Patents by Inventor Barry Cahill-O'Brien
Barry Cahill-O'Brien 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: 20220104030Abstract: Techniques for a low latency hybrid network include storing, at a first node, metrology data received from a second node via a communication link of a first type; establishing, by the first node at a scheduled time, a connection to a server via a communication link of a second type, wherein the second type is different from the first type; and transmitting, by the first node, the metrology data to the server via the communication link of the second type.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Barry CAHILL-O'BRIEN, Bruce EDWARDS
-
Patent number: 11234137Abstract: Nodes included in a hybrid network establish cellular links infrequently and at staggered intervals. When a node establishes a cellular link, other nodes can transmit and receive data to a back office using that cellular link. In addition, the node can receive a request from the back office across the cellular link indicating that another node should respond to an on-demand read request. The node can then signal the other node via a wireless mesh network to establish a cellular link in order to respond to the on-demand read request. An advantage of the disclosed approach is that a battery powered node can communicate as often as needed with the back office without frequently establishing a cellular link and without maintaining a continuously active cellular link.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Bruce Edwards
-
Patent number: 10959154Abstract: Nodes included in a hybrid network establish cellular links infrequently and at staggered intervals. When a node establishes a cellular link, other nodes can transmit and receive data to a back office using that cellular link. In addition, the node can receive a request from the back office across the cellular link indicating that another node should respond to an on-demand read request. The node can then signal the other node via a wireless mesh network to establish a cellular link in order to respond to the on-demand read request. An advantage of the disclosed approach is that a battery powered node can communicate as often as needed with the back office without frequently establishing a cellular link and without maintaining a continuously active cellular link.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Bruce Edwards
-
Publication number: 20200120575Abstract: Nodes included in a hybrid network establish cellular links infrequently and at staggered intervals. When a node establishes a cellular link, other nodes can transmit and receive data to a back office using that cellular link. In addition, the node can receive a request from the back office across the cellular link indicating that another node should respond to an on-demand read request. The node can then signal the other node via a wireless mesh network to establish a cellular link in order to respond to the on-demand read request. An advantage of the disclosed approach is that a battery powered node can communicate as often as needed with the back office without frequently establishing a cellular link and without maintaining a continuously active cellular link.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Barry CAHILL-O'BRIEN, Bruce EDWARDS
-
Publication number: 20200120513Abstract: Nodes included in a hybrid network establish cellular links infrequently and at staggered intervals. When a node establishes a cellular link, other nodes can transmit and receive data to a back office using that cellular link. In addition, the node can receive a request from the back office across the cellular link indicating that another node should respond to an on-demand read request. The node can then signal the other node via a wireless mesh network to establish a cellular link in order to respond to the on-demand read request. An advantage of the disclosed approach is that a battery powered node can communicate as often as needed with the back office without frequently establishing a cellular link and without maintaining a continuously active cellular link.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Barry CAHILL-O'BRIEN, Bruce EDWARDS
-
Patent number: 9268391Abstract: A power management device is adapted to reduce power consumption, particularly in battery-powered applications such as within a node in a utility network (e.g., in a gas, water, or other utility application). In one example, a low-current voltage regulator provides power to a processor during low-power “sleep” states. A high-current voltage regulator provides power to the processor, metrology devices and/or a radio during “awake” states. A buck-boost device may provide power to a transmitter during radio frequency (RF) transmissions. A max device may determine a greater of voltages output by a battery and the buck-boost device, and use the higher to power the high-current voltage regulator. The power management device may include a state machine, which may include several states and operations to perform within each state. In one state, the processor enters a sleep state prior to recovery of battery voltage after a transmission state.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Johann de Jager
-
Patent number: 9175980Abstract: Disclosed are an in home display apparatus and methodology for displaying utility consumption and other related information to a consumer. The display device monitors transmissions from a utility consumption endpoint on a meter for user readable display. Messages relevant to the consumer may be sent to the endpoint to be relayed along with bubbled-up data from the endpoint on the meter to the in home display device. Flags related to certain of the messages may be set by the endpoint and cleared by the in home display device as a mechanism for acknowledging receipt of messages. Network readers see that set flags have been cleared and thus confirm message delivery to the network.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien
-
Patent number: 9005423Abstract: Communications systems are provided for use with an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system having single or multiple ICCP components. A pipeline may be provided by connecting multiple pipeline sections together as an integrated pipeline where each section has an associated ICCP system. A communications signal comprising an AC signal is impressed on the pipeline and received by receivers associated with power supplies associated with each ICCP system. Upon reception of the AC signal, a controllable switch is operated within the power supplies to synchronously disconnect them from their power source and thereby enable accurate testing of the ICCP system.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventor: Barry Cahill-O'Brien
-
Patent number: 8890711Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing safe reconnection of remotely disconnectible gas meters. In accordance with the present subject matter, a gas metering device is provided with a remotely controllable valve and has associated therewith indicia uniquely identifying the meter. A gas company representative or other authorized person must be physically present to read the meter associated data, enter corresponding data into a handheld device, and transmit a signal from such handheld device to the meter to initiate reclosure. In such manner, physical presence of a gas company representative is required at the time of reconnection to provide other services and functionality such as equipment inspection and/or pilot relighting as required for safety considerations.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Robert J. Strasser
-
Publication number: 20140281624Abstract: A power management device is adapted to reduce power consumption, particularly in battery-powered applications such as within a node in a utility network (e.g., in a gas, water, or other utility application). In one example, a low-current voltage regulator provides power to a processor during low-power “sleep” states. A high-current voltage regulator provides power to the processor, metrology devices and/or a radio during “awake” states. A buck-boost device may provide power to a transmitter during radio frequency (RF) transmissions. A max device may determine a greater of voltages output by a battery and the buck-boost device, and use the higher to power the high-current voltage regulator. The power management device may include a state machine, which may include several states and operations to perform within each state. In one state, the processor enters a sleep state prior to recovery of battery voltage after a transmission state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Johann de Jager
