Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for utility meter reading. The present disclosure provides inexpensive, easy to install, devices that can collect and report utility usage data from a remote location automatically, or on-demand. The disclosed systems may be used to monitor up to sixty-four meters per system, wherein each of the sixty-four meters is monitored at least once per second. Methods for using the disclosed systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor node capable of transmitting and receiving a large amount of data or data desired to be reliable without missing data, while preventing battery exhaustion and unnecessary compression of the transmission bandwidth. A name-tag type sensor node includes a detector for detecting connection of an external power supply. When the detector detects that the external power is supplied, the name-tag type sensor node transmits and receives a large amount of data, such as bulk transmission data, at an increased frequency by means of a data selector, a communication timing controller, and a wireless communication controller. Alternatively, the name-tag type sensor node transmits and receives the data desired to be reliable, such as rewriting data of firmware.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for communicating with a meter at a remote premise through power transmission lines. The system comprises a head end for collecting and analyzing data from the meter; a power transmission network connected to the meter and to the head end; and a gateway. The network provides both power to the remote location and data communications; the network includes a first network providing a first voltage and a second network connected to the first network and the remote location. The gateway is a bridge between the first and second networks; the gateway provides an interface communication point. The communications are carried over the network following Internet protocol (IP) communication standards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote display module (RDM) for display a resource consumption value synchronized with a resource consumption value indicated by a meter metering resource consumption. The RDM is configured with one or more inputs that are electrically associated with the pulse output for a utility meter. The RDM tracks continuous values and associated customer-values. Customers-values may be reset by a customer allowing the customer to easily track resource consumption.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting bi-directional communication sessions with sensing and control devices, such as utility meters, from a mobile device. A system for conducting bi-directional communication sessions with utility meters from a mobile device includes a mobile device capable of acquiring a communication session with a meter unit connected to a utility meter, a vehicle in which the mobile device is located, and a plurality of meter units connected to a plurality of utility meters. The meter units are capable of receiving and executing commands to obtain data and perform actions on the utility meters. The actions include a peak consumption value reset of the utility meter. Each command message includes a token that enables the endpoint radio transceiver devices to determine the commanded one or more operations have been performed.

Abstract: Automatic meter reading (AMR) systems and methods in which readers communicate with endpoints interfaced to utility meters. In operation, the reader and the endpoint communicate with one another via radio frequency (RF) communication according to a communication protocol. Aspects of the invention are directed to packetization, command and control, and messaging arrangements.

Abstract: Disclosed are handheld or portable apparatus subject matters and associated methodologies for providing local communications to metrology devices within an Advanced Metering System (AMS). The metrology devices may be associated with AC supplied device that are configured with mailboxes for associated battery powered devices or with other home or customer premises area network devices. Battery powered metrology devices may include such as water, gas, and oil meters collocated with electricity meters. Communications between the handheld or portable device may be by way of direct wired or radio frequency connections for providing communications and diagnostic services for home area network coupled components in an Advanced Metering System.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling utility meters is provided. A collar communicatively connected to the utility meter monitors power usage and provides usage data, power quality data, and other data to the utility and the customer. The system provides for pre-pay power, and the collar relay can automatically connect or disconnect power to a customer as required. The system provides intelligent remote control of utility meters via wireless or other communications means.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for locating utility metering devices. Utility metering devices are those 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.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed are an energy management system, an energy management method and a repeater for an energy management system. The repeater receives information on an amount of energy consumption of the individual user from the meter, and receives information on an energy pricing system from the central management server. Then, the repeater analyzes and manages the energy consumption rate of the individual user using the received information, and transmits information on the energy consumption rate to the meter or the central management server. The repeater may also analyze various information such as information on an energy consumption propensity of the individual user. The repeater immediately transmits essential information but transmits incidental information only when there is a request of the meter or the central management server. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce communication traffic between the central management server and the plurality of meters.

Abstract: An antenna is adapted for receiving via a CDMA/1xRTT digital wireless cellular radio communications network incoming data from a client remote control station, and for transmitting via a wireless cellular communications network outgoing data to the client remote control station. A cellular modem is connected to the antenna for establishing a wireless telephony data connection, and a processor is connected to the modem for receiving and processing incoming data, and for processing and communicating outgoing data to the modem for transmission via the antenna and the wireless cellular communications network to the client remote control station. A communication interface is connected to the processor and connectable to the meter for communicating incoming data from the processor to the meter, and for communicating the outgoing data from the meter to the processor. A power supply is connected for supplying power to the processor and the modem.

