ITRON, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160116507 | ELECTRICITY METER HAVING MULTIPLE HALL DEVICES - Disclosed is a metrology assembly that utilizes a multi-Hall effect device configuration which eliminates the necessity of a magnetic concentrator. In some embodiments, the metrology assembly includes a substrate or support platform configured to support at least two Hall effect devices per phase of an electricity meter. The metrology assembly may further include one or more electrical conductors coupled to the substrate and configured to conduct electric current. The at least two Hall effect devices may be coupled to the substrate at opposing sides of an associated electrical conductor, each Hall effect device being configured to detect a magnetic field created by the electric current of the associated electrical conductor, and to generate an output. | 04-28-2016 |
20150241482 | Smart Grid Topology Estimator - Techniques for determining aspects of a topology of a smart grid are described herein, and particularly for determining if one or more electrical meters are connected to the same transformer. In one example, time-stamped voltage data is collected from at least two meters. The voltage data may indicate a slight transient change in voltage resulting from a consumer turning on or off an electrical load. In particular, the slight voltage changes may be sensed by all meters attached to a same transformer based on electrical load changes by any one of the customers on the same transformer. Using the time-stamped voltage data, a time-series of voltage-changes may be generated for each electrical meter. A correlation between the time-series of voltage-changes of pairs of meters may be calculated, to thereby determine an affinity between the meters, and particularly if they are connected to a same transformer. | 08-27-2015 |
20150163756 | SYNCHRONIZATION METHODS AND APPARATUS - Synchronization methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed. An example method includes storing, in memory of a device, schedule information indicating times at which the device is to listen for a sequential series of data frames, the schedule information further indicating a reference time at which transmission of the sequential series of data frames to the device is to be initiated; initiating a listening session at a first time of the schedule information according to a native clock of the device; identifying which of the data frames of the sequential series is received first during the listening session; and adjusting the native clock of the device based on the identified data frame. | 06-11-2015 |
20150153209 | THERMAL FLOW SENSORS - Thermal flow sensors are disclosed. An example thermal flow sensor includes a chip substrate; a heater mounted to a first membrane on the chip substrate; and a temperature sensor mounted to a second membrane on the chip substrate, the second membrane being isolated from the first membrane by material of the chip substrate. | 06-04-2015 |
20150093536 | Polyisobutylene-Based Encapsulant for use with Electronic Components - An encapsulant for use with electronic components. The encapsulant includes a polyisobutylene, a tackifier, a polymer, and a thermoplastic elastomer. In one example, the encapsulant is applied to an electronic component at a temperature ranging from about 100° C. to about 150° C. to provide a moisture barrier when the encapsulant cools. | 04-02-2015 |
20150036532 | VERIFICATION OF CONNECTION OF METERS TO NETWORK - To determine network coverage of a device within a network a user may send an instruction to the device using a mobile configuration tool of a mobile device. Upon receiving the instruction, the device of which the network coverage is to be determined may broadcast a message using a standard protocol, and listen to one or more responses from other devices in the network. In response to receiving the one or more responses, the device at issue may relay the one or more responses, or a processing result of the network coverage (determined based on the one or more responses) to the mobile configuration tool for display to the user. The user may determine whether the network coverage of that device meets one or more network coverage criteria and, if not, may take some corrective action. | 02-05-2015 |
20140289004 | Near-Term Data Filtering, Smoothing and Load Forecasting - Techniques for near-term data filtering, smoothing and forecasting are described herein. In one example, data is received from supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) measurements available in an electrical grid. The data may be filtered according to a two-stage Kalman filter, which may include a ramp rate filter test and a load level filter test. The filtered data may then be smoothed according to an augmented Savitzky-Golay filter. Within the filter, a lift multiplier may correct for bias, which may have been introduced by load changes (e.g., an early morning increase in load). In one example, the lift multiplier may be calculated as a ratio between a smoothed load from a centered Savitzky-Golay moving average and a right hand side constrained Savitzky-Golay moving average. The filtered and smoothed data may be used in forming near-term forecast(s), which may performed by autoregressive model(s). | 09-25-2014 |
20140282550 | Meter Reading Data Validation - A meter data management (MDM) system processes imported blocks of utility data collected from a plurality of utility meters, sensors, and/or control devices by using independent parallel pipelines associated with differing processing requirements of the data blocks. The MDM system determines processing requirements for each of the imported data blocks, selects one of the pipelines that matches the determined processing requirements for each of the imported data blocks, and directs the data blocks to the selected one of the pipelines for processing. The pipelines may include a validation pipeline for validation processing, an estimation pipeline for estimation processing and a work item pipeline for work item processing. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281624 | Power Management Device - A power management device is adapted to reduce power consumption, particularly in battery-powered applications such as within a node in a utility network (e.g., in a gas, water, or other utility application). In one example, a low-current voltage regulator provides power to a processor during low-power “sleep” states. A high-current voltage regulator provides power to the processor, metrology devices and/or a radio during “awake” states. A buck-boost device may provide power to a transmitter during radio frequency (RF) transmissions. A max device may determine a greater of voltages output by a battery and the buck-boost device, and use the higher to power the high-current voltage regulator. The power management device may include a state machine, which may include several states and operations to perform within each state. In one state, the processor enters a sleep state prior to recovery of battery voltage after a transmission state. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279711 | VISUALIZING ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND COST TRENDS USING VIRTUAL BILLING CYCLE CALCULATIONS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS - A utility consumption information system establishes a virtual billing cycle to enable a user to calculate a bill-to-date cost of utility service related to a certain site without waiting for a utility bill sent from an associated utility service provider. The utility consumption information system provides utility consumption information to a user in an informative user interface and enables the user to monitor utility consumption associated with the site. Moreover, the utility consumption information system allows the user to compare the utility consumption of the site with one or more references, and thus assists the user to determine whether a change in the utility consumption is due to an external factor or an internal factor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277783 | INTELLIGENT RECEPTACLE - An intelligent receptacle (or receptacle device) enables individually monitoring and/or controlling consumption of utility service by one or more loads through a supply outlet that is associated with the receptacle device. A client device may enable a user to remotely control a provision of the utility service from the supply outlet through the receptacle device. Furthermore, a utility metering device may include a virtual metering device instance that is configured to collect utility consumption data associated with the supply outlet from the receptacle device and help calibration or synchronization of utility consumption readings of the receptacle device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273619 | ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR ASSEMBLY FOR INTRA-ENCLOSURE CONDUCTOR TERMINATION - An electrical conductor assembly includes a connector body with a plurality of grooves disposed on a periphery of the connector body and configured to guide corresponding flying leads of a cable along the connector body from one end (“proximal end”) of the connector body to another end (“distal end”). A mountable fastener may be positioned around the cable, coupled to the connector body, and mounted to an enclosure. In this configuration, the ends of the flying leads extend beyond the distal end of the connector body in fixed, spaced, relative location from each other so that they may be terminated within the enclosure and protected from environmental contaminants outside of the enclosure. The coupling of the mountable fastener to the connector body provides strain relief on the individual flying leads by clamping insulation of the flying leads between the mountable fastener and the connector body. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269953 | POWER LINE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A disclosed PLC system includes a PLC modem electrically connected to a transmission medium that transmits or carries medium or high voltage without electrical isolation. The PLC system further includes a voltage divider that draws power from the transmission medium to the PLC modem, thereby eliminating a need of a separate power source for operating the PLC modem. Since the PLC modem is electrically connected to the transmission, the PLC modem or communication connections of the PLC modem may be located at a same potential level as the transmission medium and thus the PLC modem does not see a surge during a surge event occurs in the transmission medium. Therefore, the disclosed PLC system eliminates the use of a line coupler and a surge protection component for providing high-voltage isolation and surge protection to the PLC modem. | 09-18-2014 |
20140268507 | Cable Protector for Utility Meter - Techniques for the construction and use of cable protectors are described herein. The cable protectors may be used to protect cables in a wide variety of applications, locations and environments, including a utility (e.g., water or gas) metering application. In one example, the cable protector may protect a cable connecting a water meter to a radio. The cable protector may be constructed of a ribbon of durable material (e.g., stainless steel) configured as a helix. The helix may define a central channel through which the cable may pass. The cable protector may have spacing between adjacent turns of the helix that are too narrow to allow attack of the cable by animals. Exact dimensions may depend largely on a size of a cable to protect, and an environment and use of the cable. | 09-18-2014 |
