Abstract: There is provided an intelligent electronic device for responding to user data and information requests regarding power usage and power quality for any metered point within a power distribution system. The intelligent electronic device includes a first network interface which receives client side information and data requests, which are processed in accordance with a network protocol and forwarded to a network interface via a network socket interface translator which translates management signals to facilitate the eventual data transfer. Protocol routines process the requests by constructing an internal data request in certain cases and forwards the internal data request to a data interface for translation from an internal data request format of the protocol routine format to a native database format. The database receives the translated request, and retrieves the requested data from a measuring unit of the electric power meter, and forwards the data back to the requesting client.

Abstract: The disclosure describes embodiments of an airborne molecular contamination (AMC) monitoring apparatus. The AMC apparatus includes a manifold having a plurality of inlets and one or more outlets. A sampling tube bus fluidly is coupled to the manifold, the sampling tube bus comprising a plurality of individual sampling tubes, each individual sampling tube being fluidly coupled to one of the plurality of inlets. One or more analyzers are each fluidly coupled to one of the one or more outlets of the manifold to analyze fluid drawn into the manifold through one or more of the plurality of individual sampling tubes. A control and communication system coupled to the one or more analyzers. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for determining a physical position of a device. The method comprises: transmitting a control command to the device, the command instructing the device to change power loading of the device in a predetermined pattern; receiving, from a power distribution unit providing power supply for the device, a network address of the power distribution unit, the network address being transmitted by the power distribution unit in response to detecting the change of the power loading in the predetermined pattern; and determining the physical position of the device based at least on the network address of the power distribution unit. With the technical solution according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the device can be automatically determined without any manual intervention, which helps to control the operation cost and improve the maintenance efficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and device for determining a physical position of an electronic device. The method comprises obtaining, at a power distribution unit (PDU) that provides power supply for the electronic device, a position identifier of a physical position of the PDU from a radio frequency (RF) tag reader. The method further comprises providing to a computing device the position identifier, a network address of the PDU and a network address of the electronic device associated with the network address of the PDU so that the computing device determines the physical position of the electronic device.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a direct read metering device, comprising a digital counting wheel connected with a rotary shaft, a micro-controller—a ring magnet coaxially installed on the digital counting wheel, and a tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensor installed radially displaced from the central axis of the annular magnet; the tunneling magneto-resistive angular displacement sensor and the ring magnet are separated by a certain distance in the direction parallel to the central axis of the ring magnet; the micro-controller is connected to the tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensor and used to convert the output of the tunneling magnetoresistive angular displacement sensor into a readable number.

Abstract: A home appliance and a home appliance system are disclosed. Product information and status information of the home appliance are converted into at least one transmission acoustic signal, and a sound corresponding to the at least one transmission acoustic signal is output to the outside. The product information and status information are formed as a digital signal and stored in a storage device. The digital signal is encoded through a conversion device, and converted into at least one transmission acoustic signal. The at least one transmission acoustic signal is formed as an analog signal. Meanwhile, the at least one transmission acoustic signal can be dividedly formed.

Abstract: A home appliance and a home appliance system are provided. The home appliance may convert product information into an acoustic signal and externally output the same as a sound. The home appliance system may receive the sound, convert the same into the acoustic signal, and then inversely convert the acoustic signal into the product information and read the same. Accordingly, the home appliance may externally output the acoustic signal as the sound so that the user may be easily notified of transmission. Also, the home appliance system may easily transmit the sound to a management device to read the product information because the sound may be transmitted via a communications network.

Abstract: The automatic meter reading (AMR) systems and methods of the present invention facilitate meter reading utilizing one-way and two-way communication with utility meter endpoint devices while at the same time providing an operating regime that conserves energy for long battery life and utilizes the available airwaves for AMR communications efficiently. Embodiments of the invention are applicable in AMR systems employing handheld and/or vehicle-based mobile readers, fixed readers, and combinations thereof. Moreover, embodiments of the invention facilitate smooth transition from mobile AMR systems to fixed systems, and provide for automatic AMR system performance monitoring and automatic adaptability to maintain or improve performance.

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 integrated system—method and remote management devices for services and products that are mainly provided by public utility companies, is primarily based on monitoring the consumption of the product. Both the organisation as well as the clients are provided with information (by means of specialised software) regarding the improved management of the products and services of the organisation and the more rational pricing. The consumers are given the chance to contribute to the saving of energy in a substantial manner, thus contributing to reduced environmental pollution. Other system features include the issuance and settlement of invoices, as well as other services such as tele-statistics, tele-marketing, tele-polling, etc.

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 systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.

Abstract: An electronic meter incorporates a TCP/IP protocol suite and an HTTP server to provide two-way access to the meter data. Alternatively, the TCP/IP protocol suite may be incorporated into a gateway serving multiple meters connected through a power line or wireless two-way network. The gateway may incorporate an HTTP server for accessing data from multiple meters and for transmission of data to individual meters. Other aspects of the disclosed system include the use of a common gateway interface for remote access to meter data and to set meter parameters using HTML forms in HTTP browsers; remote reading and setting of multiple meter parameters using a TCP/IP protocol suite; a TCP/IP protocol suite implemented in designated nodes in a CEBus LAN with remote access through TCP/IP to routers and brouters and to individual meters on the LAN; and an SLIP-PPP enabled gateway for remote TCP/IP access through a serial interface to a single or multiple meter parameters.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.

Abstract: An adapter is interposed between a standard resource meter and its socket, to provide RF-capabilities. Communications between meter and adapter are effected by optical technology. The adapter has emergency battery back-up capabilities.

Abstract: A remote telemetry system utilizing dual communication pathways comprising low-cost remote communications devices operating on existing wire-based communications systems, wireless communications systems, and/or a combination thereof, to provide real-time reading and control of the remote telemetry units. A central controller directs the operation of the remote telemetry units and receives data from the remote telemetry units. The central controller is configured to utilize a conventional broadcast communications channel to transmit commands to individual remote telemetry units, each of which is assigned a unique identification code. Signals broadcast from the central controller are received at receivers associated with each remote telemetry unit, which performs a directed operation if a unique identification code included in the broadcast signal matches the identification code assigned to the remote telemetry unit.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for detecting a state of a device such as a meter or appliance and transmitting to a remote location a particular tone or tones corresponding to the detected state. The transmission is initiated either by a predetermined series of tones from the remote location to the apparatus or by changing conditions within the device. The claimed subject matter enables a service provider to detect a service outage, the scope of the outage and the resumption of service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively connecting different types of devices at a customer's premises to an incoming telephone call. A database of usage codes includes caller ID values and prioritization values for each type of device. A determination is made whether the outside line is being accessed by two or more of devices at the same time. If so, the prioritization values of the devices accessing the outside line are compared. The device with a higher prioritization value is then connected to the outside line. The devices can include telephones, modems, and data collection devices such as are used in the utility meter reading industry. A processor makes determinations, and connections to the devices are made via relays actuated by the processor. The apparatus detects, duplicates and uses an initial sequence of signal indicia associated with the incoming call representing a targeted call receiving device.

Abstract: A telephone-based automatic meter reading (AMR) system includes a telemetry device through which a host computer can collect meter readings remotely. The telemetry device has one or more ports to read one or more meters at pre-scheduled time intervals. All data read from the meter(s) is stored in a non-volatile memory in the device, and the collected data is transferred back to the host computer according to a predetermined schedule (with a call back interval that can be hourly, daily, weekly or monthly). An apparatus and method is provided which enables the host computer to initiate a special data stream to invoke a powerless circuit portion of the telemetry device—specifically, a telephone-side portion which is electrically isolated from the meter-side circuitry (such as by an optocoupler). The ringing signal on the phone line powers the circuitry in this telephone-side portion of the device such that no AC connection or separate battery power is required.

Abstract: A method for billing consumers of on-demand commodities consumed at a site remote from the site at which they are produced. It is modeled after certain contemporary telephone-company billing practices, though it is not limited to use with telephone companies. In one embodiment the method uses a telephone service provider to bill and collect for monies owed to the producer of the commodity for the amount of the full commodity units consumed during a billing period. In a simple embodiment of the method, commodity-consumption information is sent to the billing service by an automatically reading meter located at the point where the commodity is delivered for consumption. In particular, this commodity meter—such as an electric power meter—is designed to generate a discrete signal each time that a predetermined commodity-billing-unit has been consumed.