenna elements are disposed beneath a joint shark fin-shaped outer cover on the exterior of the vehicle. On the inside, the shark fin-shaped outer cover includes an antenna circuit board having the antenna elements disposed thereon. Electronic adjustment or amplifier circuits including a transceiver, tuner or receiver are disposed on both the upper and lower faces of the antenna circuit board. Shielding plates, which shield the adjustment or amplifier circuits with respect to the antenna elements, are disposed on the upper side of the antenna circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Guy-Aymar Chakam, Martin Schürmeier, Florian Butscher, Frank Mierke
  • Publication number: 20150123854
    Abstract: A one-piece antenna module, has at least one outside receiving and/or transmitting antenna element under an outer cover. The one-piece antenna module has an antenna box, which has no or few inside internal antennas and which surrounds the electronic circuits that interact with the antenna elements. The outer cover is detachably fastened to the antenna box and can be attached so as to protrude from an opening in the vehicle roof. The antenna box is closed on all sides and can be attached below the vehicle roof by a metal top side. The metal closed top side has feed-throughs for the outside antenna elements. The outside antenna elements in the outer cover are electrically coupled to the circuits inside the antenna box closed on all sides by the feed-throughs. Thus, a compact installation part is obtained, which provides complete shielding between an antenna part and a transceiver part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Guy-Aymar Chakam, Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Gerhard Vogt
  • Patent number: 8860616
    Abstract: An improved RFID antenna system using a first RFID antenna device (in the form of a magnetic antenna (15)) and using a second RFID antenna device (21, 21?) using a flat antenna is distinguished by the following features: the second RFID antenna device comprises one flat antenna (21, 21?) or a group antenna with at least two flat antennas (21, 21?), and the metal plane of the flat antenna (21, 21?) and/or the earth or reflector plane (31; 31.1; 31.2) is divided into metal, earth or reflector plane sections (31.1; 31.2) by slots, interruptions and or recesses (133), wherein the metal, earth or reflector sections (31.1; 31.2) are electrically conductively separated from one another or are electrically conductively connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier
  • Publication number: 20140028507
    Abstract: An improved rooftop antenna is characterized, inter alia, by the following features: the base (7) has a protruding base foot part (17) on the base lower side (7e) of said base; the base foot part (17) is formed integrally with the remaining part of the base (7) or connected thereto and is electrically conductive or coated, together with the base (7), with an electrically conductive layer; the base foot part (17) has a channel (117), which passes through the foot part (17) transversely and preferably perpendicular to the base (7) in a plug-in and joining direction (Z) for accommodating the at least one coaxial line (21); and the coaxial line (21) is inserted into the at least one channel (117) of the base foot part (17) in such a way that at least one section of the outer circumference of the outer conductor (27) of the coaxial line (21) is pressed mechanically with the electrically conductive inner wall of the channel (117) of the base foot part (17) and DC contact is thereby made therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: KATHREIN-WERKE KG
    Inventors: Frank Mierke, Gerhard Stadler, Florian Butscher, Gerhard Vogt, Johann Frisch
  • Publication number: 20120274519
    Abstract: A multiband shark fin antenna for a vehicle may include at least one transmitting and one receiving antenna element from the group consisting of AM/FM antennas, telephone and RKE antennas, GPS antenna, SDARS antenna, stacked patch antenna, DAP antenna, WLAN antenna, WIMAX antenna or DRM antenna. The antenna elements are disposed beneath a joint shark fin-shaped outer cover on the exterior of the vehicle. On the inside, the shark fin-shaped outer cover includes an antenna circuit board having the antenna elements disposed thereon. Electronic adjustment or amplifier circuits including a transceiver, tuner or receiver are disposed on both the upper and lower faces of the antenna circuit board. Shielding plates, which shield the adjustment or amplifier circuits with respect to the antenna elements, are disposed on the upper side of the antenna circuit board. In addition, at least one digital data connection is present on said multiband antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Guy-Aymar Chakam, Martin Schürmeier, Florian Butscher, Frank Mierke
  • Publication number: 20110234463
    Abstract: An improved RFID antenna system using a first RFID antenna device (in the form of a magnetic antenna (15)) and using a second RFID antenna device (21, 21?) using a flat antenna is distinguished by the following features: the second RFID antenna device comprises one flat antenna (21, 21?) or a group antenna with at least two flat antennas (21, 21?), and the metal plane of the flat antenna (21, 21?) and/or the earth or reflector plane (31; 31.1; 31.2) is divided into metal, earth or reflector plane sections (31.1; 31.2) by slots, interruptions and or recesses (133), wherein the metal, earth or reflector sections (31.1; 31.2) are electrically conductively separated from one another or are electrically conductively connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: KATHREIN-WERKE KG
    Inventors: Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier
  • Patent number: 7936306
    Abstract: A multilayer antenna arrangement is distinguished in particular by the following features: a further patch antenna (B) comprising a dielectric carrier and a radiation plane is provided above the base portion or central portion of the patch arrangement, the radiation plane being provided on the upper side, opposite the base portion or central portion, of the dielectric carrier, and the further patch antenna (B) is buried at least in part in the parasitic patch arrangement, which is configured so as to be box-shaped or box-like, and/or the parasitic patch arrangement which is configured so as to be box-shaped or box-like is formed, completely or in part, as electrically conductive planes, which are provided on the further patch antenna (B) at least in partial regions on the circumferential edge surface or outer surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier, Thomas Lankes