Abstract: A method of managing an electric utility grid includes geographically grouping a set of customer electric usage meters to create a set of fine sensors on a power grid. Each usage meter in the grouped set is capable of being remotely monitored, and each usage meter is at a different location along the power line. If a power anomaly is detected at the subset of meters, then power to the electric utility grid is adjusted to correct the anomaly.

Abstract: A method of remotely reading electricity consumption data in a system that includes isolated electricity meters and a server for processing consumption data. Each isolated electricity meter being provided with communications means for transmitting the consumption data specific thereto over a communications network of the wired or mobile telephone network type. The consumption data from a plurality of isolated meters is initially transmitted over the wired or mobile telephone type communications network to a unit that collects and stores temporarily the consumption data from a plurality of isolated meters, and the consumption data stored temporarily by the unit is subsequently sent in grouped manner to the server. The invention relates to energy distribution networks.

Abstract: In a method and system of remote metering the consumption of utilities like electricity, water or gas, each of a plurality of remote meters (RM) measures a consumption and reports the measured-consumption to a concentrator (C). The concentrator (C) communicates with a plurality of remote meters (RM) in order to collect consumption data and perform tasks related to the administration of its associated remote meters (RM). Each remote meter (RM) has a host controller (MCM) and a program memory storing programs for execution by the host controller (MCM). In order to update some or all of the application programs running on the host controller (MCM) of the remote meters (RM), the concentrator (C) transmits program data to the remote meters (RM), and the remote meters (RM) receive the program data and update at least a portion of the program stored in the program memory in accordance with the received program data.

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 multisensory meter system is disclosed. The system comprises one main unit and a plurality of remote units. Each remote unit has at least a sensor to measure a physical parameter and wirelessly transmit the measured parameter as a signal to the main unit. The main unit and the remote units have an interface that allows at least one the remote units to be attached to the main unit. When attached, the main unit and the remote unit function as a single meter, and the main unit is capable of receiving signals from the other remote units. In one embodiment, the main unit and the remote units form a mesh network to transmit and receive signals, wherein each remote unit receives signals and transmits said signals. The mesh network may also contain relays. The remote units may measure a number of physical parameters such as relative humidity, temperature, vibration, moisture, electrical current, air speed, voltage and rotational speed.

Abstract: Techniques for optimization of redundancy and throughput in an automated meter data collection system using a wireless network are disclosed herein. The wireless network comprises a central node, a plurality of bi-directional nodes, and a plurality of transmit-only meters. Each of the bi-directional nodes is in bi-directional wireless communication with the central node and has a wireless communication path to the central node that is either a direct path or an indirect path through one or more intermediate bi-directional nodes serving as relay nodes. The transmit-only meters wirelessly transmit meter data that is then relayed by one or more bi-directional nodes to the central node. Each of the bi-directional nodes is assigned one or more authorized transmit-only meters, and each of the bi-directional nodes is configured to relay meter data only from its authorized transmit-only meters, thereby providing an optimum level of redundancy and throughput in the network.

Abstract: The present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. Additional features relate to apparatus (both network and device related) and methodology subject matters relating to uplink routing without requiring a routing table.

Abstract: A system comprising a data collector and a plurality of end consumers connected to and supplied with a utility by a utility distribution station. Each end consumer comprises a metering device arranged to meter the end consumer's consumption of the utility supplied by the distribution station. The metering device is arranged to report consumption data to the data collector using a high frequency ID, the high frequency ID being anonymous so that the consumption data reported by the metering device together with the high frequency ID is not able to be associated to a particular metering device and to report the consumption data to the data collector using a low frequency ID so that the consumption data reported by the metering device together with the low frequency ID is able to be attributed to a particular metering device. The data collector stores IDs and is arranged to only accept consumption data carrying a said stored ID.

Abstract: A meter reading system of the present invention enables transmission of data between utility meter endpoints and readers. In a first embodiment, the endpoint provides a short message providing its identification to the reader and immediately enters a listen mode. If the reader hears the short message, it can immediately respond and request additional information from the endpoint. If the reader does not hear the short message or does not request additional information during the endpoints listening period, the endpoint enters a sleep mode until its next transmission time. In another embodiment, the endpoint transmits an SCM via AM communication to the reader. The reader can then request additional information and the endpoint can respond with the information via two-way FM communication. In another embodiment, the endpoint is capable of transmitting interval data to the reader via either AM or FM communication.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and device for monitoring remote device with a wireless, dual-mode communication protocol. As such, a representative embodiment is a system for monitoring and controlling remote devices. The system includes a first- and a second remote device; and a first and a second wireless transceiver integrated with the respective remote devices. The wireless transceivers are configured to communicate with at least one of a spread-spectrum communication protocol and a fixed-frequency communication protocol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.

