With Meter Reading Patents (Class 340/870.02)
  • Patent number: 9319808
    Abstract: A hearing aid includes: a microphone for reception of sound and conversion of the received sound into a corresponding first audio signal; a signal processor for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user; a speaker connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the second audio signal into an output sound signal; a transceiver connected to the signal processor for wireless data communication; and an antenna for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field, the antenna coupled with the transceiver; wherein the signal processor, the transceiver, the antenna, and interconnecting transmission lines form a circuitry extending over an area of a support substrate, and wherein the hearing aid further comprises a resonant element within a near field of the circuitry to terminate and dissipate unwanted electromagnetic radiation from at least a part of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GN RESOUND A/S
    Inventor: Andrea Ruaro
  • Patent number: 9317830
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to evaluate a quality of a locate and/or marking operation performed at a work site of proposed excavation in response to a locate request ticket. A display device displays a first portion of a graphical user interface based on first information from the locate request ticket, and further displays a second portion of the graphical user interface based on second information relating to the locate and/or marking operation as performed at the work site by a field technician. One or more indications of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation are generated based on a comparison of at least some of the first information and at least some of the second information, and an electronic record of the quality assessment is stored and/or transmitted based on the indication(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr, David Pennington
  • Patent number: 9319100
    Abstract: The present application discloses a time distribution device capable of providing a synchronized time signal to a plurality of end devices connected to the time distribution device with cables of various lengths. The time distribution device may receive a time signal, generate a time reference based on the received time signal, compensate the time reference for hardware delay, and overcompensate the time reference for a delay caused by a maximum cable length. Prior to being distributed to various end devices, each being connected with the time distribution device by cables of varying length, this overcompensated time reference may then be delayed by an amount based on the cable length connecting each respective end device such that the arrival of each of the synchronized time references at the various end devices is synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Srinivas Achanta, Hidayatullah Ahsan
  • Patent number: 9310406
    Abstract: The invention discloses a region-based security evaluation method for the distribution system, which belongs to the eld of electric power distribution system operation. The method contains the following steps: (1) acquiring distribution system security region and security boundaries according to substation transformer capacity of the distribution system and link relationships among the substation transformers (101); (2) acquiring the distance between operating point and the security boundaries (IO2); (3) judging whether the operating point is within the distribution system security region according to the distance between the operating point and security boundaries (103); if yes, performing step (4), otherwise, performing step (5); (4) acquiring the load shortage or excess L,- of a link unit (I04); (5) adjusting the load of the substation transformers until the operating point comes back to the distribution system security region, then performing step (4) (IO5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: TIANJIN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jun Xiao, Chengshan Wang, Yixin Yu, Wenzhuo Gu
  • Patent number: 9291694
    Abstract: Some embodiments can concern a method of using an electrical sensor device. The method can include: determining a first current measurement of a first current in an electrical power infrastructure and a first phase angle measurement of the first current; determining that a first load is coupled to the electrical power infrastructure; while the first load is coupled to the electrical power infrastructure, determining a second current measurement of a second current in the electrical power infrastructure and a second phase angle measurement of the second current; and using a Kalman filter to determine one or more first calibration coefficients for the electrical sensor device at least in part using the first current measurement, the second current measurement, the first phase angle, and the second phase angle. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yael G. Maguire, Karthik Yogeeswaran
  • Patent number: 9273983
    Abstract: A meter data management system includes one or more application servers configured to receive, validate and estimate received meter data. The one or more application servers may include various memory/media elements for storing raw and transformed meter data as well as software in the form of computer-executable instructions, which are executed by a processor to implement a variety of functions, including establishing a mapping between the plurality of external devices and a plurality of preconfigured processing workbins (e.g., collections of meter channels in the same time zones), transforming the received meter data into a plurality of data files identified by timing parameter and workbin, validating data provided in each data file, estimating missing or invalid data, and automatically writing validated (and optionally estimated) data as import files to a database server. Such clean data files are then imported to one or more dedicated databases installed on the database server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Robert C. Sonderegger
