Patents by Inventor Greg Lantz

Greg Lantz 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: 12641404
    Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may use existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
  • Publication number: 20260087284
    Abstract: A system combining readers for various communication protocols (e.g., RFID transponders and Bluetooth devices) for automated roadway tolling and monitoring is described. Because of the ubiquity of communication devices (e.g., Bluetooth devices), filtering methods are described to narrow received signals (e.g., Bluetooth signals) to a particular monitored traffic lane and to further associate the signal (e.g, Bluetooth signal) with a registered toll tag (e.g., RFID toll tag) associated with a vehicle. The signal strength of the signal (e.g, Bluetooth signal) at each of a plurality of receiver antennas may be used to identify the location of the communication device (e.g., Bluetooth device) that emitted the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2025
    Publication date: March 26, 2026
    Applicant: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
  • Publication number: 20260025645
    Abstract: A system for tracking vehicle position using a smartphone in the vehicle as an active transponder, which is detected by roadside equipment, is described. The system may use existing RF transceivers on the smartphone, such as BLE or WiFi, to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smartphone. The smartphone may be alerted and/or awaken by roadside beacons, and then respond with its identification information. Processing can be performed on the smartphone and/or by roadside or central office equipment. Vehicle location detection can be enhanced through the use of directional antenna matrices, such as a Butler matrix. The system can be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2025
    Publication date: January 22, 2026
    Applicant: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
  • Publication number: 20260004274
    Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth® compatible transceiver (BLEET) is described. The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs. The BLEET may be used in a congestion pricing (CP) toll area, wherein the smart phone determines a toll rate based on the location, when triggered by the BLEET, that the BLEET was read by an RFID reader located on a boundary of the CP toll area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2025
    Publication date: January 1, 2026
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Yousuf Kamal, Greg Lantz, Paul Hamel, Dale Scott, Duane Wrasman, Donald Brady, Scott Brosi, Alice Klemashevich
  • Publication number: 20260004275
    Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth® compatible transceiver (BLEET) is described. The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs. The BLEET may be used in a congestion pricing (CP) toll area, wherein the smart phone determines a toll rate based on the location, when triggered by the BLEET, that the BLEET was read by an RFID reader located on a boundary of the CP toll area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2025
    Publication date: January 1, 2026
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Yousuf Kamal, Greg Lantz, Paul Hamel, Dale Scott, Duane Wrasman, Donald Brady, Scott Brosi, Alice Klemashevich
  • Patent number: 12505322
    Abstract: A system combining readers for RFID transponders and Bluetooth® devices for automated roadway tolling and monitoring is described. Because of the ubiquity of Bluetooth® devices, filtering methods are described to narrow received Bluetooth® signals to a particular monitored traffic lane and to further associate the Bluetooth® signal with a registered RFID toll tag in a vehicle. Signal strength of the Bluetooth® signal at each of a plurality of receiver antennas may be used to identify the location of the Bluetooth® device that emitted the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2025
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
  • Patent number: 12483870
    Abstract: A system for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone in the vehicle as an active transponder, which is detected by roadside equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further embodiment, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and only then responds with its identification information. Processing can be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or central office equipment as is the case in prior art active or passive transponder-based tolling systems. Vehicle location detection can be enhanced through the use of directional antenna matrices such as a Butler matrix. The system can be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2025
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
  • Patent number: 12437285
    Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth® compatible transceiver (BLEET) is described. The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs. The BLEET may be used in a congestion pricing (CP) toll area, wherein the smart phone determines a toll rate based on the location, when triggered by the BLEET, that the BLEET was read by an RFID reader located on a boundary of the CP toll area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Yousuf Kamal, Greg Lantz, Paul Hamel, Dale Scott, Duane Wrasman, Donald Brady, Scott Brosi, Alice Klemashevich
  • Publication number: 20240406698
    Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may use existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
  • Publication number: 20240330623