20140266171 | ELECTRICITY METER HAVING MULTIPLE HALL DEVICES - Disclosed is a metrology assembly that utilizes a multi-Hall effect device configuration which eliminates the necessity of a magnetic concentrator. In some embodiments, the metrology assembly includes a substrate or support platform configured to support at least two Hall effect devices per phase of an electricity meter. The metrology assembly may further include one or more electrical conductors coupled to the substrate and configured to conduct electric current. The at least two Hall effect devices may be coupled to the substrate at opposing sides of an associated electrical conductor, each Hall effect device being configured to detect a magnetic field created by the electric current of the associated electrical conductor, and to generate an output. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260665 | Module For Gas Flow Measurements - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for measuring gas flow using a modular unit as a gas measurement module. The modular unit can be made of molded plastic, cast metal, or other material. A gas meter can include the gas measurement module. The gas measurement module includes a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. An obstacle in the chamber is configured to generate an oscillating gas jet when gas flow into the chamber is at or above a threshold flow rate. The gas measurement module includes a dual sensing assembly with one or more first sensors using a first gas flow sensing technology and one or more second sensors using a second gas flow sensing technology. | 09-18-2014 |
20140259107 | UTILIZING ROUTING FOR SECURE TRANSACTIONS - The present disclosure relates to methodologies, networks, and nodes for providing secure transaction routing among network components. Network transactions (messages) may be intentionally routed though networks using different paths where the act of following the particular node paths or traversing particular nodes provides a security enhancing feature for the messages. A transaction receiving node will examine the paths taken from a sending node to determine if the paths correspond to predetermined paths to verify the authenticity of the transaction. In some embodiments, predetermined paths may change in a predetermined sequence where the sequence itself becomes a portion of the security feature. | 09-11-2014 |
20140258544 | PRIORITIZED REPORTING OF METERING DATA - A utility company may schedule when and how endpoints report resource consumption data based on relative priorities of endpoints or the customers associated therewith. By associating endpoints with one of multiple different quality of service (QoS) levels, and sending each endpoint a reporting schedule based on its respective QoS level, the utility company may configure prioritized reporting of resource consumption data by endpoints of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) with automatic meter reading (AMR). | 09-11-2014 |
20140257757 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF HIGH VOLUME IMPORT, VALIDATION AND ESTIMATION OF METER DATA - A meter data management system includes one or more application servers configured to receive, validate and estimate received meter data. The one or more application servers may include various memory/media elements for storing raw and transformed meter data as well as software in the form of computer-executable instructions, which are executed by a processor to implement a variety of functions, including establishing a mapping between the plurality of external devices and a plurality of preconfigured processing workbins (e.g., collections of meter channels in the same time zones), transforming the received meter data into a plurality of data files identified by timing parameter and workbin, validating data provided in each data file, estimating missing or invalid data, and automatically writing validated (and optionally estimated) data as import files to a database server. Such clean data files are then imported to one or more dedicated databases installed on the database server. | 09-11-2014 |
20140253344 | Information Retrieval for Service Point Channels - Information in a data store may be efficiently accessed by querying the data store for batches of information. In one example, configuration data associated with service point channels of processing trees may be retrieved from the data store with a single query to the data store. Readings for the processing trees may also be retrieved from the data store with a single query to the data store. | 09-11-2014 |
20140253342 | Information Retrieval for Boundary Reading Processing - Information in a data store may be efficiently accessed to perform boundary reading processing. In one example, register readings of one or more register channels that are linked to one or more interval channels may be retrieved from the data store to determine whether or not a boundary reading of a time span is missing. If a boundary reading is missing, but a proximate register reading exists, the boundary reading may be estimated from the proximate register reading and at least one interval reading. | 09-11-2014 |
20140242936 | Multichannel Radio Receiver with Overlapping Channel Filters - A radio may define a channel plan to include one or more channels, and each channel may include a plurality of overlapping filters. Each filter may overlap at least one other filter, such as by an expected bandwidth of an incoming signal. The overlapping filters may extend over a frequency range based in part on an expected frequency error of the incoming signal. Due in part to the overlapping nature of the filters, the incoming signal will be within at least one of the filters. Since only one of the filters must receive the incoming signal, the filters may be narrower than might otherwise be the case, particularly in an application that includes frequency error. Accordingly, the filters may be narrower than their respective channels, and therefore receive less noise and interference. This improves signal-to-noise and improves the quality of the link and range. | 08-28-2014 |
20140242931 | Simultaneous Reception of Multiple Modulation Schemes - A multichannel radio receiver is configured to define at least two channel plans, each channel plan having at least one channel. The channel plans may differ due to channel bandwidths, channel locations, channel number and/or channel spacings. At least a portion of a radio spectrum may be common to at least two of the channel plans. At least two decoders may operate simultaneously to decode different modulation schemes on each of the at least two channel plans. In one example, two channel plans overlap portions of the radio spectrum. Two different and complementary modulation schemes are used on the two channel plans, respectively. The complementary modulation schemes reject signals associated with the other. Accordingly, portions of the radio spectrum are used simultaneously by at least two channel plans and at least two modulation schemes, respectively. | 08-28-2014 |
20140242922 | Radio to Detect and Compensate for Frequency Misalignment - A radio includes a radio frequency (RF) subsystem to process analog information. A digital subsystem receives input from the RF subsystem, and may include a frequency error estimator and a transmitter. The frequency error estimator may be configured to receive samples from the digital subsystem and to estimate a frequency misalignment, between transmitter and receiver, of each of a plurality of received signals in real time. The transmitter may be configured to transmit to each of a plurality of downstream endpoints on frequencies based in part on the respective estimated frequency misalignments. Such transmissions, at a frequencies expected by each of the downstream endpoints, allows the use of narrower receiver filters by those endpoints. In one example, the plurality of received signals may be received simultaneously and be associated with packets of a plurality of different channel plans, with different channel bandwidths and/or channel spacing, and different channel modulation schemes. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241472 | FSK/MSK Decoder - A decoder for a modulation scheme is configured to operate close to the radio noise floor. A correlation value may be constantly updated, in an effort to match to a signature to a preamble of a packet. A low clamp value may act as a floor to which a calculated correlation value is set, if it is less than the low clamp value. If a correlation threshold is exceeded, then the correlation value is examined to determine it is a peak value. If the peak is found, power of the preamble is compared to a power threshold that is relative to the radio noise floor. If the power threshold is exceeded, positive correlation is detected. A channel optimizer is used to remove the frequency misalignment. This enables the use of a filter that is approximately equal to the occupied bandwidth of the incoming signal, further rejecting noise and interference. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241469 | Radio to Support Channel Plans of Arbitrary Width and/or Spacing - A multichannel radio receiver may include a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a digital subsystem. The digital subsystem may be configured to use an analog to digital converter (ADC) to sample input. A channelizer bank within the digital subsystem may include a plurality of channelizers. Each channelizer may receive and translate input into a plurality of channels, the channels having widths that are non-uniform and/or spacing (e.g., spacing center-to-center of adjacent channels) that is not regular. The translation may include re-sampling channels at a rate associated with a modulation scheme. A decoder bank may include a plurality of decoders operating in parallel, each to receive input from a channelizer and each associated with a particular modulation scheme. Thus, the multichannel radio may simultaneously receive on a plurality of channels of arbitrary location, arbitrary spacing and/or arbitrary bandwidth, wherein each channel is associated with one of a plurality of modulation schemes. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241468 | Radio to Analog-to-Digital Sample Rate Decoupled from Digital Subsystem - A multichannel radio receiver may include a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a digital subsystem. The RF subsystem may be configured to provide analog information associated with a radio band to an analog to digital converter (ADC). The ADC samples the analog input and sends digital output to the digital subsystem. The digital subsystem may be configured with one or more channelizers and one or more decoders. A channelizer within the digital subsystem may filter and re-sample the digital output to result in a channel plan having a desired bandwidth and a desired sample rate. The sample rate may be selected for compatibility with a decoder. The decoder may have design specifications based in part on a modulation scheme to be decoded. The design specifications may indicate the desired sample rate to be provided by the channelizer. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241178 | Real-Time Radio Spectrum Assessment Engine - A multichannel radio receiver configured for real-time radio channel assessment is described herein. In one example, a radio frequency (RF) front end provides a frequency spectrum which is converted into a digitized spectrum. Within a digital subsystem, resources (e.g., software or a hardware device) may analyze channels or portions of spectrum within the digitized spectrum for a packet error rate (PER) at a plurality of power levels and a plurality of modulation schemes. The analysis may result a required received signal strength indicator (RSSI) that is needed to result in a particular read reliability requirement (RRR). Using the required RSSI, endpoints communicating with the multichannel radio may be associated with a channel(s), modulation scheme(s) and/or power level(s) that results in the RRR. The analysis may be performed by one or more resources operating in parallel and operating in the background to other communications between the endpoints and multichannel radio receiver. | 08-28-2014 |