Abstract: A method may include and/or involve collecting readings from a number of mote sensors of a mote network, the mote sensors at a number of mote sensor locations, and emulating, as a source or sources of the readings, a number of sensors at a number of sensor locations.

Abstract: An electrical metering system capable of performing multiple metering functions, collecting data, and wirelessly provides the collected metering data to a utility operator. In the electrical metering system, at least one computing device for initiating a request for data. A first modem connects the computing device to an infrastructure. A wireless embedded modem for wirelessly connects an electric meter to an infrastructure, and the wireless electric modem receives a request from the computing device and wirelessly transmits the metering data to the computing device, thereby initiating the request.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing utility data of a power grid is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a datamart comprised of a plurality of physical databases storing utility data, a plurality of applications comprising an automated meter application configured to process power usage data from a plurality of automated meters, a power outage application configured to identify a location of a power outage, and a power restoration application configured to identify a location of a power restoration. The system may include an analysis engine comprising a plurality of analysis objects with each analysis object configured to process data to provide a specific analysis, wherein said analysis engine is accessible via one or more of the plurality of applications, and the system may include a report module configured to receive an output from the analysis engine and to output a report.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for asset management. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving, at a performance assessment and optimization center, data from at least one asset, the asset being configured to service an environment and performing at least one calculation, from the received data, to determine whether the asset is operating properly. Some embodiments include in response to a determination that the at least one asset is not operating properly, providing an indication related to operation of the asset.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for computing the carrier frequency of a transmitter using frequency modulated digital data to compensate for frequency shifting of the transmitter and the receiver local oscillators and for bandwidth adjustment of the receiver's filter. In particular, methods and apparatus are disclosed for binary systems transmitting “1” and “0” data using decoded or undecoded received signals.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions include and apparatus and method for providing a universal Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system. Such system may be configured to work in a plurality of modes including a walk-bay, drive-by and fixed network mode. The system configured to provide functionally-self-healing features where the system continues to function after certain hardware failures occur.

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: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing safe reconnection of remotely disconnectible gas meters. In accordance with the present subject matter, a gas metering device is provided with a remotely controllable valve and has associated therewith indicia uniquely identifying the meter. A gas company representative or other authorized person must be physically present to read the meter associated data, enter corresponding data into a handheld device, and transmit a signal from such handheld device to the meter to initiate reclosure. In such manner, physical presence of a gas company representative is required at the time of reconnection to provide other services and functionality such as equipment inspection and/or pilot relighting as required for safety considerations.

Abstract: An exposure management system includes dosimeters, wireless relay devices that wirelessly communicate with the dosimeters, and a monitoring device. The dosimeters are carried by workers for measuring exposure doses in a radiation management facility. The wireless relay devices transmit a monitor indication message that requests the dosimeters to provide respective responses that include information of measured exposure doses. The wireless relay devices receive the responses from the dosimeters by using allocated respective communication channels that are different from each other. Each dosimeter receives the monitoring indication message and generates a designated number of response times for providing a response to the monitor indication message, and determines a communication channel corresponding to each of the generated response times. The monitoring device is connected to the wireless relay devices for monitoring an exposure state of each of the workers through the wireless relay devices and dosimeters.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.

Abstract: A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having wireless meter reading nodes in communication with an access point. Each wireless meter reading node has an address associated therewith. The meter reading wireless mesh network is configured to establish a network address field for each wireless meter reading node based upon a length field and a value field of a respective address, and communicate within the wireless mesh network using the network address fields.

Abstract: A meter reading system of the present invention enables transmission of data between utility meter endpoints and readers. In a first embodiment, the endpoint provides a short message providing its identification to the reader and immediately enters a listen mode. If the reader hears the short message, it can immediately respond and request additional information from the endpoint. If the reader does not hear the short message or does not request additional information during the endpoints listening period, the endpoint enters a sleep mode until its next transmission time. In another embodiment, the endpoint transmits an SCM via AM communication to the reader. The reader can then request additional information and the endpoint can respond with the information via two-way FM communication. In another embodiment, the endpoint is capable of transmitting interval data to the reader via either AM or FM communication.

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: Packet formats and associated metering infrastructure for filtering meter reading data that is being transmitted by utility meters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method suitable for being implemented in a metering environment is provided that filters meter reading data being received by multiple collectors. Specifically, the method includes ranking the relative ability of the plurality of collectors to capture transmissions from the same utility meter. Based on the relative ranking, at least one collector from the plurality of collectors is identified that will be configured to disregard transmissions that originate from the utility meter. Then, the method provides the collector with a read list for differentiating between transmissions containing meter reading data that will be forwarded to a utility service provider from transmissions that originate from the utility meter.

