Patents by Inventor Carol L. Stimmel

Carol L. Stimmel 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).

  • Patent number: 10911256
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing consumer directed energy management are described. Consumer defined triggers provide consumers and utilities with the ability to control residential energy usage, by managing manage multiple residential load control elements. A user interface is provided separately from the load control elements to allow the consumer to define his or her schedule and preferences for the purposes of controlling the multiple load control elements. In addition, settings on load control elements can be automatically adjusted based on information about consumer schedules and preferences obtained from other sources. In some embodiments, a utility interface allows utilities to implement improved energy load control. When a utility expects to implement a load control event, the utility can monitor consumer schedules and/or preferences, in order to achieve the desired energy reduction while reducing the impact on participating consumers' comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Tendril EA, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Reid Benes, Rebecca Fay Premus, Michael Kent Ruth, Carol L. Stimmel, Adrian Christopher Tuck, Andrew James Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10204313
    Abstract: A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: J. Clarke Stevens, Carol L. Stimmel
  • Publication number: 20180131537
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing consumer directed energy management are described. Consumer defined triggers provide consumers and utilities with the ability to control residential energy usage, by managing manage multiple residential load control elements. A user interface is provided separately from the load control elements to allow the consumer to define his or her schedule and preferences for the purposes of controlling the multiple load control elements. In addition, settings on load control elements can be automatically adjusted based on information about consumer schedules and preferences obtained from other sources. In some embodiments, a utility interface allows utilities to implement improved energy load control. When a utility expects to implement a load control event, the utility can monitor consumer schedules and/or preferences, in order to achieve the desired energy reduction while reducing the impact on participating consumers' comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Reid Benes, Rebecca Fay Premus, Michael Kent Ruth, Carol L. Stimmel, Adrian Christopher Tuck, Andrew James Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9722813
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing consumer directed energy management are described. Consumer defined triggers provide consumers and utilities with the ability to control residential energy usage, by managing manage multiple residential load control elements. A user interface is provided separately from the load control elements to allow the consumer to define his or her schedule and preferences for the purposes of controlling the multiple load control elements. In addition, settings on load control elements can be automatically adjusted based on information about consumer schedules and preferences obtained from other sources. In some embodiments, a utility interface allows utilities to implement improved energy load control. When a utility expects to implement a load control event, the utility can monitor consumer schedules and/or preferences, in order to achieve the desired energy reduction while reducing the impact on participating consumers' comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Benes, Rebecca F. Premus, Michael K. Ruth, Carol L. Stimmel, Adrian C. Tuck, Andrew J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9329212
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing collaborative energy benchmarking are described. Information including background data, energy consumption data, temporal data, and/or other information is gathered from multiple sources and stored in a central database. Based on the stored information, energy benchmarks are created for measuring residential energy usage. Energy usage data is displayed to consumers in multiple formats, and permits consumers to directly compare their energy usage data to other consumers or groups of consumers, in addition to their own energy usage. In some embodiments, energy challenge programs encourage reduction of energy usage. Through such programs, consumers create and present challenges for themselves and/or other consumers, such as to reduce energy usage during a given timeframe. The progress of the group and individual consumers is displayed during the course of a challenge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Reid Benes, Rebecca Fay Premus, Michael Kent Ruth, Carol L. Stimmel, Adrian Christopher Tuck, Andrew James Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20150192626
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing collaborative energy benchmarking are described. Information including background data, energy consumption data, temporal data, and/or other information is gathered from multiple sources and stored in a central database. Based on the stored information, energy benchmarks are created for measuring residential energy usage. Energy usage data is displayed to consumers in multiple formats, and permits consumers to directly compare their energy usage data to other consumers or groups of consumers, in addition to their own energy usage. In some embodiments, energy challenge programs encourage reduction of energy usage. Through such programs, consumers create and present challenges for themselves and/or other consumers, such as to reduce energy usage during a given timeframe. The progress of the group and individual consumers is displayed during the course of a challenge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Charles Reid Benes, Rebecca Fay Premus, Michael Kent Ruth, Carol L. Stimmel, Adrian Christopher Tuck, Andrew James Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8977404
