Patents by Inventor Robert W. Tiernay
Robert W. Tiernay 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: 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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Patent number: 9313559Abstract: 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: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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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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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: 20140347167Abstract: When multiple readers for RF transponders have to be placed in close proximity, such as in adjacent lanes of a highway toll barrier, they can be set to operate at different frequencies. When signals from two adjacent ones of the readers interfere, the resulting signal includes interference terms whose frequencies equal the sum of the reader frequencies and the difference between the reader frequencies. To remove such interference terms while passing the desired terms, a tag includes a low-pass or other frequency-selective filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventor: Robert W. TIERNAY
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Publication number: 20140167925Abstract: 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: November 26, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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Patent number: 8618916Abstract: 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: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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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: 20120306627Abstract: 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: May 10, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett
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Patent number: 8314687Abstract: 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 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Amtech System, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 8242890Abstract: 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 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 8237565Abstract: When multiple readers for RF transponders have to be placed in close proximity, such as in adjacent lanes of a highway toll barrier, they can be set to operate at different frequencies. When signals from two adjacent ones of the readers interfere, the resulting signal includes interference terms whose frequencies equal the sum of the reader frequencies and the difference between the reader frequencies. To remove such interference terms while passing the desired terms, a tag includes a low-pass or other frequency-selective filter.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventor: Robert W. Tiernay
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Patent number: 8198985Abstract: 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: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Amtech Systems, LLCInventors: Robert W. Tiernay, Dale L. Scott, Charles A. Johnson, Filip Weytjens, Matthew K. Burnett, Kelly Gravelle
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Publication number: 20120032787Abstract: 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: October 14, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: TC LICENSE LTD.Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20120032788Abstract: 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: October 14, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: TC LICENSE LTD.Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20110279240Abstract: 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: May 13, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: TC LICENSE LTD.Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Publication number: 20110279239Abstract: 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: May 13, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: TC LICENSE LTD.Inventors: Kelly Gravelle, Steven J. Catanach, Robert W. Tiernay, Joseph H. Kao, Michael Melville
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Patent number: 7817015Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided with a capability to adaptively initiate a floating RF threshold from the level of a raw RF signal detected during a communication session with a designated RFID reader, and to compare that threshold with the level of a baseband signal derived from the RF signal so as to reject RF interference including noise from other sources during the communication session. Preferably, the threshold is derived from the peak level of the detected RF signal on commencement of each communication from the reader during the session.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: TC License Ltd.Inventors: Robert W. Tiernay, Filip Weytjens