Abstract: A modular biometric station system is used to form one or more modular biometric stations with cohesive form factors. Such biometric stations include a core unit, one or more end caps, and one or more modules. The modules may be configured to communicably and electrically couple to one or more of the end caps. The end caps may be configured to communicably and electrically couple to the core unit and/or one or more of the modules and may communicably and electrically couple one or more of the modules to the core unit. The core unit, end caps, and/or the modules may be able to communicably interact when coupled together. The core unit, end caps, and modules may all share a form factor. The core unit may include hardware and/or software that satisfies common requirements, and the modules may include peripherals and/or other components that can be coupled to the core unit to adapt the modular biometric station to a variety of different needs of different applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are utilitarian and ornamental features of fluid flow meter housing technologies. Such housing technologies comprises removable covers where such covers are associated with the meter housings without using bolts to better distribute pressure across the surfaces of the flow measurement components inside the meter. Such configuration reduces measurement component deformation over time. Further disclosed are damping elements configured to reduce noise from the measurement elements disposed inside a fluid flow meter.

Abstract: The invention is a universal receiver that addresses the problem of collecting consumption data from multiple types of utility metering wireless devices that use different and often proprietary protocols where such parameters are unknown to the system owner. The universal receiver automatically detects unknown AMR/AMI broadcasts utilizing know parameters for typical AMR/AMI signals and executing a decoding algorithm that includes series of RF parameter detection, signal characterization, signal decoding, and data qualifying techniques with minimal or no involvement needed by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are utilitarian and ornamental features of fluid flow meter housing technologies. Such housing technologies comprises removable covers where such covers are associated with the meter housings without using bolts to better distribute pressure across the surfaces of the flow measurement components inside the meter. Such configuration reduces measurement component deformation over time. Further disclosed are damping elements configured to reduce noise from the measurement elements disposed inside a fluid flow meter.

Abstract: Disclosed is fluid meter housing technology comprising removable covers where such covers are associated with meter housings without using bolts. The water meters are further designed with a “weakest link” component configured to fail under overpressure conditions to minimize damage to more expensive metering components.

Abstract: The invention is a universal receiver that addresses the problem of collecting consumption data from multiple types of utility metering wireless devices that use different and often proprietary protocols where such parameters are unknown to the system owner. The universal receiver automatically detects unknown AMR/AMI broadcasts utilizing know parameters for typical AMR/AMI signals and executing a decoding algorithm that includes series of RF parameter detection, signal characterization, signal decoding, and data qualifying techniques with minimal or no involvement needed by a user.

Abstract: A communications and control system for use with a utility meter includes a first wireless communications subsystem for exchanging messages with a central facility via a cellular communications network. The first wireless communications system is operable to send messages including meter data generated by the utility meter to the central facility and receive utility control messages from the central facility for controlling the provision of a utility monitored by the utility meter. A second wireless subsystem communicates within a wireless mesh network of compatible wireless subsystems operating in conjunction with a set of utility meters for exchanging the meter data with a selected compatible wireless subsystem within the mesh network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a system for improving subterranean RF signal propagation. Embodiments comprise a redirecting antenna element which includes a redirecting conductive arrangement, a feed point, and a receiving antenna element which includes at least one or more planes. The redirecting antenna element and receiving antenna are arranged to create a redirection of the energy produced by the existing RF device. Further, the proposed invention will cause the radio signal from the original RF device to be redirected to an elliptical propagation pattern. This new elliptical propagation pattern will be elongated from the original RF propagation pattern along an axis perpendicular to the neighboring streets and thus cause it to be intersected by drive-by reading systems at a greater distance when they intersect this axis.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a swimming pool is provided. The system includes a parabolic housing and a seismic sensor at or near a focal point of the parabolic housing, a pressure sensor, and an optical sensor, each sensor generating a signal. Sensor monitoring systems receive the signals and analyze the signals to determine whether an immersion event has occurred.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical latching apparatus for an enclosure such as a vending machine and including an electronic lock controller for disengaging a latch assembly securing the door of the enclosure against the enclosure frame in a closed, locked position. Upon actuation, the lock controller disengages the latch assembly and enable the door of the enclosure to be moved to an open position for accessing the enclosure.

Abstract: A universal utility usage data gathering system that is capable of operating with any other read pad data gathering system, regardless of protocol. The universal system comprises of two components. One—a transponder which is the actual device that accumulates utility usage and will transfer accumulated usage to a reader/interrogator system. Two—the universal reader/interrogator, which will universally read any transponder for which the reader is programmed to accept from the transponder read pad. The universal reader/interrogator is based on standard micro-electronic chips and utilizes a multi-tapped antenna making the device capable of communicating with any transponder. The universal reader/interrogator will determine what protocol from any transponder.

Abstract: A universal utility usage data gathering system that is capable of operating with any other remote data gathering system, regardless of protocol, such as a standard Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system or an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system is disclosed. The universal system comprises of three major portions. One--the universal transponder or actual device that accumulates utility usage and will universally relay accumulated usage to any remote reader/interrogator system. Two--a Meter Interface Unit, which interfaces between the universal transponder and the remote data gathering system. Three--a universal data reader system, which will universally read its own transponder or any other transponder over the remote data gathering system and can take the form of a stand-alone system or be incorporated into the software of the main-frame controlling the remote data gathering system.

Abstract: A utility usage data gathering system that is universally capable of operating with any other portion of another usage gathering system is disclosed. The system comprises of major portions, the universal transponder or actual device that accumulates utility usage and will universally relay accumulated usage to any reader/interrogator, and the universal reader that will universally read its own transponder or any other transponder. The system is based on standard micro-electronic chips and uses the same chips and logic in both the reader/interrogator and transponder. Each portion of the system, when polled by a foreign device, will determine what communication protocol is required and will respond to collect or transmit utility usage data in the proper protocol. Both portions of the apparatus use switchable multi-tapped antennae, capable of universal matching in order to transceive the modulated electromagnetic wave which contains the utility usage data.