Abstract: Systems and methods for over-the-air firmware distribution to battery-powered devices are disclosed. Such over-the-air distribution is accomplished, for example, using a non-battery-powered device as a buffer, for example, to reduce or eliminate the delay time of the over-the-air network. The firmware can be sent to and stored on a nearby, non-battery-powered device and then sent from there to the battery-powered endpoint device. The distribution of firmware to battery-powered devices may be implemented in an AMI system, a mesh network, a multi-channel radio network, or any other environment in which firmware distribution is desirable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing accurate time-keeping on battery-powered communication devices used in AMI systems, mesh networks, and multi-channel radio networks. One embodiment allows the use of low power (and low cost) crystals in battery-powered endpoints by periodically correcting the poor timing of these crystals using communications with a nearby, non-battery-powered device. Such communications allow the battery-powered devices to align their timing with that of their non-battery neighbors, among other things.

Abstract: An interactive system for managing and remotely monitoring and effecting the connection status of a customer utility load network is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the interactive system are utilized for customer loads that correspond to the distribution of electrical energy. The interactive system is preferably provided through a web-based application that offers a plurality of selectable services to a user. Security information is preferably required for a user to gain access to the system. Services provided may comprise a read service for providing metered customer utility data, a usage and/or demand notification service for alarming a user when utility usage and/or demand exceeds a defined threshold amount, and/or a connection service for setting a utility load as either connected or disconnected. A control system is preferably provided in conjunction with the web-based application to interface the application to other components involved in the interactive system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for time synchronization using dynamic thresholds. A method for synchronizing network elements includes receiving at a network element a time synchronization message sent from a master clock element. The network element includes an internal clock to be synchronized with a master clock of the master clock element. The method includes calculating a latency of the time synchronization message. The method includes estimating an adjustment that may be made to the internal clock in response to the time synchronization message. The method includes determining whether the latency calculated is less than the adjustment estimated. The method includes adjusting the internal clock when the latency calculated is less than the adjustment estimated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for intelligent two-way telemetry. A telemetry system in accordance with the invention includes one or more telemetry units that can receive and send data. The system further includes one or more controllers that includes intelligence for processing data from the one or more telemetry units and for autonomously communicating with the one or more telemetry units. The controllers are separately located from a data processing center of the telemetry system such that the controllers alleviate data congestion going to and coming from the data processing center.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing and using techniques for sensing rotations of a rotating device, including using at least one switch located in a first plane and a magnet rotating in a plane substantially parallel to the first plane about a rotation axis, the magnet having a north-south axis tilted at an oblique angle to the first plane. The magnet causes the at least one switch to open and close as the magnet rotates about the rotation axis.

Abstract: Method and system to collect measurements from multiple metering devices. The collector devices store and forward measurement information through a network connection to a remote processing center to generate an output based on the measurement information.