  • Patent number: 9270361
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a relay station operable to receive, from a base station, a first signal to control transmitting operation of a mobile station and operable to receive a second signal transmitted from said mobile station in accordance with the first signal. The relay station comprises a control unit to generate a control signal affecting said first signal and control transmission of said control signal to said base station, and a reception processing part to receive a radio signal transmitted from said mobile station which transmits said radio signal in accordance with said first signal which is affected by said control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Junichi Suga
  • Patent number: 9256849
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to evaluate a quality of a locate operation performed at a work site of proposed excavation following issuance of the instruction to a field-service technician. An input/output (I/O) interface receives an electronic manifest of the locate operation. The electronic manifest includes geographic information indicating a first location at which the electronic manifest was created. A distance is determined between the first location and a second location at which the locate operation was requested to be performed. One or more indications of a quality assessment of the locate operation are generated based on whether the distance is within or equal to a predefined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr, David Pennington
  • Patent number: 9250275
    Abstract: Activity sensing in the home has a variety of important applications, including healthcare, entertainment, home automation, energy monitoring and post-occupancy research studies. Many existing systems for detecting occupant activity require large numbers of sensors, invasive vision systems, or extensive installation procedures. Disclosed is an approach that uses a single plug-in sensor to detect a variety of electrical events throughout the home. This sensor detects the electrical noise on residential power lines created by the abrupt switching of electrical devices and the noise created by certain devices while in operation. Machine learning techniques are used to recognize electrically noisy events such as turning on or off a particular light switch, a television set, or an electric stove. The system has been tested to evaluate system performance over time and in different types of houses. Results indicate that various electrical events can be learned and classified with accuracies ranging from 85-90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Shwetak N. Patel, Thomas M. Robertson, Gregory D. Abowd, Matthew S. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9245148
    Abstract: A system and method for securely obfuscating, storing, and transmitting digital information includes a computing device configured to parse at least a portion of one or more bit streams to form a plurality of first datasets. The computing device is configured to disperse the plurality of first datasets into multiple data blocks to form t volumes as part of a plurality of second bit streams such that m number of volumes contain a complete data set, wherein m<t. The computing device is also configured to output the t volumes to a plurality of local or distributed storage locations, such that no complete dataset is stored at a single storage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: BitSpray Corporation
    Inventors: Walter H. Runkis, Donald E. Martin, Christoper D. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9247307
    Abstract: Techniques provide for converged wireline and wireless services in part by employing a set-top box (STB) with machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. The STB, associated with an access point, such as a femtocell, can be used to send/receive messages, including video, to/from user equipment (UE) via a core network. A monitoring system includes a sensor component that is triggered under specified conditions, and the STB records events in response to the trigger, where a recorded event can be sent as a message to the UE. The STB or associated remote control can indicate a received message to a user, who can view the message on the STB, remote control, or associated television. A meter component is associated with the STB via the femtocell or other desired connection. The STB can receive and store utility meter readings for validation or dispute by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Fan, Jennifer K. Lam, Cheng P. Liu
  • Patent number: 9232411
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure can provide systems and methods for routing home area network (HAN) messages. In one embodiment, a system can be provided. The system can include at least one memory that stores computer-executable instructions; at least one processor configured to access the at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions can receive, by the at least one processor, an instruction for a HAN gateway; send the instruction to a transmission agent for routing to the HAN gateway; and transmit, by the transmission agent, the instruction to the HAN gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hyoung Jhang, David Sampson, Jeremy McKeown
