Patents by Inventor Ludlow Philpot

Ludlow Philpot 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: 7847537
    Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
  • Patent number: 7701199
    Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
  • Publication number: 20090284251
    Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
  • Patent number: 7540766
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for coupling plural, spaced-apart printed circuit boards together within a utility meter. An individual, rigid connector is provided that, in concert with conductive edge traces on selected printed circuit boards, provides power and signal coupling alternatives for various printed circuit boards. The connector also provides added physical support for the printed circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
  • Publication number: 20080024115
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for coupling plural, spaced-apart printed circuit boards together within a utility meter. An individual, rigid connector is provided that, in concert with conductive edge traces on selected printed circuit boards, provides power and signal coupling alternatives for various printed circuit boards. The connector also provides added physical support for the printed circuit boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: David Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
  • Publication number: 20050162149
    Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: David Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
  • Patent number: 6885185
    Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Itron Electricity Metering, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Makinson, Ludlow Philpot
  • Patent number: 4791362
    Abstract: A modular meter assembly includes replaceable modules for a power supply, a register, a function controlling option circuit and a display of a measuring meter. The modules are provided with mechanical and electrical interconnectors, permitting for simplified assembly, repair, maintenance and replacement. An adaptor frame used with the meter assembly provides for retrofitting the improved modular structure on existing meters, to permit upgrading of the functions performed by the existing meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Sangamo Weston, Inc.
    Inventor: Ludlow Philpot