Abstract: The present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. Additional features relate to apparatus and methodology subject matters relating to Number-of-sons' management.

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: Communication nodes for use with a wireless ad-hoc communication network are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication node comprises a transducer, which generates a signal in response to an external signal. The ad-hoc network communication is supported in part by static communication nodes, which defined an organized infrastructure network in order to achieve the various functions of the transducers. In another embodiment, the communication node for use with a wireless ad-hoc network does not include a transducer. Such communication nodes are preferred for use with a less structured network with virtually no infrastructure and allow for being used with expanding and contracting networks. Mobile communication nodes mostly support the propagation of signals. However, pseudo-static or static communication nodes are also used in wireless communication ad-hoc networks.

Abstract: A scalable and modular fixed-base wireless network system for wide-area metering data collection, composed of at least one of each of the following components: meter modules, which monitor, store, encode and periodically transmit metering data via radio signals (air messages). The network may contain both one-way (transmit only) and two-way (transmit and receive) meter modules; Receiver Base Stations, which receive, decode, store and forward metering data to a central database and metering data gateway, referred to here as the Data Operation Center (DOC). Base Stations do not perform any meter data processing, but simply transfer decoded air messages to the DOC; and a Data Operations Center, which communicates with all of the network's Base Stations and receives decoded air messages from the Base Stations. The DOC processes, validates and stores metering data in a meter database that it maintains for the entire meter population operating in the network.

Abstract: A meter data collection system in which a licensed narrowband frequency channel is used to wake up carrier-sensed, battery-powered meter reading devices (MRDs) is disclosed herein. In the meter data collection system disclosed herein, an unlicensed wideband channel is used to transmit data replies from the MRDs to a mobile data collection device. In another embodiment disclosed herein, a meshed network of MRDs communicating on the unlicensed channel is combined with a roaming interrogator that uses the licensed channel to send commands or to perform on-demand reads.

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying operation of process variable transmitters in process control or monitoring systems is provided. A process variable is measured with a process variable transmitter to verify operation of the process variable transmitter by comparing the process variable with a reference. A data entry is placed in a database which indicates operation of the process variable transmitter has been verified.

Abstract: The reader (1) for a utility meter is disclosed. The reader (1) is capable of receiving data, in a variety of different protocols, by either inductive coupling or by radio frequency transmission. The reader (1) is a hand-held device which comprises an inductive read nozzle (2), a RF module, a display (4), a keypad (5) a trigger switch (6), a handle (7) a communication port (8), a battery charging interface (9), a memory and a microprocessor. The reader (1) is capable of storing utility usage data in memory and/or downloading utility usage data to a computer through the communication port (8).

Abstract: Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improving the collection of GDT meter readings. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for prioritizing the transmission and process of GDT meter readings in an AMR system. In particular, the method includes capturing a GDT meter reading that quantifies the consumption of a utility service at a utility meter. Then, during a reporting window, one or more packets of the GDT meter reading having a data item that identifies the enhanced priority level of the data is transmitted from the utility meter. When a collector receives the transmission, the elevated priority allocated to the transmission is identified. As a result, the collector causes the GDT meter reading to be forwarded to a host computer prior to the processing and transmission of other meter readings.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated building control and information system with wireless networking, including the controlling and/or monitoring of various building devices or appliances such as air conditioning, lighting, temperature, humidity, etc., including practically any environmental condition-or-mechanical operation. Also, the invention relates to a system which includes a vendor tracking system comprising an industrial operator interface, with communication, local data processing, and data storage capabilities, which provide an efficient information resource for service and product control. Additionally, the invention relates to a system including a utility monitoring and/or control system to monitor and/or control the facilities utilities such as electricity, gas, water, steam, etc., through revenue and non-revenue rated metering devices, allowing real-time demand side utility management through the controlled equipment.

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 water meter has a meter register having an encoder having electromagnetic wave emitters, e.g., infrared emitters to measure water flow and direction of water flow through the meter. The encoder has two of three spaced emitters directing infrared rays at predetermined time intervals toward a rotating detector wheel having a reflective surface portion and a non-reflective surface portion facing the emitters and an infrared sensor. The reflective surface portion of the detecting wheel reflects the infrared rays incident thereon toward the sensor. A microprocessor connected to the sensor acts on signals from the sensor to determine material flow. The meter register transmits the signal to a distant receiver. The microprocessor of a meter register has an algorithm to prevent the meter register from sending signals until after the meter register or a water meter having a meter register is installed and water moved through the meter.