Patents by Inventor Scott Cumeralto
Scott Cumeralto 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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Patent number: 10045275Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for improving communications among battery operated network endpoints and a central facility. A battery operated endpoint may determine its remaining battery capacity and decide whether it is able to provide message repeating services to other endpoints within the network. The endpoint may make such decision based also on its own communications reliability to a central facility either directly or via other endpoints operating as repeaters.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: ITRON, INC.Inventor: Scott Cumeralto
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Publication number: 20160353352Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for improving communications among battery operated network endpoints and a central facility. A battery operated endpoint may determine its remaining battery capacity and decide whether it is able to provide message repeating services to other endpoints within the network. The endpoint may make such decision based also on its own communications reliability to a central facility either directly or via other endpoints operating as repeaters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventor: SCOTT CUMERALTO
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Patent number: 9420515Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for improving communications among battery operated network endpoints and a central facility. A battery operated endpoint may determine its remaining battery capacity and decide whether it is able to provide message repeating services to other endpoints within the network. The endpoint may make such decision based also on its own communications reliability to a central facility either directly or via other endpoints operating as repeaters.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventor: Scott Cumeralto
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Publication number: 20130300577Abstract: In a data collection system having a utility data collector configured for remotely collecting utility data, a system includes one or more endpoints. Each endpoint has a utility meter, memory for storing at least utility consumption data from the utility meter, and a radio for transmitting a communication message to the utility data collector. The radio establishes a communication link between the endpoint and the utility data collector, and provides consumption data when a wireless communication channel quality test determines an adequacy of communications from the endpoint and the utility data collector (e.g. using RSSI). The utility meter sets a hold-off timer or other validity check and only performs subsequently received reset requests or other reconfigurations if the timer has expired or the validity check is valid. Other features are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Matthew Johnson, Mark K. Cornwall
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Publication number: 20130093600Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for improving communications among battery operated network endpoints and a central facility. A battery operated endpoint may determine its remaining battery capacity and decide whether is it able to provide message repeating services to other endpoints within the network. The endpoint may make such decision based also on it own communications reliability to a central facility either directly or via other endpoints operating as repeaters.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventor: Scott Cumeralto
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Publication number: 20110210862Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collecting and displaying real-time utility consumption data and an estimate of utility costs from various utility metering modules upon request by the consumer within the comfort of their own home or business. According to one aspect of the invention, a utility display module is in communication with a utility end point device that monitors and displays consumption of a utility (water, gas, and/or electricity). The source of the data received by the module may be generated by utility meter transmitters that are attached to the various utility delivery end points or meters. In a related embodiment, a repeater may be used with a battery powered energy display module to make the module transportable.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: ITRON, INC.Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Richard DeVries
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Publication number: 20100176967Abstract: In a data collection system having a utility data collector configured for remotely collecting utility data, a system includes one or more endpoints. Each endpoint has a utility meter, memory for storing at least utility consumption data from the utility meter, and a radio for transmitting a communication message to the utility data collector. The radio establishes a communication link between the endpoint and the utility data collector, and provides consumption data when a wireless communication channel quality test determines an adequacy of communications from the endpoint and the utility data collector (e.g. using RSSI). The utility meter sets a hold-off timer or other validity check and only performs subsequently received reset requests or other reconfigurations if the timer has expired or the validity check is valid. Other features are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Matthew Johnson, Mark K. Cornwall
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Publication number: 20100026517Abstract: A one-and two-way wireless data collection system for a utility metering environment includes multiple endpoints with wireless transceivers, and a collector with transceiver for communicating with the endpoints.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Matthew Johnson, Mark K. Cornwall, Fabrice Monier, Gilles Picard, Arnaud Clave, Hartman Van Wyk
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Patent number: 7453373Abstract: Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Aaron J. Fitzgerald, Gary L. Larson
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Publication number: 20080180274Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collecting and displaying real-time utility consumption data and an estimate of utility costs from various utility metering modules upon request by the consumer within the comfort of their own home or business. According to one aspect of the invention, a utility display module is in communication with a utility end point device that monitors and displays consumption of a utility (water, gas, and/or electricity). The source of the data received by the module may be generated by utility meter transmitters that are attached to the various utility delivery end points or meters. In a related embodiment, a repeater may be used with a battery powered energy display module to make the module transportable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Richard DeVries