  • Patent number: 9197100
    Abstract: A PLC processing device includes: a filter; a first signal line; a second signal line; and a PLC-ECU. The filter removes noise from a signal transmitted using a power line. The filter is provided on the first signal line. In contrast, the second signal line bypasses the filter. The PLC-ECU communicates using a signal which has passed through the filter while the power storage device is being charged. The PLC-ECU communicates using a signal which has bypassed filter while the charging of the power storage device is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 9197320
    Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring a dual-polarization signal are disclosed. The systems and methods include adding a first supervisory signal to a first polarization component of the dual-polarization signal to get a first combined signal, adding a second supervisory signal to a second polarization component of the dual-polarization signal to get a second combined signal, and in the electrical domain, performing a polarization scanning technique on the first and second combined signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Olga Vassilieva, Inwoong Kim, Motoyoshi Sekiya
  • Patent number: 9194899
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting anomalies in the measurement and distribution of utilities is disclosed. Utility metering data obtained at a utility meter is received through a communications network. A utility consumption associated with an entity is then measured based on the utility metering data. The utility consumption can then be monitored for anomalies based on entity profile characteristics associated with the entity. The utility analytics system and method can be applied to the electrical utility industry, but also applicable to gas and water distribution, and other utilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: FAIR ISAAC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott M. Zoldi, Julie A. Haag
  • Patent number: 9175980
    Abstract: Disclosed are an in home display apparatus and methodology for displaying utility consumption and other related information to a consumer. The display device monitors transmissions from a utility consumption endpoint on a meter for user readable display. Messages relevant to the consumer may be sent to the endpoint to be relayed along with bubbled-up data from the endpoint on the meter to the in home display device. Flags related to certain of the messages may be set by the endpoint and cleared by the in home display device as a mechanism for acknowledging receipt of messages. Network readers see that set flags have been cleared and thus confirm message delivery to the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: ITRON, INC.
    Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9170127
    Abstract: An RF antenna bracket for placement through and under a utility meter pit lid for use in an AMR or AMI system that includes a transmitter bracket cap for placement in a hole disposed in a meter pit lid; a cylindrical threaded neck disposed under and depending downwardly from said cap; a female threaded collar threadably disposed on said threaded neck; first and second elongate parallel slide posts connected to and depending downwardly from said female threaded collar, said first slide post having teeth disposed linearly along the length of an interior side of said first slide post; and an antenna mount slidably affixed to said first and second slide posts, said antenna mount engaging said teeth on said first slide post for vertical adjustment and positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Cook, Howard Johnson
  • Patent number: 9171458
    Abstract: A monitoring device, system and method are provided for in-home/on-premises monitoring of usage of utilities, such as electricity and other services. The monitoring device receives information from a smart meter, and displays usage through a display, illuminating an area using a color indicative of the current cost of consumption, and varying the illuminated area at a rate indicative of a rate of consumption or other metric, the varying of the illuminated area simulating movement in the display. The display provides a consumer with “at a glance” visual information on current usage. Optionally a digital display screen provides detailed alphanumeric and graphical information, through a number of selectable display modes. One or more devices may be networked, and interface directly or indirectly with a transceiver of a smart metering system, or a retrofit transceiver for a conventional meter. Monitoring of other utilities and services may alternatively or additionally be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Aztech Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey David Vincent Salter
  • Patent number: 9157936
    Abstract: A detecting device, for facilitating a detection of tampering aimed at altering a metering of a measure-deliverable good or service, for providing useful information for detecting a presence of a remotely activated/deactivated tampering device by means of a radiofrequency control signal, the tampering device comprising a radio receiver of said radio frequency signal is described. The detecting device is a handheld device. The detecting device has at least one radiofrequency probe, provided with an antenna, and a signal processing circuit such as to receive a electric radiofrequency signal for providing, based on said signal, useful information for detecting the presence of a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: ENEL DISTRIBUZIONE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Yuri Giuseppe Rassega, Stefano Pancotto
