Patents by Inventor Kelly Gravelle
Kelly Gravelle 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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Patent number: 10607044Abstract: A multi-mode, preferably dual mode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted for automatic detection of whether a RFID reader located within communication range of the RFID tag is transmitting a continuous wave (CW) or modulated wave types of RF signal, and accordingly, mandating a response from the tag in read-only (RO) mode or read/write (R/W) mode, respectively. The tag includes means for designating one of the RO and R/W operating modes as a default mode of the tag, and for switching the tag from its default mode to its other operating mode, and vice versa, according to a rule for determining the frequency of occurrence of a selected event related to signal type of the reader. A device-implemented method of this automatic detection, and a method of fabricating the tag, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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Publication number: 20200051343Abstract: A system carried by a vehicle for computing tolls that interfaces with vehicle data entry and display components. The system uses these components to display toll-related information and to accept user input for toll-related information. The system may also incorporate vehicle sensors including seat occupancy sensors, infra-red sensors and cameras to determine vehicle occupancy for tolling purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventor: Kelly Gravelle
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Publication number: 20200050804Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 10489987Abstract: A system carried by a vehicle for computing tolls that interfaces with vehicle data entry and display components. The system uses these components to display toll-related information and to accept user input for toll-related information. The system may also incorporate vehicle sensors including seat occupancy sensors, infra-red sensors and cameras to determine vehicle occupancy for tolling purposes.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventor: Kelly Gravelle
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Patent number: 10467440Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGOTM RFID backscatter transponders, SEGOTM RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20190332827Abstract: A multi-mode, preferably dual mode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted for automatic detection of whether a RFID reader located within communication range of the RFID tag is transmitting a continuous wave (CW) or modulated wave types of RF signal, and accordingly, mandating a response from the tag in read-only (RO) mode or read/write (R/W) mode, respectively. The tag includes means for designating one of the RO and R/W operating modes as a default mode of the tag, and for switching the tag from its default mode to its other operating mode, and vice versa, according to a rule for determining the frequency of occurrence of a selected event related to signal type of the reader. A device-implemented method of this automatic detection, and a method of fabricating the tag, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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Publication number: 20190251758Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for use in a vehicle for use in an electronic toll collecting system. The tag is capable of transmitting data to a tag interrogator indicating the occupancy status of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the tag has a user input and a visual or audible tag status indicator. The user input is used to change the occupancy status of the tag, wherein the occupancy status is a portion of a message sent by radio frequency to the interrogator when the vehicle passes through a toll area. The tag may be used in a system including a tag interrogator configured to read the tag status information and to transmit to the tag information to be indicated by said tag status indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Charles A. Johnson, Matthew K. Burnett, Dale L. Scott
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Patent number: 10346648Abstract: A multi-mode, preferably dual mode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted for automatic detection of whether a RFID reader located within communication range of the RFID tag is transmitting a continuous wave (CW) or modulated wave types of RF signal, and accordingly, mandating a response from the tag in read-only (RO) mode or read/write (R/W) mode, respectively. The tag includes means for designating one of the RO and R/W operating modes as a default mode of the tag, and for switching the tag from its default mode to its other operating mode, and vice versa, according to a rule for determining the frequency of occurrence of a selected event related to signal type of the reader. A device-implemented method of this automatic detection, and a method of fabricating the tag, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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Publication number: 20190180611Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is described. An exemplary system has a first RFID interrogator and first and second antennas. The first and second antennas direct signals to and receive signals from respective first and second interrogation zones. A first interrogation signal is transmitted to the first antenna. A first acquire window for receiving a signal from a first RFID transponder is opened after the first interrogation signal. A second interrogation signal is transmitted to the second antenna after the first interrogation signal, and a second acquire window for receiving a signal from a second RFID transponder is opened after the second interrogation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Patent number: 10275949Abstract: An RFID tag for use in a vehicle for use in an electronic toll collecting system. The tag is capable of transmitting data to a tag interrogator indicating the occupancy status of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the tag has a user input and a visual and audible tag status indicator. The user input is used to change the occupancy status of the tag, wherein the occupancy status is a portion of a message sent by radio frequency to the interrogator when the vehicle passes through a toll area.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Charles A. Johnson, Matthew K. Burnett, Dale L. Scott
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Publication number: 20190057556Abstract: A system carried by a vehicle for computing tolls that interfaces with vehicle data entry and display components. The system uses these components to display toll-related information and to accept user input for toll-related information. The system may also incorporate vehicle sensors including seat occupancy sensors, infra-red sensors and cameras to determine vehicle occupancy for tolling purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2018Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventor: Kelly Gravelle
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Patent number: 10210752Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is disclosed. An example is shown for an eight antenna system. A first four antennas arranged side-by-side are sequentially energized to interrogate RFID transponders. A second set of four antennas arranged side-by-side, the first of which is adjacent to the last of the first set of antennas. A four-antenna sequence is performed for the first four antennas and a second four antenna sequence is performed for the second set of antennas. The first and second four antenna sequences are offset by only a marginal amount, sufficient to ensure that a transponder signal received four antennas away from an active antenna is not acknowledged because the receive window for the non-active antenna is delayed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Publication number: 20190019362Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
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Publication number: 20180373905Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGOTM RFID backscatter transponders, SEGOTM RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: December 27, 2018Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 10134210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel, Yousuf Kamal
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Patent number: 10121289Abstract: A system carried by a vehicle for computing tolls that interfaces with vehicle data entry and display components. The system uses these components to display toll-related information and to accept user input for toll-related information. The system may also incorporate vehicle sensors including seat occupancy sensors, infra-red sensors and cameras to determine vehicle occupancy for tolling purposes.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: Kelly Gravelle
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Publication number: 20180293413Abstract: A multi-mode, preferably dual mode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted for automatic detection of whether a RFID reader located within communication range of the RFID tag is transmitting a continuous wave (CW) or modulated wave types of RF signal, and accordingly, mandating a response from the tag in read-only (RO) mode or read/write (R/W) mode, respectively. The tag includes means for designating one of the RO and R/W operating modes as a default mode of the tag, and for switching the tag from its default mode to its other operating mode, and vice versa, according to a rule for determining the frequency of occurrence of a selected event related to signal type of the reader. A device-implemented method of this automatic detection, and a method of fabricating the tag, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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Patent number: 10083329Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 9996715Abstract: A multi-mode, preferably dual mode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted for automatic detection of whether a RFID reader located within communication range of the RFID tag is transmitting a continuous wave (CW) or modulated wave types of RF signal, and accordingly, mandating a response from the tag in read-only (RO) mode or read/write (R/W) mode, respectively. The tag includes means for designating one of the RO and R/W operating modes as a default mode of the tag, and for switching the tag from its default mode to its other operating mode, and vice versa, according to a rule for determining the frequency of occurrence of a selected event related to signal type of the reader. A device-implemented method of this automatic detection, and a method of fabricating the tag, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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Publication number: 20180032766Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGOTM RFID backscatter transponders, SEGOTM RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville