Abstract: A one-and two-way wireless data collection system for a utility metering environment includes multiple endpoints with wireless transceivers, and a collector with transceiver for communicating with the endpoints.

Abstract: A method and system by which certain radio transmitters are assigned to certain reception nodes for the purpose of transmitting metering data derived from a plurality of utility meters to a system management computer. The reception nodes are configured to receive and process data transmissions only from those transmitters with data paths assigned to particular reception nodes, and to ignore data transmissions from non-listed transmitters, thereby assuring that on a continuous basis, a majority of the transmitters will utilize only one data path. Lists may be formed for the transmitters and reception nodes in the system management computer and transmitted to the reception nodes. The status of data transmissions through the repeaters may also be uploaded to the system management computer for analysis of data update rates and data path redundancy.

Abstract: An electronic control system for cycles, for use with a set of sensors, a set of actuators, and a set of control members associated to a cycle. The system having a first processor unit for processing and displaying information; a second processor unit for communication and for interfacing with said set of control members; and a third processor unit for interfacing with said set of sensors and said set of actuators. The first processor unit, the second processor unit, and the third processor unit are connected together via asynchronous bi-directional communication channels.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and circuitry for programming an AMR transmitter to operate in different modes. The device can be programmed as to any one or all of the following parameters: transmission power according to the physical environment of the installation; power level and modulation type for drive-by or fixed network application; and frequency of data transmission to conserve battery life. A laptop computer or other type of programming device communicates through an optical IR port to enter these parameters.

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: 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 in order to collect consumption data and perform tasks related to the administration of its associated remote meters. Each remote meter has a host controller MCM and a program memory storing programs for execution by the host controller. In order to update some or all of the application programs running on the host controller of the remote meters, the concentrator C transmits program data to the remote meters, and the remote meters 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: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system using a spread spectrum or licensed frequency data radio network and communication method therefore allowing multiple slave hosts and slave devices or remove terminal unit (RTU) the ability to communicate data connectivity in a wireless environment.

Abstract: A method for remote vehicle communication is provided. The method monitors, stores and/or transmits data representative of the operation of a component or system, whereby the transmitted data may be analyzed and vehicle performance improved through the analysis thereof. Additionally, the vehicle systems are remotely accessible such that a technician can remotely analyze the vehicle without taking control of the vehicle away from the consumer.

Abstract: A quick response system incorporated in a TWACS for mapping an outage in an electrical distribution system without having to continuously poll the electrical meters connected to the system. In a primary embodiment of the invention when a fault is sensed to have occurred, the amplitude of the fault is measured to determine if the fault is a medium voltage fault, or a low voltage fault. The pattern of the fault signature and change in load, both before and after the fault, are examined to determine what protective device was triggered by the fault. Using this information, and knowledge of the number and location of electrical meters connected in the distribution system, a population of meters to be polled is determined. By polling the identified population, a map of the extent of the outage is readily determined, and the time to respond to the fault and restore service is reduced.

Abstract: The present technology involves a method and apparatus for detecting and reporting magnetic fields in the proximity of a utility meter as an approach to determining tampering of such meter. The sensitivity level of the magnetic field sensors may be adjustable allowing either remote or local sensitivity adjustments to a magnetic field sensor to compensate for variations in the electromagnetic environments of different meter installation sites. Alternatively, the output of each magnetic field sensor may be connected to the input of an adjustable threshold circuit. When the output voltage of the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a magnetic event signal is generated. Threshold adjustments to the adjustable threshold circuit may be performed locally at the meter site or remotely from a station. The output of each magnetic field sensor may be monitored by a locally or remotely programmable magnetic sensor output monitor.

Abstract: An improved automated meter reading (AMR) device includes only a single electrical connection rather than multiple electrical connections, thereby reducing potential paths of exposure to natural elements. The AMR device monitors the single electrical connection to detect when a programming device is connected to the AMR device. When such a programming device is connected, the AMR device operates in a slave mode that enables the AMR device to be configured for interacting with a particular type of meter. The slave mode may also enable testing of various features of the AMR device such as, for example, its data transmitting capabilities. When the AMR device is not connected to a programming device, the AMR device operates in a master mode that enables the AMR device to interact with a connected meter in accordance with the AMR device's configuration.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system includes a fixed or mobile reader and an endpoint interfaced to a utility meter. The fixed or mobile reader is capable of communicating with the endpoint via RF communication. The fixed or mobile reader sends a message to the endpoint that includes a response mode direction which directs the endpoint to respond to the reader via either a mobile network mode or a fixed network mode.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for measuring and recording distances, such as between structures or reference points on vehicles. The system includes one or more measurement devices (12), each having a cable-extension transducer (14) for generating an electronic signal corresponding to the distance, a microprocessor(16) for determining the distance based upon the electronic signal, and a transceiver (22) operable to wirelessly transmit the distance to a data collection device (26) connected to a computing device (28). The cable-extension transducer (14) is wound about a spool (38) and directed around a wheel (40) such that the wheel (40) turns as the cable (36) is extended or retracted over the distance, thereby allowing for winding the cable (36) in multiple layers about the spool (38). The computing device (28) compares the measured distance to an ideal distance, and reports any difference therebetween.