  • Patent number: 9151654
    Abstract: Electronic circuits in a register associated with a commodity usage meter capture energy from a meter reading device when the device is coupled to the register (e.g., either electrically or inductively coupled) for the purpose of reading metered quantity data from the register. Electrical charge obtained from the reading device may be stored in a high-capacity storage capacitor. When the capacitor is sufficiently charged, it provides power to at least part of the register circuits, such as a controller, for at least the duration of the communication session with the reading device. In some embodiments, the capacitor may additionally supply sufficient power to operate the register until a subsequent reading device coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SENSUS USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael Stenson, James Duncan
  • Patent number: 9135770
    Abstract: A method and system for predicting an estimated remaining utility usage and adjusting an alert threshold for a prepaid utility meter account includes receiving an indication of a time period of inaccessibility to replenish a prepaid utility meter account, predicting an alert trigger time when an estimated remaining utility usage for the prepaid utility meter account falls below an alert threshold, and determining that the time period of inaccessibility overlaps the predicted alert trigger time, and responsively adjusting the alert threshold such that the predicted alert trigger time occurs before the time period of inaccessibility. The method also includes receiving an indication of a business objective for a utility company and automatically adjusting the alert threshold associated with the prepaid utility meter account based on the business objective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., Howard P. Benn, John P. Cipolla
  • Patent number: 9112753
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an interleaver design and header fields for ITU-T G.hnem. The header may comprise two parts that are separately encoded. A common header segment is encoded alone, and an embedded header segment is encoded with payload data. The interleaver operates on blocks having a size based upon a total number of input bits in an FEC codeword block, a total number of bits loaded on symbols that span a half mains cycle, or a maximum fragment size of 3072 bits. The blocks may be repeated before interleaving. Each block and its repetitions may be interleaved together, such as for header data, or each block and repetition may be interleaved separately, such as for payload data. Cyclic padding may be used on each block to create an integer number of symbols for transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Badri N. Varadarajan, Anand Dabak, Il Han Kim
  • Patent number: 9110449
    Abstract: An occupancy sensing and energy indicating load control device includes an occupancy sensor, an energy savings feedback indicator, and a manual controller. The occupancy sensor detects occupancy within a monitored area. The device is electrically coupled to at least one load positioned within the monitored area and controls the energy consumption of the load. The energy savings feedback indicator provides awareness to an end user regarding energy savings and provides the end user with opportunities for additional energy savings. The device optionally includes a demand response indicator for providing awareness to the end user regarding when a demand response condition exists, its severity, and opportunities for additional energy savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Walma, Matthew Conger, Angela Maddox
  • Patent number: 9106317
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a system that includes a plurality of endpoint devices. Each endpoint device can be configured and arranged to monitor a plurality of communication channels carried over power distribution lines for data communications. The endpoint can detect setup communications that contain an endpoint identifier (ID) matching the endpoint. The endpoint then stores or assigns the organization ID (obtained from the detected communications) to itself. The endpoint configures itself to respond to subsequent operational communications based upon the organization ID. A command center is configured and arranged to transmit setup communications to endpoint devices. The setup communications can include one or more endpoint identifiers and the organization ID. The command center can also transmit operational communications to the plurality endpoint devices, the operational communications including the organization ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roland Johnson, Damian Bonicatto, Robert Zeppetelle
  • Patent number: 9100707
    Abstract: System(s), method(s), and device(s) providing converged wireline and wireless services in part by employing a set-top box (STB) with machine-to-machine (M2M) communication are presented. The STB, associated with an access point, such as a femtocell, can be used to send/receive messages, including video, to/from user equipment (UE) via a core network. A monitoring system includes a sensor component that is triggered under specified conditions, and the STB records events in response to the trigger, where a recorded event can be sent as a message to the UE. The STB or associated remote control can indicate a received message to a user, who can view the message on the STB, remote control, or associated television. A meter component is associated with the STB via the femtocell or other desired connection. The STB can receive and store utility meter readings for validation or dispute by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: James Fan, Jennifer K. Lam, Cheng P. Liu
