Abstract: A frequency-chirped nano-antenna provides efficient sub-wavelength vertical emission from a dielectric waveguide. In one example, this nano-antenna includes a set of plasmonic dipoles on the opposite side of a SiYV4 waveguide from a ground plane. The resulting structure, which is less than half a wavelength long, emits a broadband beam (e.g., >300 nm) that can be coupled into an optical fiber. In some embodiments, a diffractive optical element with unevenly shaped regions of high- and low-index dielectric material collimates the broadband beam for higher coupling efficiency. In some cases, a negative lens element between the nano-antenna and the diffractive optical element accelerates the emitted beam's divergence (and improves coupling efficiency), allowing for more compact packaging.

Abstract: A frequency-chirped nano-antenna provides efficient sub-wavelength vertical emission from a dielectric waveguide. In one example, this nano-antenna includes a set of plasmonic dipoles on the opposite side of a SiYV4 waveguide from a ground plane. The resulting structure, which is less than half a wavelength long, emits a broadband beam (e.g., >300 nm) that can be coupled into an optical fiber. In some embodiments, a diffractive optical element with unevenly shaped regions of high- and low-index dielectric material collimates the broadband beam for higher coupling efficiency. In some cases, a negative lens element between the nano-antenna and the diffractive optical element accelerates the emitted beam's divergence (and improves coupling efficiency), allowing for more compact packaging.

Abstract: A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with a software component of a utility meter with which the utility network interface device is associated. The utility network interface device also includes a notification unit configured to output, external to the utility meter, a visual indication constituting notification of the tampering detected by the control unit. The control unit is configured to automatically control the notification unit to output the external notification of the tampering in response to the detection of the tampering. Also provided are a utility network including the utility network interface device, a method of operating a utility network interface device, and a computer-readable recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon for operating a utility network interface device.

Abstract: A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a detector configured to produce a state signal upon occurrence of a prescribed state that interferes with the ability of a utility meter, with which the utility network interface device is associated, to measure consumption of a commodity and/or report consumption of the commodity. The utility network interface device also includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with the utility meter in accordance with the state signal produced by the detector. The control unit automatically controls a notification unit to output, external to the utility meter, notification of the tampering detected by the control unit, in response to the detection of the tampering.

Abstract: A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a detector configured to produce a state signal upon occurrence of a prescribed state that interferes with the ability of a utility meter, with which the utility network interface device is associated, to measure consumption of a commodity and/or report consumption of the commodity. The utility network interface device also includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with the utility meter in accordance with the state signal produced by the detector. The control unit automatically controls a notification unit to output, external to the utility meter, notification of the tampering detected by the control unit, in response to the detection of the tampering.

Abstract: A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with a software component of a utility meter with which the utility network interface device is associated. The utility network interface device also includes a notification unit configured to output, external to the utility meter, a visual indication constituting notification of the tampering detected by the control unit. The control unit is configured to automatically control the notification unit to output the external notification of the tampering in response to the detection of the tampering. Also provided are a utility network including the utility network interface device, a method of operating a utility network interface device, and a computer-readable recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon for operating a utility network interface device.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a transceiver capable of connecting a utility meter to a wireless network, and a visual indicator capable of displaying a status of a connection between the utility meter and the wireless network. The visual indicator can be an LED, whose display state indicates the status of network connectivity. Alternatively, the visual indicator can be an integrated digital display of the meter that is typically used to indicate a metering parameter, such as total consumption or rate of consumption.

Abstract: A J-Pole antenna disclosed including: shunt segment extending out of the plane of the J-Pole antenna. A shunt segment extending out of the plane of the J-pole antenna aids in attaching the antenna to a connector and allowing for a reduction in the size of the antenna and connector. The shunt segment also makes the antenna shorter while preserving the same gain and impedance performance as a conventional J-Pole antenna. A connector plate and connector may be used with the antenna having the shunt segment extending out of the plane of the J-Pole antenna. A protective enclosure may be used with the J-Pole antenna and allowing a radiating antenna segment of the J-Pole antenna to extend from the protective enclosure.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a transceiver capable of connecting a utility meter to a wireless network, and a visual indicator capable of displaying a status of a connection between the utility meter and the wireless network. The visual indicator can be an LED, whose display state indicates the status of network connectivity. Alternatively, the visual indicator can be an integrated digital display of the meter that is typically used to indicate a metering parameter, such as total consumption or rate of consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the presence of voltage on the load side of a utility meter socket includes a circuit for detecting the presence of voltage on the load side output of the socket and a communication device connected to the circuit to transmit data relating to the presence of voltage on the load side output to the utility. Also provided is a method of monitoring the voltage on the load side of the utility, the method including installing an electric utility Disconnect Monitor Node into a utility meter socket, detecting the presence of voltage on the load side output of the utility meter socket, and transmitting data relating to the presence of voltage on the load side output.

Abstract: A J-Pole antenna disclosed including: shunt segment extending out of the plane of the J-Pole antenna. A shunt segment extending out of the plane of the J-pole antenna aids in attaching the antenna to a connector and allowing for a reduction in the size of the antenna and connector. The shunt segment also makes the antenna shorter while preserving the same gain and impedance performance as a conventional J-Pole antenna. A connector plate and connector may be used with the antenna having the shunt segment extending out of the plane of the J-Pole antenna. A protective enclosure may be used with the J-Pole antenna and allowing a radiating antenna segment of the J-Pole antenna to extend from the protective enclosure.