Patents by Inventor Mark F. Culler

Mark F. Culler 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).

  • Publication number: 20080158761
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing automatic circuit breaker identification to an electronic trip unit including: a mounting plate with mechanical means to releasably engage said electronic trip unit employing a microcontroller; an electronic module embedded in the mounting plate containing a non-volatile memory device, said device containing data identifying the circuit breaker type and ratings, and in operable communication with the electronic trip unit microcontroller, where the microcontroller reads the identification data from the non-volatile memory, the microcontroller is programmed to configure its overcurrent protection algorithms to match the characteristics of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Geoff Butland, Mark F. Culler, Nataniel Vicente, John Dougherty
  • Patent number: 6950725
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and automating a home using a network-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized database, at least one client system, and a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the home. The method includes receiving monitoring and automation (M&A) information from the client system, storing M&A information into the centralized database, cross-referencing M&A information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain M&A information, monitoring M&A information within the home through the plurality of sensors, performing M&A tasks in the home using the plurality of sensors based on M&A information inputted into the client system and monitored M&A data, and notifying a home owner of the monitored M&A data and the M&A tasks performed within the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael C. von Kannewurff, Jeffrey A. Goodman, Mark F. Culler, Scott C. Evans, Roger J. Morgan, John J. Dougherty, Daniel J. DellaVecchia, Kenneth B. Welles, II, Matthew D. Dougherty
  • Publication number: 20030200009
    Abstract: A method of monitoring and automating a home using a network-based system is provided. The system employs a server system coupled to a centralized database, at least one client system, and a plurality of sensors positioned throughout the home. The method includes receiving monitoring and automation (M&A) information from the client system, storing M&A information into the centralized database, cross-referencing M&A information, updating the centralized database periodically to maintain M&A information, monitoring M&A information within the home through the plurality of sensors, performing M&A tasks in the home using the plurality of sensors based on M&A information inputted into the client system and monitored M&A data, and notifying a home owner of the monitored M&A data and the M&A tasks performed within the home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Michael C. von Kannewurff, Jeffrey A. Goodman, Mark F. Culler, Scott C. Evans, Roger J. Morgan, John J. Dougherty, Daniel J. DellaVecchia, Kenneth B. Welles, Matthew D. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 6417775
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring relay status using a lighting control panel is disclosed. The lighting control panel is used, for example, to control lighting throughout a building. The method includes the steps of commanding at least one relay to an on or off position from the lighting control panel, monitoring the status of the at least one relay from the lighting control panel, and setting the state of an indicator on the lighting control panel to show relay OFF, relay ON, or relay failed based on a monitored relay status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark F. Culler, Alexander E. Paris, Barry D. Ferg