Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless system for remotely reading meters, comprising: at least one storage device (100) connected to, or built into a meter, including means (2) for storing data relating to consumption; at least one concentrator device (200); and a central device (400). The storage device (100) includes means (1, 5, 6) for transmitting consumption-related data to the concentrator device via a narrowband network (500) operating in a free-use frequency band. The concentrator device includes means for retransmitting said data to the central device (400) via a broadband network (600) operating in a free-use frequency band.

Abstract: Logging and transmission equipment comprising at least one autonomous measurement sensor, supplied by an electric cell, comprising an emitter able to transmit at various instants at least one value measured by the sensor, and a receiver for gathering the values transmitted by the emitter; the sensor comprises a means of measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the cell; a link is provided for supplying the emitter with the temperature values measured, which emitter is provided so as to transmit, in addition the values of at least one physical quantity, these temperature values measured, at determined intervals, and the receiver is provided so as to store the temperature values measured, estimates the lifetime of the cell by taking account of these measured values, and determine a date for replacing this cell.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a magnetic-field generation apparatus for generating a magnetic field; and an information processing apparatus for performing wireless communication with an electronic device. The magnetic-field generation apparatus includes a generation section configured to generate the magnetic field, the magnetic-flux density of the magnetic field changing with time.

Abstract: A transponder that may be used as an RFID tag includes a passive circuit to eliminate the need for an “always on” active RF receiving element to anticipate a wake-up signal for the balance of the transponder electronics. This solution allows the entire active transponder to have all circuit elements in a sleep (standby) state, thus drastically extending battery life or other charge storage device life. Also, a wake-up solution that reduces total energy consumption of an active transponder system by allowing all non-addressed transponders to remain in a sleep (standby) state, thereby reducing total system or collection energy. Also, the transponder and wake-up solution are employed in an asset tracking system.

Abstract: A system uses an intelligent load controller for managing use of a consumable resource at an associated load. The controller has a resource measuring component for measuring the rate of use of the resource by the associated load, including measuring at least one of an instantaneous usage rate and a usage rate over an integration period and a load status component for receiving load status data for the associated load. The controller also has a communication component for receiving control messages from and sending load status messages to other associated controllers; a memory for storing a load control goal set; and a load control computer program responsive to the resource measuring component, the load status component, the control messages from other associated controllers and the load control goal set, to determine a load operating level for, and provide control commands to, the associated load.

Abstract: In an encoder constituted from a detection part (a light-emitting part, rotating disk, and light-receiving part), which detects a signal corresponding to the state of a specimen, and calculates and stores the position information of the specimen from a signal outputted from this detection part, and a signal processing part for transmitting the stored position information to a host machine by way of serial communications, the signal processing part being constituted having: a two-way communication mode M1 for receiving command data from the host machine, and, when this command data is a two-way communication request command (commands A through C), transmitting the requested position information and the like to the host machine; a one-way communication mode M2 for transmitting the position information to the host machine by executing one-way transmission processing S105 when the command data is a one-way communication request command (command P); and a quasi one-way communication mode M3 for transmitting the po

Abstract: An intelligent communication system used with a vehicle and method thereof are provided, wherein the system includes a vehicle-installed telematics unit, and a nomadic device in communication with the vehicle-installed telematics unit via a plurality of different communication paths. The nomadic device is modified by including a software routine that is executed to determine which of the plurality of communication paths is to be used based upon a proximity between the nomadic device and the vehicle-installed telematics unit when a user of the nomadic device instructs the nomadic device to communicate with the vehicle-installed telematics unit.

Abstract: A telemetry data acquisition management system includes a system processor and an interface engine, controlled by the system processor, for interfacing with sensor bearing systems, to receive telemetry data from the sensor bearing systems, and distribute the data to a plurality data processing systems or applications operational for processing telemetry data according to each sensor bearing systems' protocol. The system processor enables the plurality of multiple data processing systems or applications to specify telemetry requests including “fuzzy” timeliness protocol, generates a charging structure such that the sensor bearing systems are charge by usage commensurate with system load.

