Patents Assigned to Tendril Networks, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10379508
    Abstract: A facility for performing setpoint adjustment-based duty cycling techniques by adjusting the setpoint of a device or component is described. The facility reduces energy consumption for a system, such as an HVAC system, or device by adjusting or modulating an associated setpoint or temperature setting. The facility modulates the setpoint between a base setpoint value and another setpoint value based on a mode of the system. When the system is in a cooling mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a higher setpoint value. When the system is in heating mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a lower setpoint value. The facility may modulate the setpoint between the two setpoint values based on an offset value or a fixed setpoint value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Shiflet
  • Patent number: 10281895
    Abstract: A facility employing systems, methods, and/or techniques for dynamically and adaptively configuring configurable energy consuming and producing devices (e.g., smart energy devices) based on user profiles and user presence information is disclosed. In some embodiments, the facility periodically detects the presence of users, and retrieves preference information for those users. For each of one or more configurable energy devices in the area, the facility generates a combined setting based on the preferences of each user present and adjusts the devices based on the combined settings. For example, if User A, User B, and User C are present in a room and User A's preferred temperature setting is 75° F., User B's preferred temperature setting is 68° F., and User C's preferred temperature setting is 70° F., the facility may generate a combined setting for a thermostat by taking the average value of the users in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashish Agarwal
  • 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: 9576472
    Abstract: A facility comprising systems, methods, and techniques for collecting data indicative of energy consumption and/or energy production by energy systems and devices and providing the data to interested users and devices in real-time is described. The facility may comprise an energy gateway device coupled to one or more monitored devices, one or more energy data extraction servers, and one or more client computers. The energy gateway devices and energy data extraction servers are coupled to a network and are configured to collect energy consumption and/or energy production data from one or more devices and provide an indication of the collected data in real-time or near real-time. The facility may collect current energy consumption or production rates, predicted energy consumption or production levels over a future period of time, and/or amounts of energy that has been consumed or produced by the device over a previous period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Koch
  • Patent number: 9471718
    Abstract: The technology disclosed herein provides accurate, targeted, building improvement content in a way that resonates with the user by considering the user's whole ecosystem. The technology uses details of the user's home, neighborhood, family, environmental and historical factors, goals, economic situation, and motivations and preferences to tailor content to a user's personal situation. A server or other computing device may accomplish this by receiving data from the client, a third party, or data local to the server; building modeling constructs based on these data sets such as a physics-based model of the building and a behavioral model of the user; operating these models relative to possible discrete building improvement content units; and using the results to determine personalized building improvement content for the user such as, for example, a webpage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bukhin, Paul Cole, Charles D. Corbin, Emily Weitkamp
  • Patent number: 9423779
    Abstract: A facility employing systems, methods, and/or techniques for dynamically and adaptively configuring configurable energy consuming and producing devices (e.g., smart energy devices) based on user profiles and user presence information is disclosed. In some embodiments, the facility periodically detects the presence of users, and retrieves preference information for those users. For each of one or more configurable energy devices in the area, the facility generates a combined setting based on the preferences of each user present and adjusts the devices based on the combined settings. For example, if User A, User B, and User C are present in a room and User A's preferred temperature setting is 75° F., User B's preferred temperature setting is 68° F., and User C's preferred temperature setting is 70° F., the facility may generate a combined setting for a thermostat by taking the average value of the users in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashish Agarwal
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9310815
    Abstract: A facility for performing setpoint adjustment-based duty cycling techniques by adjusting the setpoint of a device or component is described. The facility reduces energy consumption for a system, such as an HVAC system, or device by adjusting or modulating an associated setpoint or temperature setting. The facility modulates the setpoint between a base setpoint value and another setpoint value based on a mode of the system. When the system is in a cooling mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a higher setpoint value. When the system is in heating mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a lower setpoint value. The facility may modulate the setpoint between the two setpoint values based on an offset value or a fixed setpoint value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric M. Shiflet
  • Patent number: 9026261
    Abstract: A method and system for managing energy usage in a building is provided. The method includes collecting data on energy consumption in the building on a generally continuous basis for at least a given time period. Information relating to the energy consumption is displayed to a user on one or more devices. The information includes (a) the data collected on energy consumption to be displayed in real-time on the one or more devices, (b) a comparison of the data collected on energy consumption in the building to energy consumption data of a cohort or group of cohorts, (c) recommendations for reducing energy consumption in the building based on the data collected on energy consumption, and (d) progress report data comparing the data collected on energy consumption to a desired consumption level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bukhin, Paul Cole, Robert Faludi, Demetrie Tyler