  • Patent number: 9100505
    Abstract: A network interface to a data network has a modulator-demodulator. The modulator-demodulator receives a modulated carrier signal from an input connection. A power circuit connected to the input connection receives electrical power from a loop plant and provides the electrical power to the modulator-demodulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 9076103
    Abstract: A device management system that manages specific information for specifying a plurality of image forming apparatuses that are the object of management, manages identification information corresponding to the image forming apparatus by association with the specific information, requests information related to power consumption of the image forming apparatus from the power management system by use of the identification information that is managed by a second management unit and manages information related to acquired power consumption by association with the specific information for the image forming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kotaro Matsuda
  • Patent number: 9078050
    Abstract: Clock reference data may be recovered or updated in networks that include line-powered devices and other devices susceptible to power outages. For example, for a mobile information collection network, one or more devices with extended clock holdover may be strategically deployed throughout the mobile information collection network to provide reference clock data. As another example, battery-powered devices may be woken up in order to provide clock reference data to other devices. Alternatively or additionally, the battery-powered devices may be configured to periodically broadcast their clock reference data to other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ELSTER SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen S. Makgill, Jr., Robert T. Mason, Jr., Ronald D. Pate, Robert W. Yost
  • Patent number: 9066055
    Abstract: A method includes transporting audio/video data using at least one signal line in a cable. The method also includes concurrently transporting at least about 100 W of power for operating an audio/video device using at least one electrical conductor in the cable, the audio/video device coupled to the cable. The cable could include multiple electrical conductors, and the at least one signal line in the cable could include one or more of the electrical conductors in the cable. The data and the power can be transported using at least one common electrical conductor in the cable. The audio/video data could have a data rate of at least about 7 Gbps, and the power could be at least about 200 W of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Richard I. McCartney
  • Patent number: 9063177
    Abstract: The electric power metering device comprises a pulse meter to provide an electric pulse or a closing of an electric circuit at each predefined quantity of electric power. A communication module is connected to said pulse meter to send electric power and/or consumed electric power information. Two inputs of the communication module receive the connection with the pulse meter. Said communication module comprises discrimination means connected to the inputs to differentiate power pulse information and status information of an electric apparatus connected to said inputs. The electric power metering method comprises a discrimination step to differentiate power pulse information and status information of an electric apparatus connected to said inputs of the communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Marc Bruel
  • Patent number: 9047760
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for communicating with a radio frequency (RF) device. An exemplary method includes: listening, by the collector node, during a listening period, for a hailing signal from a plurality of RF devices on a hailing channel, the hailing signal including identification of a specified data channel; in response to receiving the hailing signal from one of the plurality of RF devices, switching to the specified data channel and receiving data, by the collector node, on the specified data channel; collecting, by the collector node, during a collecting period, data from the plurality of RF devices; and receiving, by the collector node, the data from at least one of the plurality of RF devices, wherein the listening period and the collecting period occur at different times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Hassan Ali, Timothy J. Brown, Robert Henry Grady, David Edwin Splitz, Brent Dukes
  • Patent number: 9046390
    Abstract: An apparatus to monitor one or more utility meters includes a communication unit with a processor, a communication interface coupled to the processor, and a probe interface coupled to the processor. A meter monitoring probe that includes a probe head is coupled by a cable to a probe connector capable to mate with the probe interface. The probe head includes an image sensor, an indicator, and a button. The probe head is capable to detect a characteristic of a utility meter that is dependent on a usage of a utility metered, and send information related to the characteristic to the processor. The processor is capable to receive the information from the probe head and send a message related to the usage of the utility over the communication interface, and the image sensor is capable to capture an image in response to a press of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Greenwave Systems PTE LTD
    Inventors: Kong Wei Lye, Fu Kin Fong, Yee Fen Ching, William Diehl, Sonny Windstrup
  • Publication number: 20150145689
