Patents by Inventor John Buffington
John Buffington 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: 9843985Abstract: A node having a multiple protocol receiver may listen to multiple links in parallel and determine a quality of links having multiple communication technologies between the node and multiple neighbor nodes. The multiple communication technologies may include radio frequency (RF) communication technologies and one or more power line communication (PLC) communication technologies. The node determines a link quality metric for each link associated with an optimum communication technology and data rate, and maintains availability information of neighbor nodes. The node may then route communications to neighbor nodes using the link quality metric and the availability information.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: ITRON GLOBAL SARLInventors: Bastien Mainaud, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Hartman Van Wyk, John Buffington
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Patent number: 9781231Abstract: A formula-driven programming-environment is described, which may be used to provide an environment for applications to operate within a network node or other computing device. In one example, statements of a program may be interpreted to thereby execute formula-style commands within an address space defined and constrained in a memory device by the integrated development environment. The commands may obtain data, assign values to variables and access data from other node(s) by the interpretation of statements in the program and communicating over a network. The communicating may include queuing a message for transmission by the formula-driven programming-environment. The commands may provide named access or relative access to data in response to the interpretation of statements in the program. The commands may communicate with at least one application located on a remote computing device in response to the interpretation of statements in the program.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventors: Michael T. Garrison Stuber, John Buffington, Matthew Keith Gillmore
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Patent number: 9747786Abstract: A distributed metering platform virtualizes functions of a conventional metrology sensor and separates the virtualized functions from a metrology sensor. One or more virtual meters or applications may be instantiated at a network communication device that is remote from the metrology sensor and processes metrology data received from the metrology sensor. Each virtual meter may include multiple partitioned application spaces that are isolated from one another. In one example, a first application space includes a locked version of code and a second application space includes an unlocked version of code. Furthermore, each virtual meter may be isolated from other virtual meters such that each virtual meter is unable to affect operations and/or data associated with other virtual meters.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Pontin, Daniel M. Lakich, John Buffington
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Patent number: 9354083Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing communications to battery powered metrology devices within an Advanced Metering System (AMS). The battery powered metrology devices may be associated with AC supplied devices that are configured with mailboxes for their associated battery powered devices. The battery powered metrology devices may include such as water and gas meters collocated with electricity meters. Communications between the battery powered devices and their associated mailbox containing electricity meters may be by way of direct wired or radio frequency connections for providing reliable message transport between communications system coupled components in an Advanced Metering System.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Garrison Stuber, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20160142514Abstract: A formula-driven programming-environment is described, which may be used to provide an environment for applications to operate within a network node or other computing device. In one example, statements of a program may be interpreted to thereby execute formula-style commands within an address space defined and constrained in a memory device by the integrated development environment. The commands may obtain data, assign values to variables and access data from other node(s) by the interpretation of statements in the program and communicating over a network. The communicating may include queuing a message for transmission by the formula-driven programming-environment. The commands may provide named access or relative access to data in response to the interpretation of statements in the program. The commands may communicate with at least one application located on a remote computing device in response to the interpretation of statements in the program.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2014Publication date: May 19, 2016Inventors: Michael T. Garrison Stuber, John Buffington, Matthew Keith Gillmore
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Publication number: 20150181500Abstract: A node having a multiple protocol receiver may listen to multiple links in parallel and determine a quality of links having multiple communication technologies between the node and multiple neighbor nodes. The multiple communication technologies may include radio frequency (RF) communication technologies and one or more power line communication (PLC) communication technologies. The node determines a link quality metric for each link associated with an optimum communication technology and data rate, and maintains availability information of neighbor nodes. The node may then route communications to neighbor nodes using the link quality metric and the availability information.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2015Publication date: June 25, 2015Inventors: Bastien Mainaud, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Hartman Van Wyk, John Buffington
