Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating data exchange between a utility meter and a host device includes a first wireless interface device coupled to the meter via a first hardwired connection and a second wireless interface device coupled to the host device via a second hardwired connection. The first wireless interface device and the second wireless interface device are operative to wirelessly exchange data therebetween. According to one embodiment, gateway software is provided within the first wireless interface device to allow the first wireless interface device to initiate on behalf of the host computer a request for the meter to provide predetermined information, acknowledge on behalf of the host computer receipt of data containing the predetermined information, purge data containing the predetermined information of information unrelated to the predetermined information and encrypting and decrypting packets exchanged between the meter and host computer.

Abstract: An electric meter tamper detection system for sensing removal of an electric meter from a corresponding meter socket and for generating a tamper signal is disclosed. In this system, the tamper signal is relayed to a headend when the electric meter—connected in series with and monitoring current flour through at least one conductor—has been removed from the meter socket. At least one resistor is electrically connected to the line-side of the conductor. A light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the resistor and to the load-side of the conductor. A transistor receives the tamper signal from the light emitting diode when the electric meter is removed from the meter socket. A microprocessor is coupled to the transistor, receives the tamper signal from the transistor, and relays the tamper signal to said headend. Thus, the headend is immediately notified if and when the electric meter is removed from its meter socket.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed which varies the operation of consumer's devices to minimize influx currents across a power grid. Power consuming devices are scheduled to operate in accordance with varying pricing tiers. As customers schedule the operation of various devices and appliances in accordance with pricing tiers, when the tiers change, the current drain on the power grid increases significantly. Even increasing the strain on the power grid is the fact that the startup current for electric motors is up to six times their normal operating current. When started, as electric motors place a heavy strain on a power grid, the power strain lead to the disruption of power to the very consumers requiring more power. The present invention randomizes the start up times of the controlled devices so as to minimize the strain of the power grid as each one comes on line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing notice of impending initialization prior to initializing a microprocessor to enable the microprocessor to store operating data prior to initialization and to use the stored operating data after initialization. The apparatus includes a first means for supplying a first signal to warn the microprocessor of an impending initialization and a second means for supplying a second signal to cause the initialization of the microprocessor. In response to the first signal, the microprocessor is programmed to recognize that an initialization of the processor is scheduled to occur and therefore operates to complete current program tasks and initiates the storage of a selected set of operating data within a memory storage device. In response to the second signal, the microprocessor is initialized and operates to detect whether the initialization of the microprocessor corrupted any of the selected operating data stored within the memory storage device.

Abstract: An electric meter tamper detection system for sensing removal of an electric meter from a corresponding meter socket and for generating a tamper signal is disclosed. In this system, the tamper signal is relayed to a headend when the electric meter--connected in series with and monitoring current flow through at least one conductor--has been removed from the meter socket. At least one resistor is electrically connected to the line-side of the conductor. A light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the resistor and to the load-side of the conductor. A transistor receives the tamper signal from the light emitting diode when the electric meter is removed from the meter socket. A microprocessor is coupled to the transistor, receives the tamper signal from the transistor, and relays the tamper signal to said headend. Thus, the headend is immediately notified if and when the electric meter is removed from its meter socket.