Patents by Inventor Thomas Lankes
Thomas Lankes 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: 10847873Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the wireless coupling of a cellular radio end device to at least one first external antenna, in particular for coupling to an external vehicle antenna, having a coupling structure for the wireless coupling to an antenna structure of the cellular radio end device, wherein the coupling structure has at least two connections; and having a connection unit that connects the first external antenna to one of the at least two connections of the coupling structure in dependence on the coupling quality, wherein the connection unit evaluates the coupling quality between the antenna structure of the cellular radio end device and the at least two connections of the coupling structure during the normal communication operation of the cellular radio end device and/or continuously and/or for both connections simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED ANTENNA GMBHInventors: Thomas Lankes, Gerhard Stadler, Rudolf Weber, Max Maier
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Patent number: 10804948Abstract: The present invention relates to a compensator for the compensation of line losses and/or coupling losses on the connection of a cellular radio end device to an external antenna structure, in particular to an external vehicle antenna structure, wherein the compensator has a first signal path for connecting the cellular radio end device to a first external antenna of the external antenna structure, with the compensator having a second signal path for connecting the cellular radio end device to a second external antenna of the external antenna structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED ANTENNA GMBHInventors: Thomas Lankes, Gerhard Stadler, Rudolf Weber, Thomas Schubeck
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Patent number: 10122075Abstract: An antenna system for motor vehicles includes a surface that comprises an electrically conductive medium. A recess is located inside the electrically conductive surface, with the electrically conductive surface being a periphery of the recess. At least one electrically conductive crosspiece is electrically conductively connected to the periphery and protrudes into the recess and extends in the direction of a second side, facing the first side, of the periphery and there ends, forming a gap with the periphery. This crosspiece divides the recess into first and second parts with a gap connecting the two parts. At least one electrical line in a part of the recess originates at a feed point, located on the crosspiece but is electrically separate from it. The electrical line extends in the part of the recess in the direction of the periphery and is capacitively coupled to the periphery.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke, Adrian Sigg
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Publication number: 20180159578Abstract: The present invention relates to a compensator for the compensation of line losses and/or coupling losses on the connection of a cellular radio end device to an external antenna structure, in particular to an external vehicle antenna structure, wherein the compensator has a first signal path for connecting the cellular radio end device to a first external antenna of the external antenna structure, with the compensator having a second signal path for connecting the cellular radio end device to a second external antenna of the external antenna structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2016Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Thomas LANKES, Gerhard STADLER, Rudolf WEBER, Thomas SCHUBECK
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Publication number: 20180076513Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the wireless coupling of a cellular radio end device to at least one first external antenna, in particular for coupling to an external vehicle antenna, having a coupling structure for the wireless coupling to an antenna structure of the cellular radio end device, wherein the coupling structure has at least two connections; and having a connection unit that connects the first external antenna to one of the at least two connections of the coupling structure in dependence on the coupling quality, wherein the connection unit evaluates the coupling quality between the antenna structure of the cellular radio end device and the at least two connections of the coupling structure during the normal communication operation of the cellular radio end device and/or continuously and/or for both connections simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2016Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Thomas LANKES, Gerhard STADLER, Rudolf WEBER, Max MAIER
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Publication number: 20160141750Abstract: An antenna system for motor vehicles includes a surface that comprises an electrically conductive medium. A recess is located inside the electrically conductive surface, with the electrically conductive surface being a periphery of the recess. At least one electrically conductive crosspiece is electrically conductively connected to the periphery and protrudes into the recess and extends in the direction of a second side, facing the first side, of the periphery and there ends, forming a gap with the periphery. This crosspiece divides the recess into first and second parts with a gap connecting the two parts. At least one electrical line in a part of the recess originates at a feed point, located on the crosspiece but is electrically separate from it. The electrical line extends in the part of the recess in the direction of the periphery and is capacitively coupled to the periphery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2015Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Thomas LANKES, Frank MIERKE, Adrian SIGG
