Patents by Inventor Michael Melville
Michael Melville 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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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: 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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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
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Patent number: 9785804Abstract: 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: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20170186312Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Patent number: 9633238Abstract: 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: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Publication number: 20160321476Abstract: 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: April 29, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Kelly GRAVELLE, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 9361492Abstract: 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: August 12, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20160117747Abstract: A first network signal is received indicating a device identifier in response to a transaction involving an electronic device uniquely associated with the device identifier. An entity identifier specific to an entity associated with the transaction is determined. In response to an initialization event of the electronic device, a second network signal from the electronic device is received that identifies the electronic device. In response to the second network signal, a configuration is communicated to the electronic device that is specific to the entity associated with the transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2016Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Kurt Roman Thielen, Robert Edward Taylor, Patrick James Sansonetti, Ryan Michael Melville, James Joseph Alviani
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Patent number: 9262656Abstract: 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: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 9240984Abstract: A first network signal is received indicating a device identifier in response to a transaction involving an electronic device uniquely associated with the device identifier. An entity identifier specific to an entity associated with the transaction is determined. In response to an initialization event of the electronic device, a second network signal from the electronic device is received that identifies the electronic device. In response to the second network signal, a configuration is communicated to the electronic device that is specific to the entity associated with the transaction.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Qterics, Inc.Inventors: Kurt Roman Thielen, Robert Edward Taylor, Patrick James Sansonetti, Ryan Michael Melville, James Joseph Alviani
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Publication number: 20160004893Abstract: 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: August 12, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Kelly GRAVELLE, Steven J. CATANACH, Robert W. TIERNAY, Joseph H. KAO, Michael MELVILLE
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Patent number: 9135480Abstract: 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 arc 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: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20150161422Abstract: 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: February 16, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: Kelly GRAVELLE, Steven J. CATANACH, Robert W. TIERNAY, Joseph H. KAO, Michael MELVILLE
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Publication number: 20150109108Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Patent number: 8928462Abstract: 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: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Michael Melville, Karl Kelsey
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Patent number: 8427279Abstract: 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: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20130031350Abstract: A first network signal is received indicating a device identifier in response to a transaction involving an electronic device uniquely associated with the device identifier. An entity identifier specific to an entity associated with the transaction is determined. In response to an initialization event of the electronic device, a second network signal from the electronic device is received that identifies the electronic device. In response to the second network signal, a configuration is communicated to the electronic device that is specific to the entity associated with the transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: Kurt Roman Thielen, Robert Edward Taylor, Patrick James Sansonetti, Ryan Michael Melville, James Joseph Alviani