Abstract: An object locating system includes at least one control unit, which is used to activate at least one electronic locator circuit to assist in locating an object to which the locator circuit is attached. The objects to be located can be a key assembly or generally any item which can be hand-carried by a person and is prone to misplacement. When activated, the locator circuit produces an audible and/or visual indication for getting the attention of the user. The locator circuit can be contained in a fob to which is attached a key, or the locator circuit can be molded into the head of a key. In another embodiment, the locator circuit is supported by a carrier which is retrofitted to a key by a securing mechanism which can include one or more fasteners, mating snap catches, or a strapping device such as a cable tie and the like. Alternatively, the carrier can be secured to the key by friction or by an interference fit between the carrier and the key.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading data communication system having an integrated digital encoder and two-way wireless transceiver that is attachable to a wide variety of utility meters for meter data collection and information management. The integrated encoder and transceiver communicates commodity usage information over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located communication node. The communication node transmits this data to a utility service provider over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The utility service provider may also request data from the communication node over the same fixed wide area network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a meter for mounting in flow-sensing relationship to a pipeline conductor or electrical line having a commodity such as water, natural gas or electricity flowing through it. In one embodiment, the meter has a transceiver inductively-coupled to a remote signal-radiating device such as a repeater antenna for sending an encoded signal to a remote receiver. Another embodiment of the meter includes a rechargeable device such as a nickel-cadmium battery for storing meter-powering electricity and a charging generator coupled to such device. The generator has a turbine driven "bootstrap fashion" by the commodity flowing through the conductor. Preferably, solid state digital technology is used for minimizing power consumption during meter operation.