Patents by Inventor Henrik F. Bernheim

Henrik F. Bernheim 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: 10749571
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring the feeder and phase of a transmitter on a plurality of electrical distribution lines. The system may include a low-voltage electrical distribution grid having one or more phases and one or more lines, a mechanism for transmitting a measuring data, a mechanism for receiving the measuring data, and a mechanism that analyzes the transmitted data to infer the phase and feed on which the transmission is injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: TRC Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerritt H. Hansell, Henrik F. Bernheim
  • Publication number: 20200186193
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Jerritt Hansell, Henrik F. Bernheim, Yu Liao, Marcia Reid Martin, Andrew Louis Abendschein
  • Patent number: 10564196
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting theft of power in an electrical distribution grid. The system may include at least two communicating meters which form a transformer area network, a mechanism for measuring current and voltage at the meters, a mechanism for transmitting the measured current and voltage data to a data center with access to an electric grid database, and a mechanism that analyzes the transmitted data to infer unauthorized taking of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt H. Hansell, Marcia Reid Martin
  • Patent number: 10554257
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignees: Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc., Astrolink International LLC
    Inventors: Jerritt Hansell, Henrik F. Bernheim, Yu Liao, Marcia Reid Martin, Andrew Louis Abendschein
  • Patent number: 10541724
    Abstract: A system and methods for managing a transformer area in an electrical distribution grid having at least one substation transformer and one service transformer are presented. At least one Remote Hub governed by a policy may be provided, which collects data about the transformer area. The Remote Hub may also execute a discovery procedure to inventory Remotes in the transformer area. The Remote Hub may use the collected data to detect events, such as exceptional conditions, configuration changes, or derived results, within the transformer area. Based on the collected data, the Remote Hub is able to transmit data about the transformer area via a Substation-to-Edge channel. A method and system for forming and establishing boundaries of Transformer Area Networks is also presented. Discovery procedures may be used to form Transformer Area Networks out of Remote Hubs and Remotes powered by the same phase of the service transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcia Reid Martin, Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt Hansell, Michael Alan Lucas
  • Patent number: 10498394
    Abstract: A system and methods for managing a transformer area in an electrical distribution grid having at least one substation transformer and one service transformer are presented. At least one Remote Hub governed by a policy may be provided, which collects data about the transformer area. The Remote Hub may also execute a discovery procedure to inventory Remotes in the transformer area. The Remote Hub may use the collected data to detect events, such as exceptional conditions, configuration changes, or derived results, within the transformer area. Based on the collected data, the Remote Hub is able to transmit data about the transformer area via a Substation-to-Edge channel. A method and system for forming and establishing boundaries of Transformer Area Networks is also presented. Discovery procedures may be used to form Transformer Area Networks out of Remote Hubs and Remotes powered by the same phase of the service transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcia Reid Martin, Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt Hansell, Michael Alan Lucas
  • Patent number: 10459411
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to utility service delivery wherein distributed intelligence and networking is used in the optimization of the service delivery. The present invention employs a network of data collection nodes and aggregation nodes located on a power grid controlled by a controlling agency. The data collection nodes comprise Intelligent Communicating Devices (ICDs) and Communicating Devices (CDs), which transmit metrics they collect over the power grid from locations near meters or service transformers to the aggregation nodes. Commands, policies, and program updates may be transmitted from a server at an aggregation node to the ICDs and CDs. The ICDs are also capable of issuing control commands to the CDs and grid management devices, acting locally and/or in conjunction with other ICDs, CDs, aggregation nodes, and central controlling agencies. Through these communications and commands, utility services delivery and utilization is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt H. Hansell, Marcia R. Martin
  • Patent number: 10356055
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a secure communication network using an electrical distribution grid is disclosed. A device connected to the electrical distribution grid initiates a request for a secured key token by signaling an intelligent communicating device residing at or near an edge of the grid. The intelligent communicating device forwards the request to a receiver at a distribution substation on the electrical grid. This receiver enhances the properties of the request such that a grid location for the request can be inferred. The enhanced request is forwarded to a server at the distribution substation, which compares the request grid location to a Grid Map and Policies of known secure grid locations. Any inconsistencies between the grid location inferred from the enhanced request and the Grid Map and Policies locations are considered evidence of tampering, and the server rejects the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Marcia Reid Martin, Steven J. Berens, John J. Loporto, Theodore V. Niemann
  • Patent number: 10097240
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: Astrolink International, LLC, Dominion Resources Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerritt Hansell, Henrik F. Bernheim, Yu Liao, Marcia Reid Martin, Andrew Louis Abendschein
  • Patent number: 10050669
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignees: Astrolink International, LLC, Dominion Resources Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerritt Hansell, Henrik F. Bernheim, Yu Liao, Marcia Reid Martin, Andrew Louis Abendschein
  • Publication number: 20180210018
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting theft of power in an electrical distribution grid. The system may include at least two communicating meters which form a transformer area network, a mechanism for measuring current and voltage at the meters, a mechanism for transmitting the measured current and voltage data to a data center with access to an electric arid database, and a mechanism that an the transmitted data to inter unauthorized taking of electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt H. Hansell, Marcia Reid Martin
  • Patent number: 10001514
