Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for associating electronic devices to portable containers. A smart container is a container used for transporting items while traveling and comprising electronic devices. The smart container may comprise at least one module bay configured for receiving a module and a controller comprising a processing device associated with a memory. The controller is electrically associated with the module bay and configured for sending and/or receiving data to/from an electronic device associated with the module bay. The controller may be either an integral component of the smart container or a controller module removably received by the smart container. The smart container further comprises a power source associated with a power bus. The power bus is electrically associated with at least one of (a) a module bay, and (b) the controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a meter box for housing a utility meter and configured for associating a customer service line to a utility service line. The meter box may be configured to fit within an existing meter box and may be configured with side sections in a telescopic arrangement. Flow control components at an input of the meter box prevent backflow. The meter box comprises an electronic module that includes a variety of selectable features including datalogging, AMR, environmental monitoring, and resource monitoring. A remote monitor is provided for allowing a customer to view selected data including consumption data, pressure, pH, temperature, warnings, remote turnoff, and provide secured bill paying services. Imaging/audio components provide visual and audio data which may include an image of an analog readout for a meter register, images of the metering environment, and sound data for metering environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning metal debris from a magnetic tool (some tools of which have magnetic properties) is disclosed. For one embodiment, the magnetic cleaner comprises a magnetic element suitably sized to interface with a surface of a tool associated with metal debris. A housing comprising a magnetic interface constructed of magnetically transparent material surrounds the magnetic element wherein the remainder of the housing is optionally constructed from material that forms a magnetic barrier. The magnetic element may be movably associated with the housing allowing the magnetic element to be associated/disassociated with the housing magnetic interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning metal debris from a magnetic tool (some tools of which have magnetic properties) is disclosed. For one embodiment, the magnetic cleaner comprises a magnetic element suitably sized to interface with a surface of a tool associated with metal debris. A housing comprising a magnetic interface constructed of magnetically transparent material surrounds the magnetic element wherein the remainder of the housing is optionally constructed from material that forms a magnetic barrier. The magnetic element may be movably associated with the housing allowing the magnetic element to be associated/disassociated with the housing magnetic interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improved check valve technology used in flow meters, particularly compound/combo meters. The improved check valve technology may comprise a single piece module that (1) can easily be removed from the check valve chamber without disturbing the metering module, (2) comprises a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, seal removal and seal replacement; (3) is secured in its housing only external fasteners; and (4) comprises fluid hammer suppression and monitoring features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improved check valve technology used in flow meters, particularly compound/combo meters. The improved check valve technology may be comprised in a single piece module that (1) can easily be removed from the meter without disturbing the metering module, (2) has few or no complicated rollers and pins that require calibration, (3) requires little or no special training to remove, (4) does not require the meter repairperson to move relatively heavy objects, (5) comprises a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, seal removal and seal replacement; and (6) is secured in its housing using only external fasteners. The check valve module further comprises fluid hammer relief features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improved check valve technology used in flow meters, particularly compound/combo meters. The improved check valve technology may be comprised in a single piece module that (1) can easily be removed from the meter without disturbing the metering module, (2) has few or no complicated rollers and pins that require calibration, (3) requires little or no special training to remove, (4) does not require the meter repairperson to move relatively heavy objects, (5) comprises a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, seal removal and seal replacement; and (6) is secured in its housing using only external fasteners. The check valve module further comprises fluid hammer relief features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a meter box for housing a utility meter and configured for associating a customer service line to a utility service line. The meter box may be configured to fit within an existing meter box and may be configured with side sections in a telescopic arrangement. Flow control components at an input of the meter box prevent backflow. The meter box comprises an electronic module that includes a variety of selectable features including datalogging, AMR, environmental monitoring, and resource monitoring. A remote monitor is provided for allowing a customer to view selected data including consumption data, pressure, pH, temperature, warnings, remote turnoff, and provide secured bill paying services. Imaging/audio components provide visual and audio data which may include an image of an analog readout for a meter register, images of the metering environment, and sound data for metering environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a meter box for housing a utility meter and configured for associating a customer service line to a utility service line. The meter box may be configured to fit within an existing meter box and may be configured with side sections in a telescopic arrangement. Flow control components at an input of the meter box prevent backflow. The meter box comprises an electronic module that includes a variety of selectable features including data logging, AMR, environmental monitoring, and resource monitoring. A remote monitor is provided for allowing a customer to view selected data including consumption data, pressure, pH, temperature, warnings, remote turnoff, and provide secured bill paying services. Imaging/audio components provide visual and audio data which may include an image of an analog readout for a meter register, images of the metering environment, and sound data for metering environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for upgrading fluid meters with improved modular check valve technology. The check valve module is secured within the meter using only external fasteners. The check valve module may also include a seal. The seal may be inspected by simply removing the external fasteners securing the check valve module within the enclosure and removing the check valve module from the enclosure. The check valve module may include a test port for testing the operation of the check valve. Additionally, a module insert is disclosed comprising a screen module, a metering module, a check valve module, and a bypass arm for dual metering solutions. The module insert may be installed in meter housing connected to a fluid delivery system or new meter housing. Additionally, the module insert may be constructed from materials substantially free of lead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improved check valve technology used in flow meters, particularly compound/combo meters. The improved check valve technology may be comprised in a single piece module that (1) can easily be removed from the meter without disturbing the metering module, (2) has few or no complicated rollers and pins that require calibration, (3) requires little or no special training to remove, (4) does not require the meter repairperson to move relatively heavy objects, (5) comprises a seal as part of the check valve assembly simplifying seal inspection, seal removal and seal replacement; and (6) is secured in its housing using only external fasteners. The check valve module may be used for upgrading meters installed at customer sites, for upgrading used meters returned for repairs, and for simplifying new meter production.