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Patent number: 8860616Abstract: An improved RFID antenna system using a first RFID antenna device (in the form of a magnetic antenna (15)) and using a second RFID antenna device (21, 21?) using a flat antenna is distinguished by the following features: the second RFID antenna device comprises one flat antenna (21, 21?) or a group antenna with at least two flat antennas (21, 21?), and the metal plane of the flat antenna (21, 21?) and/or the earth or reflector plane (31; 31.1; 31.2) is divided into metal, earth or reflector plane sections (31.1; 31.2) by slots, interruptions and or recesses (133), wherein the metal, earth or reflector sections (31.1; 31.2) are electrically conductively separated from one another or are electrically conductively connected to one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier
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Publication number: 20110234463Abstract: An improved RFID antenna system using a first RFID antenna device (in the form of a magnetic antenna (15)) and using a second RFID antenna device (21, 21?) using a flat antenna is distinguished by the following features: the second RFID antenna device comprises one flat antenna (21, 21?) or a group antenna with at least two flat antennas (21, 21?), and the metal plane of the flat antenna (21, 21?) and/or the earth or reflector plane (31; 31.1; 31.2) is divided into metal, earth or reflector plane sections (31.1; 31.2) by slots, interruptions and or recesses (133), wherein the metal, earth or reflector sections (31.1; 31.2) are electrically conductively separated from one another or are electrically conductively connected to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: KATHREIN-WERKE KGInventors: Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier
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Patent number: 7999751Abstract: An improved magnetically coupling near-field RFID antenna is embodied as a magnetic H-field coupler, and the near-field RFID antenna is embodied as a looped and/or frame-shaped antenna. The looped and/or frame-shaped antenna comprises a looped or frame-shaped strip conductor. The strip conductor is arranged set apart from a ground surface parallel thereto. A dielectric is interposed. The start and the end of the strip conductor end close to each other forms a gap or spacing. The start of the strip conductor is fed to ground. The end of the strip conductor is terminated by a terminating resistor. The terminating resistor is connected between the end of the strip conductor and a ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Stoyan Iliev, Thomas Lankes, Gerald Schillmeier
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Patent number: 7936306Abstract: A multilayer antenna arrangement is distinguished in particular by the following features: a further patch antenna (B) comprising a dielectric carrier and a radiation plane is provided above the base portion or central portion of the patch arrangement, the radiation plane being provided on the upper side, opposite the base portion or central portion, of the dielectric carrier, and the further patch antenna (B) is buried at least in part in the parasitic patch arrangement, which is configured so as to be box-shaped or box-like, and/or the parasitic patch arrangement which is configured so as to be box-shaped or box-like is formed, completely or in part, as electrically conductive planes, which are provided on the further patch antenna (B) at least in partial regions on the circumferential edge surface or outer surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier, Thomas Lankes
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Patent number: 7868835Abstract: An improved beam shaping means for an external and/or roof antenna has a parasitic beam shaping means configured at a distance below the upper or outer surface of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure. The parasitic beam shaping means is configured, provided or attached in the material of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure or at the underside or inside of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure. The parasitic beam shaping means is arranged and/or configured in such a way that it, viewed from above, protrudes laterally beyond, at least in certain portions. The antenna mounting region or portion and/or an optionally provided counterweight surface and/or is arranged laterally thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Thomas Lankes
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Publication number: 20100321258Abstract: An improved antenna field has at least one capacitance switched between one of the two bus bars. At least one center section of the heating wire is formed between 20% and 80% of the total length of the heating wire, and/or at least one capacitance is switched between at least two center sections of the heating wires formed between 20% and 80% of the total length of two heating wires. The at least one capacitance is greater than 50 pF.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: KATHREIN-WERKE KGInventors: Thomas Lankes, Anton Ilsanker, Gerald Schillmeier, Bulent Solan
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Patent number: 7852268Abstract: An RFID antenna system with the following features: the RFID antenna device, with respect to the goods identification system (GIS) or a side limit receiving this RFID antenna device, comprises at least two antenna, the at least two antennae for the goods identification system (GIS) consist of patch antennae, the at least two patch antennae are arranged mutually offset in the direction of the passageway or passage region, or at least with one component mutually offset in the passage direction, and the at least two patch antennae are arranged at an equal spacing from a floor area of the passageway and/or on the same horizontal plane or offset thereto, and, more precisely, in such a way that a straight line laid through the center points and/or centers of gravity of at least two adjacent patch antennae encloses an angle ? with respect to a horizontal plane and/or a plane that is parallel to the floor space, which angle is ?45°.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Thomas Lankes
