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: 20240064114
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
  • Patent number: 11818054
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: DISH Network L.L.C.
    Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
  • Publication number: 20230308399
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
  • Publication number: 20230300084
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
  • Publication number: 20230174234
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Zane C. Eaton
  • Patent number: 8400001
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20110175372
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
  • Patent number: 7825641
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Doug Dorn, Eric Albsmeier, Harrison Chiu, Isaac Frampton
  • Publication number: 20090218991
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Doug Dorn, Eric Albsmeier, Harrison Chiu, Isaac Frampton
  • Patent number: 7259481
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, John S. O'Grady
  • Patent number: 7157811
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Eric Albsmeier
  • Patent number: 7005760
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, George C. Henegar, Anthony J. Hackbarth
  • Patent number: 6980911
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20040233602
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, John S. O'Grady
  • Publication number: 20040169421
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Eric Albsmeier
  • Publication number: 20040172204
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Kenneth R. Bornemann
  • Publication number: 20040169422
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, George C. Henegar, Anthony J. Hackbarth
  • Patent number: 6701221
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Vikram Kaura, Richard D. Van Maaren, Douglas W. Dorn
  • Patent number: 6555929
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Michael S. Lindgren, Eric Albsmeier
  • Patent number: 6351692
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Zane C. Eaton, Jonathan D. Churchill