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. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is 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.

Abstract: A very narrow band multipoint communication system suitable for use in an automatic meter reading (AMR) system having a communication protocol that divides each main channel of a frequency or digital code hopping system into multiple sub-channels and applies frequency division multiplexing among the sub-channels. Each sub-channel exhibits a very narrow band characteristic that allows gain increase to increases the transmission range of the meters. In addition, frequency division multiplexing among the sub-channels greatly increases the number of meters that can communicate on each main channel. The data collection device demodulates and decodes the multiplexed meter signals at an intermediate frequency with electronic circuitry. The resulting very narrow band AMR system exhibits greater transmission range, greater bandwidth and can accommodate a much larger number of meters per data collection device in comparison to conventional narrow band AMR system.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system using a spread spectrum or licensed frequency data radio network and communication method therefore allowing multiple slave hosts and slave devices or remote terminal unit (RTU) the ability to communicate data connectivity in a wireless network environment.

Abstract: A signal is received from a first portion of a power line via a connection to the power line and at least a portion of the signal is converted to a non-electrically conducting signal. The non-electrically conducting signal may be communicated to a non-electrically conductive communication path. In this manner, the non-electrically conducting signal may have properties that do not provide imminent danger from human contact.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing misalignment of a railroad signaling system. The railroad signaling system includes at least one railroad signal coupled to at least one elongated member adjacent to a railroad. The system includes at least one transmitter positioned within at least one elongated member, and at least one receiver positioned from each of said at least one transmitter within at least one adjacent elongated member to the at least one elongated member. More particularly, the system includes at least one electronic device coupled to each of a transmitter and each of at least one receiver, to sense detection of each transmitter by at least one receiver of at least one receiver indicative of misalignment of the railroad signaling system.

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes 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 meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.

Abstract: A remote parking meter monitoring system is provided. The system has a plurality of radio transceivers. Each transceiver communicates with at least one other transceiver within a transceiver communication region. The transceivers are integrated to parking meters. A separate aggregate point has a transceiver and a communication network that is connected to a computer. The aggregate point communicates with at least one proximal transceiver and communicates to the computer through the network. The system has a mesh communication arrangement, and a signal routing architecture, where the information is communicated along any path of adjacent communication regions. The computer is able to communicate information through the network to the aggregate point, and the aggregate point transceiver sends the information to the proximal transceiver.

Abstract: A display system that communicates with existing automated meter reading communications systems to provide information to a user. The display includes a radio that listens to communications between a utility meter and the reading system. When the display recognizes a particular utility meter identifier, it captures meter read information and stores it in memory. The information may then be presented to the user. Alternatively, a broadcast message may be communicated, that when received by the display, causes the display to extract information from the receiver. A manual override button may be provided to allow a user to manually request information from the meter. The display will extract information from the meter upon receipt of the manual request.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a site-specific activity at a plurality of remote locations, for example, the inspection of geographically remote equipment or the gathering of data for a census. A mobile operator transports a portable tool (14) to a plurality of locations where a site-specific activity is to be conducted. The portable tool includes a location detection device (32). Processing of data using the portable tool is enabled only when the portable tool is located proximate a designated site, as determined by the location detection device. In various embodiments, the enabled site-specific activity may include data recordation, data transmission, data reception, data processing, and/or the display of a data entry form.