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Patent number: 8971200Abstract: A node having a multiple protocol receiver may listen to multiple links in parallel and determine a quality of links having multiple communication technologies between the node and multiple neighbor nodes. The multiple communication technologies may include radio frequency (RF) communication technologies and one or more power line communication (PLC) communication technologies. The node determines a link quality metric for each link associated with an optimum communication technology and data rate, and maintains availability information of neighbor nodes. The node may then route communications to neighbor nodes using the link quality metric and the availability information.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Hartman Van Wyk, John Buffington
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Patent number: 8923287Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system utilizes versatile radio packets that are recognizable by AMR system receivers capable of receiving conventional interval data message (IDM) radio packets. A versatile radio packet includes a packet preamble portion, a packet body portion, and a packet validation portion. The packet preamble portion has a frame synchronization bit sequence that is recognizable by existing or conventional encoder-receiver-transmitter (ERT)-compatible AMR system receivers, such as a bit sequence equal to 0x16A3. The packet preamble portion also has a packet type identifier field and a packet length field. The packet body portion includes at least an endpoint serial number field and a message, where at least the message has a variable length. Optionally, the message includes a message type identifier field and a message value field that can have a plurality of sub-fields.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Mark Cornwall, Matt Johnson, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20140167981Abstract: A distributed metering platform virtualizes functions of a conventional metrology sensor and separates the virtualized functions from a metrology sensor. One or more virtual meters or applications may be instantiated at a network communication device that is remote from the metrology sensor and processes metrology data received from the metrology sensor. Each virtual meter may include multiple partitioned application spaces that are isolated from one another. In one example, a first application space includes a locked version of code and a second application space includes an unlocked version of code. Furthermore, each virtual meter may be isolated from other virtual meters such that each virtual meter is unable to affect operations and/or data associated with other virtual meters.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Joseph Pontin, Daniel Lakich, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20140076446Abstract: A fluid flow impedance system including a member having a wall with at least one opening therethrough and a tool positionable relative to the at least one opening. The tool has a carrier with an expandable material disposed therewith. The expandable material is operatively arranged to expand into the at least one opening, in response to the expandable material experiencing a predetermined condition, for impeding a flow of fluid through the at least one opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Maria M. O'Connell, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20140036702Abstract: A node having a multiple protocol receiver may listen to multiple links in parallel and determine a quality of links having multiple communication technologies between the node and multiple neighbor nodes. The multiple communication technologies may include radio frequency (RF) communication technologies and one or more power line communication (PLC) communication technologies. The node determines a link quality metric for each link associated with an optimum communication technology and data rate, and maintains availability information of neighbor nodes. The node may then route communications to neighbor nodes using the link quality metric and the availability information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Hartman Van Wyk, John Buffington
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Patent number: 8494792Abstract: Disclosed are methodology and corresponding apparatus subject matters for providing improved efficiency in the collection of data from a large number of metrology devices associated with an Automated Meter reading (AMR) network. AMR network operation produces randomly spaced transmissions from individual nodes in the network. When an AMR system wishes to retrieve data from a large number of points over an AMR network, a broadcast or multicast request is transmitted to appropriate nodes. A time window is defined either in such request or in the devices themselves such that start and end offsets from the time of the request are received by the node. The start offset provides a quiet period to insure request delivery to all the appropriate nodes. The end offset provides a time by which the requested data must be returned. Responses are sent randomly within the window established by the start and stop offset times.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Garrison Stuber, John Buffington
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Patent number: 8138944Abstract: Disclosed are handheld or portable apparatus subject matters and associated methodologies for providing local communications to metrology devices within an Advanced Metering System (AMS). The metrology devices may be associated with AC supplied device that are configured with mailboxes for associated battery powered devices or with other home or customer premises area network devices. Battery powered metrology devices may include such as water, gas, and oil meters collocated with electricity meters. Communications between the handheld or portable device may be by way of direct wired or radio frequency connections for providing communications and diagnostic services for home area network coupled components in an Advanced Metering System.