Patents by Inventor Richard J. Schultz
Richard J. Schultz 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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Publication number: 20240105675Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently routing power signals across semiconductor dies. A semiconductor fabrication process (or process) places a first semiconductor die in an integrated circuit and stacks a second semiconductor die vertically adjacent to the first semiconductor die. The process forms multiple backside metal layers vertically adjacent to a backside of a silicon substrate of the second semiconductor die. The process forms a first backside metal layer that includes at least a first power route that forms a rectangle within the first backside metal layer. The process forms a second backside metal layer that includes at least a second power rail that forms an L-shape within the second backside metal layer. The process connects one or more corners of the rectangle of the first power rail to a corresponding corner of a separate power rail of the second backside metal layer that forms an L-shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2022Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Richard T. Schultz, John J. Wuu
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Patent number: 10805200Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Patent number: 10761833Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan P. Solnit
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Patent number: 10732651Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of an energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Andrea Mucignat, Oliver Steele, Senthilvasan Supramaniam, Osborne Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Daniel A. Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan A. Dutra, David Bell, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Ian C. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Joseph E. Palmer
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Patent number: 10693760Abstract: Systems and methods relating to communication within a fabric network are presented. The fabric network includes one or more logical networks that enables devices connected to the fabric to communicate with each other using various profiles known to the devices. A device sending a message may follow a general message format to encode the message so that other devices in the fabric may understand the message regardless of which logical networks the devices are connected to. Within the message format, a payload of data may be included for the receiving device to forward, store, or process the message. The format and the contents of the payload may vary according to a header within the payload that indicates a profile and a message type within the profile. Using the profile and message type, the receiving devices may decode the message to process the message.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Publication number: 20190324738Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: Google LLCInventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan P. Solnit
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Patent number: 10387136Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for providing software updates to client devices. A client device (such as a thermostat) executes software to perform one or more functionalities of the device. Upon receiving an indicating that a software update is available, the device waits to download the software update until pre-download conditions are satisfied. Once the software update is downloaded, the device then waits to install the software update until pre-install conditions are satisfied. If the software update is non-critical and received during an initial installation of the device, the software update may not be installed until after installation of the device is complete. If the device is a thermostat, the device may delay installation of the software update until a controlled HVAC system in inactive. Control of the HVAC system may be disabled during installation of the software update.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, David A. Bourne, Grant M. Erickson, Richard J. Schultz, David Sloo, Jonathan Solnit
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Publication number: 20190245836Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: Google LLCInventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Patent number: 10320763Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Publication number: 20180157280Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of an energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: Google LLCInventors: Andrea Mucignat, Oliver Steele, Senthilvasan Supramaniam, Osborne Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Daniel A. Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan A. Dutra, David Bell, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Ian C. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Joseph E. Palmer
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Publication number: 20180152373Abstract: Systems and methods relating to communication within a fabric network are presented. The fabric network includes one or more logical networks that enables devices connected to the fabric to communicate with each other using various profiles known to the devices. A device sending a message may follow a general message format to encode the message so that other devices in the fabric may understand the message regardless of which logical networks the devices are connected to. Within the message format, a payload of data may be included for the receiving device to forward, store, or process the message. The format and the contents of the payload may vary according to a header within the payload that indicates a profile and a message type within the profile. Using the profile and message type, the receiving devices may decode the message to process the message.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Applicant: Google LLCInventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Patent number: 9923801Abstract: Systems and methods relating to communication within a fabric network are presented. The fabric network includes one or more logical networks that enables devices connected to the fabric to communicate with each other using various profiles known to the devices. A device sending a message may follow a general message format to encode the message so that other devices in the fabric may understand the message regardless of which logical networks the devices are connected to. Within the message format, a payload of data may be included for the receiving device to forward, store, or process the message. The format and the contents of the payload may vary according to a header within the payload that indicates a profile and a message type within the profile. Using the profile and message type, the receiving devices may decode the message to process the message.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Jay D. Logue, Grant M. Erickson, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Patent number: 9851729Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of a energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Andrea Mucignat, Oliver Steele, Senthilvasan Supramaniam, Osborne Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Daniel A. Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan A. Dutra, David Bell, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Ian C. Smith, Grant M. Erickson, Edwin H. Satterthwaite, Joseph E. Palmer
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Patent number: 9846443Abstract: A thermostat may include one or more temperature sensors, a processor configured to operate in a sleep mode and a wake mode, and a Wi-Fi chip that wirelessly communicates with a thermostat management server. The Wi-Fi chip may be configured to receive data packets from the thermostat management server while the processor operates in the sleep mode, and determine a priority level of the received data packets. The priority level may include a standard priority level and a keep-alive priority level. The Wi-Fi chip may also be configured to filter the received data packets based on the determined priority level of each packet such that the keep-alive priority level packets are discarded, and forward the standard priority level packets to the processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Andrea Mucignat, Oliver W. Steele, Senthilvasan Supramaniam, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz
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Publication number: 20170272416Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Applicant: Google Inc.Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Patent number: 9716686Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining device information include sending a device description request message to a remote device. The device description request message includes indications of criteria for a responding device, and the indications of criteria for the responding device include a fabric identifier for the responding device. Moreover, the fabric identifier identifies a fabric to which the responding device is connected. The indications of criteria also include a device mode for the responding device. The device mode indicates a mode for the responding device. The indications of criteria further include a vendor identifier for the responding device with the vendor identifier identifies a vendor for the responding device. Obtaining device information also includes a product identifier for the responding device that identifies a product type for the responding device.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Andrew W. Stebbins, Richard J. Schultz
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Patent number: 9674885Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Patent number: 9629193Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Grant M. Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher A. Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Patent number: 9451573Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Grant Michael Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher Anthony Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley
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Publication number: 20160227506Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Applicant: Google Inc.Inventors: Grant Michael Erickson, Jay D. Logue, Christopher Anthony Boross, Zachary B. Smith, Osborne B. Hardison, Richard J. Schultz, Sunny P. Gujjaru, Matthew G. Neeley