Abstract: An out-of-route collection capability is provided for an AMR data collection system of a type that collect readings within a geographic area using a radio. If a transmission is received from an out-of-route transmitter, its location is based on a geographic location of the data collector as the data collector receives data from the out-of-route transmitter. The location can further be determined by evaluating a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the transmission. The out-of-route transmitter is identified by association with a transmitter identification number. The out-of-route transmitters can be added to the route through operations at the central office.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a policy-based residential networked meter can be an energy switch router device (ESRD) that provides policy-based advanced metering, load control and shaping, energy services delivery and accounting, and secure web services interfaces and internetworking communications. The ESRD can be integrated and interrelated with advanced policy-based sensory, metrology, monitoring, control, recording, classification, prioritization, security, routing, and switching functions. The ESRD may be used to sense, measure, meter, and control electrical service flows to the utility service point at the customer premise, and may be configured and managed with one or more policy-based networking methods.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors input levels. The monitoring system includes a meter, a local storage system, a processing system, and a transmitter. The meter is configured to periodically measure the input levels. The local storage system is configured to record the measured input levels as data values. The processing system is configured to calculate statistical representations of the data values. The transmitter is configured to transmit the statistical representations.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system includes a plurality of utility meter endpoints, each of which includes a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter adapted for transmitting endpoint information. A plurality of transceivers are adapted to read endpoints located throughout a designated coverage area, and each transceiver adapted to receive endpoint information from utility meter endpoints located within a corresponding portion of the designated coverage area. A central storage arrangement is adapted to communicate with each of the transceivers and to store endpoint information in a central database. The AMR system also includes a low cost receiver (LCR) having a communications range that defines a gap-filling coverage area. The LCR is adapted to automatically forward received endpoint information to the central storage arrangement.

Abstract: An intelligent system for collecting readings from electric meters, comprising the following components: several electric meters, a data concentrator connected to the electric meters, and a system main station connected to the concentrator wirelessly, in which: the electric meter for recording the consumed quantity of electricity by user, metering the quantity of electricity, measuring demand and making a fault recording, and supporting a time-sharing measurement and communication with the data concentrator by electric power carrier; a concentrator for providing intelligent relay management, implementing the communication with the electric meters and the system main station, the management of communication route of electric meters and the storage function of data; the system main station for realizing a stable bi-directional communication with the concentrator and several electric meters, reading data in the concentrator, collecting information on electric energy, synchronizing the time of the concentrator an

Abstract: One example embodiment provides a method and system where a node in a utility network assigns an IP network address to an in-premise device which communicates to the utility node over an in-premise network which is not IP based. The utility node proxies the assigned IP address to the utility network, allowing other nodes on the utility network to address and communicate with the in-premise device.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system and communications network. The system comprises a multi-tiered network for obtaining information from utility meters and communicating the information to a central database. A plurality of terminal units are each operatively connected to a utility meter to sense operational data of the utility meter and transmit the data through the network when polled. A plurality of primary units are each operatively connected to a utility meter to sense operational data of the utility meter and transmit the data through the network. The primary units also request data from one or more of the terminal units by polling the terminal units, and transmit that data through the network. Data collection units receive data from the primary units and transmit the data to a central host computer. The network is configurable so that status information or requests can be transmitted from the terminal units to the host computer or from the host computer to any of the terminal units.

Abstract: A method of announcing an apparatus to a system containing a central apparatus and at least one individual apparatus is distinguished in that the announcement is effected by optical communication, preferably in the infrared range. In that respective information about the apparatuses in the system is stored in the central apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system (100) includes a fixed (114) or mobile (110, 112) reader and an endpoint interfaced to a utility meter (108). The fixed or mobile reader is capable of communicating with the endpoint via RF communication. The fixed or mobile reader sends a message to the endpoint that includes a response mode direction, which directs the endpoint to respond to the reader via either a mobile network mode or a fixed network mode. The AMR system allows implementation of, an migration between, one-way, one-and-a-half-way, and two-way communications system modes without requiring reprogramming, reconfiguring the metering endpoints or going through a reconfiguration cycle before effecting a communication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing measurements with a portable meter and reporting measurement data from the portable meter to a central office over a secure channel. The method includes synchronizing the portable meter and the central office though a trusted interface prior to taking measurements at a customer location.

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 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. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.

Abstract: Data is exchanged by periodically broadcasting at predetermined first short intervals from each of a plurality of data sources on a radio channel a communication-initiating radio signal indicating that the respective source has data ready for transfer. The radio channel is monitored by that can transmit to one of the sources a signal triggering data exchange, whereby subsequently the respective data is transmitted from the one source to the receiver. Thereafter periodic broadcast of the communication-initiating radio signal from the one source is suspended for a predetermined long interval substantially greater than the short interval.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading system that includes a head end controller and an endpoint that is interfaced to a utility meter. The head end controller and the endpoint communicate via RF communication. The endpoint includes an internal clock that synchronizes itself to a clock countdown signal. The clock countdown signal is generated by the head end controller through use of sequence inversion keying.

