Abstract: An automated meter reading system and communications network. The system comprises a multi-tiered network for obtaining information from utility meters and communicating the information to a central database. A plurality of terminal units are each operatively connected to a utility meter to sense operational data of the utility meter and transmit the data through the network when polled. A plurality of primary units are each operatively connected to a utility meter to sense operational data of the utility meter and transmit the data through the network. The primary units also request data from one or more of the terminal units by polling the terminal units, and transmit that data through the network. Data collection units receive data from the primary units and transmit the data to a central host computer. The network is configurable so that status information or requests can be transmitted from the terminal units to the host computer or from the host computer to any of the terminal units.

Abstract: An air spring has a pair of spaced end members for mounting the spring at spaced locations on a structure. A flexible sleeve of elastomeric material is sealingly engaged with the end members and forms a pressurized fluid chamber therebetween. A post is mounted on one of the end members and extends into the fluid chamber. A shock absorbing two-piece bumper includes a rigid metal base which is formed as an inverted cup-shaped member with a cylindrical sidewall. The base is secured to one of the end members with the post extending into an open end of the base member. An elastomeric member is snap-fitted into a hole formed in an end closure wall of the base member and engages the opposite end member upon the air spring failing or experiencing a large deflection. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of flexible fingers are formed from the cylindrical sidewall of the base and are snap-fit to the post to mount the base member on the post and on the one end member of the air spring.