Abstract: A wheelchair for supporting a user, and for providing movement of the user's arm has a wheelchair body supported by wheels for supporting the user for rolling movement, an armrest for supporting the user's arm thereupon, and a movable mounting mechanism for mounting the armrest on the wheelchair body so that the armrest can move between a first position and a second position. A movement mechanism moves the armrest between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A wheelchair for supporting a user, and for providing movement of the user's arm has a wheelchair body supported by wheels for supporting the user for rolling movement, an armrest for supporting the user's arm thereupon, and a movable mounting mechanism for mounting the armrest on the wheelchair body so that the armrest can move between a first position and a second position. A movement mechanism moves the armrest between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.

Abstract: A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.

Abstract: A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.

Abstract: A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.

Abstract: Breakaway devices for use in a meter-pit environment that protect connections between components of an AMR system are described herein. In various embodiments, at least one cable is adapted to operably couple a first AMR device and a second AMR device, wherein at least one of the first AMR device and the second AMR device is disposed in a utility meter pit. In an embodiment, at least once connector adapted to operably couple the cable to the first AMR device or the second AMR device is constructed to be decoupleabe in response to a force that is less than the linear breaking strength of the cable. In another embodiment, the cable may be constructed to have a length equal to at least about twice the distance between the first AMR device and the second AMR device.

Abstract: A system and method for fast detection of specific on-air data rates are disclosed which, in one example embodiment, enable endpoint devices in automatic meter reading (AMR) systems to quickly determine the existence of over-the-air information that is specifically targeted to a unique class of AMR devices. An endpoint device utilizing the digital squelch circuit arrangement and algorithm of the invention can quickly and precisely determine if the AMR system is communicating with its class of AMR device by looking for a specific non-standard data rate present on the air. This method therefore allows for a significant improvement in battery life in two-way RF communication units by avoiding unnecessary data processing and data transmissions. The digital squelch method also enables even faster determination of inappropriate data rates and of no signal present situations, further improving battery life.

Abstract: A breakaway device for use in a meter-pit environment that protects the connections between components of an AMR system. The AMR system includes a cable operably connected to a utility meter, an AMR device, and an RF antenna. The breakaway device acts prevents overstress on system components and connections when force is applied to the cable connecting these components.

Abstract: A utility meter endpoint measures consumption of a commodity such as water, gas, or electricity, includes a configurable function for detecting the presence of an abnormality in consumption such as leaks, tampering, short-circuits or other malfunctions, or unauthorized bypassing of the meter, and the like. The endpoint can take multiple samples according to a configurable time schedule, and test the usage pattern against programmable criteria that reflect certain types of unusual activity or other problems. If the criteria are satisfied, the endpoint can report the occurrence of the unusual event to the AMR system during its usual communications cycle or by initiating a special, unscheduled communication to signal an alarm condition.

Abstract: Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.

Abstract: A system and method for fast detection of specific on-air data rates are disclosed which, in one example embodiment, enable endpoint devices in automatic meter reading (AMR) systems to quickly determine the existence of over-the-air information that is specifically targeted to a unique class of AMR devices. An endpoint device utilizing the digital squelch circuit arrangement and algorithm of the invention can quickly and precisely determine if the AMR system is communicating with its class of AMR device by looking for a specific non-standard data rate present on the air. This method therefore allows for a significant improvement in battery life in two-way RF communication units by avoiding unnecessary data processing and data transmissions. The digital squelch method also enables even faster determination of inappropriate data rates and of no signal present situations, further improving battery life.

Abstract: A low impedance encoder generally comprises a clock source and a switch. The clock source operates according to a predetermined duty cycle. The switch has a first position, closed, and a second position, opened. The duty cycle controls a current flow the switch. A high current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is closed and that the consumption of a utility as registered by the utility meter has occurred; the switch will continue to open and close throughout the process of metering. A low current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is open.