Patents Assigned to Neptune Technology Group
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Patent number: 10381772Abstract: A connector assembly connects a coaxial cable, having a first coaxial connector, to a second coaxial connector. The connector assembly includes the coaxial cable conductively connected to a proximal end of the coaxial cable; and an outer housing member having a proximal end and a distal end. The outer housing member includes an internal lumen containing the proximal end of the coaxial cable and at least partially containing the first coaxial connector; a concavity at the proximal end of the outer housing member, wherein the concavity includes an opening that is contiguous with the internal lumen; and a first interlocking connector element in the concavity. The connector assembly further includes at least one sealing body within the internal lumen of the outer housing member, the at least one sealing body forming a watertight seal between the housing and the cable, and a resilient compressible surface surrounding the first coaxial connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Neptune Technology Group Inc.Inventors: Damon Lloyd Patton, Steven Christopher Wolfe, Randall McClay Stoves
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Patent number: 10290968Abstract: A connector assembly connects a coaxial cable, having a first coaxial connector, to a second coaxial connector. The connector assembly includes the coaxial cable conductively connected to a proximal end of the coaxial cable; and an outer housing member having a proximal end and a distal end. The outer housing member includes an internal lumen containing the proximal end of the coaxial cable and at least partially containing the first coaxial connector; a concavity at the proximal end of the outer housing member, wherein the concavity includes an opening that is contiguous with the internal lumen; and a first interlocking connector element in the concavity. The connector assembly further includes at least one sealing body within the internal lumen of the outer housing member, the at least one sealing body forming a watertight seal between the housing and the cable, and a resilient compressible surface surrounding the first coaxial connector.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Neptune Technology GroupInventors: Damon Lloyd Patton, Steven Christopher Wolfe, Randall McClay Stoves
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Patent number: 9500499Abstract: A method of reporting information from a meter interface unit to a receiving device in which a data packet is transferred from the meter interface unit containing meter readings, which are associated with an indicator of the elapsed time since the reading was taken. The receiving device compares this elapsed time value with the actual elapsed time, based upon the internal clock of the receiving device, in order to determine any inaccuracies in the clock of the meter interface unit. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC.Inventors: William J Brennan, Jr., Joseph Quentin Easterling
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Patent number: 9407006Abstract: An antenna having a radiator comprising a conduct in a closed path driven by a plurality of microstrips connecting the radiator to a common, single feed and to a ground plane, with the radiator lying in a plane parallel to that of the ground plane. The radiator may be annular, with the feed located in its center. The relative location of the feed on the microstrips allows a lower input impedance to be leveraged to match a higher load impedance of the radiator. A single-ended input drives all points of the radiator substantially in phase. In another embodiment, the antenna comprises a cylindrical choke one-quarter wavelength in length placed around the coax feed and connected to the underside of the ground plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Neptune Technology Group Inc.Inventors: Michael A Wilson, Damon Lloyd Patton
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Patent number: 9228853Abstract: A method of accounting for the quantity of water or other distributed resource in a distribution system utilizing automated meter reading and reporting. Missing readings are identified and estimated to allow the quantity of unaccounted for water always to be computed.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC.Inventor: William J. Brennan
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Patent number: 9041550Abstract: A method of reporting information from a meter interface unit to a receiving device in which a data packet is transferred from the meter interface unit containing meter readings, which are associated with an indicator of the elapsed time since the reading was taken. The receiving device compares this elapsed time value with the actual elapsed time, based upon the internal clock of the receiving device, in order to determine any inaccuracies in the clock of the meter interface unit. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Neptune Technology Group Inc.Inventors: William J Brennan, Jr., Joseph Quentin
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Patent number: 8994594Abstract: An antenna having a radiator comprising a conduct in a closed path driven by a plurality of microstrips connecting the radiator to a common, single feed and to a ground plane, with the radiator lying in a plane parallel to that of the ground plane. The radiator may be annular, with the feed located in its center. The relative location of the feed on the microstrips allows a lower input impedance to be leveraged to match a higher load impedance of the radiator. A single ended input drives all points of the radiator substantially in phase. In another embodiment, the antenna comprises a cylindrical choke one-quarter wavelength in length placed around the coax feed and connected to the underside of the ground plane.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael A Wilson
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Patent number: 8896463Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Neptune Technology Group Inc.Inventors: Jim Brennan, David Hamilton, Mohammed Ali, Joe Cely, Quentin Easterling, John Bilodeau, Ed Poorbaugh, Burt Carter, Richard Kynard, Warren Wynn, Dan White, David Pettit
