Abstract: System and method for detecting an unauthorized movement of a communications or meter device, such as a meter that monitors and communicates a measure of use of energy or some other metered quantity (electrical, gas, water, etc.), to prevent meter tampering or removal. A bolt, screw, nail or other attachment mechanism, used to attach the device to a selected stationary or movable object, is provided with a permanent magnet having a selected magnetic field direction that can be transverse to, a selected attachment mechanism direction (e.g., transverse to a bolt shaft direction). A field-activated magnetic switch, such as a reed switch or a Hall effect switch, having a selected switch direction is located near the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A system for communication between multiple remote meter interfaces (RMI)s and a central office. The system includes multiple RMIs for reading meters and transmitting wireless data signals including meter readout information; multiple base repeater stations for receiving the wireless data signals where each particular base repeater station recognizes the wireless data signal only from particular RMIs that have been identified to the base repeater station, concentrates the information from the identified RMIS, and passes the concentrated information through a master base station and a wide area network (WAN) to a central office. The base repeater station includes a receiver for receiving the wireless data signal, a transmitter for passing concentrated information to the master station, and a microcontroller including an identification (ID) list including the IDs of the RMIs with which the base repeater station is enabled to communicate.

Abstract: A gas meter using optical communication. The meter includes a shaft that is rotated by a flow of gas, a first sensor for sensing a first rotational angle of the shaft, a second sensor for sensing a second rotational angle of the shaft, a first light source operated by the first sensor for issuing a first light signal, and a second light source operated by the second sensor for issuing a second light signal. One or more fiber optic cables carries the light signals to an external meter interface having an optical receiver. A rotation of the shaft is recognizable by the external receiver when first one then the other of the light signals is detected.

Abstract: A multi-unit automated space management and communication system for use in association with a structure having a plurality of units. The system includes circuitry that monitors various utility related aspects of each of the plurality of units. The system further includes an automated subsystem disposed in each one of the plurality of units. This subsystem includes at least one appliance, at least one communication medium means, at least one interface means for connecting the at least one appliance apparatus into a signal exchanging relationship with the at least one communication medium means, at least one communication source, operably connected to the at least one communication medium means. The system further includes an external communication interface linking the automated subsystem to the monitoring means in a signal-exchanging relationship. The system still further includes data storage circuits.

Abstract: A smart thermostat having a transceiver for two-way communication with an energy provider. The smart thermostat includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature, a user interface for displaying and receiving information to and from a user, a port connecting to a cooling or heating device, a processor, and the transceiver. The transceiver receives a current energy price from an energy provider. The user interface receives temperature setpoints and associated acceptable energy costs. The processor issues a control signal to the cooling or heating device to operate when the temperature is different than the temperature setpoint and the acceptable energy cost is not greater than the current price of energy. The transceiver transmits information for the control signal, temperature setpoints and associated costs to the energy provider.

Abstract: A system of multiple remote meter interfaces (RMI)s and multiple base stations. Each base station concentrates meter reading information received from several RMIs and passes the concentrated information up through a wide area network to a central office. Each RMI may be field installed to communicate with only one base station. Each base station maintains an identification (ID) list having its own base station ID and the RMI IDs for the RMIs with which the base station is enabled to communicate. To install or reinstall a particular RMI without communicating with the central office, a field installer tool operated by a field installation or repair person establishes communication with the base station using the base station ID, then directs the base station to add the RMI ID for the particular RMI to the ID list.

Abstract: A wireless communication system with one or more remote transceivers for transmitting a wireless data signal at an actual frequency that is different than the expected frequency and a base transceiver that can automatically adjust to receive the actual frequency. Each remote transceiver is adapted to initiate a wireless data signal at a selected time that is unique to that remote transceiver. The expected frequency is sequentially pre-determined in a pseudo-random sequence with each remote transceiver having a unique sequence. The base transceiver can respond to the remote transceiver at the actual frequency. Both the remote transceiver and the base transceiver can convert the wireless signals in a single step to baseband.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant HVAC system capable of continued operation in the event of a thermostat malfunction. An HVAC controller controls the operation of an HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature signal output from the thermostat and indicative of air temperature of a conditioned space proximate the thermostat. The HVAC controller detects a thermostat malfunction and, in response thereto, instead controls the operation of the HVAC unit in accordance with a temperature sensor outputting a signal indicative of return air temperature from the conditioned space.

Abstract: A wireless communication system with one or more remote transceivers for transmitting a wireless data signal at an actual frequency that is different than the expected frequency and a base transceiver that can automatically adjust to receive the actual frequency. Each remote transceiver is adapted to initiate a wireless data signal at a selected time that is unique to that remote transceiver. The expected frequency is sequentially pre-determined in a pseudo-random sequence with each remote transceiver having a unique sequence. The base transceiver can respond to the remote transceiver at the actual frequency. Both the remote transceiver and the base transceiver can convert the wireless signals in a single step to baseband.

Abstract: A method for bringing an appliance and/or an electrical or mechanical system of a residence into communication with another, or with a control device within the residence, or with an other communication source outside the residence, so as to establish a home automation system, or enlarge upon an existing automation system. An appliance interface module apparatus is also provided for facilitating communication between an appliance, and the automation system as a whole. The appliance interface module may be capable of controlling, upon command, the specific detailed operations of the appliance to which it is attached, and may, upon inquiry, transmit data which has been recorded, stored and/or calculated by the module.

Abstract: A high spatial and dynamic resolution color image recording system and method for computer generated displays includes a low cost personal computer having a low resolution display monitor adapter and a photographic image recorder coupled to receive low resolution fields of a video image in intensity dependent time varying steps to produce a high resolution composite image. Spatial resolution is improved by providing a separate image for each primary color component as a plurality of interlaced fields. High dynamic resolution is attached for each field by generating each field on a single intensity monochrome raster scan display and exposing the image of a field through a primary color filter in a plurality of intensity dependent steps with the total exposure time for each different color intensity being proportional to the intensity thereof. A gamma compensation is utilized to compensate for the particular optical characteristics of the display, filter and photographic film.

Abstract: In a laser recording system, a high energy intensity laser beam is focused to form a circular write-spot on a rotating thermoplastic disc. This spot creates tracks of grooves and flat areas or lands in accordance with input data. To read the data from the disc a reduced energy beam is focused on the previously recorded track, and the pattern of grooves and lands is determined from the reflected energy. The optics associated with the reading process include an astigmatizer which elongates the read-spot in a direction transverse to the track. This reduces mechanical tolerances required to insure that the read-spot will impinge upon the desired track. The astigmatizer may also serve to reduce the beam spot energy intensity so that the same laser, without the astigmatizer, can be used for the recording process.In one embodiment, the astigmatizer is a movable plate having a single slit.