Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a simple method for an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system for determining quantities of a consumed utility product including electric, gas, and water service, using wireless data transfer. To compensate for the frequency drifts of the transmitters, the embodiments of this invention, with minimum pre-processing of the received data, allow for on-the-fly adjustability of the receiver bandwidth by merely changing a pre-calculated weighting function. As such, it is possible to use a fixed size Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), or in particular a fixed N-point Fast Fourier Transform, for signals of different bandwidths.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus demodulate and decode a plurality of AM and FM arriving signals, which permit, for example, a utility data-collecting unit to concurrently receive and decode transmitted signals of legacy transmitters as well as more recent FM based transmitters, or signals arriving from hybrid systems configured to transmit both AM and FM.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems for determining quantities of a consumed utility product including electric, gas, and water service, using wireless data transfer. To compensate for the frequency drifts of the transmitters, these methods and apparatus, with minimum pre-processing of the received data, allow for on-the-fly adjustability of receiver bandwidth by merely changing a pre-calculated weighting function. As such, it is possible to use a fixed size Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), or in particular a fixed N-point Fast Fourier Transform, for signals of different bandwidths.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood separator for separating whole blood into at least two blood fractions such as a plasma fraction and a blood cell fraction is disclosed. The blood separator has a centrifuge vessel with a separation chamber having at least two sections with different diametric sizes. The large diameter section collects the heavier blood cell fraction during centrifugation. The smaller diameter section collects the lighter plasma fraction. Fluid communication subassemblies preferably have a feed conduit, a product or an outflow conduit and a vent which are mounted in a non-rotatable part and positioned in an extending or extendible manner into the separation chamber to allow blood fractions to be removed while the centrifuge vessel is rotating or after rotation has stopped depending upon specifics of the particular embodiment.