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Publication number: 20140313050Abstract: A meter interface unit (MIU) is provided for a utility meter that uses RFID technology as both a source of backup power and as a means of transmitting utility usage data. Usage data is stored in non-volatile memory that will persist even if the main power source of the MIU is lost. Because an RFID generates electric current when it receives an electromagnetic signal from an interrogator, the RFID can provide power to the memory, read the usage data from the memory, and wirelessly transmit the usage data back to the interrogator without any other source of power. This can prevent data loss when the MIU runs out of power; for example, when its battery is expended. RFID technology can also provide many other benefits and uses when coupled with an MIU, in addition to serving as backup power and communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Neptune Technology Group Inc.Inventors: David HAMILTON, William J. BRENNAN, JR., Michael A. Wilson
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Publication number: 20140240142Abstract: A method of reporting information from a meter interface unit to a receiving device in which a data packet is transferred from the meter interface unit containing meter readings, which are associated with an indicator of the elapsed time since the reading was taken. The receiving device compares this elapsed time value with the actual elapsed time, based upon the internal clock of the receiving device, in order to determine any inaccuracies in the clock of the meter interface unit. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Neptune Technology Group Inc.Inventors: William J. BRENNAN, JR., Joseph Quentin
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Patent number: 8791834Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Jim Brennan, David Hamilton, Mohammed Ali, Joe Cely, Quentin Easterling, John Bilodeau, Ed Poorbaugh, Burt Carter, Richard Kynard, Warren Wynn, Dan White, David Pettit
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Patent number: 8786463Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Neptune Technology Group Inc.Inventors: Jim Brennan, David Hamilton, Mohammed Ali, Joe Cely, Quentin Easterling, John Bilodeau, Ed Poorbaugh, Burt Carter, Richard Kynard, Warren Wynn, Dan White, David Pettit
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Patent number: 8736460Abstract: A method of reporting information from a meter interface unit to a receiving device in which a data packet is transferred from the meter interface unit containing meter readings, which are associated with an indicator of the elapsed time since the reading was taken. The receiving device compares this elapsed time value with the actual elapsed time, based upon the internal clock of the receiving device, in order to determine any inaccuracies in the clock of the meter interface unit. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: William J. Brennan, Jr., Joseph Quentin Easterling
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Patent number: 8700344Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a pair of ultrasonic transducers simultaneously transmitting and receiving to measure the mean time of flight of an ultrasonic signal over a given distance, and thereby the speed of sound of a fluid in a conduit at a given temperature, independent of flow rate, and the flow rate of the fluid. A signal source simultaneously drives an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer, each of which receive the signal transmitted by the other. The difference between the upstream and downstream signals takes into account the speed of sound of the fluid. The time of flight for the upstream and downstream signals can then be used to calculate the flow rate. A phase locked loop coupled to the signal source automatically adjusts for variations of the speed of sound in the fluid in response to temperature changes.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Neptune Technology Group Inc.Inventor: Michael A. Wilson
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Publication number: 20130257630Abstract: A method of reporting information from a meter interface unit to a receiving device in which a data packet is transferred from the meter interface unit containing meter readings, which are associated with an indicator of the elapsed time since the reading was taken. The receiving device compares this elapsed time value with the actual elapsed time, based upon the internal clock of the receiving device, in order to determine any inaccuracies in the clock of the meter interface unit. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: William J. Brennan, JR., Joseph Quentin Easterling
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Publication number: 20130088366Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventor: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130088367Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventor: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130088368Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventor: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
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Patent number: 8381586Abstract: A metering apparatus for measuring the flow of water or other fluid through a conduit. The meter comprises a measuring chamber, in which is disposed a nutating ball and disc. A unitary biaxial member, comprising a drive shaft and a spindle having a longitudinal axis offset from that of the drive shaft, couples the ball and disc to a rotating magnet. The unitary biaxial member both controls the offset of the ball and disc from horizontal, such that it nutates in response to water flow through the meter, and translates this nutation to rotation of the magnet, allowing for measurement of water volume flowing through the measuring chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventor: John Raymond Scarborough, III
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Patent number: 8350717Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Neptune Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: William James Brennan, Jr., David Hamilton, Mohammed Ali, Joe Cely, Quentin Easterling, John Bilodeau, Ed Poorbaugh, Burt Carter, Richard Kynard, Warren Wynn, Dan White, David Pettit