    Abstract: An advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) site survey system is provided. The AMI site survey system includes a gateway simulation equipment and a smart meter simulation equipment. The gateway simulation equipment communicates with a server via a WAN communication protocol, and communicates with the smart meter simulation equipment via a LAN communication protocol. The smart meter simulation equipment sends a piece of power simulation information, and transmits the power simulation information to the gateway simulation equipment based on the LAN communication protocol. The gateway simulation equipment transmits the power simulation information to the server based on the WAN communication protocol so that the server records a network transmission status of the transmission of the power simulation information via the WAN communication protocol and the LAN communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Institute For Information Industry
    Inventors: Chih-Chiang HSIEH, Ping-Heng LI, Tung-Yuan LEE
  • Patent number: 9041549
    Abstract: Remotely readable valve position indicators and related methods are described. An example apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure includes a valve body, a valve stem and a fluid flow control apparatus coupled to the valve stem. The fluid flow control apparatus is longitudinally displaceable between a first position and a second position to control fluid flow through a flow aperture of the valve body. The apparatus also includes a valve position indicator including an identifier device coupled to the valve stem. In the first position, the wireless identifier device associated with a first value indicative of the first position of the fluid flow control apparatus. In the second position, the wireless identifier device associated with a second value indicative of the second position of the fluid flow control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Wildie McCarty
  • Patent number: 9041550
    Abstract: A method of reporting information from a meter interface unit to a receiving device in which a data packet is transferred from the meter interface unit containing meter readings, which are associated with an indicator of the elapsed time since the reading was taken. The receiving device compares this elapsed time value with the actual elapsed time, based upon the internal clock of the receiving device, in order to determine any inaccuracies in the clock of the meter interface unit. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Neptune Technology Group Inc.
    Inventors: William J Brennan, Jr., Joseph Quentin
  • Patent number: 9041548
    Abstract: A battery-powered fueling data collection unit for use with a meter and a register associated with a fuel transfer apparatus and for use with a system for managing fueling transactions of a fleet operator using fuel transfer apparatuses at multiple locations includes a fueling data interface module for receiving fueling information from the fueling meter and/or register and an internal battery power source. A processor is provided for monitoring the power level in the battery and for detecting if the power level in the battery drops below a threshold amount. Also, a communications module is provided for wirelessly forwarding an alert to a remote computer to alert the remote computer that the battery power is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: QT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Gerasimos A. Portocalis, David A. Conley, Steven T. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20150137989
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for remotely transmitting gas usage in a gas meter. The apparatus includes: a main body having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a diaphragm assembly for pumping gas; a rotary slider controlling the amount of gas introduced to the diaphragm assembly; a counter calculating cumulatively the amount of gas introduced into or discharged from a valve; a remote interface unit digitizing the value cumulatively calculated by the counter to transmit the digitized value to a remote control unit; and a controller controlling the remote interface unit to counter the number of revolutions of the counter so that the cumulatively calculated value of the gas is digitized to display the digitized value on a display unit. The digitized value of the gas is transmitted to the remote control unit. Therefore, the apparatus can exactly measure the flow rate, reduce power consumption, and remotely check gas usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Jae Sam Park, Byeong Hak Kang
  • Publication number: 20150137988
    Abstract: Methods and systems for patient participatory care and monitoring are provided for applications including respiratory care, ECG monitoring, capnography, infusion pump alarm prevention/management, pressure sore prevention, incentive spirometry, consciousness monitoring during sedation, pain management and other care and monitoring modalities. A patient in-the-loop system includes an input interface for receiving data acquired from a monitoring, controlling or sensing device, a storage device for storing the data at a first location, and a processor for analyzing artifacts in the data and determining whether the patient provided a deliberate action with respect to the device as a response to a prompt or query. The processor can further initiate a variety of prompts and/or output queries stored in the storage device at a second location to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Nikolaus Gravenstein, Samsun Lampotang, David Lizdas, Wilhelm K. Schwab, Yashwant Singh Bisht
  • Patent number: 9035790
