Patents by Inventor Diego A. Ramirez
Diego A. Ramirez 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: 9146135Abstract: A circuit arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a processing circuit, a magnetically-actuated switch, and a first circuit. The processing circuit has a first mode and a second mode. The processing circuit performs a first set of metering operations related to energy metering in the first mode, and a second set of operations in the second mode or sleep mode. The second set of operations has fewer operations than the first set of operation, and requires less energy. The switch has is coupled to provide a first output signal to the processing circuit. The first circuit is configured to generate a pulse signal responsive to the switch transitioning states, and is operably coupled to provide the pulse signal to the processing circuit. The processing circuit causes display of stored values responsive to receiving the pulse and receiving the first output signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20150260759Abstract: A tamper detection system for an electricity meter includes an antenna, an RF signal level circuit, and a controller. The antenna is configured to receive an RF signal. The RF signal level circuit is supported within an electricity meter housing and is operatively connected to the antenna. The RF signal level circuit is configured to detect the RF signal received by the antenna and to provide a strength signal corresponding to a magnitude of the RF signal. The controller is supported within the electricity meter housing, and is operatively connected to the RF signal level circuit. The controller is configured to generate an RF signal strength value based at least in part on the strength signal, and to generate a tamper flag responsive at least in part to a determination that the RF signal strength value exceeds a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: September 17, 2015Applicant: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Patent number: 9121883Abstract: An arrangement for use in an electricity meter includes a sensor and a processing circuit. The sensor is supported directly or indirectly by a meter housing. The sensor is configured to measure a magnetic field in proximity to a current sensor of the electricity meter. The sensor is also configured to generate a measurement signal representative of, at least in part, a magnitude of the magnetic field. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive first information representative of the measurement signal. The processing circuit is configured to obtain a first value representative of the magnetic field based on the first information, and determine a first adjustment value responsive to a determination that the first value exceeds the first threshold value. The processing circuit is further configured to generate energy consumption information based at least in part on the first adjustment value.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Patent number: 9110108Abstract: A system includes a utility meter housing, a power supply, a non-volatile memory, an energy storage device, and a control circuit. The utility meter housing includes metrology circuitry configured to generate metering data regarding electrical power provided to the load. The energy storage device is operably coupled to the power supply. The control circuit is operably coupled to receive power generated by the power supply and receive power from the energy storage device. The control circuit is configured to: receive a first bias power signal; erase first metering information stored in the non-volatile memory; process, subsequent to erasing the first memory location, metering data received from the metrology circuit; receive a first interruption signal indicative of an interruption of power in the power supply; and store, responsive to receiving the first interruption signal, second metering information in the non-volatile memory using power from the energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventors: Anibal Diego Ramirez, John T. Voisine
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Patent number: 9099955Abstract: A circuit arrangement generates an output oscillating signal indicative of voltage on any of plurality of line voltages. The circuit arrangement includes at least two zero-crossing detectors, a combiner, an integrator, and an oscillator. The first zero-crossing detection circuit detects a voltage level crossing on a first electrical signal corresponding to a first line voltage. The second zero-crossing detection circuit detects a voltage level crossing on a second electrical signal corresponding to a second line voltage. The combiner combines the output signals of the first zero-crossing detection circuit and the second zero-crossing detection circuit. The integrator is coupled to the output of the combiner. The oscillator has a control input and an oscillating signal output. The oscillator generates an oscillating signal at the oscillating signal output based on a signal present at the control input. The control input receives an output signal of the integrator.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Patent number: 9097746Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a switch, a processing circuit, and a magnetic element. The switch is supported on a first meter structure. The switch has at least a first and second state. The switch is configured to transition from a first state to a second state responsive to a detected magnetic field of a first polarity, and to transition from a second state to a first state responsive to a detected magnetic field of a second polarity. The processing circuit is operably coupled to determine whether the switch is in the first state or the second state. The magnetic element is supported on a second meter structure configured to be physically connected to the first meter structure, the magnetic element positioned such that removal of the second meter structure from the first meter structure causes the magnetic element to expose the switch to a magnetic field of the first polarity.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Patent number: 8978443Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes an accelerometer, a processing circuit, and a source of power. The accelerometer is configured to detect impact force on a utility meter housing. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive information representative of detected shock events from the accelerometer, and is configured to store information regarding detected shock events in a non-volatile memory. The source of power is independent of a main meter power supply, and is operably connected to the processing circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Landis+Gyr Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20150061886Abstract: A metering arrangement includes at least a first and second meter. The first meter includes a first metrology circuit, an Ethernet controller, and an isolation circuit. The first metrology circuit has a first data interface. The Ethernet controller has an Ethernet port and a conversion circuit coupled to convert Ethernet standard signals having a first communication protocol to signals of a second communication protocol. The isolation circuit is coupled between the Ethernet controller and the first data interface. The Ethernet controller is operably coupled to communicate data with the first data interface via the isolation circuit, and the conversion circuit is further operably coupled to communicate data via the first data port. The second meter includes a second metrology circuit having a second data interface operably connected to a second data port. The second data port is operably coupled to communicate data with the first data port.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20150002134Abstract: A method of detecting a magnetic coupling in a meter includes obtaining in an electricity meter information representative of power consumption as measured within the meter of a plurality of lines of an electrical service. The method also includes obtaining from a magnetic sensor information representative of a magnetic field within an electricity meter. A processing circuit then determines whether a first condition exists wherein the magnetic field exceeds a first threshold and the information representative of the power consumption indicates a load imbalance on the plurality of lines such that the load imbalance exceeds an imbalance threshold. The method further includes performing a processing step responsive to a determination that the first condition exists.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Patent number: 8723506Abstract: A capacitor charging circuit is provided in a utility meter. The utility meter includes a measurement circuit configured to provide consumption data, a memory configured to store the consumption data from the measurement circuit, and a communications device configured to transmit the consumption data to a remote location. The utility meter also includes a power supply configured to supply an unregulated DC voltage and a regulated voltage within the utility meter. The regulated DC voltage is output from a voltage regulator and is provided to the measurement circuit. The unregulated DC voltage is supplied to the communications device. The capacitor charging circuit is configured to charge a capacitor with the unregulated DC voltage when the regulated DC voltage is provided to the charging circuit from the voltage regulator. The capacitor charging circuit may be a supercapacitor charging circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20140091946Abstract: A circuit arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a processing circuit, a magnetically-actuated switch, and a first circuit. The processing circuit has a first mode and a second mode. The processing circuit performs a first set of metering operations related to energy metering in the first mode, and a second set of operations in the second mode or sleep mode. The second set of operations has fewer operations than the first set of operation, and requires less energy. The switch has is coupled to provide a first output signal to the processing circuit. The first circuit is configured to generate a pulse signal responsive to the switch transitioning states, and is operably coupled to provide the pulse signal to the processing circuit. The processing circuit causes display of stored values responsive to receiving the pulse and receiving the first output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20140002169Abstract: A circuit arrangement generates an output oscillating signal indicative of voltage on any of plurality of line voltages. The circuit arrangement includes at least two zero-crossing detectors, a combiner, an integrator, and an oscillator. The first zero-crossing detection circuit detects a voltage level crossing on a first electrical signal corresponding to a first line voltage. The second zero-crossing detection circuit detects a voltage level crossing on a second electrical signal corresponding to a second line voltage. The combiner combines the output signals of the first zero-crossing detection circuit and the second zero-crossing detection circuit. The integrator is coupled to the output of the combiner. The oscillator has a control input and an oscillating signal output. The oscillator generates an oscillating signal at the oscillating signal output based on a signal present at the control input. The control input receives an output signal of the integrator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: LANDIS+GYR, INC.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20130293219Abstract: A system includes a utility meter housing, a power supply, a non-volatile memory, an energy storage device, and a control circuit. The utility meter housing includes metrology circuitry configured to generate metering data regarding electrical power provided to the load. The energy storage device is operably coupled to the power supply. The control circuit is operably coupled to receive power generated by the power supply and receive power from the energy storage device. The control circuit is configured to: receive a first bias power signal; erase first metering information stored in the non-volatile memory; process, subsequent to erasing the first memory location, metering data received from the metrology circuit; receive a first interruption signal indicative of an interruption of power in the power supply; and store, responsive to receiving the first interruption signal, second metering information in the non-volatile memory using power from the energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: LANDIS+GYR, INC.Inventors: Anibal Diego Ramirez, John T. Voisine