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting theft of power in an electrical distribution grid. The system may include at least two communicating meters which form a transformer area network, a mechanism for measuring current and voltage at the meters, a mechanism for transmitting the measured current and voltage data to a data center with access to an electric grid database, and a mechanism that analyzes the transmitted data to inter unauthorized taking of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt H. Hansell, Marcia Reid Martin
  • Publication number: 20170180118
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a secure communication network using an electrical distribution grid is disclosed. A device connected to the electrical distribution grid initiates a request for a secured key token by signaling an intelligent communicating device residing at or near an edge of the grid. The intelligent communicating device forwards the request to a receiver at a distribution substation on the electrical grid. This receiver enhances the properties of the request such that a grid location for the request can be inferred. The enhanced request is forwarded to a server at the distribution substation, which compares the request grid location to a Grid Map and Policies of known secure grid locations. Any inconsistencies between the grid location inferred from the enhanced request and the Grid Map and Policies locations are considered evidence of tampering, and the server rejects the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Marcia Reid Martin, Steven J. Berens, John J. Loporto, Theodore V. Niemann
  • Patent number: 9647994
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a secure communication network using an electrical distribution grid is disclosed. A device connected to the electrical distribution grid initiates a request for a secured key token by signaling an intelligent communicating device residing at or near an edge of the grid. The intelligent communicating device forwards the request to a receiver at a distribution substation on the electrical grid. This receiver enhances the properties of the request such that a grid location for the request can be inferred. The enhanced request is forwarded to a server at the distribution substation, which compares the request grid location to a Grid Map and Policies of known secure grid locations. Any inconsistencies between the grid location inferred from the enhanced request and the Grid Map and Policies locations are considered evidence of tampering, and the server rejects the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Marcia Reid Martin, Steven J. Berens, John J. Loporto, Theodore V. Niemann
  • Patent number: 9614586
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignees: Astrolink International, LLC, Dominion Resources Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerritt Hansell, Henrik F. Bernheim, Yu Liao, Marcia Reid Martin, Andrew Louis Abendschein
  • Patent number: 9602475
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a secure communication network using an electrical distribution grid is disclosed. A device connected to the electrical distribution grid initiates a request for a secured key token by signaling an intelligent communicating device residing at or near an edge of the grid. The intelligent communicating device forwards the request to a receiver at a distribution substation on the electrical grid. This receiver enhances the properties of the request such that a grid location for the request can be inferred. The enhanced request is forwarded to a server at the distribution substation, which compares the request grid location to a Grid Map and Policies of known secure grid locations. Any inconsistencies between the grid location inferred from the enhanced request and the Grid Map and Policies locations are considered evidence of tampering, and the server rejects the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Marcia Reid Martin, Steven J. Berens, John J. Loporto, Theodore V. Niemann
  • Patent number: 9571158
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: Astrolink International, LLC, Dominion Resources Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerritt Hansell, Henrik F. Bernheim, Yu Liao, Marcia Reid Martin, Andrew Louis Abendschein
  • Publication number: 20160378074
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to utility service delivery wherein distributed intelligence and networking is used in the optimization of the service delivery. The present invention employs a network of data collection nodes and aggregation nodes located on a power grid controlled by a controlling agency. The data collection nodes comprise Intelligent Communicating Devices (ICDs) and Communicating Devices (CDs), which transmit metrics they collect over the power grid from locations near meters or service transformers to the aggregation nodes. Commands, policies, and program updates may be transmitted from a server at an aggregation node to the ICDs and CDs. The ICDs are also capable of issuing control commands to the CDs and grid management devices, acting locally and/or in conjunction with other ICDs, CDs, aggregation nodes, and central controlling agencies. Through these communications and commands, utility services delivery and utilization is optimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt H. Hansell, Marcia R. Martin
  • Publication number: 20160285511
    Abstract: A system and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid is provided. The system may include Remote Hubs, Subordinate Remotes, a Substation Receiver, and an associated Computing Platform and Concentrator. At least one intelligent edge transmitter, called a Remote Hub Edge Transmitter, may transmit messages on the electrical distribution grid by injecting a modulated current into a power main that supplies an electric meter. The Subordinate Remotes, Remote Hubs, the Substation Receiver, and the associated Computing Platform and Concentrator may contain processing units which execute stored instructions allowing each node in the network to implement methods for organizing the on-grid network and transmitting and receiving messages on the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Jerritt Hansell, Henrik F. Bernheim, Yu Liao, Marcia Reid Martin, Andrew Louis Abendshein
  • Patent number: 9438312
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying which of several candidate service transformers is powering a specific service point an electrical distribution grid are disclosed. An audio-frequency electrical signal, the detection signal, is injected onto the power line at the service point via a meter socket or electrical outlet. The Transmitter for the detection signal may be a portable device or it may be incorporated into an electrical meter. The audible or mechanical resonance caused in the service transformer by the detection signal is detected and recorded using an accelerometer or directional microphone in a Receiver. A variety of methods for fixing the Receiver at or in proximity to the service transformers are disclosed in order to adapt to variations in the siting and housing of service transformers. A variety of mechanisms and methods for collecting detection events are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignees: Astrolink International LLC, Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henrik F. Bernheim, Jerritt Hansell, Marcia Reid Martin, Jason Mark Bullard