Abstract: A meter mechanism and method are disclosed for recording relative interval data accumulated when the meter loses real time due to a power failure and synchronizing the relative interval data with real-time intervals in the meter memory. The disclosed meter mechanism and method ensure that all usage is accounted for while the meter is online, the metered usage is closer to the actual interval boundaries in which the usage occurred, accounts for all real time intervals in a day, and is power fail tolerant during both the analysis and synchronization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for routing DNP (or other) protocol messages over a network of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system that employs a different communications protocol.

Abstract: A wireless mesh network, method, and processor-readable storage medium for using stand-alone repeaters that are designated as having priority over other communication nodes with respect to their service as repeaters are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a control node or collector builds a wireless mesh network by first establishing communication paths with the designated priority communication nodes and then with communication nodes that are not designated priority communication nodes.

Abstract: Techniques for over the air (OTA) microcontroller flash memory updates using a wireless network are disclosed herein. A control node first transmits the microcontroller flash memory update to all devices that can receive the message. Each packet of the message is relayed through multiple communication levels until all devices receive the packet. This starts with communications from the control node to each device node that has a direct communication path to the control node, which are referred to herein as “first level” device nodes. The first level device nodes then relay each communication to each other device node that has a direct communication path to the first level device nodes, which are referred to herein as “second level” device nodes. This process is repeated at each level of the wireless network until each of the plurality of device nodes has received the microcontroller flash memory update.

Abstract: A fixed-frequency switching regulator having a noise injection circuit. Noise is injected into the feedback loop of the switching regulator to modify the switching waveform to reduce individual frequency harmonics of the resultant Fourier Series. The reduced frequency harmonics allow the switching regulator to achieve reduced conducted emissions.

Abstract: Methods and systems of enforcing a demand reset in a meter that communicates via a wireless network. When billing data is received by a server, it is accompanied by a demand reset counter. The counter is compared to a counter stored on the server. If they received counter is less than the server counter, it is determined that the meter missed a demand reset. The server then instructs the meter to perform a billing read and to perform a demand reset to ensure that accurate demand data is received by the server.

Abstract: The invention includes an electronic utility meter, a data collector/meter and a method for communicating data in an automated meter reading system. The inventive method includes communicating data with a network and a first electronic utility meter, and communicating the data with the first electronic utility meter and one or more other meters.

Abstract: A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver. The transceiver includes a microcontroller; a transmitter having a voltage controlled oscillator, a direct digital synthesizer, and a power amplifier; and a receiver having an amplifier, a mixer, an IF amplifier, a demodulator, and a data slicer. When transmitting, the transmitter communicates a preamble over a predetermined number of preamble channels, and thereafter communicate groups of data bytes that each comprise a subset of the data message over a predetermined sequence of data channels. When receiving, the receiver investigates the predetermined number of preamble channels to search for the preamble and tests the received bits to insure that the preamble and a start frame delimiter have been properly received to synchronize the receiver with the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver. The transceiver includes a microcontroller; a transmitter having a voltage controlled oscillator, a direct digital synthesizer, and a power amplifier; and a receiver having an amplifier, a mixer, an IF amplifier, a demodulator, and a data slicer. When transmitting, the transmitter sends a preamble that allows the receiving device to detect the signal and lock to it to receive the data. When receiving, the receiver first scans all channels and sorts them based on a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and then attempts to lock to the channel with the strongest RSSI value by first sampling the received signal to verify the preamble, then synchronizing to the bit edges of the received signal, then detecting the start of a Start Frame Delimiter (SFD), decoding bits to verify a valid SFD and then sampling data bits to receive the data.

Abstract: A method for managing a distribution facility may include a step of receiving descriptions of multiple orders from an order-management subsystem. A determination may be made that a particular order among the multiple orders is currently fillable, based the descriptions from the order-management subsystem. In response, shipping rate information may be obtained by automatically communicating with a rate subsystem. The particular order may be automatically assigned to a carrier, based on the information from the rate subsystem. In response, a transportation subsystem may automatically be caused to transport items for the particular order to one or more distribution stations.

Abstract: A method for preparing items for shipment in a distribution facility with multiple pallet-build squares may include a step of identifying an available pallet-build square among the multiple pallet-build squares. An item may then be transported to an operator for the available pallet-build square. Item data from a scan of a barcode on the item may then be received, and in response, a display may be automatically updated to identify the available pallet for the operator.

Abstract: A method for managing a distribution facility may include a step of receiving descriptions of multiple orders from an order-management subsystem. A determination may be made that a particular order among the multiple orders is currently fillable, based the descriptions from the order-management subsystem. In response, shipping rate information may be obtained by automatically communicating with a rate subsystem. The particular order may be automatically assigned to a carrier, based on the information from the rate subsystem. In response, a transportation subsystem may automatically be caused to transport items for the particular order to one or more distribution stations.

Abstract: A method for preparing items for shipment in a distribution facility with multiple pallet-build squares may include a step of identifying an available pallet-build square among the multiple pallet-build squares. An item may then be transported to an operator for the available pallet-build square. Item data from a scan of a barcode on the item may then be received, and in response, a display may be automatically updated to identify the available pallet for the operator.

Abstract: A cage for arboreal animals includes two compartments, each having a hinged, latched, door. The two compartments are separated by a sliding panel to enable maintenance to be performed easily and safely, minimizing unwanted contact between hazardous animals, such as venomous snakes, for example, and the investigators or maintenance personnel. The structure is further ventilated to provide air flow from bottom to top, and could maintain a humidity level in accordance with needs of caged animals. The sides of the cage are transparent to permit simple monitoring of the reptiles as well as to meet the social needs of those animals which need visual contact with other animals in adjacent cages. This cage meets or exceeds all current Federal principles and regulations for animal housing units.