Abstract: A metering device can be activated by a suction airflow of a user for inhaling a powdery substance, in particular of medicinal type, which is arranged in a supply chamber and can be brought out of there into an apparent discharge standby position by removing a mouthpiece sealing cap by a metering chamber of a metering rod. The metering device provides piston-extensible tabs for sealing off the metering chamber, particularly for the facilitated opening of the metering chamber.

Abstract: A fault management system using a satellite telemetering technology and a method thereof are provided. The fault management system includes: a telemetering sensing unit for collecting telemetering data from target apparatuses, which are installed at a remote location and an unattended location and managed through a satellite, in real time and sensing whether the target apparatuses are malfunctioned or not based on the collected telemetering data; a controlling unit for determining whether the target apparatuses are malfunctioned or not by comparing the telemetering data with unique performance request values for normally driving the target apparatuses, analyzing causes of malfunctions, and storing malfunction data into a malfunction data storing unit; a malfunction data analysis unit for managing the malfunction data stored in the malfunction data storing unit and analyzing the malfunction data; and a display unit for outputting the result of analyzing the malfunction data on a display device.

Abstract: A monitoring system capable of being operationalized. Power consumption is electrical devices is monitored by the use of new and innovative consumption power monitoring device in accordance with the present invention. Power consumption information is collected by an intelligent power hub that is communicatively coupled to a remote server that presents overall power usage displays. A method of operationalizing a power usage monitoring system comprises powering up an energy pump device when the energy pump device is plugged into a first power socket, setting the energy pump device automatically to a SET mode to acquire new monitoring devices, and discovering the presence of a power consumption monitoring device.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods for monitoring a plurality of worksites at a facility, the methods including transporting a central monitoring station package to the facility, seating a transport container, stationing worksite monitoring equipment packages at the worksites, connecting communication links from the worksite monitoring equipment packages to central monitoring station equipment, transmitting remote transmissions from worksite monitoring equipment packages to central monitoring station equipment, displaying worksite monitoring information for a monitoring technician, and responding when remote monitoring information received from a worksite meets a response threshold criteria.

Abstract: A transmission system for a measurement device on a coordinate positioning apparatus comprises a station (18) mounted on the measuring device (10) and a station (20) mounted on the coordinate positioning apparatus (22), wherein the stations communicate with each other using a spread spectrum radio link, for example frequency hopping. The station on the probe sends a regular signal and on receiving the signal the station on the coordinate positioning apparatus synchronises its clock and sends an acknowledgement signal. Measurement data is either sent in the regular signal or in a measurement event driven signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products, implementing techniques for automatic data acquisition and the real-time display of automatically acquired data. A system implementing the techniques includes one or more automatic data acquisition devices that emit data; and a data integration system that receives data from the automatic data acquisition devices and processes the data. The data integration system includes a display system for displaying the data to a user. The display system is operable to generate a graphical display and to update the graphical display automatically and only when new data from the automatic data acquisition devices is available. The display system is operable to update only affected parts of the graphical display but not necessarily the entire display.

Abstract: A device is disclosed, in particular a power quality meter and power quality device, for determining and recording data relating to an electrical power supply system on the basis of analog electrical signals, in particular voltage, current and frequency, which are output and/or derived from the electrical power supply system and are passed to the inputs of the device. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a measurement channel, which is connected downstream from the inputs, for measuring the electrical signals, and a software-controlled processor, which is connected downstream from the measurement channel, for determining the data. In order to determine the quality of power supply systems with little effort, in at least one embodiment a communication channel is provided which has a communication interface which is likewise connected to the inputs and via which the device can communicate by cable via the electrical lines of the power supply system with correspondingly equipped other devices.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a network protocol for utility services are disclosed are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises discovering a utility network, wherein a constant powered meter sends network discovery messages to find the utility network. Neighboring meters are discovered, wherein the constant powered meter sends hello messages periodically. The constant powered meter is registered with the utility network. Further, the battery powered meter finds and associates itself with a constant powered meter. The constant powered meter also registers its associate battery powered meter with the utility network. The constant powered meter sends a node registration message to the gateway of the utility network. The constant powered meter can sense outage problems with the gateway and the neighbors of its network, and search and migrate to an alternate network.

