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: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing a portable docking station function for transferring items. The portable docking station may be suitably sized for the application of interest; however, for the preferred embodiment the portable docking station is about the size of a typical parking space. Embodiments of the invention include devices comprising a ramp with an automatic lowering system, lifting system and electronic modules for performing a variety of functions.

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 novel improvements to an apparatus for uniformly decomposing compressed tablets into a uniform size powder form. More particularly, the present invention is directed to improvements to the rotor cap of the apparatus allowing the rotor cap to be easily removed from the apparatus without the need for removal tools thereby allowing easy conversion from right hand operation to left hand operation and vice versa. Such improves also allow for disassembly and cleaning. Additional improvements including providing for a coding tab configured to represent predefined information such as ownership and previous use.

Abstract: The reader (1) for a utility meter is disclosed. The reader (1) is capable of receiving data, in a variety of different protocols, by either inductive coupling or by radio frequency transmission. The reader (1) is a hand-held device which comprises an inductive read nozzle (2), a RF module, a display (4), a keypad (5) a trigger switch (6), a handle (7) a communication port (8), a battery charging interface (9), a memory and a microprocessor. The reader (1) is capable of storing utility usage data in memory and/or downloading utility usage data to a computer through the communication port (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to an enclosure for housing transmitter components of an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system electrically associated with a utility meter disposed in a substantially non-RF transparent location. The enclosure comprises a first section mechanically associated with a second section where the first section is disposed outside the non-RF transparent location, and said second section extends from said first section to a point within said non-RF transparent location. The first section may house an antenna and a transmitter while the second section may house a power source electrically associated with said transmitter.

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 is directed to a single or multiple piece precision geometric device for performing a variety of geometric functions such as locating the precise center of circular member and projecting the determined center to a distant surface, performing squaring functions (inside corners and outside corners), drawing numerous types of polygons, constructing perfect 45 degree angles, right triangles, squares of various sizes, perfectly formed rhombuses and perfectly symmetric isosceles triangles. The device may be in the shape of a cross with arms that extend outwardly from a center hole. Such arms may be foldable and/or removable to allow the geometric device to be better configured for a particular task.

Abstract: The present technology relates to laminated ball bats and a methodology for making the same. The disclosed technology provides for a laminated blank suitable for machining into a laminated bat having a generic bat shape (such as a bat consisting of a handle and a barrel where the handle has a smaller diameter than the barrel) that offers greater flexibility in changing the bat's weight distribution. Using lamination technology, various portions of a blank may be constructed having different densities (and associated weights) thereby decoupling such blank's length/weight properties. Such technology provides a method of positioning a bat's center of mass (CM) at various locations along the bat thereby changing the location of the bat's sweet spot zone center. Bats constructed in accordance with the disclosed technology may have a variety of pre-selected weight distributions while maintaining a particular bat shape and a particular overall bat weight.

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: Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology includes communication apparatus comprising a transmitter associated with an antenna wherein the transmitter is in communication with a utility meter installed in an underground enclosure. The communication apparatus includes a housing comprising a top-section and a depending base. The top-section at least partially houses the transmitter and the antenna with the depending base housing a power source operatively connected to the transmitter. The top-section is adjacent to an exterior side surface the underground enclosure. The depending base extends from the top-section, through an opening in said exterior side surface, and into the underground enclosure.

Abstract: A reader (1) for a utility meter is disclosed. The reader (1) is capable of receiving data, in a variety different communication protocols, by either inductive coupling or by radio frequency transmission. The reader (1) is a hand-held device which comprises an inductive read nozzle (2), a RF module, a display (4), a keypad (5), a trigger switch (6), a handle (7), a communication port (8), a battery charging interface (9), a memory and a microprocessor. The reader (1) is capable of storing utility usage data in memory and/or downloading utility usage data to a computer through the communication port (8).

Abstract: The present inventions relate to a method and apparatus for adding Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) capabilities to utility meters that generate a magnetic field comprising magnetic flux that varies proportionally with the rate of resource consumption. The apparatus comprises a dual magnetic field sensor unit for detecting variations in the magnetic flux density for the magnetic field. The sensor unit may be compact in size so that it can be positioned within a utility meter. The sensor unit may be operatively connected to a data-unit located outside the utility meter. The data unit may be further configured for storing processed or unprocessed sensor signals and is connected to a transmitter. To minimize power consumption, the magnetic field sensors may be configured to have sensor on times and sensor off times. The on/off state of the magnetic field sensors may be controlled by either a dedicated sensor controller or the data unit.

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.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methodology for making laminated ball bats. The disclosed technology provides for a bat that is designed with a generic bat shape (such as a bat consisting of a handle and a barrel where the handle has a smaller diameter than the barrel) that offers greater flexibility in changing the bat's weight distribution. Using lamination technology, various portions of a bat may be constructed having different densities (and associated weights) thereby decoupling such bat's length/weight properties. Such technology provides a method of positioning a bat's CM at various locations along the bat thereby changing the location of the bat's sweet spot zone center. Bats constructed in accordance with the disclosed technology may have a variety of pre-selected weight distributions while maintaining a particular bat shape and a particular overall bat weight.