Abstract: An apparatus and method for communication of data, the apparatus including a transmitter operable to transmit a first signal at a first frequency and a second signal at a second frequency. The second signal is modulated to represent data and the transmitter ends transmission of the second signal when the transmission of data is completed. The apparatus further includes a receiver switchable between a first frequency receive mode and a second frequency receive mode, the first frequency receive mode rendering the receiver operable to receive signals at the first frequency and the second frequency receive mode rendering the receiver operable to receive signals at the second frequency. The first frequency receive mode is a low power mode and the second frequency receive mode is a data communication mode.

Abstract: A time meter comprises a money receiving mechanism for receiving a denomination of money. The money receiving mechanism includes a movable output member which moves by an amount determined by the denomination of money received. The time meter further comprises a money signal generating device for generating a money signal. The money signal generating device cooperates with the money receiving mechanism and produces a money signal which is responsive to movement of the output member. The time meter further comprises a processing device for processing the money signal. The process device has a time signal generating device for generating a periodic time reference signal. The processing device measures time during a time interval having a duration determined by the money signal. The processing device provides a time expiry indication when the time interval has expired.