    Abstract: A transmit pad inspection device includes a magnetic coupling device, which includes an inductive circuit that is configured to magnetically couple to a primary circuit of a charging device in a transmit pad through an alternating current (AC) magnetic field. The inductive circuit functions as a secondary circuit for a set of magnetically coupled coils. The magnetic coupling device further includes a rectification circuit, and includes a controllable load bank or is configured to be connected to an external controllable load back. The transmit pad inspection device is configured to determine the efficiency of power transfer under various coupling conditions. In addition, the transmit pad inspection device can be configured to measure residual magnetic field and the frequency of the input current, and to determine whether the charging device has been installed properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Perry T. Jones, John M. Miller
  • Patent number: 9035791
    Abstract: A data collection system that collects information indicating a status of a battery mounted on a vehicle from the vehicle after shipment from a factory, includes a battery information collection server that is configured to periodically receive information of the battery and identification information, with which it is possible to identify the vehicle, that are transmitted wirelessly from a computer that is mounted on the vehicle and is configured to acquire and store the information of the battery mounted on the vehicle. The data collection system may further include a battery information analysis section that is configured to display a result of associating the information of the battery received by the battery information collection server with each vehicle using the identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Matsumoto, Yasuhide Kurimoto, Kazuo Tojima, Yoshitaka Kiuchi
  • Publication number: 20150130630
    Abstract: A control system and method are provided for a station to dispense fuel to a vehicle, including an electric vehicle, without requiring dedicated access to a communications network, with the advantage that authorization for fleet vehicles or individuals can be obtained from an access management system, using a portable, wireless device, such as a smart phone or a dashboard appliance. The authorization is wirelessly relayed to the station by the wireless device, to enable the dispensing of fuel. Subsequently, a log comprising the transaction is provided to the access management system, through the same or a different wireless, mobile computing device. The log may also report status and other events, such as load shedding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Outwater, William Gibbens Redmann
  • Publication number: 20150130628
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an NFC or RFID based bio sensor measurement device and a measuring method using the same capable of measuring components by being linked with a wireless communication device such as a smart phone. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the NFC or RFID based bio sensor measurement device is configured to include: a bio sensor unit 100 embedded with a reaction reagent; and an NFC or RFID unit 200 which is electrically connected to the bio sensor unit 100 and wirelessly receives power from the external electronic devices and measures a measurement target value using the bio sensor unit 100 and wirelessly transmits the measured value to the external electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: CENTER FOR INTEGRATED SMART SENSORS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Chong-Min KYUNG, Hyun Tae CHO, Seung Ro LEE
  • Publication number: 20150130629
    Abstract: An asset tag for monitoring usage of an electronic asset includes a usage monitor configured to monitor usage of the electronic asset and a transmitter configured to transmit an indication of the usage of the electronic asset. The asset tag may include a socket configured to receive a first plug, wherein the first plug comprises a plug of the electronic asset; a second plug electrically coupled to the socket, wherein the second plug is configured to transmit current to the socket; and, a power source configured to power the usage detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: An Mei Chen, Robert Morris Morandy, Vijaya Datta Mayyuri, Jangwon Lee, Paul David Milne
  • Patent number: 9030329
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of methane gas including a low-cost low-power infrared methane sensor integrated with a smart energy network endpoint node, a volume corrector, or an electronic data recorder for transmission of alarm conditions and detector data between the instrument and a remote gas utility company. An independent gas calibration/verification cell may be included in the methane detector for periodically testing the functioning and calibration of the infrared sensor. An infrared carbon monoxide sensor and associated calibration/verification cell may also be installed with the methane sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Heath Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: James Rutherford, Paul Wehnert, Steve Chancey
  • Patent number: 9030333
    Abstract: Systems and methods for visualization of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployments are disclosed. A status associated with communications towers or metering devices in an AMI deployment can be monitored based on alarms generated by a metering vendor system or based on thresholds specified in the AMI operations database. A user interface can be generated that allows the AMI deployment to be visualized, with status indicators associated with statuses overlaid on a map. The user interface can further facilitate visualization of progress of tasks associated with AMI operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph John Garrett, Brandon Keith Lundy, Derl Wayne Rhoades
