Patents by Inventor Kimbel A. Nap

Kimbel A. Nap 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: 8537028
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20110285543
    Abstract: A commodity meter. The meter includes a power/meter circuit board, a communication circuit board, and an antenna. The power/meter circuit board is configured to electrically sense a plurality of parameters of electricity flowing through terminals of the meter. The communication circuit board is configured to transmit one or more commodity parameters received from the power/meter circuit board. The antenna is coupled to the communications circuit board and positioned within the meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Patent number: 7868782
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Patent number: 7772989
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20100141474
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20080238714
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20080238716
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20080224891
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20080204272
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20080024320
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Lance Ehrke, Kimbel Nap, Donn Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20080018492
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Lance Ehrke, Kimbel Nap, Donn Dresselhuys
  • Patent number: 7277027
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Patent number: 7064679
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20040070517
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20040066310
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20040061625
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Publication number: 20030122686
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter including a transducer for measuring commodity utilization; a microcontroller coupled to the transducer for interpreting the commodity utilization data; and a two-way wireless transceiver coupled to the microcontroller for transmitting commodity utilization data from the meter to a remote gateway node, and for receiving data requests from the remove gateway mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Patent number: 6538577
    Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Silver Springs Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance A. Ehrke, Kimbel A. Nap, Donn R. Dresselhuys
  • Patent number: 6369769
    Abstract: An antenna enclosure and mounting arrangement for transmitting meter-related information from a remotely readable commodity meter positioned within a subterraneous pit to a remote reading station. The antenna arrangement includes an antenna housing having an outwardly tapered support portion that contacts an inwardly tapered support surface formed in the pit lid. When the antenna housing is mounted within the pit lid, the top surface of the antenna enclosure is flush with the top surface of the pit lid, while the antenna contained within the antenna housing is positioned slightly below the top surface of the pit lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Innovatec Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Kimbel A. Nap, Eric P. Dresselhuys
  • Patent number: 6246677
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading data communication system having an integrated digital encoder and two-way wireless transceiver that is attachable to a wide variety of utility meters for meter data collection and information management. The integrated encoder and transceiver communicates commodity usage information over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located communication node. The communication node transmits this data to a utility service provider over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The utility service provider may also request data from the communication node over the same fixed wide area network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Innovatec Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Kimbel A. Nap, Lance A. Ehrke, Donn R. Dresselhuys