Patents by Inventor Michael Francis Finch

Michael Francis Finch 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: 9218631
    Abstract: A device configured in a unitary housing which includes a computing device with memory that stores energy information. A power supply and prongs attach to the power supply in the same unitary housing, wherein the prongs are configured to plug into a wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Michael Francis Finch, Robert Marten Bultman, Timothy Dale Worthington, David C. Bingham, Jeff Donald Drake, William Anthony Watts, Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Cathy Diane Emery, Henry Kobraei
  • Patent number: 9171190
    Abstract: Embodiments of an appliance and method utilize data keys to facilitate the exchange of data and information among devices as part of an energy management system. The data keys contain and/or encode information particular to the appliance. This information helps to distinguish data that originates from one appliance from data that originates from other appliances in the household. In one embodiment, the data keys are stored locally, either on devices (e.g., memory) incorporated into the appliance or on a communication device (e.g., a wireless radio) that can connect to the appliance to permit the exchange of inputs and outputs. Exemplary configuration of the appliance can sense the connection with the communication device and provide an input to the communication device to determine the data key that is associated with the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeff Donald Drake, Robert Marten Bultman, Michael Francis Finch
  • Patent number: 9128131
    Abstract: A device and method for more accurately measuring power consumption in a residential application without having to make connections to high voltage sources in a distribution panel. Since the device calculating the power consumption generally needs to be powered to perform its functions (e.g., plugged into wall outlet), the disclosure utilizes the power supply as a voltage source for measuring voltage without having to make connections to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Finch, Joshua Blake Huff
  • Patent number: 9083537
    Abstract: An energy management system comprises one or more appliances, a remote device, and a communication device. In one embodiment, the communication device forms a physical connection with the remote device and thereafter a physical connection with an associated appliances. The first physical connection binds the communication to the remote device, thereby forming a secure connection over which inputs and outputs can be exchanged between the remote and the associated appliance when the communication device is connected to the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Francis Finch, David C Bingham, Henry Nader Kobraei, Elliott Dean Koehler
  • Patent number: 8977731
    Abstract: An energy data management control system is configured to allow a user to control operation of the data management among a plurality of modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Generay Electric Company
    Inventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Michael Francis Finch, Robert Marten Bultman, Timothy Dale Worthington, David C. Bingham, Jeff Donald Drake, William Anthony Watts, Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Cathy Diane Emery, Henry Kobraei
  • Patent number: 8818535
    Abstract: Provided is a method and system for updating of schedules to a device controlled by an energy management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeff Donald Drake, Robert Marten Bultman, Timothy Dale Worthington, Michael Francis Finch, Jay Andrew Broniak, Christopher Recio, Joseph Mark Brian
  • Patent number: 8775848
    Abstract: A device configured in a unitary displayless housing, including a computing device that stores, manipulates and communicates energy data, and the displayless external surface of the unitary housing, including status indicator lights to show the status of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Michael Francis Finch, Robert Marten Bultman, Timothy Dale Worthington, David C. Bingham, Jeff Donald Drake, William Anthony Watts, Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Cathy Diane Emery, Henry Kobraei
  • Patent number: 8720388
    Abstract: A water heating control and storage system, including an insulated tank for containing water to be heated. The storage system has a heat exchanger connected to the tank for using energy stored during off peak times as in water heated above normal storage temperature. An operation control device receives a demand response signal and enables water to be heated in a heat storing mode to heat water for usage. A method for controlling a water heating storage system includes providing an insulated tank for containing water to be heated; providing a heat exchanger coupled to the tank; and selectively operating in a heat storing mode in which water in the tank is heated to a higher than normal temperature and a heat exchange mode during which heat is extracted from the water stored in the tank by a heat exchanger for supplying stored energy to another energy consuming load in response to a demand response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Beyerle, Michael Francis Finch, John Joseph Roetker, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan
  • Patent number: 8621097
    Abstract: A premises data management system includes a first communication network configured to transmit and receive data to and from a user interface. Another communication network is configured to access data from and provides data to accessories within the premises management system. A gateway of the system includes a first interface channel and another interface channel. The gateway receives the data from the first communication network, via the first interface channel. The gateway reformats the data from the first communication network for communication to the other communication network via the other interface channel. The gateway also requests data from the accessories via the other interface channel and replies to the user interface via the first interface channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Michael Francis Finch, Robert Marten Bultman, Timothy Dale Worthington, David C. Bingham, Jeff Donald Drake, William Anthony Watts, Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Cathy Diane Emery, Henry Kobraei
  • Patent number: 8606423
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes a central controller that communicates data available from an Energy Services Interface (ESI) to devices over multiple secondary networks of a home in different communication protocols. The controller is a home energy gateway that includes multiple communication modules for binding to a meter on a primary network and to form multiple secondary networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Mark Brian, Michael Francis Finch, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan
  • Patent number: 8565928
    Abstract: A system and method of operating an energy data management and control system has a first communication network to transmit and receive data to and from a user interface, a second communication network to transmit and receive data to and from a Utility company, and a third communication network to access data from and provide data to accessories within a home. The system reformats the data from any of the first, second and third communication networks for communication with another of the first, second and third communication networks, wherein at least one of the communication networks operate on a protocol different from another one of the communications networks. The data defines various operations of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Michael Francis Finch, Robert Marten Bultman, Timothy Dale Worthington, David C. Bingham, Jeff Donald Drake, William Anthony Watts, Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Cathy Diane Emery, Henry Kobraei
  • Publication number: 20130091567
    Abstract: An energy management system comprises one or more appliances, a remote device, and a communication device. In one embodiment, the communication device forms a physical connection with the remote device and thereafter a physical connection with an associated appliances. The first physical connection binds the communication to the remote device, thereby forming a secure connection over which inputs and outputs can be exchanged between the remote and the associated appliance when the communication device is connected to the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Francis Finch, Henry Nader Kobraei, Elliott Dean Koehler
  • Publication number: 20130057386
    Abstract: Embodiments of an appliance and method utilize data keys to facilitate the exchange of data and information among devices as part of an energy management system. The data keys contain and/or encode information particular to the appliance. This information helps to distinguish data that originates from one appliance from data that originates from other appliances in the household. In one embodiment, the data keys are stored locally, either on devices (e.g., memory) incorporated into the appliance or on a communication device (e.g., a wireless radio) that can connect to the appliance to permit the exchange of inputs and outputs. Exemplary configuration of the appliance can sense the connection with the communication device and provide an input to the communication device to determine the data key that is associated with the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jeff Donald Drake, Robert Marten Bultman, Michael Francis Finch
  • Patent number: 8386087
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling load shedding and payback spikes of a population by segregating the population into subsets based on predicted energy consumption usage and peak load profiles. Subset populations respond independently from another based on a communication message sent to the population. Each subset population of homes with one or more energy consuming devices responds based on a generated value generated from a randomizing distribution routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lucas Bryant Spicer, John K. Besore, Timothy Dale Worthington, Michael Francis Finch
  • Publication number: 20120312806
    Abstract: An appliance and method for enabling a consumer to easily override a low energy mode of an appliance to enable a feature or function of the appliance not typically available in the low energy mode. When an appliance or device is in an energy savings mode, multiple consumer requests for a given feature or function within a prescribed period of time can operate to override the energy savings mode and permit operation of the feature and/or function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Ashley Wayne Burt, Michael Francis Finch, Robert Lafleur
  • Publication number: 20120278016
    Abstract: A power measurement device for use in a system susceptible to a plurality of potential voltage supply and current sensing connection configurations or states, operative to simulate the actual connection configuration and compute power consumed accordingly. The device includes a controller configured to receive a voltage supply input and a current measurement input; and a meter state selection device coupled to the controller, the meter state selection device being operative to selectively simulate a plurality of state settings, each state setting corresponding to a potential voltage and current sensing configuration state. The controller is operative to calculate a value of power consumed for each simulated potential configuration state, determine the simulated configuration state which provides maximum value for power consumed; and set the state of the meter state selection device to correspond to the configuration state which calculated the maximum value as the correct state for measuring power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua Blake Huff, Michael Francis Finch
  • Patent number: 8295990
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling the operation of accessories in a home energy management system which manages a plurality of communication networks. The schedules are generated by using a central controller and interacting with a user interface found on a device separate from the central controller. The plurality of schedules are stored in the storage of the central controller, and a current schedule is selected from the stored schedules. The selected schedule is loaded onto an accessory through one of the communication channels for controlling the associate accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Michael Francis Finch, Robert Marten Bultman, Timothy Dale Worthington, David C. Bingham, Jeff Donald Drake, William Anthony Watts, Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Cathy Diane Emery, Henry Kobraei
  • Publication number: 20120259566
    Abstract: A device and method for more accurately measuring power consumption in a residential application without having to make connections to high voltage sources in a distribution panel. Since the device calculating the power consumption generally needs to be powered to perform its functions (e.g., plugged into wall outlet), the disclosure utilizes the power supply as a voltage source for measuring voltage without having to make connections to the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Francis Finch, Joshua Blake Huff
  • Publication number: 20120109395
    Abstract: A single communication interface for controlling multiple smart appliances. The communication interface can be integral with an appliance and have a port for communicating with at least one other appliance or energy consuming devices. The communication interface can be a separate module connectable to a plurality of appliance or energy consuming devices. A wireless or wired connection can be established between the communication module and an energy management device for controlling the smart appliances or energy consuming devices connected to the communication module. One or more of the appliances or energy consuming devices can be wirelessly connected to the communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Francis Finch, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Darko Ilickovic, James Steven Downey, Chad Michael Helms
  • Publication number: 20120055419
    Abstract: A water heating control and storage system, including an insulated tank for containing water to be heated. The storage system has a heat exchanger connected to the tank for using energy stored during off peak times as in water heated above normal storage temperature. An operation control device receives a demand response signal and enables water to be heated in a heat storing mode to heat water for usage. A method for controlling a water heating storage system includes providing an insulated tank for containing water to be heated; providing a heat exchanger coupled to the tank; and selectively operating in a heat storing mode in which water in the tank is heated to a higher than normal temperature and a heat exchange mode during which heat is extracted from the water stored in the tank by a heat exchanger for supplying stored energy to another energy consuming load in response to a demand response signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Beyerle, Michael Francis Finch, John Joseph Roetker, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan