Abstract: An apparatus can have a casing that provides a first rigid interface that is configured to engage a second rigid interface of a mobile electronics device to form a direct electrical connection via rigid attachment. The casing may further have a charge controller connected to a circuitry board and configured to distribute charge power from at least a solar panel and external power input to a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A communication system that relays data messages from or to a plurality of remote endpoints via RF gateways to a data accumulation site over one of a series of communication channels. The communication system monitors the signal-to-noise ratio of communication from each individual endpoint, which can be utility meters and related control or monitoring points, to a gateway. Based upon a quality of service and/or the signal-to-noise ratio of the communication of the endpoints to the gateways, the system assigns a desired communication channel to the endpoint. Each of the desired communication channels have varying data transmission rate and required SNR and each channel is selected based upon the signal-to-noise ratio of the transmissions from the endpoint to the gateways. If the signal-to-noise ratio changes for an endpoint, the system dynamically reassigns a different channel to the meter based upon the updated signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer includes an L-state pulse width modulator configured to receive a reference frequency signal and at least one entry from a frequency table, and to output at least one N/N+1 modulus signals corresponding to the at least one entry from the frequency table. The synthesizer includes a divide by N/N+1 controllable modulus divider configured to receive the at least one N/N+1 modulus signals and to divide the output frequency signal by the at least one N/N+1 modulus signals to generate a second reference frequency signal. The synthesizer includes a phase frequency detector configured to receive the reference frequency signal and the second reference frequency signal and to generate an error signal. The synthesizer also includes a filter network configured to receive the error signal and to output a voltage; and a voltage controlled oscillator configured to receive the voltage and to generate the output frequency signal.

Abstract: A cellular network includes a node configured to transmit a data packet on a predetermined frequency, first and second base stations configured to receive signals transmitted on the predetermined frequency, and a data concentrator. The first base station and the second base station are arranged in a cellular configuration such that a first coverage area of the first base station at least partially overlaps a second coverage area of the second base station. The first base station and the second base station each receive the data packet transmitted by the node. The data concentrator is configured to collect the data packet received by the first base station and the data packet received by the second base station. The data packet includes latitude and longitude data received from a global positioning system receiver such that a location of the node may be determined from a remote location.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by a capacitive dropper power supply by synchronizing the openings and closings of a shunt switched used for regulation control of the DC output voltage generated by the power supply, to zero crossings of AC current from the current-limiting resistor disposed in series at the AC input of the power supply. In one or more other embodiments, the capacitive dropper power supply includes disconnect circuitry that senses a loss of the input AC voltage source and in response wholly or partly disconnects internal regulation control circuitry from the supply's output filter capacitor to reduce the current drawn from the filter capacitor, thereby reducing the decay rate of the DC output voltage from the filter capacitor. The contemplated power supply may also be implemented in a Bipolar, BiCMOS or CMOS process, for realization in a compact integrated circuit device.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating energy or water consumption related information from a plurality of RF enabled peripheral devices in a home, such as utility meters, thermostats, appliances and load controllers. The system includes a home gateway that enables wireless RF peripheral devices in a home to communicate to a WAN network, such as the internet. The home gateway contains a RF multi-band software defined radio that is fully programmable and configurable so that it is capable of emulating, transmitting, and receiving any of a plurality of RF protocols over multiple RF channels. The home gateway supports commonly used interfaces for communicating to the public WAN network. The system also supports future peripherals that do not exist today due to the flexibility of the home gateway.