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Patent number: 7317404Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collecting and displaying real-time utility consumption data and an estimate of utility costs from various utility metering modules upon request by the consumer within the comfort of their own home or business. According to one aspect of the invention, a utility display module is in communication with a utility end point device that monitors and displays consumption of a utility (water, gas, and/or electricity). The source of the data received by the module may be generated by utility meter transmitters that are attached to the various utility delivery end points or meters. In a related embodiment, a repeater may be used with a battery powered energy display module to make the module transportable.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Richard DeVries
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Patent number: 7283580Abstract: A spread spectrum meter reading system enables the use of high power frequency hopping spread spectrum (HPSS) transmissions at both the encoder transmitter and repeater levels of the meter reading system. A plurality of end point encoder transmitter devices are each connected to a utility meter and transmit high power FHSS signals containing at least metering data for the corresponding utility meter. A plurality of intermediate transceiver units that are fewer in number than the number of end point encoder transmitter devices both receives and retransmits the high power FHSS signals. A base station includes a receiver that receives the high power FHSS signals. Preferably, the base station can receive the high power FHSS signals from both the encoder transmitter devices and the intermediate transceiver units and the intermediate transceiver units aggregates metering data from multiple encoder transmitter devices prior to block retransmission of the metering data to the base station.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, John MacConnell
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Patent number: 7154938Abstract: The RF communications system of the present invention wirelessly communicates data without encountering undue interference problems with other devices and complies with rules governing unlicensed, spectrum-sharing devices. In an example embodiment, a transmitter device includes a digital subsystem powered by a power supply that processes data from another device and a radio frequency (RF) sub-system that transmits the processed data using a frequency hopping scheme. The RF sub-system includes a microprocessor arrangement that ON-OFF keys a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and provides a frequency-hopping scheme. The VCO is coupled to a signal frequency spreading arrangement that spreads the signal to a predetermined transmission bandwidth, wherein the frequency spreading occurs during an ON state of the ON-OFF keying and the transmission bandwidth exceeds a reception bandwidth at which the signal will be decoded.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Richard Devries, Gary Larson
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Publication number: 20060114121Abstract: Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2005Publication date: June 1, 2006Applicant: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Aaron Fitzgerald, Gary Larson
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Publication number: 20060038700Abstract: A sleeve repeater includes a meter sleeve mount and a meter ring mount. The meter sleeve mount interfaces to a utility meter and includes an antenna that is electrically coupled to internal sleeve repeater circuitry. The meter ring mount interfaces with the meter sleeve mount and is attachable to a desired surface to provide a mounted support to the meter sleeve mount and the utility meter. The sleeve repeater includes an antenna that may be internal or external to the meter sleeve mount. An external antenna is preferably enclosed with a dome for protection. The sleeve repeater is able to collect utility meter data from its proximate meter and from a plurality of remotely located repeaters. The sleeve repeater is able to transmit the collected data to collector or other intermediate devices so that the data may reach the head end of an AMR system. A decorative embodiment is available.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2005Publication date: February 23, 2006Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Richard DeVries
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Publication number: 20050190074Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collecting and displaying real-time utility consumption data and an estimate of utility costs from various utility metering modules upon request by the consumer within the comfort of their own home or business. According to one aspect of the invention, a utility display module is in communication with a utility end point device that monitors and displays consumption of a utility (water, gas, and/or electricity). The source of the data received by the module may be generated by utility meter transmitters that are attached to the various utility delivery end points or meters. In a related embodiment, a repeater may be used with a battery powered energy display module to make the module transportable.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2005Publication date: September 1, 2005Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Richard DeVries
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Publication number: 20040125889Abstract: The RF communications system of the present invention wirelessly communicates data without encountering undue interference problems with other devices and complies with rules governing unlicensed, spectrum-sharing devices. In an example embodiment, a transmitter device includes a digital subsystem powered by a power supply that processes data from another device and a radio frequency (RF) sub-system that transmits the processed data using a frequency hopping scheme. The RF sub-system includes a microprocessor arrangement that ON-OFF keys a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and provides a frequency-hopping scheme. The VCO is coupled to a signal frequency spreading arrangement that spreads the signal to a predetermined transmission bandwidth, wherein the frequency spreading occurs during an ON state of the ON-OFF keying and the transmission bandwidth exceeds a reception bandwidth at which the signal will be decoded.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2002Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, Richard Devries, Gary Larson
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Publication number: 20020109607Abstract: A spread spectrum meter reading system enables the use of high power frequency hopping spread spectrum (HPSS) transmissions at both the encoder transmitter and repeater levels of the meter reading system. A plurality of end point encoder transmitter devices are each connected to a utility meter and transmit high power FHSS signals containing at least metering data for the corresponding utility meter. A plurality of intermediate transceiver units that are fewer in number than the number of end point encoder transmitter devices both receives and retransmits the high power FHSS signals. A base station includes a receiver that receives the high power FHSS signals. Preferably, the base station can receive the high power FHSS signals from both the encoder transmitter devices and the intermediate transceiver units and the intermediate transceiver units aggregates metering data from multiple encoder transmitter devices prior to block retransmission of the metering data to the base station.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Scott Cumeralto, John MacConnell