20140214728 | Performing Demand Reset in a Secure Mobile Network Environment - Techniques are discussed for performing a demand reset in a wireless meter reading environment, in a manner such that demand data may not be lost. In response to receiving a command from a mobile device of a requester, a meter may store demand value(s) in a log, reset register(s) that store the demand value(s) and wirelessly provide the demand value(s) to the mobile device of the requester. Due to the lack of reliability associated with wireless communications between the meter and a requestor, the requestor may not actually receive the demand value(s). Upon receiving a subsequent command for the demand value(s), the meter may determine that the command is a replay, and provide the demand value(s) without resetting the register(s). Techniques are also discussed for generating the commands, securing the commands, and providing the commands to mobile devices in route packages. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211939 | Zero Configuration of Security for Smart Meters - Techniques for injecting encryption keys into a meter as a part of a manufacturing process are discussed. Since various encryption keys injected into meters may be specific to each individual meter, a utility company customer may require a copy of the injected encryption keys associated with each individual meter. The techniques may include providing a copy of keys injected into each meter to a utility company customer. In some instances, the meter manufacturer may not store or persist various encryption keys that are injected into the meters during the manufacturing process. | 07-31-2014 |
20140207392 | System to Identify Gas Usage by Appliance - A system, including a utility meter, smart meter and/or a central office of a utility company may provide output to assist consumers to identify gas use by individual appliances. The system may measure gas flow rates, categorize the rates to assist in association with a gas consuming appliance, and provide output to identify use by one or more appliances. The output may include information on consumption and/or cost associated with one or more appliances, such as a furnace, hot water tank and/or stove. The output may be graphical, tabular or otherwise presented in any desired user interface or invoice, etc. | 07-24-2014 |
20140173630 | NON REAL-TIME METROLOGY DATA MANAGEMENT - The techniques described herein implement an operating system that can reliably process time sensitive information in non real-time manner. Thus, the operating system described herein is capable of processing an instance of time sensitive input during a time period after the instance of time sensitive input is received (e.g., at a future point in time). To accomplish this, the techniques timestamp each instance of time sensitive input when it is received at a device. The techniques then store the timestamped instance of time sensitive input in a temporary queue, and make the timestamped instance available to the operating system at a time period after the time period when it is received, as indicated by the timestamp. Additional techniques described herein prioritize the activation of a driver configured to receive the time sensitive information during a boot sequence or a reboot sequence. | 06-19-2014 |
20140173580 | UTILIZING A MULTI-SYSTEM SET CONFIGURATION TO UPDATE A UTILITY NODE SYSTEM SET - A system set of a utility node device, such as a kernel and/or root file system, may be updated by utilizing a multi-system set configuration. For example, the multi-system set configuration may include a first system set that is generally configured to act as an “active” set, a second system set (e.g., “idle” set) that is configured to operate when the first system set is non-operational or in an “idle” state, and a third system set that is configured to operate when the first and second system sets are non-operational. During an update of a system set, an update package may be applied to the second “idle” system set, while the first “active” system set remains operational. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like. | 06-19-2014 |
20140173579 | UTILITY NODE SOFTWARE/FIRMWARE UPDATE THROUGH A MULTI-TYPE PACKAGE - Software and/or firmware of a utility node device may be updated by utilizing an update package that includes multiple update items related to different types of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may selectively install one or more of the multiple update items based on a type of the software and/or firmware that is currently installed on the device. The different types of software and/or firmware may relate to different versions of the software and/or firmware and/or different types of hardware. In some instances, an update item of the update package comprises a delta file that contains differences between different versions of the software and/or firmware. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like. | 06-19-2014 |
20140173264 | PRIORITY ACTIVATION OF METROLOGY DRIVER IN BOOT SEQUENCE - The techniques described herein implement an operating system that can reliably process time sensitive information in non real-time manner. Thus, the operating system described herein is capable of processing an instance of time sensitive input during a time period after the instance of time sensitive input is received (e.g., at a future point in time). To accomplish this, the techniques timestamp each instance of time sensitive input when it is received at a device. The techniques then store the timestamped instance of time sensitive input in a temporary queue, and make the timestamped instance available to the operating system at a time period after the time period when it is received, as indicated by the timestamp. Additional techniques described herein prioritize the activation of a driver configured to receive the time sensitive information during a bootup sequence or a reboot sequence. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172723 | POWER LINE COMMUNICATION OVER DISCONNECTED SERVICE LINES - A network communication device, such as an electricity meter, is configured to communicate with devices on a circuit internal to a site via power line communication (PLC), even when electricity service to the site is disconnected. The network communication device is configured to monitor one or more circuits internal to the site and to receive power line communications from the device(s) coupled to the circuit internal to the site when the site is disconnected from electricity service. A PLC module of the network communication device may include a switch-based or capacitor-based monitor that maintains a PLC coupler electrically connected with the circuit internal to the site even when electricity service to the site is disconnected. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169152 | Intelligent Network Operation - A node may be configured for operation in an intelligent network environment, wherein the node communicates via different modes of communication. The node selects a first mode of communication (e.g., mesh network mode). The node communicates via the first mode of communication. In response to determining a first condition (e.g., interference), the node selects a second mode of communication. The node then communicates via the second mode of communication. In response to determining a second condition (e.g., interference ceases), the node selects the first mode of communication and communicates via the first mode of communication. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167981 | VIRTUAL CLUSTER METER (VCM) - A distributed metering platform virtualizes functions of a conventional metrology sensor and separates the virtualized functions from a metrology sensor. One or more virtual meters or applications may be instantiated at a network communication device that is remote from the metrology sensor and processes metrology data received from the metrology sensor. Each virtual meter may include multiple partitioned application spaces that are isolated from one another. In one example, a first application space includes a locked version of code and a second application space includes an unlocked version of code. Furthermore, each virtual meter may be isolated from other virtual meters such that each virtual meter is unable to affect operations and/or data associated with other virtual meters. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167978 | Near Field Communications for Utility Meters - Techniques for utilizing near field communications (NFC) with utility meters are described herein. In one example, a meter is configured for operation, either in a stand-alone or utility network capacity. The example meter may include a processor in communication with a memory device and a tag device configured for near field communication (NFC). In operation, the processor operates the tag device to read from the memory device to obtain data for transmission via NFC and/or write data obtained via NFC to the memory device. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167977 | System on a Module for Smart Grid Nodes - A system on a module and techniques for use and operation in multiple different smart grid devices and/or nodes are described herein. One example of a system on a module includes a processor, a flash memory device in communication with the processor, and a RAM memory device in communication with the processor. A connector provides an interface to the smart grid device, and includes a plurality of metrology and communications interfaces. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167976 | VIRTUAL METERING WITH PARTITIONED METROLOGY - A distributed metering platform virtualizes functions of a conventional metrology sensor and separates the virtualized functions from a metrology sensor. One or more virtual meters or applications may be instantiated at a network communication device that is remote from the metrology sensor and processes metrology data received from the metrology sensor. Each virtual meter may include multiple partitioned application spaces that are isolated from one another. In one example, a first application space includes a locked version of code and a second application space includes an unlocked version of code. Furthermore, each virtual meter may be isolated from other virtual meters such that each virtual meter is unable to affect operations and/or data associated with other virtual meters. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167975 | RF Dynamic Power Control and Radio Protection in Metering Devices - Techniques for dynamic power control of a radio of a utility data collection device (e.g., utility meter configured for wireless communications) are described that utilize a detection scheme applied to a Front End Module (FEM) in the utility data collection device. A utility data collection device measures a Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) presented to the FEM during transmission. The result of this measurement allows the utility data collection device to dynamically control the input power to a FEM transmit portion. Utilizing these techniques, the utility data collection device can adjust to environmental changes and conditions experienced in the field. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167974 | METROLOGY WITH UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB) CONNECTION - Data communication may be accomplished between a utility meter and a peripheral device via a universal serial bus (USB) connection and a USB protocol. The meter may include metrology components arranged to measure utility consumption at a site. The meter may further include components for providing the data communication with the peripheral via the universal serial bus (USB) connection and a USB protocol. In an implementation, the meter provides electrical isolation between the data communication components and the metrology components. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167738 | Electric Meter Base Level Printed Circuit Board - Techniques for construction of an electric meter base level printed circuit board (PCB), such as for use in an electric consumption meter, are described herein. A plurality of heavy copper traces may be embedded in the PCB, thereby eliminating the need for heavy copper bar between connectors and components on the board. In one example, a PCB includes connectors for incoming and outgoing line and neutral conductors. The PCB may include a current measuring component, mounted on the PCB, to communicate with metrology circuitry. The PCB may include one or more switches, configured to regulate electrical service. Heavy electrical traces may be embedded in the PCB to connect the connectors and various components mounted on the PCB. The heavy electrical traces are sized to allow passage of currents that may be in excess of 100 amps. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167528 | REMOTE DISCONNECT SAFETY MECHANISM - Electricity service may be safely remotely connected to a site by a network computing device, such as an electricity meter, even when the network computing device is not accessible at the site. The network computing device may include a service switch capable of connecting electricity service to a site, a communication module capable of receiving commands to connect or disconnect electricity service, and a safety mechanism to monitor a circuit internal to the site and to prevent the service switch from connecting electricity service to the site while a potentially unsafe condition is detected. | 06-19-2014 |
20140151241 | PIPELINE COMMUNICATIONS - Communications systems are provided for use with an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system having single or multiple ICCP components. A pipeline may be provided by connecting multiple pipeline sections together as an integrated pipeline where each section has an associated ICCP system. A communications signal comprising an AC signal is impressed on the pipeline and received by receivers associated with power supplies associated with each ICCP system. Upon reception of the AC signal, a controllable switch is operated within the power supplies to synchronously disconnect them from their power source and thereby enable accurate testing of the ICCP system. | 06-05-2014 |
20140118162 | HYBRID SENSOR SYSTEM FOR GAS FLOW MEASUREMENTS - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for measuring gas flow. A gas flow meter can include a plurality of sensors to detect a gas flow at various flow rates in the meter. A first sensor can detect a gas flow at a low flow rate and a second sensor can detect a gas flow when the flow rate is sufficient to produce an oscillating jet. The first sensor can be disposed parallel to the gas flow and detect the flow rate and the temperature of the gas flow. When the flow rate of the gas is below a predetermined threshold, power is supplied to the first sensor to detect gas flow. When the gas flow rate is high enough such that the gas flow produces an oscillating jet of fluid, power is supplied to the second sensor. The second sensor can detect the frequency of the oscillating jet flow. | 05-01-2014 |
20140067325 | Analytics in a Utility Infrastructure - Techniques for analyzing a utility infrastructure are described herein. In one example, data is obtained from a utility system. The data may include consumption measurement information, consumption measurement exceptions and/or system events. Exceptions may include data indicating a possible problem, such as significantly increased or decreased consumption, reduced voltage, etc. Events may include data on power down actions, meter removal, etc. Attributes may be considered, including demographic information, weather information, economic information, etc. The data may be filtered by comparison to known patterns of measurements, exceptions, events and/or attributers that indicate an analytic event. Accordingly, analytic events may include important system information that is inferred from large quantities of data. Analytic events may be reported to an operator through operation of a user interface. | 03-06-2014 |
20140056149 | Bandwidth Management in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure - In a network environment, a node may measure and/or recognize network activity or congestion and send feedback to downstream nodes (i.e., higher rank nodes) in response. During periods of lower network activity, lower congestion and/or lower network load, the feedback may direct an upstream flow of packets to be transmitted at a quality of service (QoS) level that allows consumption of more bandwidth than is indicated by a QoS level associated with a service level agreement (SLA) of the upstream flow of packets. During periods of higher network activity, congestion and/or network load, the feedback may limit the upstream flow of packets to the QoS level associated with the SLA of the upstream flow of packets. Accordingly, an upstream node (e.g., a root node) may use feedback to regulate bandwidth used by one or more downstream nodes and/or flows of packets, in part using network activity, congestion and/or bandwidth availability. | 02-27-2014 |
20140036702 | Multi-media multi-modulation and multi-data rate mesh network - A node having a multiple protocol receiver may listen to multiple links in parallel and determine a quality of links having multiple communication technologies between the node and multiple neighbor nodes. The multiple communication technologies may include radio frequency (RF) communication technologies and one or more power line communication (PLC) communication technologies. The node determines a link quality metric for each link associated with an optimum communication technology and data rate, and maintains availability information of neighbor nodes. The node may then route communications to neighbor nodes using the link quality metric and the availability information. | 02-06-2014 |
20140029415 | Relaying Information for an Unreliably Heard Utility Node - Data of a utility node that is unreliably heard may be relayed through another utility node. In some examples, utility nodes of a star network may attempt to transmit data to a collector, a repeater, a relay, a router, or a mobile device. When it is determined that a utility node is unable to reliably transmit data, a relay relationship may be established so that data of the unreliable utility node is relayed through the network. | 01-30-2014 |
20130315057 | Efficient Multicast in a Smart Grid - In a wireless and/or power line communication (PLC) network environment, techniques for multicast of data and management of multicast groups assist in regulating bandwidth consumption and provision of desired multicast data. Nodes indicate interest in multicast groups by transmission of reports upstream. Report transmission may be suppressed to balance bandwidth with need for multicast data. Multicast data packets may be retransmitted downstream to fulfill requests indicated by the reports at a rate and/or frequency based on multicast packet duplication or redundancy. Information, such as broken links or “leave” packets, may indicate that one or more downstream nodes should be removed from a forwarding state. However such removal may impact other nodes. A query may be transmitted downstream, to determine if retransmission/forwarding of multicast retransmissions should continue. Query transmission may be based on a balance between query bandwidth consumption and the needs of downstream nodes. | 11-28-2013 |
20130297771 | COORDINATED COLLECTION OF METERING DATA - Collection of resource consumption data may be coordinated by designating, for each endpoint in a utility communication network, a single data collector to be responsible for reporting resource consumption data of the respective endpoints to a head-end computing device. If the head-end computing device does not receive resource consumption data from one or more endpoints, the head-end computing device may request the missing resource consumption data from one or more secondary or tertiary data collectors that receive resource consumption data from the one or more endpoints. Additionally, if a data collector is missing resource consumption data from an endpoint during a reporting period, upon receiving resource consumption data from the endpoint during a subsequent reporting period, the data collector may request the missing resource consumption data. | 11-07-2013 |
20130294284 | AUTHENTICATION USING DHCP SERVICES IN MESH NETWORKS - A new device is deployed to an area in which a network is provided. The new device may join the network using a single handshake via a neighboring device that is a member of the network and register with a network management system managing the network. If the network is overloaded or has limited bandwidth remaining, the network may refuse to admit the new device, or if the new device is isolated, may force some devices that are members of the network to leave or migrate from the network to allow the isolated device to join the network. | 11-07-2013 |
20130294237 | PRIORITIZED REPORTING OF METERING DATA - A utility company may schedule when and how endpoints report resource consumption data based on relative priorities of endpoints or the customers associated therewith. By associating endpoints with one of multiple different quality of service (QoS) levels, and sending each endpoint a reporting schedule based on its respective QoS level, the utility company may configure prioritized reporting of resource consumption data by endpoints of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) with automatic meter reading (AMR). | 11-07-2013 |