Abstract: A phase-locked loop frequency synthesizer includes an L-state pulse width modulator configured to receive a reference frequency signal and at least one entry from a frequency table, and to output at least one N/N+1 modulus signals corresponding to the at least one entry from the frequency table. The synthesizer includes a divide by N/N+1 controllable modulus divider configured to receive the at least one N/N+1 modulus signals and to divide the output frequency signal by the at least one N/N+1 modulus signals to generate a second reference frequency signal. The synthesizer includes a phase frequency detector configured to receive the reference frequency signal and the second reference frequency signal and to generate an error signal. The synthesizer also includes a filter network configured to receive the error signal and to output a voltage; and a voltage controlled oscillator configured to receive the voltage and to generate the output frequency signal.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by a capacitive dropper power supply by synchronizing the openings and closings of a shunt switched used for regulation control of the DC output voltage generated by the power supply, to zero crossings of AC current from the current-limiting resistor disposed in series at the AC input of the power supply. In one or more other embodiments, the capacitive dropper power supply includes disconnect circuitry that senses a loss of the input AC voltage source and in response wholly or partly disconnects internal regulation control circuitry from the supply's output filter capacitor to reduce the current drawn from the filter capacitor, thereby reducing the decay rate of the DC output voltage from the filter capacitor. The contemplated power supply may also be implemented in a Bipolar, BiCMOS or CMOS process, for realization in a compact integrated circuit device.

Abstract: A remote endpoint monitor device includes a remote endpoint device including a meter, a position locator, a frequency selector, and a communication unit. The meter is configured to measure a service parameter to provide a measured service parameter value. The position locator is configured to determine a position of the remote endpoint device. The frequency selector is configured to select a transmission frequency device based on the determined position. The transmitter is configured to transmit service information data including the service parameter value at the transmission frequency selected by the frequency selector. A method of a remote endpoint monitor device includes measuring a service parameter, determining a position of the remote endpoint device, selecting a transmission frequency of the remote end point device, and transmitting service information data at the transmission frequency.

Abstract: A communication system that relays data messages from or to a plurality of remote endpoints via RF gateways to a data accumulation site over one of a series of communication channels. The communication system monitors the signal-to-noise ratio of communication from each individual endpoint, which can be utility meters and related control or monitoring points, to a gateway. Based upon a quality of service and/or the signal-to-noise ratio of the communication of the endpoints to the gateways, the system assigns a desired communication channel to the endpoint. Each of the desired communication channels have varying data transmission rate and required SNR and each channel is selected based upon the signal-to-noise ratio of the transmissions from the endpoint to the gateways. If the signal-to-noise ratio changes for an endpoint, the system dynamically reassigns a different channel to the meter based upon the updated signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: The present disclosure replaces a standard electric utility meter with a meter having a signal sensor, signal generator, and processor platform to stimulate broad software and firmware development innovation. The utility can then select the ‘application’ that best suits their analysis needs. The meter platform consists of 3 layers: physical interfaces, pre-processing resources, and applications processing & database. The physical interfaces include voltage, current, and load sensors, radio and PLC communications, optical, and power control for advanced outage management. The increased processing capabilities combined with signal and data processing allow for true distributed intelligence in the smart grid. The physical layer, pre-processing DSP and firmware form open APIs for third party developers.

Abstract: A system and method for use in a non-intrusive load monitoring system to identify specific types of loads and communicate the identified load information to interested parties. The non-intrusive load monitoring system includes an electricity meter that measures load information from a home or facility. The load information is analyzed by comparing the information to a series of load signatures for various known electrical loads to identify the specific type of electric load. Once the type of load is identified, the system utilizes the information to analyze the operation of the load and relay messages to the home owner regarding such operation. The load information may be used by a utility to better predict and manage peak and average electricity consumption over the year. Upon customer authorization, the load identification information may also be relayed to third parties for use in directed sales campaigns and discount promotions.

Abstract: A method that determines a physical location of an unknown position device (UPD) in a communication network including a plurality of known position devices (KDPs), in which a message transmitted by the UPD is received by plural KDPs. The method includes measuring a signal quality of each received message received by the plural KDPs from the UPD, and computing the likely physical location of the UPD based on the physical location of the plural KPDs receiving the message from the UPD and the respective signal quality measured at each KPD.

