Patents by Inventor Shawn Showcatally

Shawn Showcatally 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: 10622711
    Abstract: An electronics enclosure is configured to provide protection against a wet and/or humid environment, and that is configured to allow radio frequency (RF) reception and transmission by electronics within the enclosure. In an example of the enclosure, a plurality of layers interact synergistically to provide protection against moisture and a plurality of low cost antennas are disposed proximate an exterior of the enclosure. In the example, a foil layer of the enclosure defines a small opening, through which RF and electrical coupling occurs. The coupling ensures electrical connection to the antenna(s), defined in a layer proximate an exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Publication number: 20190103667
    Abstract: An electronics enclosure is configured to provide protection against a wet and/or humid environment, and that is configured to allow radio frequency (RF) reception and transmission by electronics within the enclosure. In an example of the enclosure, a plurality of layers interact synergistically to provide protection against moisture and a plurality of low cost antennas are disposed proximate an exterior of the enclosure. In the example, a foil layer of the enclosure defines a small opening, through which RF and electrical coupling occurs. The coupling ensures electrical connection to the antenna(s), defined in a layer proximate an exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Patent number: 10107710
    Abstract: A sensor unit to detect fluid movement and/or leakage from a pipe may be attached to a mounting device that is attached to a pipe by a clamp. The mounting device may be configured to transmit vibrations from the pipe and clamp to the sensor. The sensor unit may be attached to the mount in a manner that may be performed rapidly and without tools, and which results in a connection that is not so tight as to damage the sensor, or so loose as to provide inadequate support. The sensor may be attached by connecting at least a portion of the sensor to at least a portion of the mount, using rotation of a key in a track and a latch to securely hold the sensor in the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Thomas Breitenfeldt
  • Publication number: 20180080849
    Abstract: A sensor unit to detect fluid movement and/or leakage from a pipe may be attached to a mounting device that is attached to a pipe by a clamp. The mounting device may be configured to transmit vibrations from the pipe and clamp to the sensor. The sensor unit may be attached to the mount in a manner that may be performed rapidly and without tools, and which results in a connection that is not so tight as to damage the sensor, or so loose as to provide inadequate support. The sensor may be attached by connecting at least a portion of the sensor to at least a portion of the mount, using rotation of a key in a track and a latch to securely hold the sensor in the mounting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Thomas Breitenfeldt
  • Patent number: 9635775
    Abstract: Sealed end points and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example method includes disposing a first flange of a lid within a groove of a housing. The groove is defined by first and second walls of the housing and lid. The method also includes means for welding two stationary components while rotating a third component to weld the three components together. The second flange is positioned between the first flange and the first wall. The housing, the lid, and the collar include a thermoplastic material. The method includes securing the housing and the lid relative to one another and spin welding the housing, the lid, and the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Nathan Allen Van Roekel, Jason Robert Woodruff
  • Publication number: 20160174405
    Abstract: Sealed end points and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example method includes disposing a first flange of a lid within a groove of a housing. The groove is defined by first and second walls of the housing and lid. The method also includes means for welding two stationary components while rotating a third component to weld the three components together. The second flange is positioned between the first flange and the first wall. The housing, the lid, and the collar include a thermoplastic material. The method includes securing the housing and the lid relative to one another and spin welding the housing, the lid, and the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Nathan Allen Van Roekel, Jason Robert Woodruff
  • Patent number: 9059538
    Abstract: An electrical conductor assembly includes a connector body with a plurality of grooves disposed on a periphery of the connector body and configured to guide corresponding flying leads of a cable along the connector body from one end (“proximal end”) of the connector body to another end (“distal end”). A mountable fastener may be positioned around the cable, coupled to the connector body, and mounted to an enclosure. In this configuration, the ends of the flying leads extend beyond the distal end of the connector body in fixed, spaced, relative location from each other so that they may be terminated within the enclosure and protected from environmental contaminants outside of the enclosure. The coupling of the mountable fastener to the connector body provides strain relief on the individual flying leads by clamping insulation of the flying leads between the mountable fastener and the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Thomas Breitenfeldt
  • Publication number: 20140273619
    Abstract: An electrical conductor assembly includes a connector body with a plurality of grooves disposed on a periphery of the connector body and configured to guide corresponding flying leads of a cable along the connector body from one end (“proximal end”) of the connector body to another end (“distal end”). A mountable fastener may be positioned around the cable, coupled to the connector body, and mounted to an enclosure. In this configuration, the ends of the flying leads extend beyond the distal end of the connector body in fixed, spaced, relative location from each other so that they may be terminated within the enclosure and protected from environmental contaminants outside of the enclosure. The coupling of the mountable fastener to the connector body provides strain relief on the individual flying leads by clamping insulation of the flying leads between the mountable fastener and the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Thomas Breitenfeldt
  • Patent number: 8593792
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Patent number: 8438934
    Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson Anderson, Shawn Showcatally, Robert Payne
  • Publication number: 20120152031
    Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Tyson Anderson, Shawn Showcatally, Robert Payne
  • Patent number: 8122775
    Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson Anderson, Shawn Showcatally, Robert Payne
  • Patent number: 8116071
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Publication number: 20120014050
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Publication number: 20110259117
    Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Tyson Anderson, Shawn Showcatally, Robert Payne
  • Patent number: 7510422
    Abstract: Breakaway devices for use in a meter-pit environment that protect connections between components of an AMR system are described herein. In various embodiments, at least one cable is adapted to operably couple a first AMR device and a second AMR device, wherein at least one of the first AMR device and the second AMR device is disposed in a utility meter pit. In an embodiment, at least once connector adapted to operably couple the cable to the first AMR device or the second AMR device is constructed to be decoupleabe in response to a force that is less than the linear breaking strength of the cable. In another embodiment, the cable may be constructed to have a length equal to at least about twice the distance between the first AMR device and the second AMR device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Aaron Fitzgerald, Ken Rigdon, Brad D. Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20080316050
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Publication number: 20070270012
    Abstract: A breakaway device for use in a meter-pit environment that protects the connections between components of an AMR system. The AMR system includes a cable operably connected to a utility meter, an AMR device, and an RF antenna. The breakaway device acts prevents overstress on system components and connections when force is applied to the cable connecting these components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Shawn Showcatally, Aaron Fitzgerald, Ken Rigdon, Brad Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6562206
    Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Publication number: 20020179429
    Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally