Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for remotely monitoring and controlling via a wireless network various devices deployed in homes and businesses. The present invention allows for monitoring and control of various gateways distributed to remotely located facilities to be monitored and the devices coupled to those gateways to be controlled via a wireless communications network. Preferably, the network is a GSM network adapted to provide short messaging services or any type of wireless network adapted to operate a General Packet Radio System for delivering data over the network. Messages are packaged at each gateway for delivery via the network to a destination terminal, whether a fixed terminal or a mobile station. Likewise, customers may forward data and commands to a particular gateway either from a mobile station or by accessing a fixed terminal, such as through an Internet connection.

Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor acoustic energy in a borehole. Electromagnetic energy is used to energize a resonant circuit incorporating a sensor. The sensor modulates the electromagnetic energy in accordance with received acoustic energy and transmits the modulated energy so that it may be received and processed in order to obtain the desired measurements.

Abstract: A sensing system, sensing method, and method of producing a sensing system capable of providing a cumulative measurement capability, such as in the form of a RFID tag capable of measuring cumulative heat and humidity for continuous monitoring of storage and shipping conditions of various goods. The system includes integrated circuitry and a plurality of sensing elements, preferably having cantilevered bimorph beams. Each sensing element is responsive to an environmental condition so as to deflect toward and away from open contacts in response to changes in the environmental condition. Each sensing element produces a digital output when it contacts and closes its open contacts. The integrated circuitry interfaces with the sensing elements so that the digital outputs of the sensing elements are processed to generate a system output of the sensing system.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor operable to sense a physical parameter and generate an electrical signal responsive to the sensed physical parameter. Local processing circuitry is physically positioned proximate the sensor and is electrically coupled to the sensor. The local processing circuitry includes an output port adapted to be coupled to a communications channel and the local processing circuitry is operable to process data from the sensor to generate processed sensor data and to provide the processed data on the output port.

Abstract: An electromagnetic well borehole telemetry system for transmitting information between a downhole transceiver, disposed preferably within a borehole assembly in the borehole, and a surface transceiver positioned at or near the surface of the earth. A trigger and cooperating strobe are used to define strobe increments. Synchronous telemetry measurements made during the strobe increments are algebraically summed to identify a synchronous cyclical noise component in a composite electromagnetic telemetry signal. Any non cyclical noise components occurring during the strobe increments algebraically cancel in the algebraic summing operation. The cyclical noise component is then removed from the composite signal thereby increasing the signal to noise ratio of the telemetry system. The system is particularly effective in minimizing electromagnetic noise generated by the rotation of a rotating element such as the rotary table or top drive of a drilling rig.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and circuitry for programming an AMR transmitter to operate in different modes. The device can be programmed as to any one or all of the following parameters: transmission power according to the physical environment of the installation; power level and modulation type for drive-by or fixed network application; and frequency of data transmission to conserve battery life. A laptop computer or other type of programming device communicates through an optical IR port to enter these parameters.

Abstract: A system, device and method for providing communications to a plurality of customer premises via one or more external low voltage power lines is provided. One embodiment of the system includes a power line communication device comprising a first modem configured to communicate over the one or more external low voltage power lines. The system further includes a plurality of wireless interface devices, each located at, and external to, a respective one of the plurality of customer premises. Each wireless interface device may includes a first communication module configured to communicate with the power line communication device via the external low voltage power line; and a second communication module in communication with the first communication module and configured to provide wireless communications for one or more remote devices within the respective customer premises.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a downhole network integrated into a downhole drill string is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a data transmission coupler mounted to a downhole tool and adapted to transmit data across a tool joint. The data transmission coupler is also capable of transmitting data by emitting electromagnetic radiation. An antenna is focused at and positioned within sufficient range of the data transmission coupler to detect the electromagnetic radiation and receive the data. This data may then be transmitted to a receiver or other equipment. In certain embodiments, the antenna is located above ground level and may be mounted to a swivel, derrick, hoist system, kelly, or other structure. The antenna is ideally mounted to a structure which is out of the way of equipment and workers working on the drill string.

Abstract: A character entry method and apparatus in a terminal in which characters are grouped into a plurality of character sets and a representative character of each of the character sets is imprinted on a respective key are provided. In the character entry method, when a key imprinted with a representative character is pressed, characters belonging to a character set represented by the representative character are displayed. When a directional key is pressed, the number or duration of key presses of the directional key is counted or measured. A character corresponding to the number or duration of key presses is selected among the displayed characters and entered.

Abstract: A diacritic chording system uses a single standard keyboard layout to generate diacritical characters used, for example, by Latin-based languages or languages based on a Roman character set, providing a universal keyboard The key combination required to select a diacritic is consistent, independent of the language the user is typing. The diacritic chording system uses chording to obtain characters modified by diacritics, i.e., diacritical characters. The key combinations in the diacritic chord are chosen in such a way to aid memorization by positional association of the keys or by logic association of the keys within the diacritic chord. The use of a combination of positional association and logical association eliminates conflicts in mapping diacritics for different languages. The diacritic chording system also provides a screen overlay as a mnemonic to illustrate which diacritic chords provide the desired diacritical character.

Abstract: A telemetry system is described in which a plurality of channels are coupled to a bus. A control subsystem controls the channels so that one of the channels presents to the bus during its designated time period a channel characteristic. The control subsystem interrogates in the analog domain each of the channels during its designated time period, and forms a signal representative of the channel characteristic. The control subsystem may combine one or more of the signals into a digital packet, and transmit the same via transceiver over a wireless network. The channels may be contained within a submersible enclosure and displaced at intervals along the bus, thereby forming an array for monitoring waterborne threats. The array may lie along an ocean floor, may be towed by a marine vehicle, or may suspended from a deployable buoy containing the control subsystem, transceiver, and a remote power source. The array may further comprise a defensive countermeasure deployable responsive to detecting a threat.

Abstract: An acoustic telemetry system includes a piezoelectric stack at least partially disposed within a segment of pipe, and electrical circuitry for controlling the piezoelectric stack. In response to a signal from the electrical circuitry, the piezoelectric stack generates a plurality of acoustic signals for transmission through the pipe at different frequencies spanning multiple regions of a frequency response for the pipe.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, media metering functionality may be imparted to a panelists device that was not previously capable of media metering. According to one example, a method of providing a communication device with media metering functionality includes asking a potential panelist to participate in a survey, receiving an affirmative response from the potential panelist, and providing metering functionality to a portable device of the potential panelist.

Abstract: An improved meter and its operation is described. The meter can be a part of a larger automated meter reading process that allows for remote reading of the meter though power line communication. Using a microcomputer core, the meter processes incoming analog data and can calculate several relevant data values need by utility providers. The meter can also be used to monitor and detect tampering dry connect/voltage free devices, such as gas and water meters, connected to the meter.

Abstract: A system for transferring a sequence of actions to an electronic meter through a bandwidth limited communications channel. The sequence of actions is programmed as a program file that is broken into pieces for transmission to the electronic meter. The pieces are received by the electronic meter, verified not to contain errors, and combined into a single program session. Any errors in the transmission are noted in a status table and the program file is retransmitted. Upon receipt of an execute command, the program session is commenced. After the session has completed the status table is updated. Thus, the electronic meter may be programmed in a programming session that contains more data than can be transferred via the bandwidth limited communications channel.

Abstract: Navigation logic and related methods are described for assisting a user in using a remote control (RC) device. The navigation logic determines a current state of a user's interaction with an application, and then determines the keys of the RC device that are relevant to the determined state. The navigation logic then displays a representation of the relevant keys on a user interface presentation of a presentation device. The representation resembles a physical layout of associated physical keys on the RC device. To assist the user in focusing on the relevant keys, the representation de-emphasizes other input mechanisms of the RC device that do not have a bearing on the user's current interaction with the application. One exemplary way of de-emphasizing these other keys is to entirely omit these keys from the representation.

Abstract: An improved energy efficient intelligent pulser driver used for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the pulser driver, a direct current (DC) powered control circuit activates a three-phase DC brushless motor that operates a servo-valve. Opening of the servo-valve equalizes pressure in a plenum causing the operation of a main valve reducing flow area and causing a pressure spike in the mud column. Closing of the servo-valve creates a reduction in mud pressure that operates the main valve and increases the flow area causing an end to the pressure spike. The servo-valve is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.

Abstract: A touchpad is formed of an electrically insulating membrane (10) with a first series of spaced apart conductors (12) on a first face of membrane (10) and a second series of spaced apart conductors (14) on or proximal thereto, in which there is no electrical contact between the first and second series of conductors (12, 14) Each conductor in the first and second series of conductors is sensitive to the proximity of a finger to modify the capacitance of the proximate conductor to detect the presence of the finger positioned close to that conductor. A scanning system operative to sample one of the conductors in turn from both the first and second series of conductors (12, 14) in order to measure and store a capacitance value associated with that respective conductor. The scanning system is operative to maintain all conductors (12-n, 14-n) at a common potential equal to the potential of the conductor being sampled when the remaining conductors are not actively being sampled by the scanning system.

Abstract: A telemetry system involving a shear-type mud pulser valve as the preferred embodiment is described. The control system includes a motor driver for the mud pulser which, in essence, moves one movable plate with respect to a stationary plate to create openings of various sizes. Pressure is sensed uphole of the pulser valve and is compared in real time to the desired pressure pulse amplitude. By allowing different relative rotational positions of the rotatable plate with respect to the stationary plate, different amplitudes can be achieved to further enhance the transmission of data to the surface. The control system compensates for wear in the mud pulser valve itself as well as drastic changes in mud flow and pressure. The configuration is simple and not prone to fouling from grit or other particles in the mud.

Abstract: A key switch signal recognition circuit including a plurality of key switch buttons, a plurality of key switch signal output lines, and a plurality of key switch button contact areas is disclosed. Each of the key switch contact areas includes a first wire set and a second wire set. The first wire set has at least one wire, and each wire of the first wire set has one end connected to a common line and an opposite end forming an open end. The second wire set has at least one wire respectively disposed in parallel to and electrically insulated from the wire of the first wire set. The wire of the second wire set is respectively connected to a key switch signal output line.