20130294230 | EFFICIENT DEVICE HANDOVER/MIGRATION IN MESH NETWORKS - A new device is deployed to an area in which a network is provided. The new device may join the network using a single handshake via a neighboring device that is a member of the network and register with a network management system managing the network. If the network is overloaded or has limited bandwidth remaining, the network may refuse to admit the new device, or if the new device is isolated, may force some devices that are members of the network to leave or migrate from the network to allow the isolated device to join the network. | 11-07-2013 |
20130293391 | Limited Data Messaging with Standards Compliance - Techniques for limited data messaging with standards compliance are described herein. A network may be configured as an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for automatic meter reading (AMR). A plurality of endpoints (EP) may each be associated with a meter configured to measure consumption of a resource, such as electricity or natural gas. The plurality of EPs may communicate consumption data to a data collector (DC), which transfers the data to a central office. In one example, network traffic and battery power consumption of the EPs may be reduced if each endpoint packages data as a compact array, having minimal data formatting and tagging. A class object associated with each EP and stored at the DC allows the DC to interpret the compact array. Based on this interpretation, the DC is able to reformulate the data as a COSEM (or other standards-based object) for transmission to the central office. | 11-07-2013 |
20130278437 | AUTOMATIC NETWORK TOPOLOGY DETECTION AND FRAUD DETECTION - Given a node of a utility service distribution network, a topology of a subset of the distribution network having the given node as a root node and one or more child nodes branching from the given node is determined. The topology may be determined based on relationships or correlations of utility usage information between the given node and a plurality of potential nodes that are considered in the topology determination. Upon determining the topology associated with the given node, the determined topology may be used to detect fraud and leakage that may occur in the distribution network on a regular basis or upon request. If fraud or leakage is detected in the distribution network, the system may schedule a follow-up and/or field investigation to investigate and fix the fraud or the leakage in the distribution network. | 10-24-2013 |
20130275766 | Microcontroller Configured for External Memory Decryption - In an advanced metering infrastructure environment, software program statements and/or data may be encrypted. A microcontroller unit may include a first cache configured to store a block of encrypted data obtained from an external memory device. A decryption engine may decrypt the block of encrypted data for storage in a second cache. An address alignment module may be configured to receive input from a program counter and to calculate an offset pointer. The offset pointer may indicate a particular word in the block of decrypted data within the second cache for transmission to an instruction register for use by an application program. An address generator may be configured to receive input from the address alignment module and to indicate a block of data in the external memory device to be loaded into the first cache, to thereby replacing the encrypted data sent to the decryption engine. | 10-17-2013 |
20130272293 | HYBRID ACCESS PROTOCOL FOR NETWORK NODES - A hybrid access protocol (HAP) controls access of nodes of a network to a communication medium, such as a radio frequency communication channel. In one example, a one-hop neighbor of a root node receives priority information from the root node, which includes a list of communication time slots, and an indication of one or more of the communication time slots during which the one-hop neighbor has communication priority relative to other one-hop neighbors of the root node. If the one-hop neighbor has information to transmit to the root node, it waits a predetermined period of time before transmitting the information to the root node. While waiting, the one-hop neighbor listens for transmissions by other nodes. In response to expiration of the predetermined period of time without overhearing transmissions by other nodes, the one-hop neighbor transmits its data to the root node. | 10-17-2013 |
20130250959 | COMMUNICATION PACKET CONVERSION - Techniques for converting communication packets in a network having multiple nodes are described herein. A node may receive communication packets from one or more neighboring nodes. Each communication packet may include control data and payload data. The node may extract the payload data and store the payload data for a time period. The node may determine whether to concatenate the extracted payload data of the communication packets (e.g., based on destinations to where each of the extracted payload data are to be sent, a supported data rate, an application type associated with the extracted payload data, etc.). The node may concatenate the extracted payload data of the communication packets and send the concatenated payload data to another node in a communication packet. | 09-26-2013 |
20130235721 | Traffic Load and Transmission Retry Management - In a wireless network environment, techniques for traffic load management and transmission retry management assist a node to regulate network bandwidth consumed by one or more applications operating on the node, and assist the node to retransmit failed packets. Each of several software applications operating on the node may be prioritized. The prioritized applications will each receive a contention window appropriate to the priority of the application, which enforces an amount of bandwidth available to the application. In the event that a packet sent by the node fails to be acknowledged by a recipient, a retry algorithm may be utilized. The retry algorithm may use input including link quality and traffic density to adjust or maintain the contention window and/or retry count. | 09-12-2013 |
20130227337 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPGRADABLE REMOTELY DEPLOYED INTELLIGENT COMMUNICATION DEVICES - In one embodiment, an intelligent communications device for operating in a network is disclosed. The device includes a storage device having a plurality of partitions storing images for performing boot operations. The device also includes a detection module that is operative to detect a boot failure, and a first restoration module that is operative to restore an active image with a first backup image, in response to a detected boot failure from an active image. The device further includes a second restoration module that is operative to restore a second backup image in response to a detected boot failure after restoration from a first backup image. The device also includes a programmable processor that is programmed to cause execution of boot operations and functions performed by the detection module, first restoration module, and second restoration module. | 08-29-2013 |
20130208627 | FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD WITH ADAPTIVE LOST PACKET RECOVERY - Disclosed are methodologies for implementing a firmware download to endpoints in a mesh network. A firmware package is divided into a number of blocks, each block containing a number of packets and sent as a broadcast to endpoints in a wireless mesh network. A number of redundancy packets are sent to permit calculation of lost packets. A maximum number of redundancy packets to be sent is determined and a forward error correction code is developed depending on the maximum number of redundancy packets and the total number of firmware packets to be sent. A first block of redundancy packets, less than the maximum number, is sent followed by additional blocks of redundancy packets depending on reports from the receiving endpoints. | 08-15-2013 |
20130201030 | RF BASED METER DATA COLLECTION - Disclosed are apparatus and system as well as associated and/or corresponding methodology for exchanging utility consumption data and control information between a consumption measurement device and a utility management system. The presently disclosed subject matter provides for employing a WiFi enable transceiver incorporated as a part of a cable company device such as a set top box. The WiFi transceiver is configured to receive consumption information from a consumer's utility meter (electricity, gas, water) and to transmit the received information to the utility provider by way of the cable company's communications infrastructure. Control signal may also be sent from the utility company to the consumption measurement device by way of the cable company's communications infrastructure. | 08-08-2013 |
20130195022 | DATA BROADCASTING WITH A PREPARE-TO-BROADCAST MESSAGE - Techniques for broadcasting data in a multi-channel network having a control channel and multiple data channels are described. A node wishing to broadcast data may determine a particular data channel from among the multiple data channels, a modulation technique, and a data rate to be utilized to broadcast the data. The broadcasting node may transmit a message over the control channel indicating that the data will be broadcast on the particular data channel using the modulation technique and at the determined data rate. The broadcasting node and a node wishing to receive the data may switch to the particular data channel. The broadcast node may broadcast the data over the particular data channel, while the receiving node may receive the data. After broadcasting the data or a predetermined time period has expired, the broadcasting node and receiving node may switch to the control channel. | 08-01-2013 |
20130188746 | FREQUENCY SHIFT COMPENSATION, SUCH AS FOR USE IN A WIRELESS METER READING ENVIRONMENT - 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. | 07-25-2013 |
20130188398 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) POWER TO DIRECT CURRENT (DC) POWER - Methods, circuit designs, systems, and devices for the conversion of high voltage alternating current (AC) to low voltage, high current direct current (DC) are described. An exemplary apparatus includes a rectifier for receiving a high voltage AC line power input and for outputting a full wave, high voltage DC, a gating component coupled to the rectifier for receiving the high voltage DC output by the rectifier, wherein the gating component is configured to gate the high voltage DC by turning on at a zero crossing level and turning off when the high voltage DC exceeds a preset voltage threshold and wherein the output of the gating component is an intermediate voltage DC capped by the preset voltage threshold, and a DC-DC converter coupled to the gating component for receiving the intermediate voltage DC output by the gating component, wherein the DC-DC converter is configured to step down and smooth out the intermediate voltage DC to a desired high current, low voltage DC output. | 07-25-2013 |
