Abstract: A method improves the transmission quality between a data collector and a plurality of metering units. A first communication module is assigned to the data collector and a second communication module is assigned in each case to a metering unit. The second communication module transmits data via radio signals to the first communication module. The first communication module has a first frequency reference device and the second communication module has a second frequency reference device. The radio signals transmitted are dependent on the second frequency reference device. The measurement of a parameter of the radio signal is performed by the first communication module. An estimation of an error of the second frequency reference device on the basis of the parameter measured values is determined. An adjustment of the frequency of the first frequency reference device is performed such that the error is reduced.

Abstract: A seismic survey is conducted by positioning an array of remote acquisition units (RAUs). Each of the RAUs records seismic data derived torn one or more geophones in digital form in local memory. The data is collected by a harvester unit traversed across the survey territory as by an aircraft using point-multipoint communications, and subsequently transferred from the harvester unit to a central control unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic meter reading system for an underground distribution line using wired/wireless communication. The system includes at least one Data Concentration Unit (DCU), at least one Wireless Gathering Unit (WGU), and at least one wireless communication modem. The DCU is installed in a ground transformer, and sends meter reading data to an underground high-voltage distribution line (DL) using a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) power line communication repeating method. The WGU is installed on a ground rising pipe or at a multi-consumer lead-in wire, and sets up a higher wireless mesh network and a lower wireless mesh network. The wireless communication modem sets up the lower wireless mesh network along with the WGU and the wireless communication modems, gathers the meter reading data, stores the gathered meter reading data, and transfers the stored meter reading data to the DCU through the WGU.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a gateway node having a housing, a bracket mounted relay and wireless communication capabilities. The gateway node is connected to a pad mount transformer.

Abstract: An automatic consumption meter reading system utilizing a radio frequency network and a power line carrier network is provided. The radio frequency (RF) network and the power line carrier (PLC) network are communicatively linked with a radio frequency to power line communication bridge device. The radio frequency to power line communication bridge device is communicatively linked to a consumption meter. An automatic meter reading device includes an RF modem and a PLC modem and transmits and receives data to and from a consumption meter using the RF and PLC modems.

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 communication system is presented. The system includes one or more transmitters configured to transmit a signal, where each of the signals generated by the one or more transmitters corresponds to a respective frequency. Further, the system includes a plurality of receiver front-ends configured to receive the signal transmitted by each of the one or more transmitters. The system also includes a plurality of remodulator modules configured to translate each of the received signals to a signal having a respective intermediate frequency. In addition, the system includes a combining module configured to combine each of the signals having respective intermediate frequencies to generate a single composite signal. Also, the system includes a single analog-to-digital converter configured to process the composite signal and generate a digital output. Additionally, the system includes a digital signal processor module configured to extract the signal transmitted by each of the one or more transmitters.

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: 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 multiplexing system is provided for a plurality of sensors disposed in a tank containing a potentially explosive environment and excited from a common excitation circuit outside of the tank through a corresponding plurality of signal lines that penetrate the tank. The multiplexing system comprises: a multiplexer switch for each sensor, each multiplexer switch disposed outside of the tank in series with the corresponding signal line between the common excitation circuit and the corresponding sensor in the tank.

Abstract: A method for the detection of M0 sources common to several observations u(t) and v(t) within a single array of sensors, the observations having different lengths N1 and N2, comprises at least the following steps: defining a law of likelihood Vuv([M=M0]/M0) substantially equal to the chi-2 law with 2(N1?M0)(N2?M0) degrees of freedom with N1?N2, dim{u(t)}=N1×1 and dim{v(t)}=N2×1; determining a detection threshold ?M in order to obtain a low probability of false alarms and a number of degrees of freedom that takes account of the lengths N1 and N2 and of the number of sources M0; determining the presence and/or the number of the sources M0 in applying the law of likelihood and the threshold ?M. The method and device can be applied to the determining of the presence and/or the number of sources common to at least two observations having different lengths in a GSM type radiocommunications system.

Abstract: A medical telemetry system includes a central station having a central station receiver and a central station transmitter that both operate on a frequency bandwidth having frequency multiplexed transmission channels and guard bands. A guard band separates each of the frequency-multiplexed transmission channels. The central station receiver wirelessly receives patient data from one of the frequency-multiplexed transmission channels. The central station transmitter wirelessly transmits control data information via each of the guard bands. At least one patient monitor is provided that includes a patient monitor receiver and a patient monitor transmitter that both operate on the frequency bandwidth. The patient monitor is wirelessly connected to the central station. The patient monitor receiver is configured for wirelessly receiving the control data information from the central station transmitter via the guard bands.

Abstract: A receiver in a communication system is coupled to a transmission channel for receiving communication signals transmitted over a transmission channel. The receiver includes signal receiving electronics for receiving communication signals directed to the receiver. The receiver also includes a controller, responsive to the receipt of a communication signal by the signal receiving electronics, to provide an enunciator enable signal, and a clock signal generator for generating a clock signal. The receiver further includes an enunciator coupled to the clock signal generator, for producing an electronic sound signal. The enunciator includes a volume control module for receiving a first periodic signal and providing a volume control signal. The enunciator also includes a divider for receiving the clock signal and providing a corresponding output signal having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the clock signal frequency divided by a divider value.

Abstract: A material analyzing apparatus comprises an analyzer body that contains a generally insulative material casing; a material analyzing circuitry that includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a control; an antenna system that includes a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, and a ground layer; a coupling structure that couples the antenna system to the material analyzing circuitry. The transmitter of the material analyzing circuitry generates a VHF electromagnetic wave signal that is adapted to be sent by the transmitting antenna and directed into the material to be analyzed. The receiving antenna receiving any returned signal from the material and sent to the receiver and to the control. The control then able to analyze the signal for material characteristics. The material characteristics including at least one of density and material segregation. The invention further includes a method for analyzing, as embodied by the invention.

Abstract: A wide area communications network communicating data from a plurality of network service modules through a plurality of remote cell nodes and intermediate data terminals to a central data terminal. The wide area communicates network collects network generated by a plurality of physical devices such as gas, water or electricity meters, located within a geographical area. The wide area communications network is a layered network have a hierarchical communications topology. The central data terminal controls network operation. Intelligence exists at all layers of the network, thereby easing the workload of the central data terminal. The intelligence attributed to each module is a function of the application of that module.