Abstract: A high-resolution index (HRI) detector module for use with a meter including an HRI wheel therein having a modulator thereon is provided. The HRI detector module includes a plurality of capacitive sensors positioned on a printed circuit board (PCB). The plurality of capacitive sensors is configured to detect a change in capacitance caused by the modulator of the HRI wheel when the modulator enters into an electric field generated by the plurality of capacitive sensors. Related systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system for connecting a central module to a network is provided. The system includes a central module having an inlet and an outlet; a first connector configured to be received at the inlet of the central module; a second, connector configured to be received at the outlet of the central module; and at least one fastening mechanism configured to secure the first and second connectors to the central module such that a sealed connection is provided through the central module to the network.

Abstract: Pressure regulating systems are provided. The pressure regulating systems include a pressure sensor configured to sense pressure of water flowing through a pressure regulating device; an actuator coupled to the pressure sensor; an electronics module configured to receive pressure information related sensed pressure from the pressure sensor and process the received pressure information; and a radio module coupled to the device and configured to receive the processed sensor information from the electronics module, communicate the processed sensor information to a remote location and receive pressure adjustment information from the remote location. The received pressure adjustment information is used to adjust water pressure in the water network from the remote location.

Abstract: System and methods for determining loading on supply lines of a three-phase power distribution system. Load meters are connected to the supply lines to receive power. A feeder meter is connected to a supply line designated the reference supply line having a known reference phase. A device generates a timing pulse received by the load meters and the feeder meter. The load meters and feeder meter each determine a respective time delay and feeder meter delay from receiving the timing pulse until a landmark value of the power received. The feeder meter delay corresponds to the reference phase. Each load meter and feeder meter includes a transmission device to transmit the time delay or feeder meter delay. An end server receives the time delays and feeder meter delay and assigns each load meter to a phase by comparing the time delay for a load meter to the feeder meter delay.

Abstract: Methods for identifying in range endpoints in a network are provided. The methods includes providing a map including endpoints in the network, the endpoints including target endpoints, out of range endpoints and non-out of range endpoints; positioning a grid over the map including the endpoints in the network, the grid including a plurality of subsections each having a defined radius, locating a target endpoint on the map and in one of the subsections of the grid; and identifying a plurality of endpoints within subsections of the grid within a defined range of the target endpoint.

Abstract: Meters including a pressure regulating systems are provided. The pressure regulating system includes a pressure sensor configured to sense pressure of water flowing through the meter; an actuator coupled to the pressure sensor; an electronics module configured to receive pressure information related sensed pressure from the actuator and process the received pressure information; and a radio module coupled to the meter and configured to receive the processed sensor information from the electronics module, communicate the processed sensor information to a remote location and receive pressure adjustment information from the remote location. The received pressure adjustment information is used to adjust water pressure in the meter from the remote location.

Abstract: Gas meters including a first portion and a second portion are provided. The first portion is separate and distinct from the second portion and a physical barrier is positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes at least a motor associated with a shut-off valve for the gas meter and the second portion includes at least an area for a gas stream to flow through. Related gas regulating devices are also provided herein.

Abstract: Methods for allocating bandwidth in a central cloud-based system are provided including receiving a request for a subscription for information stored in the central cloud-based system from a third-party customer and allocating one or more partitions in a queue to the third-party customer. The one or more partitions each have corresponding threads and a number of the one or more partitions is determined by an estimated amount of traffic associated with the requested subscription for the third-party customer. Information is provided meeting terms of the subscription to the third-party customer using the allocated one or more partitions in the queue and the corresponding threads. At least one of the receiving, allocating and providing is implemented by at least one processor. Related devices and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A gas regulating and control system is provided that is configured to be received at a gas regulator installed at a remote location for remotely controlling the gas flow, the system including a gas control module including a plurality of sensors associated with the gas regulator, the plurality of sensors configured to sense a corresponding plurality of parameters associated with the gas regulator. The gas control module is configured to automatically turn off the gas to the gas regulator when one or more of the corresponding plurality sensed parameters is determined to be outside an acceptable range for the sensed parameter.

Abstract: A method of charging an energy storage device can be provided by wirelessly coupling to a rotating member contained in a housing using a coil attached to an exterior of the housing and charging an energy storage device using a current induced in the coil.