20130184390 | WAX-BASED ENCAPSULANT/MOISTURE BARRIER FOR USE WITH ELECTRONICS RECEIVED IN WATER METER PITS - The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an encapsulant for electronic components such as those utilized in AMR technology. The encapsulant comprises a wax, a tackifier, a polymer, a plasticizer, a thixotropic agent, and an antioxidant and is designed to protect electronic components from harsh environments such as those where high levels of humidity or corrosive liquids may be present. For example, the encapsulant exhibits minimal percent weight gain due to moisture vapor when subjected to temperatures ranging from about −40° C. to about 70° C. and relative humidities ranging from 0% to 85% over a period of 200 days. | 07-18-2013 |
20130183437 | METHOD FOR ENCAPSULATION OF ELECTRONICS RECEIVED IN WATER METER PITS WITH AN IMPROVED WAX-BASED ENCAPSULANT/MOISTURE BARRIER - The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to method for forming an encapsulant and coating electronic components such as those utilized in AMR technology with the encapsulant. The encapsulant comprises a wax, a tackifier, a polymer, a plasticizer, a thixotropic agent, and an antioxidant and is designed to protect electronic components from harsh environments such as those where high levels of humidity or corrosive liquids may be present. For example, the encapsulant exhibits minimal percent weight gain due to moisture vapor when subjected to temperatures ranging from about −40° C. to about 70° C. and relative humidities ranging from 0% to 85% over a period of 200 days. | 07-18-2013 |
20130181848 | USE OF MINIMAL PROPAGATION DELAY PATH TO OPTIMIZE A MESH NETWORK - 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. Particular present features relate to the use of minimal propagation delay path to optimize a mesh network. | 07-18-2013 |
20130181845 | AMI NETWORK WITH WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT HOTSPOT ACCESS - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing communications functionality between a utility central facility and a field worker. A WiFi Hotpoint is associated with a cell relay in an Advanced Metering System (AMS). Field workers using WiFi enabled communications devices may securely receive information including work orders from the utility central facility via the WiFi connection, thereby reducing or eliminating need for the worker to visit the utility central facility. | 07-18-2013 |
20130174249 | SECURE LOCK FUNCTION FOR AN ENDPOINT - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing secure control over stored metrology parameters. A random number key is generated and associated with identifiable information such as a serial number associated with a device. The random number and identification information are stored in a database separate and remote from the device. Alteration of the stored metrology parameters are permitted only upon use of the random number as a key to unlock the device. | 07-04-2013 |
20130162441 | CELL ROUTER FAILURE DETECTION IN A MESH NETWORK - The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methodologies, apparatuses, and systems for providing cell router (relay) failure detection in a mesh network. Individual cell relays heading up cells within a mesh network transmit synchronization signals including as a portion thereof a counter value. Nodes with the cells monitor the counter value and search for a new connection to a central facility if the counter value fails to update within a predetermined value. | 06-27-2013 |
20130155934 | NETWORK WITH SECONDARY CONTROL CHANNEL - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing communications in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Information including utility consumption information is transmitted from network endpoints to a central facility using a first communications channel, generally within an ISM band using relatively lower power transmitters operating in accordance with 47 CFR, Part 15. Commonly applicable information (for example, time signals and instructions destined for multiple of the endpoints) is transmitted over a second communications channel in frequency bands other than ISM bands using relatively higher power levels than are permitted under Part 15. Network endpoints and the first and second communications channels may be utilized in either of a mesh network or a star network. | 06-20-2013 |
20130134132 | HIGH POWER ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE - An electrical switching device and method are disclosed. The electrical switching device can include two movable contacts. During opening of the switching device, the two movable contacts move in a first direction until one of the movable contacts engages a blocking member. The other movable contact continues in the first direction, effecting opening of the switching device. In a particular implementation, the movable contact that engages the blocking member “bounces” in a second direction after contacting the blocking member. This causes the contacts of the switching device to be separated very quickly, reducing electrical arcing during opening of the switching device. | 05-30-2013 |
20130121337 | ROUTING COMMUNICATIONS BASED ON NODE AVAILABILITY - A node receives information that is to be transmitted to a destination. Upon receipt of the information, the node may query a busy device list to determine an availability of one or more neighbor nodes. The node may then identify a neighbor node that, according to the busy device list, is available to receive transmissions and is capable of propagating the information to the destination. The node may then transmit the information to the identified neighbor node. | 05-16-2013 |
20130121263 | MULTI-CHANNEL, MULTI-MODULATION, MULTI-RATE COMMUNICATION WITH A RADIO TRANSCEIVER - Techniques for communicating via a control channel, determining a particular data channel based on the communicating, and transferring data via the particular data channel are described. One or more messages are communicated via the control channel between first and second nodes. The one or more messages may indicate a particular data channel from multiple data channels that may be utilized to transfer data between the first and second nodes. The one or more messages may also indicate a modulation technique and/or data rate that may be implemented on the particular data channel. The one or more messages may be utilized to determine the particular data channel that will be utilized to transfer the data. The first and second nodes may switch to the particular data channel based on the determination and transfer the data via the particular data channel. | 05-16-2013 |
20130121178 | ROUTING COMMUNICATIONS BASED ON LINK QUALITY - A node may determine a link quality between the node and multiple neighbor nodes. For each of the multiple neighbor nodes, the node compares the determined link quality between the node and each respective neighbor node to a predetermined threshold quality. If the link quality meets the predetermined threshold quality, the node may qualify the link and add the link to a list of qualified links that meet the threshold link quality. The node may then route communications to neighbor nodes with which the node has a qualified link. | 05-16-2013 |
20130121151 | Traffic load management - A node may assist in the management of upstream network traffic in part by managing a contention window used by the node. The node may maintain a list of size(s) of contention window(s) of parent node(s) of the node. The node may set its own contention window to be longer (i.e., a longer period of time) than that of upstream neighbor nodes. With a longer contention window than that of its parent node(s), the node will refrain from using an RF channel needed by a parent node. Accordingly, upstream nodes are better able to transmit any backlog of data before receiving additional data from downstream nodes. This may better distribute data over the network, and may better manage data flow. | 05-16-2013 |
20130113630 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT IN A METER READING ENDPOINT - The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methods and apparatus enabling production of a stable output from a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit. A crystal controlled oscillator provides a reference signal to the PLL circuit. Temperature variations associated with the crystal cause variations in the operating frequency of the crystal that result in variations of the PLL output frequency. The presently disclosed subject matter compensates for such variations in frequency output by modifying an operation of the PLL circuit based on the temperature variations so that the output frequency remains stable even with temperature induced variations in the reference signal. | 05-09-2013 |
20130107999 | Synchronization of Nodes in a Network | 05-02-2013 |
20130107724 | QUICK ADVERTISEMENT OF A FAILURE OF A NETWORK CELLULAR ROUTER | 05-02-2013 |
20130100987 | Multiple Protocol Receiver - Implementation and operation of a multiple protocol receiver are described herein. In one example, a multiple protocol receiver in a node may alternate between first and second states. In a first state, the multiple protocol receiver listens simultaneously for a plurality of differently modulated signals. Such listening may be performed in a parallel manner, wherein a plurality of preamble detection processes each listens for a specific preamble. The listening may result in detection of a preamble of a packet, which triggers transition to the second state. The detected preamble may indicate a protocol used in transmission of the packet. The received packet may then be demodulated according to, for example, a data rate, synchronization, redundancy and/or other factors indicated by the protocol. The received packet may be utilized by the node or retransmitted. The multiple protocol receiver may return to the first state to repeat and continue the procedure. | 04-25-2013 |
20130100867 | MULTIPLE PROTOCOL RECEIVER - The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methods and apparatus for providing a multi-protocol receiver for use in a radio frequency (RF) network. The receiver is designed to listen for multiple different packet preambles in parallel and, upon detection of a particular preamble, shift to demodulating the data portion of the packet using the single modulation technique associated with the particular preamble. Transmission of packets may be performed using a single radio frequency for all network devices or by frequency hopping techniques but using the same hopping pattern for all network devices. The receiver may be used with general communications networks or more specific applications, such as Smart Grid and AMI networks, and meshed networks of metrology devices. | 04-25-2013 |
20130099976 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF LOCATING MISSING NODES IN NETWORKS - Systems and methods of locating missing endpoints in a utility meter network include periodically receiving electronic GPS data including coordinates identifying the physical location of a mobile meter reading device and collecting radio frequency (RF) data transmissions sent by one or more missing endpoints in proximity to the mobile meter reading device. Energy levels associated with the RF data transmissions can be used to determine a signal strength indicator for each transmission. The transmissions are collected while the mobile meter reading device is positioned in at least first and second different locations relative to each missing endpoint. A triangulation procedure is electronically implemented using the GPS coordinates and the signal strength indicator for a given missing endpoint as determined in the at least first and second different locations in order to identify an estimated location for the given missing endpoint, which is provided as electronic output to a user. | 04-25-2013 |
20130099938 | SOFTWARE-DEFINED COMMUNICATION UNIT - The presently disclosed subject matter relates to communications units. In some uses thereof, such communications units may be respectively associated with utility meters for use in an advanced metering system infrastructure. Present communications units have a medium-agnostic front end module and associated transmitting and receiving functionalities that are programmable to provide simultaneous reception and transmission using multiple protocols over different media and to change to a single protocol functionality upon reception of a valid signal on one of the monitored transmissions. The communications unit may be field programmable for known and previously undefined transmission protocols to provide a future proof device. | 04-25-2013 |
20130095877 | MULTI-WAN MODULE - Disclosed is a wide area network (WAN) module including plural radios, a power supply, and a switch configured so that one and only one of the radios may receive power at any one time. The switch may be electronically or manually operable; if electronically operable, the module may include a processor and a universal serial bus (USB) port for receiving power switching instructions. The WAN module may be incorporated into utility consumption measuring (metering) devices which may correspond to components in a consumption measurement and reporting automatic meter reading (AMR) system. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094596 | DUAL-CHANNEL RECEIVER FOR POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS - The presently disclosed subject matter relates to powerline communications (PLC) in an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) environment. A communications signal is applied to a power line by a PLC transmitting device. A receiver is provided that evaluates communications signals based on the power coupled to the power line by the transmitting device. In one present embodiment, PLC signal voltage and current levels are multiplied together to evaluate signal power to reproduce received PLC signals. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094404 | PEER-TO-PEER COMMUNICATIONS IN AMI WITH SOURCE-TREE ROUTING - Methodologies are provided for establishing peer-to-peer communications between nodes in a tree structured network having plural nodes including a root node. A source node seeking to send a message to a destination node will first request a most advantageous available path from the source to the destination node, and then the root node (or possibly another node within the network that has additional storage resources) will provide a routing path to one or both of the source and destination nodes. Messages may then be sent between the source and destination nodes that may or may not include addressing information in the packet headers without having to request routing information again for additional messages between the same nodes. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094396 | TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND REMOTE CONFIGURATION IN A GATEWAY-BASED NETWORK - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for remotely configuring gateway devices in a gateway-based Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network. Remotely configurable gateway devices are provided for Internet Protocol (IP) communications between consumption measuring devices and a utility central facility. Communications between the gateway device and central facility may be by way of wired or wireless communications and may include configuration information multicast from the central facility to selected gateway devices. | 04-18-2013 |
20130093600 | ENDPOINT REPEATER FUNCTIONALITY SELECTION - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for improving communications among battery operated network endpoints and a central facility. A battery operated endpoint may determine its remaining battery capacity and decide whether is it able to provide message repeating services to other endpoints within the network. The endpoint may make such decision based also on it own communications reliability to a central facility either directly or via other endpoints operating as repeaters. | 04-18-2013 |
20130093435 | INSTRUMENTATION CIRCUIT FOR SHUNT-BASED METROLOGY MEASUREMENT - The present subject matter is directed to methods and apparatus for measuring current flow from a source at a first frequency using matched voltage drops in paired voltage drop circuits. The paired voltage drop circuits each comprise a fixed value component, such as a resistor, and an adjustable value component, such as an adjustable current source, coupled in series. The adjustable valued components are controlled based on differences in voltage drops produced by the voltage drop circuits based on a high-frequency signal, higher in frequency than the first frequency, applied to a control input for the adjustable value components. | 04-18-2013 |
20120331092 | Conditional Command Data Reading Techniques - Radio messages delivering utility consumption data may be transmitted by endpoints. Each endpoint may contain a meter, such as an electric, natural gas and/or water meter. A portable unit (such as, for example, a handheld meter reading unit) may traverse a route among the endpoints and obtain the consumption data. Endpoints may send messages, periodically and/or in response to a command. Such messages may provide flags or other data indicating a condition of the endpoint. The flags or other data may be interpreted by computer code or logic within the portable unit to determine the condition of the endpoint, if a conditional command is indicated, and if so, which conditional command. Having selected an appropriate conditional or “reflex” command, the portable unit may transmit the conditional command to the endpoint and record data contained in a reply. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330615 | FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF RESOURCE CONSUMPTION DATA - Following an explosion, fire, flood, water damage, or other event, consumption data of utility resources such as gas and water may be used to determine a cause of the event. For example, an interrogation may be used to read data logging data from a data collection device. The data logging data may include a record of consumption data for a resource spanning a time of an event. The data logging data may be analyzed to determine whether a utility providing the resource was responsible for the event. | 12-27-2012 |
20120329499 | Read-Ahead Techniques for Data Logging - Radio messages may be transmitted by endpoints delivering utility consumption data. A portable unit may traverse a route among the endpoints and obtain the consumption data. If the endpoints are sufficiently grouped, communication between the portable unit and a plurality of endpoints may be possible in a same power cycle to a radio of the portable unit while the portable unit is at a single location. In a two-way communication environment, the portable unit may send commands to a plurality of endpoints during a single power cycle, which may result in responses from the plurality of endpoints during the same power cycle. Such communications may be performed with endpoints that are ahead of a current endpoint on the route being traversed, and may constitute read-ahead data. Read-ahead data reduces power cycles to the radio, because when the portable unit reaches an endpoint on the route whose data has previously been read, a power cycle is not required. | 12-27-2012 |
20120326884 | ALARMING BASED ON RESOURCE CONSUMPTION DATA - Consumption data of utility resources such as gas and water may be used to detect conditions that, left unchecked, may lead to a natural gas explosion, flood, or other event. A data collection device may be configured to monitor consumption of a resource through a utility meter at a location in substantially real time. The data collection device may detect abnormal consumption of the resource at the location, and transmit an alert indicating the abnormal consumption of the resource to a remote computing device. The data collection device may additionally initiate a mitigating action to prevent an event based on the abnormal resource consumption. | 12-27-2012 |
20120326883 | DISTRIBUTED METER DATA MANAGEMENT - In a distributed meter data management (MDM) system of a smart grid, a network computing device, such as a network router deployed in the field, may receive data from one or more utility meters, sensors, control devices, or other utility data collection devices that are communicatively coupled to the network computing device. The network computing device may process the data received from the utility data collection devices to generate processed data usable by a consumer. The network computing device may also send data to and/or receive data from a centralized control system, MDM system, and/or smart grid analytic applications at a utility central office. The network computing device may then provide the processed data directly to the consumer, with or without first sending the data to a centralized MDM system of the utility. | 12-27-2012 |
20120176253 | DATA COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL IN AN AUTOMATIC METER READING SYSTEM - 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. | 07-12-2012 |
20120152031 | WRIGGLER FOR GAS METER ENDPOINT - A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate. | 06-21-2012 |
20120119923 | OUTAGE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM - 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 Outage notification system features, and corresponding methodology and apparatus subject matters, both at the network and device level. | 05-17-2012 |
20120099620 | CLEAR-CHANNEL SYSTEM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS - A wireless spread-spectrum communication system for transmitting data includes a plurality of end point transmitters and at least one receiver. The end point transmitters transmit data via a frequency-hopped spread-spectrum signal where the transmitting signal is sent without the benefit of frequency stabilization. The receiver is responsive to the frequency-hopping spread-spectrum signals and includes a correlator and a signal processor. The correlator samples at least a first portion of a preamble of the signal and correlates the portion of the preamble with a known preamble pattern to determine a probability of correlation. The signal processor applies a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to the signal in response to the probability of correlation to track a narrowband frequency of the signal based on at least a second portion of the preamble and to decode data encoded within the signal subsequent to the preamble. | 04-26-2012 |