    Abstract: A system combining readers for RFID transponders and Bluetooth® devices for automated roadway tolling and monitoring is described. Because of the ubiquity of Bluetooth® devices, filtering methods are described to narrow received Bluetooth® signals to a particular monitored traffic lane and to further associate the Bluetooth® signal with a registered RFID toll tag in a vehicle. Signal strength of the Bluetooth® signal at each of a plurality of receiver antennas may be used to identify the location of the Bluetooth® device that emitted the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Kelly GRAVELLE, John Todd ELSON, Greg LANTZ, Michael MELVILLE, Paul HAMEL
  • Publication number: 20240334168
    Abstract: A system for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone in the vehicle as an active transponder, which is detected by roadside equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further embodiment, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and only then responds with its identification information. Processing can be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or central office equipment as is the case in prior art active or passive transponder-based tolling systems. Vehicle location detection can be enhanced through the use of directional antenna matrices such as a Butler matrix. The system can be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
  • Patent number: 12069552
    Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
  • Patent number: 12056566
    Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth® compatible transceiver is described as a (BLEET). The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Yousuf Kamal, Greg Lantz, Paul Hamel, Dale Scott, Duane Wrasman, Donald Brady, Scott Brosi, Alice Klemashevich
  • Patent number: 12015969
    Abstract: A system for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone in the vehicle as an active transponder, which is detected by roadside equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further embodiment, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and only then responds with its identification information. Processing can be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or central office equipment as is the case in prior art active or passive transponder-based tolling systems. Vehicle location detection can be enhanced through the use of directional antenna matrices such as a Butler matrix. The system can be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
  • Patent number: 11836569
    Abstract: A system combining readers for RFID transponders and Bluetooth® devices for for automated roadway tolling and monitoring is described. Because of the ubiquity of Bluetooth® devices, filtering methods are described to narrow received Bluetooth® signals to a particular monitored traffic lane and to further associate the Bluetooth® signal with a registered RFID toll tag in a vehicle. Signal strength of the Bluetooth® signal at each of a plurality of receiver antennas may be used to identify the location of the Bluetooth® device that emitted the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
  • Patent number: 11663427
    Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth compatible transceiver is described as a (BLEET). The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Yousuf Kamal, Greg Lantz, Paul Hamel, Dale Scott, Duane Wrasman, Donald Brady, Scott Brosi, Alice Klemashevich
  • Publication number: 20220256323
    Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
  • Patent number: 11341345
    Abstract: An RFID transponder including a Bluetooth® compatible transceiver is described a (BLEET). The Bluetooth® compatible transceiver may be configured to set data that is transmitted via one or more RFID transceivers in the transponder and to return data received by the RFID transceiver(s) to a client application running, for example, on a user's smart phone. The BLEET may be used for electronic vehicle tracking or tolling. Vehicle occupancy data may be set by the user with the client application via a Bluetooth® connection in connection with high occupancy vehicle tolling and express lane incentive programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Yousuf Kamal, Greg Lantz, Paul Hamel, Dale Scott, Duane Wrasman, Donald Brady, Scott Brosi, Alice Klemashevich
  • Patent number: 11323865
    Abstract: A system is described for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone or similar device as an active transponder that communicates with roadside equipment. The system may uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth® LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further aspect, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and responds with identification information. Transaction processing may be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or back office equipment. The system may be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring and also for access control. A coded card may be scanned by the smart card to enter identification for access control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
  • Publication number: 20210306825
    Abstract: A system for tracking vehicle position using a smart phone in the vehicle as an active transponder, which is detected by roadside equipment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system uses existing RF transceivers on the smart-phone, such as Bluetooth LE or WiFi to periodically transmit an identifying message. Road-based equipment detects and locates the smart phone. In a further embodiment, the smart phone is alerted by roadside beacons and only then responds with its identification information. Processing can be performed either on the smart phone or by roadside or central office equipment as is the case in prior art active or passive transponder-based tolling systems. Vehicle location detection can be enhanced through the use of directional antenna matrices such as a Butler matrix. The system can be used for automated roadway tolling and monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel