Patents by Inventor Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.

Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr. 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: 11327104
    Abstract: A fault circuit indicator (FCI) detection system for electrical equipment disposed in an enclosure or vault having an above-ground vent pipe exhaust outlet comprises one or more sensors disposed in the enclosure or vault to sense a condition of at least one unit of the electrical equipment. A sensored analytics unit (SAU) is coupled to the sensors to receive sensor data and analyze the sensor data, the SAU generating a corresponding analyzed data signal that provides information related to a condition of the at least one unit of electrical equipment. A transceiver is disposed inside at least a portion of the vent pipe to receive the analyzed data signal, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate the analyzed data signal. A visual indicator is disposed on or within the vent pipe comprising one or more visual indicators, such as LEDs, driven by a driving circuit board to provide a visual signal corresponding to the condition of the at least one unit of electrical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Laszlo Markos, Jr., Steven E. Turch, Shuguang Wu
  • Publication number: 20220141554
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system comprises a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an enclosure, such as an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, the housing mountable to the entrance port, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a monitoring device disposed in the underground enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the monitoring device/sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Anne-Maud B. Laprais, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, David J. Badzinski
  • Patent number: 11264710
    Abstract: A mounting structure for protecting a transceiver located on an underside of a manhole cover is formed from a metal or rugged plastic in the shape of a truncated dome or cone with a sloping sidewall and a cavity configured to receive a transceiver, wherein the mounting structure is mountable to an underside of the manhole cover. A data communication system for an enclosure comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with a network outside of the enclosure and a mounting structure to mount the transceiver to an underside of the manhole cover. The mounting structure is configured to protect the transceiver from damage during removal of the manhole cover from the entrance port of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Steven E. Turch
  • Publication number: 20210172991
    Abstract: A fault circuit indicator (FCI) detection system for electrical equipment disposed in an enclosure or vault having an above-ground vent pipe exhaust outlet comprises one or more sensors disposed in the enclosure or vault to sense a condition of at least one unit of the electrical equipment. A sensored analytics unit (SAU) is coupled to the sensors to receive sensor data and analyze the sensor data, the SAU generating a corresponding analyzed data signal that provides information related to a condition of the at least one unit of electrical equipment. A transceiver is disposed inside at least a portion of the vent pipe to receive the analyzed data signal, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate the analyzed data signal. A visual indicator is disposed on or within the vent pipe comprising one or more visual indicators, such as LEDs, driven by a driving circuit board to provide a visual signal corresponding to the condition of the at least one unit of electrical equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., Laszlo Markos, Steven E. Turch, Shuguang Wu
  • Patent number: 11026068
    Abstract: A wireless sensor communication system for an enclosure includes a communication gateway and communication nodes within the enclosure. Each communication node includes a processor, a sensor, and a communication module. Each of the communication nodes is configured to wirelessly transmit information within the enclosure to another one of the communication nodes, and at least one of the communication nodes has an obstruction with the communication gateway impeding direct wireless communication with it. The communication nodes are configured to aggregate information received from obstructed communication nodes and wirelessly transmit the aggregated information. The aggregation of information for transmission provides for hopping communication to send sensor data or other information from the obstructed communication nodes to the communication gateway via other communication nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210135349
    Abstract: A mounting structure for protecting a transceiver located on an underside of a manhole cover is formed from a metal or rugged plastic in the shape of a truncated dome or cone with a sloping sidewall and a cavity configured to receive a transceiver, wherein the mounting structure is mountable to an underside of the manhole cover. A data communication system for an enclosure comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with a network outside of the enclosure and a mounting structure to mount the transceiver to an underside of the manhole cover. The mounting structure is configured to protect the transceiver from damage during removal of the manhole cover from the entrance port of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., Steven E. Turch
  • Publication number: 20210105546
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system comprises a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an enclosure, such as an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, the housing mountable to the entrance port, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a monitoring device disposed in the underground enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the monitoring device/sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Anne-Maud B. Laprais, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, David J. Badzinski
  • Publication number: 20210044314
    Abstract: A data communication system comprises a transceiver including an antenna and global positioning system (GPS) circuitry, disposed in a support structure adjacent to and supporting an entrance port to an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, where the housing is flush mountable in the support structure, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor disposed in the enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Steven E. Turch
  • Patent number: 10873792
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system comprises a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an enclosure, such as an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, the housing mountable to the entrance port, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a monitoring device disposed in the underground enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the monitoring device/sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Anne-Maud B. Laprais, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, David J. Badzinski
  • Patent number: 10690699
