Patents by Inventor Zane C. Eaton
Zane C. Eaton 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).
-
Publication number: 20240064114Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for providing multiple networks from a gateway. A multiple network gateway system can include a gateway (e.g., a router) with the ability to support multiple, configurable, and customizable networks. The gateway can connect to a source (e.g., internet service provider (ISP), cable networks, OTA networks, satellite networks, etc.) and determine the bandwidth. Using the determined bandwidth, the gateway can allocate the bandwidth among the multiple networks according to a priority order of the networks. In some implementations, the gateway can receive customizable features from the user. Examples of the customizable features can include security options, parental controls, operational hours, MAC address specific operations, number of user limits, and internet usage tracking. The gateway can determine the priority of each network based on the customizable features.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
-
Patent number: 11818054Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for providing multiple networks from a gateway. A multiple network gateway system can include a gateway (e.g., a router) with the ability to support multiple, configurable, and customizable networks. The gateway can connect to a source (e.g., internet service provider (ISP), cable networks, OTA networks, satellite networks, etc.) and determine the bandwidth. Using the determined bandwidth, the gateway can allocate the bandwidth among the multiple networks according to a priority order of the networks. In some implementations, the gateway can receive customizable features from the user. Examples of the customizable features can include security options, parental controls, operational hours, MAC address specific operations, number of user limits, and internet usage tracking. The gateway can determine the priority of each network based on the customizable features.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: DISH Network L.L.C.Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
-
Publication number: 20230308399Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for distributing network connectivity from a gateway. The network access system can include a gateway with the ability to support regulating network access to various devices. The network access functionality can be configurable and customizable to various users or devices. The gateway can connect to a source and determine the bandwidth. Using the determined bandwidth, the gateway can allocate the bandwidth among the devices according to a priority order of the devices. In some implementations, the gateway can receive customizable features from the user for bandwidth allocation to devices connected the gateway. The gateway can track the network usage by MAC address of a device and disconnect the device from the network when the network usage reaches a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
-
Publication number: 20230300084Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for providing multiple networks from a gateway. A multiple network gateway system can include a gateway (e.g., a router) with the ability to support multiple, configurable, and customizable networks. The gateway can connect to a source (e.g., internet service provider (ISP), cable networks, OTA networks, satellite networks, etc.) and determine the bandwidth. Using the determined bandwidth, the gateway can allocate the bandwidth among the multiple networks according to a priority order of the networks. In some implementations, the gateway can receive customizable features from the user. Examples of the customizable features can include security options, parental controls, operational hours, MAC address specific operations, number of user limits, and internet usage tracking. The gateway can determine the priority of each network based on the customizable features.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2022Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
-
Publication number: 20230174234Abstract: A technique is directed to methods and systems for providing drone-based assistance to a user. Drones may be utilized to aid users in performing tasks, such as assisting a user during an activity. The assistance can include providing a cooling flow of air, spraying a cooling mist of liquid, playing music, providing guidance, providing instructions, communicating with a device(s) to seek medical aid, retrieving sporting equipment, collecting performance metrics, collecting health metrics, or any assistance action. A user can connect to the drone via a device or using a set of built-in algorithms that employ biometric recognition to identify the user. Once activated and linked to the user, the drone can take flight. The drone can fly above, in front, or behind the user at a predetermined or adjustable height and provide airflow or mist from the drone blades to cool the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2021Publication date: June 8, 2023Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
-
Patent number: 8400001Abstract: A generator set includes an internal combustion engine and a generator driven by the engine. The generator provides electricity to a plurality of loads, each of which is selectively connected to the generator by a switch. The generator set is controlled by a method that includes receiving a command to connect a given load to the generator. In response to that command, a throttle of the engine is changed to a transition throttle position and an transition excitation voltage is applied to the generator. Then the switch is operated to connect the given load to the generator. Thereafter, in response to a defined event occurring, the throttle is changed to a normal position and a normal excitation voltage is applied to the generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
-