Abstract: A telemetry system is disclosed herein. The telemetry system includes a transmitter/monitor configured to provide tracking data and monitoring data, and a receiver adapted to define a coverage area. The receiver is configured to receive the tracking data and the monitoring data from the transmitter/monitor when the transmitter/monitor is within the coverage area. The telemetry system also includes a processor configured to receive the tracking data and the monitoring data from the receiver, analyze the tracking data and the monitoring data, and identify an alarm condition based on the analysis of the tracking data and the monitoring data.

Abstract: An apparatus including an antenna for wireless communications is disclosed. The antenna includes a first radiating element and a second radiating element electromagnetically coupled to and electrically isolated from the first radiating element. The first radiating element includes at least one characteristic feature that is substantially the same as at least one characteristic feature of the second radiating element. The first radiating element may be configured as a planar monopole having various shapes, such as elliptical, circular, triangular, square, rectangular, diamond, or polygon. The planar monopole may further be electrically coupled to a flat or curved metallic load. The first radiating element may also be configured as a cone. The second radiating element may be configured as a flat or curved metal structure.

Abstract: A wireless temperature profiling system and the methods of making it are disclosed. The wireless temperature profiling system can include a photovoltaic substrate, a transponder, and a reader.

Abstract: A battery-powered two-way long range automatic meter reading system and method that increases battery longevity. The system includes a meter side unit (MSU) transceiver that acquires utility data, a centralized data collector (Collector) that gathers data from the MSU, and a repeater to facilitate long-range transmission by shuttling radio signals around physical or geographic transmission barriers. The MSU includes a circuit to monitor the passage of time and apply power to a transmitter in response to a predetermined elapsed period of time. The MSU transceiver monitors a predetermined radio channel for traffic. In response to the predetermined radio channel being essentially clear of signal traffic, the MSU sends utility data to the collector. The MSU scans for a reply from the collector. In response to the collector having control data to transmit to the MSU, the collector transmits this control data in response to receiving a transmission from the MSU. The MSU is configured to enter a sleep mode.

Abstract: A wireless sensor network includes a controller connected with multiple antennas for sending out a beacon signal at different instants into different directions and for receiving a sensor signal. Furthermore, the wireless sensor network comprises a sensor having a receiver connected with a sensor antenna for receiving the beacon signal, a transmitter connected with the sensor antenna for sending out the sensor signal, and a control unit which takes care that the sensor signal is transmitted after the beacon signal has been received.

Abstract: A sensor system has a least one voltage generator for conversion of non-electrical energy to electrical energy. At least one energy store is connected downstream from the voltage generator. At least one voltage converter is connected to the energy store such that its output signal is suitable for operation of a processor controller. At least one sensor is provided, and at least one transmitter enables wire-free transmission of transmission messages produced by the processor controller and containing at least one measured value from the at least one sensor. A timer circuit is triggered as a function of a voltage level of the at least one energy store, and activates the sensor system to transmit at least one transmission message after a specific time interval.

Abstract: A method of collecting weather data includes determining probable occurrences of weather events. Contact information corresponding to a plurality of users is maintained. Weather collection devices are sent to the plurality of users prior to the occurrence of the probable weather event. Data is collected by the weather collection devices upon the actual occurrence of the probable weather event.