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Publication number: 20130093418Abstract: An arrangement for use in an electricity meter includes a sensor and a processing circuit. The sensor is supported directly or indirectly by a meter housing. The sensor is configured to measure a magnetic field in proximity to a current sensor of the electricity meter. The sensor is also configured to generate a measurement signal representative of, at least in part, a magnitude of the magnetic field. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive first information representative of the measurement signal. The processing circuit is configured to obtain a first value representative of the magnetic field based on the first information, and determine a first adjustment value responsive to a determination that the first value exceeds the first threshold value. The processing circuit is further configured to generate energy consumption information based at least in part on the first adjustment value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: LANDIS+GYR INC.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20130054165Abstract: An electricity meter comprises a voltage sensor configured to determine an AC line voltage. A measurement circuit is coupled to the voltage sensor and is configured to determine energy consumption data based at least in part on the AC line voltage. A communications device is coupled to the measurement circuit and is configured to transmit the energy consumption data to a remote location. The electricity meter further includes a power supply configured to provide a DC voltage to the communications device. A switch is positioned between the power supply and the communications device. A switch controller is coupled to the measurement circuit and is configured to control the switch and the associated DC voltage supplied to the communications device depending at least in part on the AC line voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: LANDIS+GYR, INC.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20130021021Abstract: A capacitor charging circuit is provided in a utility meter. The utility meter includes a measurement circuit configured to provide consumption data, a memory configured to store the consumption data from the measurement circuit, and a communications device configured to transmit the consumption data to a remote location. The utility meter also includes a power supply configured to supply an unregulated DC voltage and a regulated voltage within the utility meter. The regulated DC voltage is output from a voltage regulator and is provided to the measurement circuit. The unregulated DC voltage is supplied to the communications device. The capacitor charging circuit is configured to charge a capacitor with the unregulated DC voltage when the regulated DC voltage is provided to the charging circuit from the voltage regulator. The capacitor charging circuit may be a supercapacitor charging circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: LANDIS+GYR, INC.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20120079870Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes an accelerometer, a processing circuit, and a source of power. The accelerometer is configured to detect impact force on a utility meter housing. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive information representative of detected shock events from the accelerometer, and is configured to store information regarding detected shock events in a non-volatile memory. The source of power is independent of a main meter power supply, and is operably connected to the processing circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20120074927Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a switch, a processing circuit, and a magnetic element. The switch is supported on a first meter structure. The switch has at least a first and second state. The switch is configured to transition from a first state to a second state responsive to a detected magnetic field of a first polarity, and to transition from a second state to a first state responsive to a detected magnetic field of a second polarity. The processing circuit is operably coupled to determine whether the switch is in the first state or the second state. The magnetic element is supported on a second meter structure configured to be physically connected to the first meter structure, the magnetic element positioned such that removal of the second meter structure from the first meter structure causes the magnetic element to expose the switch to a magnetic field of the first polarity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: LANDIS+GYR, INC.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Patent number: 7761249Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a first filter stage and a second filter stage. The utility meter has a measurement circuit that includes at least one analog portion susceptible to radio frequency signal interference, the radio frequency signal interference forming an extraneous signal component in an analog signal that is representative of a signal to be measured. The first filter stage is operable to attenuate signals in a first frequency range that is higher than a frequency band of interest of the signal to be measured. The first filter stage is operably coupled to receive the analog signal. The second filter stage is operable to attenuate signals in a second frequency range that is higher than the first frequency range. The second filter stage is also operably coupled to receive the analog signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
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Publication number: 20100064573Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing a liquid fuel or at least one of its primary components from carbonaceous material, wherein a concatenation of individual processes, which make up the entire method, are employed. The concatenation of processes employed in said novel method has the potential to provide an exothermic operation during the production of the liquid fuel, or the at least one primary component, thereby producing a portion of its own raw material, supplying the majority of its energy requirements and consuming the majority of its byproducts, which in turn reduces feedstock reactant requirements for said method.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Mario Araya Brenes, Luis Diego Ramirez Mendez