Publication number: 20110175372Abstract: A generator set includes an internal combustion engine and a generator driven by the engine. The generator provides electricity to a plurality of loads, each of which is selectively connected to the generator by a switch. The generator set is controlled by a method that includes receiving a command to connect a given load to the generator. In response to that command, a throttle of the engine is changed to a transition throttle position and an transition excitation voltage is applied to the generator. Then the switch is operated to connect the given load to the generator. Thereafter, in response to a defined event occurring, the throttle is changed to a normal position and a normal excitation voltage is applied to the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
-
Patent number: 7825641Abstract: A hybrid voltage regulator controls the voltage of three phases of alternating electricity produced by an alternator. A digital voltage regulator produces an average of the RMS voltage for each phase and produces an error value based on a ratio of the voltage to the frequency of the alternating electricity. The RMS voltage average and the error value are used to modify a voltage command designating a desired voltage level. The modified voltage command is processed by an analog voltage regulator that rectifies the alternator output voltage which then is averaged over an period of time. The resultant average voltage value is utilized to modify the voltage command to produce a regulated voltage command that determines a level of current to apply to excite the alternator.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Doug Dorn, Eric Albsmeier, Harrison Chiu, Isaac Frampton
-
Publication number: 20090218991Abstract: A hybrid voltage regulator controls the voltage of three phases of alternating electricity produced by an alternator. A digital voltage regulator produces an average of the RMS voltage for each phase and produces an error value based on a ratio of the voltage to the frequency of the alternating electricity. The RMS voltage average and the error value are used to modify a voltage command designating a desired voltage level. The modified voltage command is processed by an analog voltage regulator that rectifies the alternator output voltage which then is averaged over an period of time. The resultant average voltage value is utilized to modify the voltage command to produce a regulated voltage command that determines a level of current to apply to excite the alternator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Doug Dorn, Eric Albsmeier, Harrison Chiu, Isaac Frampton
-
Patent number: 7259481Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system are disclosed. The ATS system includes at least one input port capable of being coupled to at least one power source to receive an input power, a first internal component that requires internal power satisfying a first criterion in order to properly operate, and a power converter such as a switch mode power supply that is coupled to the first internal component and to the at least one input port. The power converter is capable of receiving the input power by way of the at least one input port and converting the input power into the internal power to be provided to the first internal component. The internal power provided by the power converter satisfies the first criterion, even though at least one characteristic of the input power varies within a range.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, John S. O'Grady
-
Patent number: 7157811Abstract: An Automatic Transfer Switch System includes a control circuit in which high frequency transformers, designed to operate linearly in a frequency range above the operating frequency range of utility-level power, are employed for voltage sensing. An output signal from a high frequency line matching transformer is received by a microprocessor which evaluates the signal for both a voltage level and frequency and uses these values as indices to an empirically-derived look-up table which provides an actual voltage level to the microprocessor. The actual voltage value can then be evaluated by the microprocessor to determine if and when the power delivered to a load should be supplied by a first or a second power supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Eric Albsmeier
-
Patent number: 7005760Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system for governing the providing of power from first, second and third power sources to a load are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a first ATS device having first and second input ports and a first output port, a second ATS device having third and fourth input ports and a second output port, and at least one communication link coupling the first and second ATS devices. The second output port of the second ATS device is coupled to the second input port of the first ATS device. Additionally, a first signal is provided from the first ATS device to the second ATS device by way of the communication link when power should be supplied from the second ATS device to the first ATS device.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, George C. Henegar, Anthony J. Hackbarth
-
Patent number: 6980911Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system to switch between first and second powers received from respective first and second power supplies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes sensing a first phase associated with the first power and a second phase associated with the second power, and determining whether the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within a first time period. The method further includes providing a control signal at a second output port when it is determined that the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within the time period, determining that the first and second phases have become synchronized in response to the control signal, and switching between the first and second powers once it is determined that the first and second phases have become synchronized.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
-
