Patents by Inventor D. Mark Holman

D. Mark Holman 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).

  • Collection system with a hybrid node performing both fixed network and mobile communications
    Patent number: 9801113
    Abstract: A mobile interrogator can be used in a system for hybrid employment of fixed network and mobile network communications. The system includes communication nodes. At least some of the communication nodes operate in a fixed network mode using one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. At least some other of the communication nodes operate in a mobile mode in which they transmit meter data to a mobile device using one or more mobile communication protocols. The mobile device is configured to communicate with the mobile mode communication nodes using the one or more mobile communication protocols and to communicate with the fixed network mode communication nodes using the one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. As a result, the performance of both fixed and mobile networks can be improved. A hybrid system can be realized that provides a utility company with advantages of both fixed and mobile networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Elster Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin C. Baker, Stephen S. Makgill, Jr., D. Mark Holman, Roberta Yee, Peter J. Higgins
  • USE OF A MOBILE DATA COLLECTION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140141711
    Abstract: A mobile interrogator can be used in a system for hybrid employment of fixed network and mobile network communications. The system includes communication nodes. At least some of the communication nodes operate in a fixed network mode using one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. At least some other of the communication nodes operate in a mobile mode in which they transmit meter data to a mobile device using one or more mobile communication protocols. The mobile device is configured to communicate with the mobile mode communication nodes using the one or more mobile communication protocols and to communicate with the fixed network mode communication nodes using the one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. As a result, the performance of both fixed and mobile networks can be improved. A hybrid system can be realized that provides a utility company with advantages of both fixed and mobile networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ELSTER SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin C. Baker, Stephen S. Makgill, JR., D. Mark Holman, Roberta Yee, Peter J. Higgins