Abstract: An underwater buoy system is disclosed. The system comprises a docking station (10) arranged to receive a buoy (14), and a reservoir (20) of gas under pressure with a first controllable valve (24) operable to release gas from the reservoir selectively. A buoy is received by the docking station and has a flotation chamber enabling the buoy to be rendered positively buoyant by gas released from the reservoir so that it ascends. The buoy has a second controllable valve (52) for venting gas from the flotation chamber to render the buoy negatively buoyant so that it sinks, and a retraction mechanism (35) having a line attached to the buoy and which is arranged to pay out line as the buoy ascends and to retract the line when the buoy sinks. A control system (48) actuates the first controllable valve at predetermined intervals or when sensor data is received which meets or exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recording device that is associated with an operating medium specially protected from explosions, at a minimum for the collection, recording, and transmission of device parameters, having at least one data collection device, a memory device connected to said data collection device, and a data communication interface for transmission of the stored data to an external remote station. As a result, it is possible to determine corresponding device parameters in a simpler manner and at the same time to eliminate the need for time- and cost-intensive measures for accessing the operating medium on site.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a network and routing protocol for utility services are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises discovering a utility network, wherein a utility device (for example, a constant powered meter) sends network discovery messages to find the utility network. Neighboring meters are discovered and the device listens for advertised routes for one or more networks from the neighbors. The device is then registered with one or more utility networks, receiving a unique address for each network registration. Also illustrated in this invention disclosure is how each device of a class of devices (for example, battery powered meter) finds and associates itself with another device (for example, constant powered meter). The constant powered meter also registers its associate battery powered meter with the utility networks. The constant powered meter registers itself with the access points and the upstream nodes in the path out of each network.

Abstract: A continuously-arranged sensor system is provided that can eliminate a shift in timing between a determination signal of each sensor unit and sensor information relating to the determination signal. The continuously-arranged sensor system includes a network unit and a plurality of sensor units, which are connected by a serial transmission line and a parallel transmission line. In accordance with a command sent from the network unit, each sensor unit transmits the determination signal and the sensor information, provided at the same time as the determination signal, to the network unit via the serial transmission line. Therefore, the network unit can obtain the determination signal and the sensor information exhibited at the same time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for providing digital data communications over a wireless intra-body network is presented. A physical protocol layer is logically defined with an identifier uniquely assigned to a plurality of implantable devices in an intra-body network. Functions are specified within the physical protocol layer to transact data exchange over a wireless interface. A slave implantable device is activated in response to an activation signal transmitted through the wireless interface by a master implantable device. A wireless communications link is established between the slave implantable device and the master implantable device upon matching of the identifier assigned to the slave implantable device. Data is communicated intra-bodily over the communications link.

Abstract: An intelligent network demand control system provides a system and method for controlling demand in an energy delivery system. The intelligent network demand control system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to meters and appliances residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators instruct a customer premises (CP) energy management controller to implement a reduction in system demand. A demand reduction control signal is relayed out to a predefined group of transceivers to bring their respective controlled generators on line. The predefined transceivers, identified by their identification codes, are specified in the demand reduction control signal. When the transceivers bring the generators on line in response to a broadcasted demand reduction control signal, the actual demand reduction is metered and relayed back to the CP energy management controller. The total demand reduction is aggregated into a single number and then communicated to the operators.

Abstract: Origination and incoming are regulated for each service in user units. An origination filter table stores contract service information indicating whether or not each service can be used and the maximum number of sessions that can be activated by the originator corresponding to each originator identifier (for example, SIP-URI). An incoming filter table stores incoming enable/refusal information and an originator identifier from which incoming is enabled or refused corresponding to each receiver identifier. A communication control section references the contract service information and the maximum number of sessions in the origination filter table based on the originator identifier in the message received from a communication terminal, determines whether or not the service indicated by service type information in the message can be used, and determines whether or not a new session can be established.

