Patents by Inventor David N. Makinson
David N. Makinson 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).
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Patent number: 8395464Abstract: Disclosed is a wedge shaped actuator device configured to provide separation of spring supported electrical contacts in an electrical switch. The wedge is configured with dual contour sides to maximize transfer of energy from a drive solenoid to the contact carrying springs. Portions of the wedge are relieved to allow for uninhibited movement of the wedge over side surfaces of the contact carrying springs to avoid digging in of any rough materials from the side edges of the spring as may be occasioned due to stamping techniques used to form the springs.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Pontin, David N. Makinson, Larry O'Dell
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Patent number: 8212687Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodologies for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Andrew Lancaster, Scott Swanson
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Patent number: 8049642Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Andrew Lancaster, Scott Swanson
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Patent number: 8040664Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for integrating directly within an electricity meter components corresponding to a high current switch. Line and load terminals forming a portion of the high current switch also correspond to line and load terminals configured for insertion into an electricity meter socket. Plural pairs of spring elements are connected at one end thereof to the meter load terminal while the opposite ends of the spring elements carry contacts configured to cooperate with matching contacts on a conductive support. The conductive support is coupled to the line terminal by a further conductive bar that is configured to support a flux-concentrating core for measurement of current flow through the high current switch. The present subject matter has to do with integrating a service disconnect switch directly into the base of a meter so as to provide a dual functionality component.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Firoz Narsidani, Kirby K. Nelson, Joseph Pontin, Michael Worley
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Patent number: 7847537Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
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Patent number: 7701199Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
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Publication number: 20090294260Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for integrating directly within an electricity meter components corresponding to a high current switch. Line and load terminals forming a portion of the high current switch also correspond to line and load terminals configured for insertion into an electricity meter socket. Plural pairs of spring elements are connected at one end thereof to the meter load terminal while the opposite ends of the spring elements carry contacts configured to cooperate with matching contacts on a conductive support. The conductive support is coupled to the line terminal by a further conductive bar that is configured to support a flux-concentrating core for measurement of current flow through the high current switch. The present subject matter has to do with integrating a service disconnect switch directly into the base of a meter so as to provide a dual functionality component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Itron,Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Firoz Narsidani, Kirby K. Nelson, Joseph Pontin, Michael Worley
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Publication number: 20090295371Abstract: Disclosed is a wedge shaped actuator device configured to provide separation of spring supported electrical contacts in an electrical switch. The wedge is configured with dual contour sides to maximize transfer of energy from a drive solenoid to the contact carrying springs. Portions of the wedge are relieved to allow for uninhibited movement of the wedge over side surfaces of the contact carrying springs to avoid digging in of any rough materials from the side edges of the spring as may be occasioned due to stamping techniques used to form the springs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Pontin, David N. Makinson, Larry O'Dell
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Publication number: 20090284251Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: Itron, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
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Patent number: 7540766Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for coupling plural, spaced-apart printed circuit boards together within a utility meter. An individual, rigid connector is provided that, in concert with conductive edge traces on selected printed circuit boards, provides power and signal coupling alternatives for various printed circuit boards. The connector also provides added physical support for the printed circuit boards.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
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Patent number: 6885185Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Itron Electricity Metering, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
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Patent number: 5694103Abstract: An improved laminated ferromagnetic FIG. 8 power meter core is provided. The core is fabricated from a plurality of ferromagnetic plates and is formed in the general shape of a FIG. 8. The central leg of the core has a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of other parts of the core. The core gap, in which a Hall-effect sensor is located, has gap faces with chamfered or rounded over edges to reduce fringing and bypassing effects. The core is formed without discontinuous corners that can result in local saturation and, in use, accommodates electrical power conductors in an over-under looping relationship through the openings of the core to provide a more homogeneous magnetic flux within the core and thus more reliable metering. The overall result is a core with a higher saturation point and thus a wider dynamic range than prior art cores.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, Inc.Inventors: R. Wendell Goodwin, David N. Makinson, Richard Timko
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Patent number: D288314Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1984Date of Patent: February 17, 1987Assignee: Sangamo Weston, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Karl W. Struck
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Patent number: D289033Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1984Date of Patent: March 31, 1987Assignee: Sangamo Weston, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Karl W. Struck
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Patent number: D293431Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1986Date of Patent: December 29, 1987Assignee: Sangamo Weston, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Karl W. Struck
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Patent number: D294565Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1986Date of Patent: March 8, 1988Assignee: Sangamo Weston, Inc.Inventors: David N. Makinson, Karl W. Struck