Publication number: 20040233602Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system are disclosed. The ATS system includes at least one input port capable of being coupled to at least one power source to receive an input power, a first internal component that requires internal power satisfying a first criterion in order to properly operate, and a power converter such as a switch mode power supply that is coupled to the first internal component and to the at least one input port. The power converter is capable of receiving the input power by way of the at least one input port and converting the input power into the internal power to be provided to the first internal component. The internal power provided by the power converter satisfies the first criterion, even though at least one characteristic of the input power varies within a range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, John S. O'Grady
-
Publication number: 20040169421Abstract: An Automatic Transfer Switch System includes a control circuit in which high frequency transformers, designed to operate linearly in a frequency range above the operating frequency range of utility-level power, are employed for voltage sensing. An output signal from a high frequency line matching transformer is received by a microprocessor which evaluates the signal for both a voltage level and frequency and uses these values as indices to an empirically-derived look-up table which provides an actual voltage level to the microprocessor. The actual voltage value can then be evaluated by the microprocessor to determine if and when the power delivered to a load should be supplied by a first or a second power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Eric Albsmeier
-
Publication number: 20040172204Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system to switch between first and second powers received from respective first and second power supplies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes sensing a first phase associated with the first power and a second phase associated with the second power, and determining whether the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within a first time period. The method further includes providing a control signal at a second output port when it is determined that the first and second phases have failed to become synchronized within the time period, determining that the first and second phases have become synchronized in response to the control signal, and switching between the first and second powers once it is determined that the first and second phases have become synchronized.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
-
Publication number: 20040169422Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) system and method of operating an ATS system for governing the providing of power from first, second and third power sources to a load are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a first ATS device having first and second input ports and a first output port, a second ATS device having third and fourth input ports and a second output port, and at least one communication link coupling the first and second ATS devices. The second output port of the second ATS device is coupled to the second input port of the first ATS device. Additionally, a first signal is provided from the first ATS device to the second ATS device by way of the communication link when power should be supplied from the second ATS device to the first ATS device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, George C. Henegar, Anthony J. Hackbarth
-
Patent number: 6701221Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing damage to an alternator of a genset resulting from high currents within the alternator. The method includes calculating, at a processor, a first quantity related to a current flowing through the alternator during a first time period, and comparing, at the processor, the first quantity with a first threshold. The method further includes calculating, at the processor, a second quantity related to the current flowing through the alternator during at least one of the first time period and a second time period, and comparing, at the processor, the second quantity with a second threshold. The method additionally includes indicating a current overload condition if at least one of the first quantity exceeds the first threshold or the second quantity exceeds the second threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Vikram Kaura, Richard D. Van Maaren, Douglas W. Dorn
-
Patent number: 6555929Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a genset having an engine and an alternator in order to prevent an excessive change in a speed of the engine because of a sudden change in a load on the alternator. The method includes obtaining a first measured value of an actual AC output power of the alternator at a genset controller during a first time period, and obtaining a second measured value of the actual AC output power of the alternator at the genset controller during a second time period. The method further includes determining at the genset controller a first output power based upon at least the first measured value, and a second output power based upon at least the second measured value.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Michael S. Lindgren, Eric Albsmeier
-
Patent number: 6351692Abstract: A genset controller that is configurable for controlling a variety of types of gensets, as well as a method of configuring a genset controller for controlling a genset, are disclosed. The genset controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of software routines, a personality profile data set, and a user-settable data set, and further includes a processor coupled to the memory for executing the software routines and reading data from the personality profile data set and the user settable data set to control the genset. The genset controller additionally includes an input port coupled to the memory for enabling changes to the personality profile data set and the user-settable data set to be downloaded into the memory. The personality profile data set and the user-settable data set include data that configures the genset controller for operation with a particular genset.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Jonathan D. Churchill