    Abstract: A holder for a current sensor having separable portions with inner surfaces forming an opening and opposing outer surfaces having a groove to accommodate a current sensing coil. The holder includes flexible members on the portions and extending toward the opening such that the flexible members can hold a power cable substantially centered within the opening and concentric with the current sensing coil. The portions are joined together with a hinge pivotally mounted between them at one end and a releasable clasp joining them together at another end, providing for ease of installation around the power cable by hand and without requiring tools or additional fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., William E. Haushalter
  • Publication number: 20200007964
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system comprises a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an enclosure, such as an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, the housing mountable to the entrance port, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a monitoring device disposed in the underground enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the monitoring device/sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Ann-Maud B. Laprais, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, David J. Badzinski
  • Publication number: 20190349727
    Abstract: A wireless sensor communication system for an enclosure includes a communication gateway and communication nodes within the enclosure. Each communication node includes a processor, a sensor, and a communication module. Each of the communication nodes is configured to wirelessly transmit information within the enclosure to another one of the communication nodes, and at least one of the communication nodes has an obstruction with the communication gateway impeding direct wireless communication with it. The communication nodes are configured to aggregate information received from obstructed communication nodes and wirelessly transmit the aggregated information. The aggregation of information for transmission provides for hopping communication to send sensor data or other information from the obstructed communication nodes to the communication gateway via other communication nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10412471
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system comprises a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an enclosure, such as an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, the housing mountable to the entrance port, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a monitoring device disposed in the underground enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the monitoring device/sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Ann-Maud B. Laprais, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, David J. Badzinski
  • Publication number: 20180249230
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system comprises a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an enclosure, such as an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, the housing mountable to the entrance port, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a monitoring device disposed in the underground enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the monitoring device/sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Ann-Maud B. Laprais, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, David J. Badzinski
  • Publication number: 20180183482
    Abstract: A data communication system, comprises a housing mountable to an enclosure, the housing including a transceiver configured to communicate with a network outside of the enclosure, a monitoring device attachable to the housing that provides data related to a real-time condition within the enclosure, control electronics to control sensor data communication via the transceiver, and a power source to power the transceiver on an at least intermittent basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventor: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9961418
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system comprises a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an enclosure, such as an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, the housing mountable to the entrance port, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a monitoring device disposed in the underground enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the monitoring device/sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Anne-Maud B. Laprais, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, David J. Badzinski
  • Publication number: 20170363661
    Abstract: A holder for a current sensor having separable portions with inner surfaces forming an opening and opposing outer surfaces having a groove to accommodate a current sensing coil. The holder includes flexible members on the portions and extending toward the opening such that the flexible members can hold a power cable substantially centered within the opening and concentric with the current sensing coil. The portions are joined together with a hinge pivotally mounted between them at one end and a releasable clasp joining them together at another end, providing for ease of installation around the power cable by hand and without requiring tools or additional fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., William E. Haushalter
  • Publication number: 20170127156
    Abstract: A data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system comprises a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an enclosure, such as an underground enclosure. The transceiver includes a housing, the housing mountable to the entrance port, wherein the transceiver is configured to communicate with a network outside of the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a monitoring device disposed in the underground enclosure that provides data related to a real-time condition within the underground enclosure. The data communication system also includes a sensor analytics unit to process the data from the monitoring device/sensor and generate a processed data signal and to communicate the processed data signal to the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Anne-Maud B. Laprais, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, David J. Badzinski
  • Publication number: 20160225248
    Abstract: An underground data communication apparatus, system, and method are described. The data communication system includes a transceiver disposed on an entrance port to an underground vault or enclosure, where the transceiver includes a rugged housing, where at least a portion of the rugged housing extends above the surface of the entrance port. A monitoring device is disposed in the vault. The monitoring device can be a sensor that provides data related to a real-time condition within the vault. In addition, the data communication system includes a gateway unit that relays the data to the transceiver. The gateway/transceiver can take a combination of wireless and/or wired signals from the monitoring device which provides real-time data regarding environmental, component, and/or other electronic equipment conditions for those components/equipment disposed within the vault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Vaughn G. Amann, Lars Schrix, Jens Weichold, Anne-Maud B. Laprais
  • Publication number: 20150109582
    Abstract: An electronic unit that include a projector (100) and removable module (102) that communicates data to the projector (100), wherein the projector (100) alters its power consumption in response to data received from the removable module (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., Shuguang Wu, James K. Kennedy