  • Patent number: 9030334
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for locating utility metering devices. Utility metering devices that are lost or stolen and that are facilitating unauthorized utility service access. Many AMI and/or AMR deployments lack the ability to remotely deactivate a meter. Accordingly, embodiments of this disclosure can generate a zone of interest in which an unauthorized utility metering device is located, and the unauthorized utility metering device can be subsequently located within the zone of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Cory Solomon
  • Publication number: 20150123812
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a continuous monitoring of analyte values received from an analyte sensor system are provided. One method for a wireless data communication between an analyte sensor system and a mobile device involves storing identification information associated with a transceiver of the analyte sensor system, the identification information entered by a user of the mobile device via a custom application running on the mobile device; causing the custom application to enter a background mode; searching for advertisement signals; receiving an advertisement signal from the transceiver; authenticating the transceiver based on the identification information; prompting the user to bring the custom application to a foreground mode; causing the custom application to request a confirmation from the user that a data connection with the transceiver is desired; receiving the confirmation from the user; and completing the data connection with the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jose Hector Hernandez-Rosas, Shawn Larvenz, Mark Dervaes, Indrawati Gauba, Michael Robert Mensinger, Eric Cohen, Brian Christopher Smith, Jorge Valdes, Jacob S. Leach
  • Publication number: 20150123811
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a continuous monitoring of analyte values received from an analyte sensor system are provided. One method for a wireless data communication between an analyte sensor system and a mobile device involves storing identification information associated with a transceiver of the analyte sensor system, the identification information entered by a user of the mobile device via a custom application running on the mobile device; causing the custom application to enter a background mode; searching for advertisement signals; receiving an advertisement signal from the transceiver; authenticating the transceiver based on the identification information; prompting the user to bring the custom application to a foreground mode; causing the custom application to request a confirmation from the user that a data connection with the transceiver is desired; receiving the confirmation from the user; and completing the data connection with the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jose Hector Hernandez-Rosas, Shawn Larvenz, Mark Dervaes, Indrawati Gauba, Michael Robert Mensinger, Eric Cohen, Brian Christopher Smith, Jorge Valdes, Jacob S. Leach
  • Publication number: 20150123813
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a continuous monitoring of analyte values received from an analyte sensor system are provided. One method for a wireless data communication between an analyte sensor system and a mobile device involves storing identification information associated with a transceiver of the analyte sensor system, the identification information entered by a user of the mobile device via a custom application running on the mobile device; causing the custom application to enter a background mode; searching for advertisement signals; receiving an advertisement signal from the transceiver; authenticating the transceiver based on the identification information; prompting the user to bring the custom application to a foreground mode; causing the custom application to request a confirmation from the user that a data connection with the transceiver is desired; receiving the confirmation from the user; and completing the data connection with the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jose Hector Hernandez-Rosas, Shawn Larvenz, Mark Dervaes, Indrawati Gauba, Michael Robert Mensinger, Eric Cohen, Brian Christopher Smith, Jorge Valdes, Jacob S. Leach
  • Publication number: 20150123810
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a continuous monitoring of analyte values received from an analyte sensor system are provided. One method for a wireless data communication between an analyte sensor system and a mobile device involves storing identification information associated with a transceiver of the analyte sensor system, the identification information entered by a user of the mobile device via a custom application running on the mobile device; causing the custom application to enter a background mode; searching for advertisement signals; receiving an advertisement signal from the transceiver; authenticating the transceiver based on the identification information; prompting the user to bring the custom application to a foreground mode; causing the custom application to request a confirmation from the user that a data connection with the transceiver is desired; receiving the confirmation from the user; and completing the data connection with the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jose Hector Hernandez-Rosas, Shawn Larvenz, Mark Dervaes, Indrawati Gauba, Michael Robert Mensinger, Eric Cohen, Brian Christopher Smith, Jorge Valdes, Jacob S. Leach