Abstract: An ultrasonic meter configured to operate in multiple classes is provided including a flowtube having an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, opposite the first end; and first and second face to face transducers, the first transducer being positioned at the first end of the flowtube and the second transducer being positioned at the second end of the flowtube, wherein the first and second face to face transducers are positioned in line with flow through the ultrasonic meter. Related flowtubes are also provided herein.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a state of a relay switch. The method applies a voltage signal to a solenoid of the relay switch for actuation of the relay switch, monitors over time current flowing through the solenoid after application of the voltage signal, and calculates a back-emf voltage impressed on the solenoid based on an inflection in the current occurring as a plunger of the relay switch moves. The system includes a voltage source, at least one solenoid solenoid having a plunger, a switch connected to the plunger, and a controller configured to data log the voltage applied to the solenoid and the current flowing through the solenoid upon application of the voltage.

Abstract: Ultrasonic devices include a transducer having a piezoelectric element therein that may operate as an acoustic signal receiving surface and/or an acoustic signal generating surface. At least one acoustic matching layer is provided on the piezoelectric element. This at least one acoustic matching layer may be configured as a composite of N acoustic matching layers, with a first of the N acoustic matching layers contacting the primary surface of the piezoelectric element. This first acoustic matching layer may have an acoustic impedance equivalent to ZL1, where N is a positive integer greater than zero. In some embodiments of the invention, the magnitude of ZL1 may be defined as: 0.75 ((Zp)N+1(Zg))1/(N+2)?ZL1?1.25 ((Zp)N+1(Zg))1/(N+2), where Zp is the acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric element (e.g., lead zirconate titanate (PZT)) and Zg is the acoustic impedance of a compatible gas.

Abstract: A vortex generator for use in a flowtube of a meter is provided. The vortex generator includes a plurality of raised elements on an inner surface of a flowtube. The plurality of raised elements are positioned on the inner surface of the flowtube upstream of a widening of the flowtube. The presence of the plurality of raised elements improves boundary layer adherence.

Abstract: A hybrid patch antenna assembly is provided including an antenna element board having first and second layers separated by a dielectric and a radio board coupled to the antenna element board by at least two legs of a ladder line and separated from the antenna element board by a predetermined distance such that the antenna element board is suspended above the radio board.

Abstract: A folded antenna is provided including an antenna having a fold therein. The fold in the antenna divides the antenna into first and second radiating portions. The first radiating portion of the folded antenna is planar and the second radiating portion has a window therein. The first and second radiating portions of the folded antenna are coupled at the fold in the antenna having a predetermined angle therebetween. Related antenna systems and meters are also provided.

Abstract: A flow meter system for detecting the flow of a fluid between an inlet and an outlet. A top plate is coupled to the inlet and the outlet and a sensor is configured to detect the fluid flowing therebetween. A main module is coupled between the inlet and the outlet and has a main rotor configured to be rotated by the fluid flowing through the main module. An output shaft is coupled to the main rotor such that rotation of the main rotor causes rotation of the output shaft. A first spacer is removably coupled between the main module and the outlet. The first spacer is rotorless. The top plate defines an opening that receives the output shaft. The first spacer ensures alignment between the output shaft and the opening defined in the top plate. The sensor senses rotation of the output shaft to detect the flow of fluid.

Abstract: Methods for determining a transmission timeslot at an endpoint in a communications network are provided. The method includes receiving a message having a received downlink strength at an endpoint; determining an uplink strength for the endpoint based on information in the received message; and allocating a timeslot for uplink transmission from the endpoint based on the determined uplink strength. Related endpoints and computer program products are provided.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system that is able to monitor the operational status of a plurality of test points and rectifiers. The cathodic protection system includes a plurality of test point monitors that are associated with test points and a plurality of rectifier controllers that are associated with the rectifiers located along a utility pipeline. The test point monitors are battery powered while the rectifier controllers may be utility line powered. Each of the test point monitors and rectifier controllers communicates with a base station utilizing a wireless communication technique. The base station communicates with a back end server that operates to accumulate data and visually present the data to an operator on a display associated with cathodic protection software application. The software application allows the operator to monitor the health of the system and address alerts generated by any of the test points or monitored rectifiers.