-
Publication number: 20140151241Abstract: Communications systems are provided for use with an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system having single or multiple ICCP components. A pipeline may be provided by connecting multiple pipeline sections together as an integrated pipeline where each section has an associated ICCP system. A communications signal comprising an AC signal is impressed on the pipeline and received by receivers associated with power supplies associated with each ICCP system. Upon reception of the AC signal, a controllable switch is operated within the power supplies to synchronously disconnect them from their power source and thereby enable accurate testing of the ICCP system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventor: Barry Cahill-O'Brien
-
Patent number: 8493232Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a feedback mechanism to a system operator that provides a positive indication of the position of a valve which controls gas flow to a consumer. Rotation of a stepper motor controlling a valve mechanism is optically monitored and a feedback signal is sent to the system operator indicating positive operation of the valve only when a selected number of rotations of the stepper motor is reported. The stepper motor may be operated in different modes, each associated with different nominal current consumption levels. In a higher current consumption mode, such as a torque-oriented mode, the stepper motor may be stepped a few additional steps after valve closure to ensure seating of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Joseph Paolino
-
Patent number: 8484137Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and related methodologies for transmitting data in a gas AMI network. Data may be transmitted bi-directionally between selected endpoint devices and data collection devices to central or head end equipment. Transmitted data may include parameter updating data for selected endpoint devices, and collected data from selected endpoint devices. Endpoint physical area conditions may be monitored for selected of the endpoint devices including monitoring for and reporting of physical changes in the area surrounding cathodic protection systems. The present concepts may be extended to implementation in conjunction with water and electricity metering environments.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Johnson, Christopher L. Osterloh, Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien, James P. Ogle
-
Patent number: 8484138Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and related methodologies for increasing functionality of gas metrology devices used in a supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) network by combining the collection of meter data with cathodic protection (CP) monitoring data in a single system. Per present subject matter, CP monitoring data may be collected at individual metrology locations and combined with data otherwise bubbled up to SCADA data collectors for transmission to the network head end. CP data collection and transmission with the bubbled up metrology data provides a significant increase in the amount of CP data collected and offers the advantage of relatively earlier detection of CP installation related problems in addition to significant reduction in data collection costs.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Mark K. Cornwall
-
Publication number: 20130174249Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing secure control over stored metrology parameters. A random number key is generated and associated with identifiable information such as a serial number associated with a device. The random number and identification information are stored in a database separate and remote from the device. Alteration of the stored metrology parameters are permitted only upon use of the random number as a key to unlock the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Jonathan Mueller, Christopher L. Osterloh, Barry Cahill-O'Brien
-
Publication number: 20130113630Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methods and apparatus enabling production of a stable output from a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit. A crystal controlled oscillator provides a reference signal to the PLL circuit. Temperature variations associated with the crystal cause variations in the operating frequency of the crystal that result in variations of the PLL output frequency. The presently disclosed subject matter compensates for such variations in frequency output by modifying an operation of the PLL circuit based on the temperature variations so that the output frequency remains stable even with temperature induced variations in the reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Joseph Paolino
-
Patent number: 8395528Abstract: Methods and apparatus for computing the carrier frequency of a transmitter using frequency modulated digital data to compensate for frequency shifting of the transmitter and the receiver local oscillators and for bandwidth adjustment of the receiver's filter. In particular, methods and apparatus are disclosed for binary systems transmitting “1” and “0” data using decoded or undecoded received signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Mark K. Cornwall
-
Patent number: 8310341Abstract: Packet formats and related infrastructure for improved messaging and processing of commands in an AMR system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for identifying the features of an endpoint based on data encoded in a standard meter reading is provided. In this regard, the method includes receiving a standard meter reading having an endpoint type and subtype classification, wherein the subtype classification corresponds to a feature of the endpoint that may be re-configured. Once received, the standard metering reading is decoded. Then, the method identifies the classification of the endpoint with regard to type and subtype and determines whether the endpoint is capable of implementing a particular command.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Matthew Johnson, Barry Cahill-O'Brien
-
Patent number: 8269650Abstract: The present subject matter relates to apparatus and methodologies for determining an appropriate size for a consumption measurement meter to be installed for a particular application, and/or for validating the appropriateness of a previously installed meter. A remotely controllable endpoint is associated with a consumption measure meter, which may be a water meter. Upon remote command to begin a measurement period, the endpoint will store data representing different levels of consumption during different time intervals over a period of time. The time intervals, length of time for recording data, and start time for recording data, may be remotely selected. Analysis of collected data with reference to known characteristics of available consumption measuring meters permits selection and/or validation of an appropriately sized meter for a particular application.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien
-
Patent number: 8248268Abstract: A system, method and device are provided for reducing consumption calculation errors caused due to time drift in an endpoint device. In one embodiment, the endpoint device transmits consumption data in response to a request for consumption data. The request generally includes a time period of the consumption data. The endpoint device adjusts the set of intervals based on the extent of the difference between the collection system time and the endpoint device time to obtain the most accurate intervals. The process for adjusting intervals can be implemented independently from time synchronization between the endpoint and collection systems. Further, the process for adjusting intervals does not result in updating the meter reading data that have been already logged and stored in the endpoint device.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Mark Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Jack Tweedy