Abstract: A cargo, containerized cargo, high value asset monitoring and tracking communication system including a local area network (LAN) transmitter that transmits a first message having a first frequency spectrum, and a wide area network (WAN) uplink device that receives the first message from the local area network radio transmitter, whereby both WAN and LAN share the same spectrum. Further, the WAN uplink device transmits a second message having a second frequency spectrum overlapping the first frequency spectrum to a WAN receiver using an orbital satellite. At least one of the LAN transmitter and the WAN uplink device transmits with a transmission characteristic different from a transmission characteristic of the other. A communication device and method include similar features.

Abstract: A mobile multifrequency transmitter includes a self-locator, a frequency selector, and a communication unit. The self-locator is configured to determine a current self location without transmitting an outgoing signal, and to provide the self location to the multifrequency transmitter. The frequency selector is configured to select a usable frequency based on the current self location. The communication unit is configured to transmit on said selected usable frequency. A mobile communication method includes the steps of obtaining a current self location from a self-locator without transmitting an outgoing signal, looking up in a database an allowable frequency band corresponding to the current self location, and transmitting on the allowable frequency band. Thus, the mobile multi-frequency transmitter is capable of handling an automatic frequency switchover without the need for higher level cellular direction.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and computer program product for relaying packet information from an Out of Range Device (ORD) to a communications tower. The method includes transmitting a message from the ORD. The message is recognizable by a transceiver device as a message to be repeated. The message is stored in the transceiver device which also measures a received signal quality of the message, and relays the message after delaying for a time interval inversely proportional to received signal quality.

Abstract: An electronic meter tamper detection system and method for sensing the removal of an electricity meter from a meter socket and generating a tamper signal when such removal is detected. The tamper detection circuit includes a control unit having an energy storage device that is charged during normal operation of the electricity meter. When power is interrupted to the electricity meter, the control unit applies a charging voltage to a voltage regulating device within the electricity meter. The voltage regulating device can be charged only when the electricity meter is installed within the meter socket. After applying the charging voltage to the voltage regulating device, the control unit senses whether the voltage regulating device has been charged. If the voltage regulating device has not been charged, the control unit indicates that the meter has been removed from the meter socket.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating energy or water consumption related information from a plurality of RF enabled peripheral devices in a home, such as utility meters, thermostats, appliances and load controllers. The system includes a home gateway that enables wireless RF peripheral devices in a home to communicate to a WAN network, such as the internet. The home gateway contains a RF multi-band software defined radio that is fully programmable and configurable so that it is capable of emulating, transmitting, and receiving any of a plurality of RF protocols over multiple RF channels. The home gateway supports commonly used interfaces for communicating to the public WAN network. The system also supports future peripherals that do not exist today due to the flexibility of the home gateway.

Abstract: An electronic meter tamper detection system and method for sensing the removal of an electricity meter from a meter socket and generating a tamper signal when such removal is detected. The tamper detection circuit includes a control unit having an energy storage device that is charged during normal operation of the electricity meter. When power is interrupted to the electricity meter, the control unit applies a charging voltage to a voltage regulating device within the electricity meter. The voltage regulating device can be charged only when the electricity meter is installed within the meter socket. After applying the charging voltage to the voltage regulating device, the control unit senses whether the voltage regulating device has been charged. If the voltage regulating device has not been charged, the control unit indicates that the meter has been removed from the meter socket.

Abstract: A cellular wireless packet data communication system containing transmit-only endpoint devices which transmit to receive-only base stations. The system is configured to allow for large area coverage (e.g., a metropolitan area) with far fewer number base stations than are required with conventional two-way cellular systems. The base station coverage areas are configured to overlap, allowing for reception of packets at multiple base stations. A data concentrator resolves redundantly received messages. The network is configurable as a WAN, a LAN, or a combination of the two. Novel modulation techniques (e.g., a 16QAM submodulation together with a 7FSK modulation) are used such that low cost components can be used in the transmitters and receivers while achieving outstanding probability of success performance. The endpoint devices are battery operated and accordingly, are designed for low power consumption and multi-year battery life.