Abstract: A wrapped thermoelectric power source having an inner and an outer insulator is provided within a housing formed, at least partially, by an upper and lower thermal transfer elements. The thermoelectric power source including a plurality of coupled pairs of thin film materials possessing thermoelectric properties, the pairs disposed on a flexible substrate and electrically coupled in any series/parallel combination, with the flexible substrate wrapped around an inner thermal insulator. The thermoelectric power source may be sized such that at least a portion of an electronics module may be disposed at least partly within the inner thermal insulator. The electronics module is electrically coupled to the thermoelectric power source, and includes components for voltage regulation and/or power conditioning.

Abstract: A device includes a first sensor, a motion sensor, and a processor. The first sensor has an optical detector and an optical emitter. The optical detector generates a first output using the optical emitter. The first output corresponds to a physiological parameter of a user. The motion sensor generates a motion output corresponding to a detected motion of the user. The motion sensor is configured for attachment to the user. The processor is coupled to the first sensor by a first link and coupled to the motion sensor by a second link. At least one of the first link and the second link includes a wireless communication channel. The processor generates a processor output using the first output and the motion output.

Abstract: A method and system includes a solar panel. A power bus is coupled to the solar panel. The power bus supports transmission of AC communication signals. A slave node, coupled to the power bus, transmits information regarding solar panel performance. A master node, remotely coupled to the slave node over the power bus, receives the information regarding solar panel performance from the slave node.

Abstract: A wireless telemetry module and associated method reject interference in a received signal. The wireless telemetry module includes an antenna receives a communication signal transmitted at a desired channel frequency and having a channel bandwidth. A transceiver is controlled to operate in receiving and transmitting modes by a processor. An interference rejection module receives control signals from the processor corresponding to the desired channel frequency and is coupled between the antenna and the transceiver when the transceiver is operating in the receiving mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a machine. In one implementation, a system for monitoring the machine includes a monitoring server in communication with a machine. The monitoring server receives data from the machine, estimates, based on the received data, an operating condition of the machine, and estimates a depreciation value of the machine based on the operating condition.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus with an information exchange system that involves an assembly featuring a cooking apparatus such as a smoker or an electric turkey fryer and an information exchange system that provides for local and/or remote monitoring of cooking characteristic that preferably includes food item temperature probing that is displayed externally on the cooking appliance as in a local remote cooking characteristic information conveyance device that are preferably either in unidirectional of bi-directional.

Abstract: A sensor network for monitoring utility power lines comprises a sensor disposed for monitoring utility power lines, the sensor capable of acquiring data related to the utility power lines and communicating sensor data; a first remote sensor interface (RSI) comprising a data communications device capable of receiving the sensor data communicated from the sensor, and transmitting data relating to the received sensor data; and a data communications device capable of receiving the data transmitted by the first RSI and transmitting data related to the sensor data directly or indirectly to a network external to the sensor network. The sensor network comprises a common designation network.

Abstract: A number of meters to be configured according to a particular billing rate. Multiple billing rates may be defined, named, and stored for use. Each such billing rate may include time of use (TOU) configuration parameters and/or demand configuration parameters. Alternatively, a billing rate may include strictly consumption based parameters. Each billing rate is “meter independent”, meaning that it is not specific to any particular meter configuration format. The billing rate is defined in a format that is convenient for the operator and then translated into a format that is specific to each meter on which it is implemented. Thus, to configure a number of different parameters on a number of differently formatted meters, only a single billing rate need be defined and propagated to the meters.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and managing the energy consumption of designated devices or services obtains the point-of-use energy consumption of the designated devices or services and collects this consumption information in various formats as data. The collected data may be analyzed for peak load analysis and load shedding recommendations, among other analysis. The data may be displayed on a user interface to an energy consumer in various formats that permit the consumer to make decisions and take actions based on the displayed data or the analysis. The data may be displayed in real-time format so that the consumer may observe the instant energy consumption of a particular device. The consumer may also view a device's energy consumption to-date over a predetermined period of time. The consumer may also take an action through the system to reduce the consumer's overall energy consumption.

Abstract: A field bus distribution unit (VE) designed for use in process automation technology involving several field devices. The unit is equipped with a microcontroller ?C, which is connected to the field bus (FB) and transmits device-specific information of the field devices that are connected to a field bus distribution unit (VE).