  • Patent number: 7868835
    Abstract: An improved beam shaping means for an external and/or roof antenna has a parasitic beam shaping means configured at a distance below the upper or outer surface of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure. The parasitic beam shaping means is configured, provided or attached in the material of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure or at the underside or inside of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure. The parasitic beam shaping means is arranged and/or configured in such a way that it, viewed from above, protrudes laterally beyond, at least in certain portions. The antenna mounting region or portion and/or an optionally provided counterweight surface and/or is arranged laterally thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Thomas Lankes
  • Patent number: 7852268
    Abstract: An RFID antenna system with the following features: the RFID antenna device, with respect to the goods identification system (GIS) or a side limit receiving this RFID antenna device, comprises at least two antenna, the at least two antennae for the goods identification system (GIS) consist of patch antennae, the at least two patch antennae are arranged mutually offset in the direction of the passageway or passage region, or at least with one component mutually offset in the passage direction, and the at least two patch antennae are arranged at an equal spacing from a floor area of the passageway and/or on the same horizontal plane or offset thereto, and, more precisely, in such a way that a straight line laid through the center points and/or centers of gravity of at least two adjacent patch antennae encloses an angle ? with respect to a horizontal plane and/or a plane that is parallel to the floor space, which angle is ?45°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Thomas Lankes
  • Patent number: 7821460
    Abstract: An improved tunable antenna of planar construction is distinguished by the following features: in plan view perpendicular to the effective surface (7), the electrically conductive structure (13, 113) completely or partially covers the effective surface (7), the electrically conductive structure (13, 113) is coupled and/or connected galvanically or capacitively or serially and/or with interposition with at least one electrical component (125) with the ground surface (3) and/or a chassis (B) located on a potential or ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke
  • Publication number: 20100201496
    Abstract: A method and device for contact-free transmission of data from and/or to a plurality of data or information carriers provide that, after the exchange of information between a read and/or write device and a data or information carrier, said carrier is switched to a standby impedance mode in order to reduce undesired interaction with data or information carriers adjoining the antenna field. This mode differs from an initial impedance mode and communication impedance modes during the emission of an information signal from the data or information carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke
  • Publication number: 20100156607
    Abstract: An improved method and an improved device for activating an RFID antenna uses an antenna (A) and an antenna network (N). The antenna (A) is operated via the antenna network (N) by means of a connectable reader (R). The antenna (A) is operated as a circular or elliptical polarized antenna (A) in such a way that it is alternately left-handed and right-handed polarized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier
  • Patent number: 7741999
    Abstract: A multilayer antenna of planar construction comprises an electrically conductive ground face and a conductive radiation face which is arranged with lateral spacing from the ground face and extends substantially parallel thereto. A dielectric carrier is arranged between the ground face and the radiation face. Above the radiation face there is a carrying means. Above the carrying means there is provided an electrically conductive patch element. The carrying means has a thickness or height which is less than the thickness or height of the patch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier
  • Patent number: 7710331
    Abstract: An improved multilayer antenna has patch assembly divided at least into two. It comprises, in addition to the primary patch element, a secondary patch additional element. The patch element and the patch additional element can be positioned toward one another and at least partly in one another to change the overall height thereof. The patch additional element is held by a separate holding and support means, preferably by a hood covering the entire antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KG
    Inventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke
  • Publication number: 20100073236
    Abstract: A multilayer antenna arrangement is distinguished in particular by the following features: a further patch antenna (B) comprising a dielectric carrier and a radiation plane is provided above the base portion or central portion of the patch arrangement, the radiation plane being provided on the upper side, opposite the base portion or central portion, of the dielectric carrier, and the further patch antenna (B) is buried at least in part in the parasitic patch arrangement, which is configured so as to be box-shaped or box-like, and/or the parasitic patch arrangement which is configured so as to be box-shaped or box-like is formed, completely or in part, as electrically conductive planes, which are provided on the further patch antenna (B) at least in partial regions on the circumferential edge surface or outer surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Frank MIERKE, Gerald Schillmeier, Thomas Lankes
  • Publication number: 20100053004
    Abstract: An improved beam shaping means for an external and/or roof antenna has a parasitic beam shaping means configured at a distance below the upper or outer surface of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure. The parasitic beam shaping means is configured, provided or attached in the material of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure or at the underside or inside of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure. The parasitic beam shaping means is arranged and/or configured in such a way that it, viewed from above, protrudes laterally beyond, at least in certain portions. The antenna mounting region or portion and/or an optionally provided counterweight surface and/or is arranged laterally thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Thomas Lankes