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Publication number: 20100277386Abstract: An improved magnetically coupling near-field RFID antenna is embodied as a magnetic H-field coupler, and the near-field RFID antenna is embodied as a looped and/or frame-shaped antenna. The looped and/or frame-shaped antenna comprises a looped or frame-shaped strip conductor. The strip conductor is arranged set apart from a ground surface parallel thereto. A dielectric is interposed. The start and the end of the strip conductor end close to each other forms, a gap or spacing. The start of the strip conductor is fed to ground. The end of the strip conductor is terminated by a terminating resistor. The terminating resistor is connected between the end of the strip conductor and a ground surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Stoyan ILIEV, Thomas Lankes, Gerald Schillmeier
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Publication number: 20100201496Abstract: A method and device for contact-free transmission of data from and/or to a plurality of data or information carriers provide that, after the exchange of information between a read and/or write device and a data or information carrier, said carrier is switched to a standby impedance mode in order to reduce undesired interaction with data or information carriers adjoining the antenna field. This mode differs from an initial impedance mode and communication impedance modes during the emission of an information signal from the data or information carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2008Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke
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Publication number: 20100156607Abstract: An improved method and an improved device for activating an RFID antenna uses an antenna (A) and an antenna network (N). The antenna (A) is operated via the antenna network (N) by means of a connectable reader (R). The antenna (A) is operated as a circular or elliptical polarized antenna (A) in such a way that it is alternately left-handed and right-handed polarized.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Thomas Lankes, Frank Mierke, Gerald Schillmeier
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Publication number: 20100073236Abstract: A multilayer antenna arrangement is distinguished in particular by the following features: a further patch antenna (B) comprising a dielectric carrier and a radiation plane is provided above the base portion or central portion of the patch arrangement, the radiation plane being provided on the upper side, opposite the base portion or central portion, of the dielectric carrier, and the further patch antenna (B) is buried at least in part in the parasitic patch arrangement, which is configured so as to be box-shaped or box-like, and/or the parasitic patch arrangement which is configured so as to be box-shaped or box-like is formed, completely or in part, as electrically conductive planes, which are provided on the further patch antenna (B) at least in partial regions on the circumferential edge surface or outer surface thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Frank MIERKE, Gerald Schillmeier, Thomas Lankes
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Publication number: 20100053004Abstract: An improved beam shaping means for an external and/or roof antenna has a parasitic beam shaping means configured at a distance below the upper or outer surface of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure. The parasitic beam shaping means is configured, provided or attached in the material of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure or at the underside or inside of the electrically non-conductive region of the vehicle structure. The parasitic beam shaping means is arranged and/or configured in such a way that it, viewed from above, protrudes laterally beyond, at least in certain portions. The antenna mounting region or portion and/or an optionally provided counterweight surface and/or is arranged laterally thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Thomas Lankes
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Patent number: 7460073Abstract: An RFID antenna system for a goods identification system with the following features: the RFID antenna device and/or a side limit receiving this RFID antenna device comprise(s) at least two antenna, the at least two antennae for the goods identification system (GIS) consist of patch antennae, the at least two patch antennae are arranged mutually offset in the direction of the passageway or passage region, or at least with one component mutually offset in the passage direction, and the at least two patch antennae are arranged at an equal spacing from a floor area of the passageway and/or on the same horizontal plane or offset thereto, and, more precisely, in such a way that a straight line laid through the center points and/or centers of gravity of at least two adjacent patch antennae encloses an angle ? with respect to a horizontal plane and/or a plane that is parallel to the floor space, which angle is ?45°.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Kathrein-Werke KGInventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Thomas Lankes
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Publication number: 20080258994Abstract: An RFID antenna system with the following features: the RFID antenna device, with respect to the goods identification system (GIS) or a side limit receiving this RFID antenna device, comprises at least two antenna, the at least two antennae for the goods identification system (GIS) consist of patch antennae, the at least two patch antennae are arranged mutually offset in the direction of the passageway or passage region, or at least with one component mutually offset in the passage direction, and the at least two patch antennae are arranged at an equal spacing from a floor area of the passageway and/or on the same horizontal plane or offset thereto, and, more precisely, in such a way that a straight line laid through the center points and/or centers of gravity of at least two adjacent patch antennae encloses an angle ? with respect to a horizontal plane and/or a plane that is parallel to the floor space, which angle is ?45°.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Gerald Schillmeier, Frank Mierke, Thomas Lankes