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Garrison Stuber, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20120053902Abstract: Disclosed are methodology and corresponding apparatus subject matters for providing improved efficiency in the collection of data from a large number of metrology devices associated with an Automated Meter reading (AMR) network. AMR network operation produces randomly spaced transmissions from individual nodes in the network. When an AMR system wishes to retrieve data from a large number of points over an AMR network, a broadcast or multicast request is transmitted to appropriate nodes. A time window is defined either in such request or in the devices themselves such that start and end offsets from the time of the request are received by the node. The start offset provides a quiet period to insure request delivery to all the appropriate nodes. The end offset provides a time by which the requested data must be returned. Responses are sent randomly within the window established by the start and stop offset times.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Michael T. Garrison Stuber, John Buffington
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Patent number: 8055461Abstract: Disclosed are methodology and corresponding apparatus subject matters for providing improved efficiency in the collection of data from a large number of metrology devices associated with an Automated Meter reading (AMR) network. AMR network operation produces randomly spaced transmissions from individual nodes in the network. When an AMR system wishes to retrieve data from a large number of points over an AMR network, a broadcast or multicast request is transmitted to appropriate nodes. A time window is defined either in such request or in the devices themselves such that start and end offsets from the time of the request are received by the node. The start offset provides a quiet period to insure request delivery to all the appropriate nodes. The end offset provides a time by which the requested data must be returned. Responses are sent randomly within the window established by the start and stop offset times.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Garrison Stuber, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20110050456Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system utilizes versatile radio packets that are recognizable by AMR system receivers capable of receiving conventional interval data message (IDM) radio packets. A versatile radio packet includes a packet preamble portion, a packet body portion, and a packet validation portion. The packet preamble portion has a frame synchronization bit sequence that is recognizable by existing or conventional encoder-receiver-transmitter (ERT)-compatible AMR system receivers, such as a bit sequence equal to 0x16A3. The packet preamble portion also has a packet type identifier field and a packet length field. The packet body portion includes at least an endpoint serial number field and a message, where at least the message has a variable length. Optionally, the message includes a message type identifier field and a message value field that can have a plurality of sub-fields.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Mark Cornwall, Matt Johnson, John Buffington
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Patent number: 7830874Abstract: Methods and systems of providing positive outage notification are described. In some examples, the system determines there is an outage at a facility and transmits multiple messages notifying a utility of the outage. In some examples, the messages are received at multiple message collectors. In some examples, the system determines restoration procedures based on the messages.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Mark Cornwall, Matt Johnson, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20080068214Abstract: Disclosed are handheld or portable apparatus subject matters and associated methodologies for providing local communications to metrology devices within an Advanced Metering System (AMS). The metrology devices may be associated with AC supplied device that are configured with mailboxes for associated battery powered devices or with other home or customer premises area network devices. Battery powered metrology devices may include such as water, gas, and oil meters collocated with electricity meters. Communications between the handheld or portable device may be by way of direct wired or radio frequency connections for providing communications and diagnostic services for home area network coupled components in an Advanced Metering System.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Michael Garrison Stuber, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20080068215Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing communications to battery powered metrology devices within an Advanced Metering System (AMS). The battery powered metrology devices may be associated with AC supplied devices that are configured with mailboxes for their associated battery powered devices. The battery powered metrology devices may include such as water and gas meters collocated with electricity meters.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Michael Stuber, John Buffington
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Publication number: 20080068994Abstract: Disclosed are methodology and corresponding apparatus subject matters for providing improved efficiency in the collection of data from a large number of metrology devices associated with an Automated Meter reading (AMR) network. AMR network operation produces randomly spaced transmissions from individual nodes in the network. When an AMR system wishes to retrieve data from a large number of points over an AMR network, a broadcast or multicast request is transmitted to appropriate nodes. A time window is defined either in such request or in the devices themselves such that start and end offsets from the time of the request are received by the node. The start offset provides a quiet period to insure request delivery to all the appropriate nodes. The end offset provides a time by which the requested data must be returned. Responses are sent randomly within the window established by the start and stop offset times.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Michael Garrison Stuber, John Buffington