Patents by Inventor Michael J. Koch

Michael J. Koch 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: 12106174
    Abstract: The disclosure is a system comprising a transceiver array, containing at least a first pair of transceivers and a second pair of transceivers, the first pair of transceivers containing a transceiver that is included in the second pair of transceivers. Each transceiver in a pair is configured to monitor a plurality of zones for RFID tags, transmit information related to the monitoring of a portion the plurality of zones for RFID tags to the other transceiver in the pair, and determine a location of a monitored RFID tag based on the information acquired through the monitoring of the plurality of zones and the information received from the other transceiver in the first or second pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Sajan Wilfred
  • Patent number: 12095169
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced fault tolerance for a radio frequency identification (RFID) phased array antenna are provided. The systems include a RFID reader that includes (i) a phased array antenna having N antenna elements; and (ii) a controller operatively connected to the phased array antenna. The controller is configured to (1) monitor a characteristic for each antenna element of a set of the N antenna elements; (2) based on the characteristic, detect a fault of a faulty antenna element of the set of the N antenna elements; and (3) responsive to detecting the fault of the faulty antenna element of the set of the N antenna elements, adjust a parameter of at least one other antenna element of the N antenna elements, wherein the parameter is a weight applied to a signal that is transmitted to or received at an antenna element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Michael J. Koch, Alexander M. Jacques
  • Publication number: 20240289568
    Abstract: The disclosure is a system comprising a transceiver array, containing at least a first pair of transceivers and a second pair of transceivers, the first pair of transceivers containing a transceiver that is included in the second pair of transceivers. Each transceiver in a pair is configured to monitor a plurality of zones for RFID tags, transmit information related to the monitoring of a portion the plurality of zones for RFID tags to the other transceiver in the pair, and determine a location of a monitored RFID tag based on the information acquired through the monitoring of the plurality of zones and the information received from the other transceiver in the first or second pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Sajan Wilfred
  • Patent number: 11915085
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced directionality for portal detector stations are provided. The systems include a portal detector station, an overhead detector station, a controller operatively coupled thereto. In embodiments, the controller analyzes read events detected by the portal detector station to determine a set of RFID tags included in a pallet of objects. The controller also analyzes read events detected by the overhead detector station to determine a direction of travel for the RFID tags included in the set of RFID tags and/or to detect stray read events that resulted in RFID tags being erroneously included in the set of RFID tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Grant, Michael J. Koch
  • Publication number: 20230409846
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced directionality for portal detector stations are provided. The systems include a portal detector station, an overhead detector station, a controller operatively coupled thereto. In embodiments, the controller analyzes read events detected by the portal detector station to determine a set of RFID tags included in a pallet of objects. The controller also analyzes read events detected by the overhead detector station to determine a direction of travel for the RFID tags included in the set of RFID tags and/or to detect stray read events that resulted in RFID tags being erroneously included in the set of RFID tags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Robert E. Grant, Michael J. Koch
  • Patent number: 11773990
    Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-port multi-mode valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports, including two inlet ports and four outlet ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. Six modes of operation are provided by rotation of the shell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ROBERTSHAW CONTROLS COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Nishaj Attassery, Kyle William Svejcar, Eapen Chacko, Daniel Knapper
  • Patent number: 11675044
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID system configured in a way that upon a detection of a variance in the direction of a maximum RSSI value for a given RFID tag in response to a plurality of interrogation signals transmitted by an RFID reader over a respective plurality of different directions, the RFID reader retransmits the plurality of interrogation signals over the respective plurality of different directions with successively lower power levels until the only response(s) being received no longer exhibit the previously detected variance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Charles Burton Swope
  • Publication number: 20220320710
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced fault tolerance for a radio frequency identification (RFID) phased array antenna are provided. The systems include a RFID reader that includes (i) a phased array antenna having N antenna elements; and (ii) a controller operatively connected to the phased array antenna. The controller is configured to (1) monitor a characteristic for each antenna element of a set of the N antenna elements; (2) based on the characteristic, detect a fault of a faulty antenna element of the set of the N antenna elements; and (3) responsive to detecting the fault of the faulty antenna element of the set of the N antenna elements, adjust a parameter of at least one other antenna element of the N antenna elements, wherein the parameter is a weight applied to a signal that is transmitted to or received at an antenna element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Michael J. Koch, Alexander M. Jacques
  • Patent number: 11210480
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing dynamic compensation of a phased array RFID reader are disclosed herein. An example method includes configuring an RFID reader having an antenna array to compensate for determined antenna element phase-shift errors. The method includes exciting a reference antenna element of the antenna array, emitting an emitted signal, receiving the emitted signal via a receiver antenna element of the antenna array, and generating a received signal. The method further includes determining, by a processor, a phase shift of the received signal relative to the emitted signal, and determining a phase-shift error. The method then includes configuring the RFID reader to compensate for the determined phase-shift error associated with the receiver antenna element in response to receiving an RFID tag signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J Koch, Alexander M. Jacques, Camilo A. Gaitan Parra
  • Publication number: 20210381607
    Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-port multi-mode valve are provided. The multi-port multi-plane valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports, including two inlet ports and four outlet ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity and provides selectable fluid communications between the ports. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body. Six modes of operation are provided by rotation of the shell body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Nishaj Attassery, Kyle William Svejcar, Eapen Chacko, Daniel Knapper