Abstract: A meter register includes a sealed register body having a face portion and a body that are coupled to form an internal cavity. The internal cavity includes a rotatble member, a power source and a visual display. A microprocessor is included that coacts with the power source and the rotatable member to determine a volume flow andlor a flow rate through the meter register. The visual display shows a volume of flew measured by the register corresponding to rotations of rotatable members. A detection switch is included for detecting tampering with said register actuating a signal when the register has been tampered with.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system is described which enables monitoring of flow meters or other scientific instruments from a remote location using the GSM cellular phone network. The system includes a wireless modem utilizing the GSM cellular phone network, a central processing unit, connection of a scientific instrument to the central processing unit, power supply (e.g. one or more batteries), and an enclosure for housing the components.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for collecting and displaying real-time utility consumption data and an estimate of utility costs from various utility metering modules upon request by the consumer within the comfort of their own home or business. According to one aspect of the invention, a utility display module is in communication with a utility end point device that monitors and displays consumption of a utility (water, gas, and/or electricity). The source of the data received by the module may be generated by utility meter transmitters that are attached to the various utility delivery end points or meters. In a related embodiment, a repeater may be used with a battery powered energy display module to make the module transportable.

Abstract: The present invention achieves technical advantages as an AMR device adapted to couple to utility meters and detect an excess rate of product delivery and responsively generate an alert indicative of this excess rate. Advantageously, the alert is provided to a remote device to provide notice of an abnormal condition, such as a leak which could produce flooding, or customer exceeding an allowed delivery rate, such as during conservation periods.

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

Abstract: A wireless meter-reading system includes a utility meter having a housing and a face and a recording device located in the housing. The recording device is adapted to read and convert data located on a portion of the face to wirelessly transmittable data. A power source coupled to the recording device permits continuous and instantaneous capture of the wirelessly transmittable data from the face of the utility meter by the recording device. A communication device provided for wirelessly receiving and transmitting data between a consumer site and a utility provider site facilitates monitoring of the face of the utility meter by the consumer site and by the utility provider site. A method for allowing a consumer to join a secured wireless network of a utility provider comprises the consumer paying a fee to the utility provider. Both the consumer and the utility provider benefit from this arrangement.

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

Abstract: An example embodiment of an electrical-energy meter comprises a transformer for producing an electrical output proportional to an electrical current in a conductor of electrical energy, a circuit board electrically coupled to the transformer for facilitating the calculation and displaying of a cumulative amount of electrical energy passing through the conductor of electrical energy, a first optical transmitter, a second optical transmitter, and an optical receiver. The first and second optical transmitters and the optical receiver are coupled to the circuit board. The first optical transmitter and the receiver facilitate optical communications between the electrical-energy meter and a first type of external device. The second optical transmitter and the receiver facilitate optical communications between the electrical-energy meter and a second type of external device.

Abstract: A spread spectrum meter reading system enables the use of high power frequency hopping spread spectrum (HPSS) transmissions at both the encoder transmitter and repeater levels of the meter reading system. A plurality of end point encoder transmitter devices are each connected to a utility meter and transmit high power FHSS signals containing at least metering data for the corresponding utility meter. A plurality of intermediate transceiver units that are fewer in number than the number of end point encoder transmitter devices both receives and retransmits the high power FHSS signals. A base station includes a receiver that receives the high power FHSS signals. Preferably, the base station can receive the high power FHSS signals from both the encoder transmitter devices and the intermediate transceiver units and the intermediate transceiver units aggregates metering data from multiple encoder transmitter devices prior to block retransmission of the metering data to the base station.

Abstract: A system for managing collection of data and remote operation of fielded remote units is disclosed. The remote units may be incorporated in automatic meter reading systems, capacitor bank switching systems, power line fault detection units, power recloser units, surveillance systems, railroad switch heaters, or any of a multitude of systems wherein widely scattered devices require monitoring and/or operational commands. Each remote unit is provided with a CELLEMETRY™ transceiver, allowing the unit to receive commands from and pass data to a data center via the cellular control channel network and the Internet. The data center is organized to provide data related to a particular service to an associated customer user via the Internet, the customer users being utility companies, railroad companies, surveillance companies, and the like.

Abstract: A reader (1) for a utility meter is disclosed. The reader (1) is capable of receiving data, in a variety different communication 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: Methods and systems of providing positive outage notification are described. In some examples, the system determines there is an outage at a facility and transmits multiple messages notifying a utility of the outage. In some examples, the messages are received at multiple message collectors. In some examples, the system determines restoration procedures based on the messages.