Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100031324 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC LICENSING ACCESS TO WIRELESS NETWORK INFORMATION - An apparatus and method for dynamically licensing access to wireless network information provides multiple third parties with selective access to network device information in real-time. Information is collected in real-time from a plurality of sensing and control devices configured in a network arrangement. Information may be collected from each of the sensing and control devices regardless of the communication protocol associated with the device. The collected information is stored and aggregated by a service broker, which selectively licenses access to the information, or subsets of the information, to one or more third parties. | 02-04-2010 |
20110196513 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK - An apparatus for controlling peak demand of a resource. The apparatus includes a plurality of devices and a plurality of control nodes. Each of the plurality of devices consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and the each are capable of performing a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. Each of the plurality of control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of devices, where the plurality of control nodes is coupled together via a demand coordination network, and where the plurality of control nodes coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to reduce the peak demand of the resource, and where one or more of the run times start prior to when otherwise required to maintain corresponding local environments, but which still operate within the acceptable operating margin for the corresponding local environments. | 08-11-2011 |
20120019395 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NETWORK-BASED GRID MANAGEMENT - An apparatus for providing automatic metering capabilities to a resource grid is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of existing automatic meter reading (AMR) meters and a plurality of interface devices. Each of the plurality of existing automatic meter reading (AMR) meters is coupled to a resource consumption point, the each is configured to periodically broadcast respective meter readings. Each of the plurality of interface devices is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of existing AMR meters, and each of the plurality of interface devices is configured to receive one or more of the respective meter readings, and is configured to provide the one or more of the respective meter readings over an existing communications infrastructure. | 01-26-2012 |
20130181847 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING AND TRANSPORTING REAL TIME ENERGY DATA - An apparatus is provided for receiving and transporting real time resource usage data. The apparatus includes a plurality of narrowband receivers and a controller. The a plurality of narrowband receivers is deployed geographically within a grid, where each of the plurality of narrowband receivers is configured to receive transmissions from a least one of a plurality of transmitting devices, and where each of the plurality of transmitting devices transmits identical data on each of a plurality of frequency bands that are hopped according to a hopping sequence. The controller is coupled to the plurality of narrowband receivers, and is configured to control the plurality of narrowband receivers such that the each of the plurality of transmitting devices is identified, and is configured to control the plurality of receivers such that corresponding data from the each of the transmitting devices is received on at least one of the plurality of frequency bands. | 07-18-2013 |
20130185437 | NOC-ORIENTED CONTROL OF A DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK - An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. Each of the plurality of devices consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC is disposed external to the facility, and generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the plurality of control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC via the demand coordination network for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices on and off. | 07-18-2013 |
20130297091 | DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK CONTROL NODE - An apparatus for controlling peak demand of a system of energy consuming devices, including a first control node coupled to a second control node via a demand coordination network. The first control node has a node processor and a global schedule module. The node processor is coupled to a first energy consuming device, and operates the first energy consuming device within an acceptable operating margin to maintain a first local environment by cycling on and off. The global schedule module is coupled to the first node processor, and coordinates run times for the first energy consuming device and a second energy consuming device, where the coordination is based on a replica copy of a global run time schedule disposed within the first and second control nodes, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first local environment, and an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second local environment. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297092 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PEAK ENERGY DEMAND - An apparatus including a monitor node and a first control node. The monitor node determines and broadcasts whether a non-system device is consuming an energy resource over a network. The first control node coupled to the monitor node and a second control node via the network. The first control node has a node processor and a global schedule module. The node processor operates a first energy consuming device to maintain a first local environment. The global schedule module is coupled to the first node processor, and coordinates run times for the first energy consuming device and a second energy consuming device based on a replica copy of a global run time schedule disposed within the first and second control nodes, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first local environment, an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second local environment, and energy consumption data broadcast by the monitor node. | 11-07-2013 |
20130304273 | CONFIGURABLE DEMAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - An apparatus including a network operations center and a first control node. The network operations center provides configuration data to the system of energy consuming devices. The first control node coupled to the network operations center and a second control node via a network. The first control node has a node processor and a global schedule module. The node processor operates a first energy consuming device to maintain a first local environment. The global schedule module is coupled to the first node processor, and coordinates run times for the first energy consuming device and a second energy consuming device based on a replica copy of a global run time schedule disposed within the first and second control nodes, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first local environment, an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second local environment, and the configuration data provided by the network operations center. | 11-14-2013 |
20150074282 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EVALUATING EQUIPMENT OPERATION IN A DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK - An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. Each device consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices on and off, and each control node monitors a corresponding device for deviations from nominal operation. | 03-12-2015 |
20150081052 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PASSIVE MODELING OF NON-SYSTEM DEVICES IN A DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK - An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), a facility consumption monitoring device, and a plurality of control nodes. Each device consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC generates a plurality of run time schedules that is based upon modeled unmonitored consumption within the facility, and that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices on and off. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081053 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ACTIVE MODELING OF NON-SYSTEM DEVICES IN A DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK - An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), a facility consumption monitoring device, and a plurality of control nodes. Each device consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC generates a plurality of run time schedules that is based upon modeled unmonitored consumption within the facility, and that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices on and off. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081105 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING COMFORT IN A DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK - An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. Each device consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function by cycling on and off to maintain a level of comfort. The NOC generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource, where activation of one or more of the plurality of devices is substituted in order to maintain a level of comfort. Each of the control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081128 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING NORMAL FACILITY OPERAITON IN A DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK - An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. Each device consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices, and employs the sensor data and device status in a model to detect exceptions to normal operation of a facility. | 03-19-2015 |
