Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a mast suitable for use with closed circuit television equipment comprising a plurality of tubular sections detachably connected together to define a tubular structure with two ends wherein a lower end is fixed to a support and the structure tapers towards its upper end to provide a rigid structure and wherein the apparatus further comprises a support for supporting a camera or the like at an upper portion of the tubular structure. There also comprises a device for supporting a housing in a confined area of a mast and for manipulating the housing out of said confined area which apparatus comprises a flexible joint interconnecting an internal wall of the mast and housing, which flexible joint is adapted to move the housing from a stored position to an extended position.