Abstract: Wireless broadband data access is provided to and from a plurality of locations distributed randomly over a large geographic area. The network can be deployed one node at a time, with a new node incorporated into the network if within radio frequency range of any existing node in the network. The newly incorporated node can then be the attaching point for another new node that requires incorporation into the network. Data can be forwarded over multiple hops to reach its destination in the network, with the data-polling scheme self-synchronizing with minimal transmission overhead.

Abstract: Wireless broadband data access is provided to and from a plurality of locations distributed randomly over a large geographic area. The network can be deployed one node at a time, with a new node incorporated into the network if within radio frequency range of any existing node in the network. The newly incorporated node can then be the attaching point for another new node that requires incorporation into the network. Data can be forwarded over multiple hops to reach its destination in the network, with the data-polling scheme self-synchronizing with minimal transmission overhead.

Abstract: The remote instrument reading and telemetry system of the present invention includes at least one instrument link interconnected to a data gathering device and a remote station interrogation apparatus. The interrogation apparatus and instrument link both include radio transmitters and receivers so information and instructions can be communicated between them. In the interrogation mode, the interrogation apparatus instructs the instrument link to transmit information (e.g., data from the data gathering device) in a specified manner, within certain time frames, and in a specific frequency channel. Before requesting the transmission of information, the interrogation apparatus determines which of the available reply radio channels is the best for transmission of information and instructs the instrument link to use this reply channel.

Abstract: An automated multi-purpose utility water meter readout system. The disclosed system obtains water usage information from an existing water meter without any modifications or attachments to the meter. The device needs only to be located in proximity to the water meter and obtains water flow information by sensing the magnetic flux lines generated by the internal rotating coupling magnets of the water meter. The varying magnetic flux is converted to a periodic electrical signal whose frequency is proportional to the flow rate. The instantaneous flow is continually totalized and stored in a solid-state counter, from which the totalized flow information is periodically transmitted to a remote receiver by a standard, well-proven radio frequency telemetry link. The remote receiver stores data from multiple meters (up to 10,000) and periodically sends the data to the data processing office by means of telephone lines, CATV cable, or RF link.