20150081915 | NETWORK LATENCY TOLERANT CONTROL OF A DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK - An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. Each device consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC is disposed external to the facility, and generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules based on latencies of last communications with the NOC to cycle the plurality of devices on and off. | 03-19-2015 |
20150088328 | DEMAND COORDINATION SYNTHESIS SYSTEM - An candidate processor that evaluates buildings for application of demand coordination techniques. The processor models devices, a network operations center (NOC), and control nodes. Each device consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC is disposed external to the facility, and generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules based on latencies of last communications with the NOC to cycle the devices on and off. | 03-26-2015 |
20150227151 | NOC-ORIENTED DEMAND COORDINATION NETWORK CONTROL NODE - An apparatus including a first node and a network operations center (NOC). The first node is within the facility and is coupled to a second node via a demand coordination network. The first node has a node processor coupled to a first device, and transmits data and status via the network for generation of schedules, and operates the first device within an acceptable operating margin to maintain a first environment by cycling on and off according to the schedules. The NOC generates the schedules to control the peak demand of the resource, where one or more run times start prior to when otherwise required to maintain corresponding local environments. The NOC coordinates run times for the first device and a second device, where coordination is based on a global schedule, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first environment, and an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second environment. | 08-13-2015 |
20150227152 | NOC-ORIENTED APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PEAK ENERGY DEMAND - Coupling a first and second nodes, and a monitor node together within a facility via network; via the monitor node, broadcasting whether a non-system device consumes a resource; via the first node, transmitting data and status via the network for generation of schedules, and operating a first device within an acceptable operating margin to maintain a first environment by cycling on and off according to the schedules; and via a network operations center external to the facility, generating the schedules to control peak demand of the resource, where one or more run times start prior to when otherwise required to maintain local environments, and coordinating run times for the first device and a second device, where coordination is based on a global schedule, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first environment, and an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second environment, and data broadcast by the monitor node. | 08-13-2015 |
20150227153 | CONFIGURABLE NOC-ORIENTED DEMAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Coupling first and second nodes together within a facility via a network; via the first node, transmitting data and status via the network for generation of schedules, and operating a first device within an acceptable operating margin to maintain a first environment by cycling on and off according to the schedules; and via a network operations center disposed external to the facility, generating the schedules to control peak demand of a resource, where one or more run times start prior to when otherwise required to maintain corresponding local environments, and coordinating run times for the first device and a second device, where coordination is based on a global schedule, an adjusted first descriptor set characterizing the first environment, and an adjusted second descriptor set characterizing a second environment, a first device activation schedule and a second device activation schedule directing the first and second devices to cycle on and off. | 08-13-2015 |
20150292902 | REAL TIME ENERGY DATA TRANSPORT MECHANISM - An apparatus receiving and transporting real time resource usage data, including a plurality of narrowband receivers and a controller. The a plurality of narrowband receivers is deployed geographically within a grid, where each of the plurality of narrowband receivers is configured to receive transmissions from a least one of a plurality of transmitting devices, and where each of the plurality of transmitting devices transmits identical data on each of a plurality of frequency bands that are hopped according to a hopping sequence. The controller is coupled to the plurality of narrowband receivers, and is configured to control the plurality of narrowband receivers such that the each of the plurality of transmitting devices is identified, and is configured to control the plurality of receivers such that corresponding data from the each of the transmitting devices is received on at least one of the plurality of frequency bands. | 10-15-2015 |
20150292903 | LOW-COST REAL TIME ENERGY DATA TRANSPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus transporting real time resource data, including a plurality of narrowband receivers and a controller. The a plurality of narrowband receivers is deployed geographically within a grid, where each of the plurality of narrowband receivers is configured to receive transmissions from a least one of a plurality of transmitting devices, and where each of the plurality of transmitting devices transmits identical data on each of a plurality of frequency bands that are hopped according to a hopping sequence. The controller is coupled to the plurality of narrowband receivers, and is configured to control the plurality of narrowband receivers such that the each of the plurality of transmitting devices is identified and a corresponding signal quality is determined, and is configured to control the plurality of receivers such that corresponding data from the each of the transmitting devices is received on at least one of the plurality of frequency bands. | 10-15-2015 |
20150294557 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING AND TRANSPORTING REAL TIME AMR METER DATA - An apparatus receiving and transporting real time resource usage data, including a plurality of narrowband receivers and a controller. The a plurality of narrowband receivers is deployed geographically within a grid, where each of the plurality of narrowband receivers is configured to receive transmissions from a least one of a plurality of automated meter reading (AMR) meters, and where each of the plurality of AMR meters transmits identical data on each of a plurality of frequency bands that are hopped according to a hopping sequence. The controller is coupled to the plurality of narrowband receivers, and is configured to control the plurality of narrowband receivers such that the each of the plurality of AMR meters is identified, and is configured to control the plurality of receivers such that corresponding data from the each of the AMR meters is received on at least one of the plurality of frequency bands. | 10-15-2015 |
20150304871 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR END-TO-END LINK QUALITY INDICATION - A mechanism for end-to-end link quality indication, including a wireless router, coupled to other wireless routers over a multi-hop mesh network, responsive to a first message received from an origination device, configured to forward the first message to a next one of the other wireless routers in route to a destination device. The wireless router has received signal strength indication (RSSI) logic, that adds first RSSI information to a first field of the first message, and that adds second RSSI information to a second field of an acknowledgement message prior to transmitting the acknowledgement message to the origination device. The first and second RSSI information, along with intermediate RSSI information added by one or more of the other wireless routers along a path from the origination device to the destination device, is aggregated into a single term representative of total round-trip quality for the first message and the acknowledgment message. | 10-22-2015 |