  • Publication number: 20210231770
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID system configured in a way that upon a detection of a variance in the direction of a maximum RSSI value for a given RFID tag in response to a plurality of interrogation signals transmitted by an RFID reader over a respective plurality of different directions, the RFID reader retransmits the plurality of interrogation signals over the respective plurality of different directions with successively lower power levels until the only response(s) being received no longer exhibit the previously detected variance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Charles Burton Swope
  • Patent number: 11061101
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader calibration system for use with a venue includes an RFID reader having a primary identifier and a plurality of secondary identifiers. The primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers having a respective unobstructed line of sight to a point on the floor of the venue. The RFID reader calibration system also includes a data capture device configured to be aimed at the primary identifier and the plurality of secondary identifiers and to capture respective coordinates of the primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers. The RFID reader calibration system also includes a controller configured to determine: a location of the RFID reader based on the coordinates of the primary identifier; and an orientation of the RFID reader based on the respective coordinates of the primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yuly Mitelman, Michael J. Koch, Charles Burton Swope
  • Publication number: 20210192156
    Abstract: Methods and devices for performing dynamic compensation of a phased array RFID reader are disclosed herein. An example method includes configuring an RFID reader having an antenna array to compensate for determined antenna element phase-shift errors. The method includes exciting a reference antenna element of the antenna array, emitting an emitted signal, receiving the emitted signal via a receiver antenna element of the antenna array, and generating a received signal. The method further includes determining, by a processor, a phase shift of the received signal relative to the emitted signal, and determining a phase-shift error. The method then includes configuring the RFID reader to compensate for the determined phase-shift error associated with the receiver antenna element in response to receiving an RFID tag signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Alexander M. Jacques, Camilo A. Gaitan Parra
  • Patent number: 10976408
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID system configured in a way that upon a detection of a variance in the direction of a maximum RSSI value for a given RFID tag in response to a plurality of interrogation signals transmitted by an RFID reader over a respective plurality of different directions, the RFID reader retransmits the plurality of interrogation signals over the respective plurality of different directions with successively lower power levels until the only response(s) being received no longer exhibit the previously detected variance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Charles Burton Swope
  • Patent number: 10817681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving RFID coverage using an antenna array having an adaptive antenna beam. The apparatus includes an RFID reader including an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements. Subsets of the plurality of antenna elements are selectively activating in order to direct an antenna beam to communicate with at least one RFID tag. The method includes transmitting an interrogation signal from an antenna array by activating one or more subsets of a plurality of antenna elements forming the antenna array. In this way, the interrogation signal is directed thereby improving antenna coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Koch
  • Publication number: 20200284869
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader calibration system for use with a venue includes an RFID reader having a primary identifier and a plurality of secondary identifiers. The primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers having a respective unobstructed line of sight to a point on the floor of the venue. The RFID reader calibration system also includes a data capture device configured to be aimed at the primary identifier and the plurality of secondary identifiers and to capture respective coordinates of the primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers. The RFID reader calibration system also includes a controller configured to determine: a location of the RFID reader based on the coordinates of the primary identifier; and an orientation of the RFID reader based on the respective coordinates of the primary identifier and each of the plurality of secondary identifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Yuly Mitelman, Michael J. Koch, Charles Burton Swope
  • Patent number: 10762310
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems, readers, and/or arrangements configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID arrangement configured communicate with an RFID tag via a primary transmit and receive signals and to contemporaneously determine a plurality of RSSI levels of the RFID tag over a 360-degree azimuth range via a plurality of secondary receive signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Michael J. Koch, Charles Burton Swope
  • Patent number: 10726218
    Abstract: A method of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag bearing estimation comprises: at an RFID tag reader having a plurality of antenna elements, emitting a primary transmit beam; receiving a response signal from an RFID tag via the antenna elements; generating a first set of signal measurements corresponding to a first set of receive beam characteristics, based on a first partition of the response signal; generating a second set of signal measurements corresponding to a second set of receive beam characteristics, based on a second partition of the response signal; and combining the first and second sets of signal measurements, for selection of an estimated tag bearing for the RFID tag from the first and second receive beam characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Guy P. Roberts, Joon Hwa Chun
  • Publication number: 20200210656
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems, readers, and/or arrangements configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID arrangement configured communicate with an RFID tag via a primary transmit and receive signals and to contemporaneously determine a plurality of RSSI levels of the RFID tag over a 360-degree azimuth range via a plurality of secondary receive signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Michael J. Koch, Charles Burton Swope
  • Publication number: 20200209348
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention are directed to RFID reader systems configured to estimate a directional bearing of an RFID tag. In an embodiment, the present invention is an RFID system configured in a way that upon a detection of a variance in the direction of a maximum RSSI value for a given RFID tag in response to a plurality of interrogation signals transmitted by an RFID reader over a respective plurality of different directions, the RFID reader retransmits the plurality of interrogation signals over the respective plurality of different directions with successively lower power levels until the only response(s) being received no longer exhibit the previously detected variance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Koch, Benjamin J. Bekritsky, Charles Burton Swope