  • 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: 20140229016
    Abstract: A facility for performing setpoint adjustment-based duty cycling techniques by adjusting the setpoint of a device or component is described. The facility reduces energy consumption for a system, such as an HVAC system, or device by adjusting or modulating an associated setpoint or temperature setting. The facility modulates the setpoint between a base setpoint value and another setpoint value based on a mode of the system. When the system is in a cooling mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a higher setpoint value. When the system is in heating mode, the facility modulates the temperature between the base setpoint value and a lower setpoint value. The facility may modulate the setpoint between the two setpoint values based on an offset value or a fixed setpoint value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: TENDRIL NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventor: Eric M. Shiflet
  • Publication number: 20140222210
    Abstract: A facility employing systems, methods, and/or techniques for dynamically and adaptively configuring configurable energy consuming and producing devices (e.g., smart energy devices) based on user profiles and user presence information is disclosed. In some embodiments, the facility periodically detects the presence of users, and retrieves preference information for those users. For each of one or more configurable energy devices in the area, the facility generates a combined setting based on the preferences of each user present and adjusts the devices based on the combined settings. For example, if User A, User B, and User C are present in a room and User A's preferred temperature setting is 75° F., User B's preferred temperature setting is 68° F., and User C's preferred temperature setting is 70° F., the facility may generate a combined setting for a thermostat by taking the average value of the users in the room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashish Agarwal
  • Publication number: 20140218209
    Abstract: A facility comprising systems, methods, and techniques for collecting data indicative of energy consumption and/or energy production by energy systems and devices and providing the data to interested users and devices in real-time is described. The facility may comprise an energy gateway device coupled to one or more monitored devices, one or more energy data extraction servers, and one or more client computers. The energy gateway devices and energy data extraction servers are coupled to a network and are configured to collect energy consumption and/or energy production data from one or more devices and provide an indication of the collected data in real-time or near real-time. The facility may collect current energy consumption or production rates, predicted energy consumption or production levels over a future period of time, and/or amounts of energy that has been consumed or produced by the device over a previous period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Koch
  • Patent number: 8730057
    Abstract: A communications bridge facilitates communication between an automatic meter reading (AMR) meter and a home area network (HAN) that uses the ZigBee smart energy (SE) protocol. The communications bridge includes a variety of components, including an AMR receiver, a microcontroller, and a ZigBee radio. The AMR receiver reads AMR data, which is not compatible with the ZigBee SE protocol, from the AMR meter. The microcontroller parses the received AMR data and translates it into corresponding ZigBee data. This ZigBee data is transmitted to other devices on the HAN via the ZigBee radio. The translated AMR meter data can then be presented to a consumer in real-time, enabling the consumer to better understand and manage his or her energy usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Dalla
  • Publication number: 20140039686
    Abstract: A facility implementing systems and/or methods for achieving energy consumption/production and cost goals is described. The facility identifies various components of an energy system and assesses the environment in which those components operate. Based on the identified components and assessments, the facility generates a model to simulate different series/schedules of adjustments to the system and how those adjustments will effect energy consumption or production. Using the model, and based on identified patterns, preferences, and forecasted weather conditions, the facility can identify an optimal series or schedule of adjustments to achieve the user's goals and provide the schedule to the system for implementation. The model may be constructed using a time-series of energy consumption and thermostat states to estimate parameters and algorithms of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Tendril Network, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Corbin
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070174644
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for managing the power or bandwidth consumed by a network of interconnected devices. The apparatus includes a service broker and a token processor disposed within one or more of the devices. The service broker monitors traffic over the network, and directs the one or more of the devices in the network to operate in a tokenized data mode. The token processor receives first tokenized data from the service broker and decodes the first tokenized data into first meaningful data. The token processor also encodes second meaningful data into second tokenized data for transmission to the service broker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Willig
  • Publication number: 20060200542
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods managing the power profile of a network of interconnected devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for managing the power consumed by a network of devices. The apparatus includes power management logic that is disposed within a plurality of the devices in the network. The power management logic provides for network-aware power management of the network of devices. The power management logic has descriptor data and management data. The descriptor data identifies a power source for a corresponding device in the network. The management data identifies a function for remote execution by one or more other devices in the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: Tendril Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Willig