Abstract: A fuel pump system for an aerial refueling system including: a variable displacement motor operable to be driven by a hydraulic fluid pressure; a fuel pump operable to be driven by the variable displacement motor; and a drive system controller (DSC) connected to the variable displacement motor, wherein the DSC is operable to direct an operation of the fuel pump in modes comprising: a flow control mode operable to maintain an output fuel flow rate from the fuel pump to a predetermined maximum inlet pressure at a reception coupling for a receiver aircraft; a fuel pressure control mode operable to regulate the output fuel flow rate to not exceed the predetermined maximum inlet pressure; and a priority mode operable to reduce the output fuel flow rate in response to a decrease in the hydraulic pressure. Also a method of refueling a receiver aircraft.

Abstract: A fuel pump system for an aerial refueling system including: a variable displacement motor operable to be driven by a hydraulic fluid pressure; a fuel pump operable to be driven by the variable displacement motor; and a drive system controller (DSC) connected to the variable displacement motor, wherein the DSC is operable to direct an operation of the fuel pump in modes comprising: a flow control mode operable to maintain an output fuel flow rate from the fuel pump to a predetermined maximum inlet pressure at a reception coupling for a receiver aircraft; a fuel pressure control mode operable to regulate the output fuel flow rate to not exceed the predetermined maximum inlet pressure; and a priority mode operable to reduce the output fuel flow rate in response to a decrease in the hydraulic pressure. Also a method of refueling a receiver aircraft.

Abstract: A fuel pump system for an aerial refueling system including: a variable displacement motor operable to be driven by a hydraulic fluid pressure; a fuel pump operable to be driven by the variable displacement motor; and a drive system controller (DSC) connected to the variable displacement motor, wherein the DSC is operable to direct an operation of the fuel pump in modes comprising: a flow control mode operable to maintain an output fuel flow rate from the fuel pump to a predetermined maximum inlet pressure at a reception coupling for a receiver aircraft; a fuel pressure control mode operable to regulate the output fuel flow rate to not exceed the predetermined maximum inlet pressure; and a priority mode operable to reduce the output fuel flow rate in response to a decrease in the hydraulic pressure. Also a method of refueling a receiver aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting data generated by a plurality of metering devices located within a geographic area. The mobile automatic meter reading system provides two-way simplex communication capabilities between a mobile receiving device and a plurality of endpoint devices on a plurality of communication channels. The mobile collector device efficiently and accurately communicates with and receives data from the endpoint devices while moving throughout a localized geographical area. Aspects of the invention thereby improve the effectiveness of automatic meter reading systems.

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: An improved threshold circuit (30) for reconstructing digitally-encoded, optically-transmitted signals is disclosed. The threshold circuit (30) automatically compensates for amplitude variations in the received signal due to noise, gain variations, and the like, and thereby provides improved accuracy in reproduction of the digitally-encoded signal. An amplifier (120) generates an output signal the level of which, under low signal amplitude, is linearly related to the instantaneous level of the digitally-encoded input signal. An active low pass linear filter (122, 124, 132) generates from the amplified output signal a signal the level of which corresponds to the average level of the amplified output signal. A bias signal generator (40) receives the average level signal on one input and a selected reference signal on the other.