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing collaborative energy benchmarking are described. Information including background data, energy consumption data, temporal data, and/or other information is gathered from multiple sources and stored in a central database. Based on the stored information, energy benchmarks are created for measuring residential energy usage. Energy usage data is displayed to consumers in multiple formats, and permits consumers to directly compare their energy usage data to other consumers or groups of consumers, in addition to their own energy usage. In some embodiments, energy challenge programs encourage reduction of energy usage. Through such programs, consumers create and present challenges for themselves and/or other consumers, such as to reduce energy usage during a given timeframe. The progress of the group and individual consumers is displayed during the course of a challenge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Benes, Rebecca F. Premus, Michael K. Ruth, Carol L. Stimmel, Adrian C. Tuck, Andrew J. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20130066742
    Abstract: A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Comcast MO Group, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clarke Stevens, Carol L. Stimmel
  • Patent number: 8359240
    Abstract: A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Comcast MO Group, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clarke Stevens, Carol L. Stimmel
  • Publication number: 20110238522
    Abstract: A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: COMCAST MO GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: J. Clarke Stevens, Carol L. Stimmel
  • Patent number: 7979309
    Abstract: A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Comcast MO Group, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clarke Stevens, Carol L. Stimmel
  • Publication number: 20100070101
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing consumer directed energy management are described. Consumer defined triggers provide consumers and utilities with the ability to control residential energy usage, by managing manage multiple residential load control elements. A user interface is provided separately from the load control elements to allow the consumer to define his or her schedule and preferences for the purposes of controlling the multiple load control elements. In addition, settings on load control elements can be automatically adjusted based on information about consumer schedules and preferences obtained from other sources. In some embodiments, a utility interface allows utilities to implement improved energy load control. When a utility expects to implement a load control event, the utility can monitor consumer schedules and/or preferences, in order to achieve the desired energy reduction while reducing the impact on participating consumers' comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Benes, Rebecca F. Premus, Michael K. Ruth, Carol L. Stimmel, Adrian C. Tuck, Andrew J. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20100070102
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing collaborative energy benchmarking are described. Information including background data, energy consumption data, temporal data, and/or other information is gathered from multiple sources and stored in a central database. Based on the stored information, energy benchmarks are created for measuring residential energy usage. Energy usage data is displayed to consumers in multiple formats, and permits consumers to directly compare their energy usage data to other consumers or groups of consumers, in addition to their own energy usage. In some embodiments, energy challenge programs encourage reduction of energy usage. Through such programs, consumers create and present challenges for themselves and/or other consumers, such as to reduce energy usage during a given timeframe. The progress of the group and individual consumers is displayed during the course of a challenge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Benes, Rebecca F. Premus, Michael K. Ruth, Carol L. Stimmel, Adrian C. Tuck, Andrew J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6678719
    Abstract: A system and associated method for enabling a user to determine the status of other users and to identify communications procedures for contacting the other users based on the status of the other users. The system includes a plurality of communications devices each associated with a user. Each of the communications devices is operable for the associated user to self assign a user status and communications procedures for contacting the associated user as a function of the user status. Each of the communications devices associated with a user is operable for displaying the user status of the other users. A hybrid fiber coax (HFC) communications network is operable with the communications device for providing continuous communications connectivity of a plurality of users with one another through an Internet. Each of the communications devices associated with a user is operable for displaying the communications procedures associated with the other users for contacting the other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: MediaOne Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Carol L. Stimmel
  • Patent number: 6421358
    Abstract: A system and associated method for delivering a data stream to an audience member a communications device associated with an audience member. A hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network is connected to the communications device for communicating data with the audience member. A synchronization processor receives broadcast event data of event objects of an event, live event data of event objects of the event, and static event data of event objects of the event. The synchronization processor generates a synchronized data stream having broadcast, live, and static event data for an event object of the event. The synchronization processor transmits the synchronized data stream to the communications device for access by the audience member via the HFC network. The synchronization processor processes the broadcast event data to determine an event object being broadcasted. The synchronization processor selects the live event data and the statice event data corresponding to the determined event object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: MediaOne Group, Inc., US West, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol L. Stimmel, Ken Anderson