Patents by Inventor Robert E. DePierre

Robert E. DePierre 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).

  • Publication number: 20140062792
    Abstract: A method of near-field electromagnetic ranging and location exploits the long-wavelength, near-field characteristics of low-frequency RF signals like those in the vicinity of the AM broadcast band. These signals are robust against scattering from small objects and only mildly perturbed by the urban landscape including building structures. They are thus amenable to an RF fingerprinting approach exploiting a coarse calibration to capture the behavior of the gradually varying signal characteristics. In embodiments, a method of near-field electromagnetic ranging and location may exploit transmit tags transmitting to an infrastructure of locator-receivers, or locator-receiver tags detecting signals from an infrastructure of fixed transmitter beacons. In still further embodiments, fixed transmitter beacons may be supplemented by uncooperative signals sources including signals-of-opportunity like AM broadcast band signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Q-Track Corporation
    Inventors: Hans G. Schantz, Robert E. DePierre, Alfred H. Unden, Eric Alexander Richards
  • Publication number: 20100277387
    Abstract: A space efficient magnetic antenna is disclosed for use in tracking, positioning and other applications. In a preferred embodiment, a space efficient magnetic antenna system comprises a first magnetic antenna with a first null axis aligned within a predetermined plane and a second magnetic antenna having a second null axis aligned substantially orthogonal to a first null axis. A second magnetic antenna system lies in a minimal coupling orientation with respect to a first magnetic antenna system. Additionally, a first magnetic antenna may further comprise a plurality of interconnected magnetic antenna elements. A space efficient magnetic antenna system may include an RF module. In further embodiments, the antenna system may enclose a substantial majority of the device including the RF module; the RF module may be enclosed substantially or wholly within one or more antennas of the antenna system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Q-Track Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Gregory Schantz, Robert E. DePierre, James David Fluhler, Kazimierz Siwiak, Glenn Wolenec, Jerome Sylvester Gabig, James Matthew Barron
  • Patent number: 7414571
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for low frequency asset tracking includes a low frequency transmitter tag associated with a cargo container or other high value commodity, a plurality of receivers that detect low frequency signals, and a microprocessor that uses algorithms and/or data pertaining to the propagation characteristics of the signal to locate the position of the container or high value commodity. The tag may include sensors to monitor container properties or conditions, such as temperature, motion, intrusion, RF fields, or other properties of interest. Sensor data may be modulated on the low frequency transmitter signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Q-Track Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Gregory Schantz, Robert E. DePierre