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes a telemetry module to communicate with an external device according to a given protocol. To establish a communication session, the IMD will extend active periods of reception on a given channel when some confirmed data is received from the external device. In addition, once a session has been opened, the programmer transmits a short data set (or preamble) for each cycle which the IMD is set to receive. This data set indicates whether additional data will or will not be sent. If no additional data is to be sent during that cycle, then the IMD powers down the receiver for that cycle.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for interfacing with a power line network. Electrical power is received, and a voltage of the electrical power is monitored. When the voltage is inadequate, then an alternate power source is automatically connected. A frequency of electrical power provided by the alternate power source is monitored, and high frequency data signals are separated from low frequency power signals.

Abstract: A sensing platform for monitoring a transmission system, and method therefor, may include a sensor that senses one or more conditions relating to a condition of the transmission system and/or the condition of an environment around the transmission system. A control system operatively associated with the sensor produces output data based on an output signal produced by the sensor. A transmitter operatively associated with the control system transmits the output data from the control system.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to implement an arrangement that enables maximally flexible linkage of measured-value sensing systems 12 to automation devices. This object is achieved in that an arrangement for evaluating the measured values of a measured-value converter 12 is provided, which arrangement encompasses an evaluation means 13 and a connecting means 18 for linking the evaluation means 13 to the measured-value transducer 12. Connecting means 18 in turn encompasses means 14, 15, 16, 17a, b that are at least in part electrically configurable, by means of parameters, in such a way that a linkage of evaluation means 13 to measured-value converters 12 that differ in terms of measured-value data transfer can be implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises switches, a measurement unit, and a telemetry subsystem. The switches connect the current sources to a power bus when in a first position and to the measurement unit when the switches are in a second position. The measurement unit generates a ramp signal to control the solar strings from an open circuit state to a short circuit state linearly in a short duration and provides continuous current and voltage telemetry data at the output while the set of switches is in the second position. The telemetry subsystem is pre-set to a dwell mode and samples a large amount of voltage and current telemetry data. The telemetry subsystem transmits this data to ground directly to eliminate the need for processing and storage resources in the spacecraft. The telemetry data is used to plot I-V curve for health monitoring.

Abstract: Token authorized packet exchange between a plurality of store-and-forward nodes in a downhole networking environment and respective applications for data processing and communication are described herein.

Abstract: A system or method of verifying a new contact position of a multi-pole electromechanical switch having a plurality of contact positions is disclosed. The switch is caused to move to a new contact position. Power is provided to at least one light transmitter to cause the at least one light transmitter to transmit light toward a light reflective portion. A particular light detector among a plurality of light detectors that has received light from the light reflective portion is identified. The new contact position is verified based on the identification.

Abstract: A system (30) includes an analysis engine (34) and a notification engine (38) for selective notification of a condition (72) of an apparatus (26) monitored by a monitoring device (28). A method executed by the system (30) receives (116) data elements (58) from the monitoring device (28), processes (118) the data elements (58) to detect the condition (72) of the apparatus (26), and determines that the condition (72) defines an exception (74) to a normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26). A first notice (60) of the condition (72) is conveyed (146) to a responsible party (59) at a first instance of determination of the exception (74), and conveyance of a second notice (60) is prevented (140) at a second, subsequent, instance of determination of the exception (74). In addition, communication of the normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26) is prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (100) for providing continuous analysis and display of the variability of multiple patient parameters monitored by multiple beside monitors (106a-106c) for each patient (102). Each monitor is connected to a patient interface and to a patient data storage unit (115) and a processor (113). Each monitored patient parameter is measured in real-time. Data artifacts are removed, and variability analysis is performed based upon a selected period of observation. Variability analysis yields variability of the patient parameters, which represents a degree to which the patient parameters fluctuate over time, to provide diagnostic information particularly useful in the detection, prevention and treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).