Patents by Inventor Thomas Benjamin Smith

Thomas Benjamin Smith 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: 9280505
    Abstract: A system on a module and techniques for use and operation in multiple different smart grid devices and/or nodes are described herein. One example of a system on a module includes a processor, a flash memory device in communication with the processor, and a RAM memory device in communication with the processor. A connector provides an interface to the smart grid device, and includes a plurality of metrology and communications interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bean, Thomas Benjamin Smith, Gregory Shane Barrett, James Ntaribo Takow
  • Patent number: 9189953
    Abstract: Techniques for dynamic power control of a radio of a utility data collection device (e.g., utility meter configured for wireless communications) are described that utilize a detection scheme applied to a Front End Module (FEM) in the utility data collection device. A utility data collection device measures a Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) presented to the FEM during transmission. The result of this measurement allows the utility data collection device to dynamically control the input power to a FEM transmit portion. Utilizing these techniques, the utility data collection device can adjust to environmental changes and conditions experienced in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Benjamin Smith
  • Publication number: 20140167977
    Abstract: A system on a module and techniques for use and operation in multiple different smart grid devices and/or nodes are described herein. One example of a system on a module includes a processor, a flash memory device in communication with the processor, and a RAM memory device in communication with the processor. A connector provides an interface to the smart grid device, and includes a plurality of metrology and communications interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bean, Thomas Benjamin Smith, Gregory Shane Barrett, James Ntaribo Takow
  • Publication number: 20140167975
    Abstract: Techniques for dynamic power control of a radio of a utility data collection device (e.g., utility meter configured for wireless communications) are described that utilize a detection scheme applied to a Front End Module (FEM) in the utility data collection device. A utility data collection device measures a Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) presented to the FEM during transmission. The result of this measurement allows the utility data collection device to dynamically control the input power to a FEM transmit portion. Utilizing these techniques, the utility data collection device can adjust to environmental changes and conditions experienced in the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Benjamin Smith
  • Patent number: 8554150
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wide area network (WAN) module including plural radios, a power supply, and a switch configured so that one and only one of the radios may receive power at any one time. The switch may be electronically or manually operable; if electronically operable, the module may include a processor and a universal serial bus (USB) port for receiving power switching instructions. The WAN module may be incorporated into utility consumption measuring (metering) devices which may correspond to components in a consumption measurement and reporting automatic meter reading (AMR) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Benjamin Smith, Joseph Pontin
  • Publication number: 20130095877
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wide area network (WAN) module including plural radios, a power supply, and a switch configured so that one and only one of the radios may receive power at any one time. The switch may be electronically or manually operable; if electronically operable, the module may include a processor and a universal serial bus (USB) port for receiving power switching instructions. The WAN module may be incorporated into utility consumption measuring (metering) devices which may correspond to components in a consumption measurement and reporting automatic meter reading (AMR) system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Benjamin Smith, Joseph Pontin