Patents by Inventor Robert Vernon

Robert Vernon 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: 11109313
    Abstract: A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Vernon Dusenberry, Aaron Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20210249865
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling wind turbine converters of wind turbines parallel connected at a point of common coupling, the method including: generating for each converter within a same length of a pulse width modulation period a pulse, wherein the pulses start for different converters at different pulse start phases, wherein pulse start phase differences of the pulse start phases between at least two of adjacent converters are unequal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Dreyer, Robert Vernon Fulcher, Jerome Koenig, Christoph Nentwig
  • Publication number: 20210195520
    Abstract: Techniques for operating cellular internet of things (IoT) devices under a public cellular carrier are disclosed. During an active connection, the cellular IoT device's radio-controlling application can collect radio metrics by tapping into the diagnostics interface of IoT device's cellular modem to collect data regarding accumulative signal strength, block/bit error rate, and/or round-trip latency for the session, etc. During the active connection, battery and environmental information as well as application-based information can be collected and sent to a remote computing device. In an example, the cellular IoT device can be given revised or refined values for use in timers, which may be used by the device to more efficiently use idle and/or power-save modes to reduce battery power consumption. Moreover, the use of the timers may be extended to devices distinct from the cellular modem, thereby increasing the utility of the timers and the functionality of the IoT device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Vernon Dusenberry
  • Patent number: 10945204
    Abstract: Techniques for operating cellular internet of things (IoT) devices under a public cellular carrier are disclosed. During an active connection, the cellular IoT device's radio-controlling application can collect radio metrics by tapping into the diagnostics interface of IoT device's cellular modem to collect data regarding accumulative signal strength, block/bit error rate, and/or round-trip latency for the session, etc. During the active connection, battery and environmental information as well as application-based information can be collected and sent to a remote computing device. In an example, the cellular IoT device can be given revised or refined values for use in timers, which may be used by the device to more efficiently use idle and/or power-save modes to reduce battery power consumption. Moreover, the use of the timers may be extended to devices distinct from the cellular modem, thereby increasing the utility of the timers and the functionality of the IoT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Vernon Dusenberry
  • Publication number: 20200380568
    Abstract: A storage system includes a storage assembly for storing objects therein and an output assembly for displaying contents. In certain examples, the storage assembly defines one or more compartments configured to store movable objects therein, and the output assembly is secured to the storage assembly. The output assembly includes one or more display device assemblies configured to display contents, and a control device assembly configured to receive the contents and display the contents through the one or more display device assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Vernon Thamert, Donald Leonard Riesterer, Paul William Buenger, Michael John Buchmann, James D. Young, Charles Michael Betz, Brian Mark Hostetler
  • Publication number: 20200359315
    Abstract: A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Vernon Dusenberry, Aaron Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 10728847
    Abstract: A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Vernon Dusenberry, Aaron Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20200112916
    Abstract: Techniques for operating cellular internet of things (IoT) devices under a public cellular carrier are disclosed. During an active connection, the cellular IoT device's radio-controlling application can collect radio metrics by tapping into the diagnostics interface of IoT device's cellular modem to collect data regarding accumulative signal strength, block/bit error rate, and/or round-trip latency for the session, etc. During the active connection, battery and environmental information as well as application-based information can be collected and sent to a remote computing device. In an example, the cellular IoT device can be given revised or refined values for use in timers, which may be used by the device to more efficiently use idle and/or power-save modes to reduce battery power consumption. Moreover, the use of the timers may be extended to devices distinct from the cellular modem, thereby increasing the utility of the timers and the functionality of the IoT device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Vernon Dusenberry
  • Publication number: 20200112915
    Abstract: A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Robert Vernon Dusenberry, Aaron Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20200065314
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for user-directed database configuration, and automated mining and conversion of structured data, such as XML, to a relational database. A user provides object types for which data-base tables are to be generated, and corresponding fields of interest to include as columns in the database tables. The fields of interest may include attributes or descendant object types of the indicated object type. The database tables are generated according to the user configuration and are automatically populated with the corresponding data values from XML files. The database may therefore be populated only with data needed by the user. Unnecessary data tables and columns may therefore be limited, thereby reducing the use of database storage space and improving the efficiency of database queries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Vernon PHILLIPS
  • Patent number: 9976289
    Abstract: A system for reducing the risk of waterlines freezing provides a solenoid controlled valve which may be cycled twice an hour for a minute (or longer if desired) to avoid ice buildup in the lines. The control circuit allows the homeowner flexibility in determining whether to allow the cycle timers (preferably 3 inexpensive timers) to control the solenoid valve's cycling directly or to permit a thermostat to intervene, cycling only when the set point of the thermostat is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Vernon Haun, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9738626
    Abstract: Provided herein are antagonists of prostaglandin EP3 receptor, processes to make said antagonists, and methods comprising administering said antagonists to a mammal in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Bahnck, Daniel Canterbury, David James Edmonds, Kentaro Futatsugi, Esther Cheng Yin Lee, Elnaz Menhaji-Klotz, Jana Polivkova, Robert Vernon Stanton
  • Publication number: 20170058494
    Abstract: A system for reducing the risk of waterlines freezing provides a solenoid controlled valve which may be cycled twice an hour for a minute (or longer if desired) to avoid ice buildup in the lines. The control circuit allows the homeowner flexibility in determining whether to allow the cycle timers (preferably 3 inexpensive timers) to control the solenoid valve's cycling directly or to permit a thermostat to intervene, cycling only when the set point of the thermostat is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Vernon Haun, SR.
  • Publication number: 20170011431
    Abstract: An advertisement deliverable storage system includes a storage assembly for storing objects therein and an advertisement output assembly for displaying advertisement contents. In certain examples, the storage assembly defines one or more compartments configured to store movable objects therein, and the advertisement output assembly is secured to the storage assembly. The advertisement output assembly includes one or more display device assemblies configured to display advertisement contents, and a control device assembly configured to receive the advertisement contents and display the advertisement contents through the one or more display device assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Vernon Thamert, Donald Leonard Riesterer, Paul William Buenger, Michael John Buchmann, James D. Young, Charles Michael Betz, Brian Mark Hostetler
  • Patent number: 9531290
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power unit having a plurality of converter modules coupled in parallel, is configured to convert DC into AC voltages or AC into DC voltage. The method includes (a) receiving a control value for each phase of each converter module, (b) obtaining a set of phase current values for each converter module, (c) generating a compensation value for each phase of each converter module based on the set of phase current values and a set of stored data, the set of data representative of non-linearity characteristics of the converter modules as functions of phase current value, (d) generating a compensated control value for each phase of each converter module based on the corresponding control value and compensation value, and (e) supplying the compensated control values to the respective converter modules. A controller, power unit, wind turbine, computer program and computer program product are similarly configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Vernon Fulcher, Paul Godridge, Joseph Hartley, Rodney Jones, Fan Yue
  • Publication number: 20160176851
    Abstract: Provided herein are antagonists of prostaglandin EP3 receptor, processes to make said antagonists, and methods comprising administering said antagonists to a mammal in need thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Bahnck, Daniel Canterbury, David James Edmonds, Kentaro Futatsugi, Esther Cheng Yin Lee, Elnaz Menhaji-Klotz, Jana Polivkova, Robert Vernon Stanton
  • Patent number: 9293921
    Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of power converters 1a, 1b and 1c can be used to interface to a supply network, ac busbar etc. Each power converter includes a network bridge 14 operating in accordance with a pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy having the same switching period and which causes at least one unwanted harmonic in the supply network voltage. The method includes the step of providing the switching period of the PWM strategy of each network bridge with a different time offset relative to a time datum such that the at least one unwanted harmonic in the supply network voltage is at least partially cancelled. Two alternative ways of providing the time offset are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: GE Energy Power Conversion Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney Jones, Robert Vernon Fulcher, Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 9278953
    Abstract: Provided herein are antagonists of prostaglandin EP3 receptor, processes to make said antagonists, and methods comprising administering said antagonists to a mammal in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Barry Bahnck, David James Edmonds, Kentaro Futatsugi, Esther Cheng Yin Lee, Alan Martin Mathiowetz, Elnaz Menhaji-Klotz, Robert Vernon Stanton
  • Publication number: 20160043651
    Abstract: A method of controlling a power unit having a plurality of converter modules coupled in parallel, is configured to convert DC into AC voltages or AC into DC voltage. The method includes (a) receiving a control value for each phase of each converter module, (b) obtaining a set of phase current values for each converter module, (c) generating a compensation value for each phase of each converter module based on the set of phase current values and a set of stored data, the set of data representative of non-linearity characteristics of the converter modules as functions of phase current value, (d) generating a compensated control value for each phase of each converter module based on the corresponding control value and compensation value, and (e) supplying the compensated control values to the respective converter modules. A controller, power unit, wind turbine, computer program and computer program product are similarly configured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Vernon Fulcher, Paul Godridge, Joseph Hartley, Rodney Jones, Fan Yue
  • Patent number: 9217128
    Abstract: A composition is provided which is suitable for use in a cleaning or washing process. The composition is contained in an aqueous sensitive device and includes at least one aqueous sensitive component and a non-aqueous carrier component for stabilizing said aqueous sensitive component. The non-aqueous carrier component includes a mineral oil and a gelling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Chemlink Specialities LTD
    Inventors: Robert Barrie Ainscow, Robert Vernon Ainscow, Norman Charles Lowe