Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Cobbs

Thomas H. Cobbs 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: 8645772
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an intelligent communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for managing a network connection of the intelligent communications device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a communication module for monitoring the network connection through a first port that is independent of a network port. The first port is associated with a computer-executable application that is operative to detect failure of the network connection. The apparatus further includes a detection module for detecting a failure of the network connection at the network port and, in response to the failure, causing the intelligent communications device to reconnect to the network. The apparatus also includes a power supply module for iteratively power-cycling operation of the intelligent communications device in response to a failed network connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. Howard, Paul A. Reed, Thomas H. Cobbs, Tyler C. Poschel
  • Publication number: 20120054540
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an intelligent communications device for operating in a network is disclosed. The device includes a storage device having a plurality of partitions storing images for performing boot operations. The device also includes a detection module that is operative to detect a boot failure, and a first restoration module that is operative to restore an active image with a first backup image, in response to a detected boot failure from an active image. The device further includes a second restoration module that is operative to restore a second backup image in response to a detected boot failure after restoration from a first backup image. The device also includes a programmable processor that is programmed to cause execution of boot operations and functions performed by the detection module, first restoration module, and second restoration module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SmartSynch, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. Howard, Thomas H. Cobbs
  • Publication number: 20120054571
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an intelligent communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for managing a network connection of the intelligent communications device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a communication module for monitoring the network connection through a first port that is independent of a network port. The first port is associated with a computer-executable application that is operative to detect failure of the network connection. The apparatus further includes a detection module for detecting a failure of the network connection at the network port and, in response to the failure, causing the intelligent communications device to reconnect to the network. The apparatus also includes a power supply module for iteratively power-cycling operation of the intelligent communications device in response to a failed network connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SMARTSYNCH, INC.
    Inventors: Edward G. Howard, Paul A. Reed, Thomas H. Cobbs, Tyler C. Poschel