20120095704 | FILTERING TECHNIQUES TO REMOVE NOISE FROM A PERIODIC SIGNAL AND Irms CALCULATIONS - Signal filtering removes effects of a periodic, low-frequency noise signal from a signal of interest. A signal waveform is sampled at different points of a number of consecutive periodic noise signal cycles and the collected samples are averaged to produce a corrected signal. The number of consecutive cycles in which samples are taken and averaged is inversely related to the signal amplitude such that as the signal level decreases, the number of cycles examined increases. Improved RMS calculations are obtained for filtering low-frequency random noise from Hall sensors by averaging samples at different points of a signal cycle to create a composite desired signal cycle to facilitate other signal calculations. | 04-19-2012 |
20120060606 | ACCELEROMETER BASED REMOVAL AND INVERSION TAMPER DETECTION AND TAP SWITCH FEATURE - Disclosed are apparatus and methodologies for detecting inversion tamper, removal tamper, and taps using a three-axes accelerometer sensor in a utility meter environment. Inversion tamper is detected upon power up if the acceleration value along Y axis is greater than or equal to some small positive threshold. Removal tamper is detected if the average acceleration change of both Y and Z axes is greater than or equal to the removal threshold. A tap is detected if the average acceleration change along the X axis is greater than or equal to the tap threshold. The initial acceleration values are set upon power up. Removal tamper detection and tap detection are distinguished using a moving average filter. Tap detection uses timing constraints to avoid false tap detections. | 03-15-2012 |
20120057522 | UPLINK ROUTING WITHOUT ROUTING TABLE - 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. | 03-08-2012 |
20120056059 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TELEMETRY DEVICE INSTALLATION - An installation system and device, and an installation method, are provided for installing a telemetry device on a mount surface. In general, the installation system includes a telemetry device and an installation device. The installation device includes a mounting bracket, at least one attachment device, a mounting device, and at least one orientation device. The attachment device may be configured to mount the mounting device to the mount surface. The mounting device may include a mounting plate and a mating aperture for mounting the telemetry device to the mounting bracket. The orientation device may be associated with any one of a plurality of orientation apertures defined in the mounting device to secure the telemetry device to the mounting bracket and to fix an orientation of the telemetry device. | 03-08-2012 |
20120044973 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING RECEPTION OF DATA IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENTS - Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improving the reception of data in wireless communication environments. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for improving the reception of meter data in an AMR system. In particular, the method includes obtaining a sample of data indicative of channel quality for each transmission channel in the operational frequency band of the endpoint device. Then, the data is analyzed and a determination is made as to whether the reception of data by the collection system can be improved. If the reception of data by the collection system can be improved, a command is generated for reprogramming the endpoint device. In one embodiment, the command includes channel reprogramming data for reprogramming the endpoint device. | 02-23-2012 |
20120044087 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING RECEPTION OF DATA IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENTS - Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improving the reception of data in wireless communication environments. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for improving the reception of meter data in an AMR system. In particular, the method includes obtaining a sample of data indicative of channel quality for each transmission channel in the operational frequency band of the endpoint device. Then, the data is analyzed and a determination is made as to whether the reception of data by the collection system can be improved. If the reception of data by the collection system can be improved, a command is generated for reprogramming the endpoint device. In one embodiment, the command includes channel reprogramming data for reprogramming the endpoint device. | 02-23-2012 |
20120019396 | RELATIVE TIME SYSTEM - A system, method and device are provided for obtaining, from each endpoint device, meter reading data where the meter reading data are recorded and managed based on a relative time clock in each endpoint device. The relative time clock may be a simple inexpensive clock that tracks minutes and triggers recording of meter reading data for a particular hour at the end of that hour. In that embodiment, a collection system sends an endpoint device a request that includes a requested time that is converted into a relative time so that the endpoint device can understand the request. Since each recorded interval is generated based on a relative time maintained by the clock in the endpoint device rather than an absolute (real) time, the endpoint device does not need to maintain accurate date/time or to read meter reading data from the utility meter based on a real date/time. | 01-26-2012 |
20120014050 | UTILITY PIT METER AMR DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE MOUNTING PROVISIONS - An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit. | 01-19-2012 |
20120002547 | TRAFFIC LOAD CONTROL IN A MESH NETWORK - 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 concerning Traffic Load Control in a Mesh Network. | 01-05-2012 |
20110302437 | SWITCH-OFF OF A MICRO CONTROLLER UNIT IN BATTERY MODE - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing battery protection for devices operating in a battery supplied low-power mode. Micro controller operated devices (such as electricity meters) that may be stored for extended periods after manufacture and before deployment are provided backup battery protection by insertion of an overcurrent operable switch between the battery and the micro controller. A timer causes the micro controller to switch to a normal power mode after a predetermined time period during which no external supply voltage is provided. Normal power mode operation under battery powered supply only will cause the overcurrent switch to open, so as to disconnect the battery from the micro controller. Alternatively, instead of switching the micro controller to a normal power mode after a predetermined time period, the battery powered supply is shorted to ground using an internal switch of the micro controller, to achieve the same result of disconnecting the battery from the micro controller. | 12-08-2011 |
20110291856 | FREQUENCY SHIFT COMPENSATION, SUCH AS FOR USE IN A WIRELESS UTILITY METER READING ENVIRONMENT - 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. | 12-01-2011 |
20110273305 | SECURE COLLECTOR DIAGNOSTIC PORTAL ACTIVATION - Disclosed are methodology and apparatus for providing communications with an Automatic Meter Reading/Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMR/AMI) collector device. The collector is provided with a WiFi radio that is enabled for operation from an AMR/AMI head end and turned on in response to a transmission coming from a physical device via the AMR/AMI RF LAN. A user device is granted access to the collector data only upon validation by the collector of multiple credentials that are separately presented to the collector. The credentials come from the physical device in the form of device type and device identification, and from the user device in the form of a valid security certificate and username/password combination. | 11-10-2011 |
20110260947 | REMOTE ANTENNA COUPLING IN AN AMR DEVICE - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing improved signal radiation from an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) endpoint module. A two-part coupler is provided, with one part thereof affixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) which hosts components of an endpoint module including a transmitter to which, via the two-part coupler, various antenna may be selectively connected to improve signal radiation from the module. The antenna coupling system provides a selection of various antennae including some directly connected to a component of the two-part coupler and others connected remotely to the two-part coupler by way of a cable. | 10-27-2011 |
20110259117 | WRIGGLER FOR GAS METER ENDPOINT - A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate. | 10-27-2011 |
20110258296 | FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for upgrading firmware associated with one or more metrology devices and adjunct devices. Methods are disclosed for broadcast transmission of portions of a firmware image file from an originating device over a network connecting multiple devices to be upgraded. The entire image file may be transmitted as segments to be assembled by the end devices. Broadcast segments not properly received from the originating device may be retried directly from the originating device or from neighbors correctly receiving the segment. A viral propagation methodology is disclosed as an alternative to portions of the broadcast methodology. | 10-20-2011 |
20110255548 | GATEWAY-BASED AMI NETWORK - Apparatus and methodology provide communications between a utility consumption meter and a utility provider at least in part by way of Internet Protocol (IP) based communications. A gateway device, coupled via either wired or wireless communications links to a utility consumption meter, serves as an interface between the utility consumption meter and a central utility provider server. Communications between the gateway and the central utility provider server are by wired or wireless IP-based communications. At least a portion of the IP-based communications may be by way of public broadband networks operated by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), thereby avoiding the installation of specifically purposed collection infrastructure. | 10-20-2011 |
20110254696 | METER RIGHT SIZING - The present subject matter relates to apparatus and methodologies for determining an appropriate size for a consumption measurement meter to be installed for a particular application, and/or for validating the appropriateness of a previously installed meter. A remotely controllable endpoint is associated with a consumption measure meter, which may be a water meter. Upon remote command to begin a measurement period, the endpoint will store data representing different levels of consumption during different time intervals over a period of time. The time intervals, length of time for recording data, and start time for recording data, may be remotely selected. Analysis of collected data with reference to known characteristics of available consumption measuring meters permits selection and/or validation of an appropriately sized meter for a particular application. | 10-20-2011 |
20110246534 | COMBINED SCHEDULING AND MANAGEMENT OF WORK ORDERS, SUCH AS FOR UTILITY METER READING AND UTILITY SERVICING EVENTS - A system and method manages work requests used in reading and servicing gas, electric, or water meters in a utility system. A work request may originate at a utility system and is received at a data collection system. The work request may be generated based on an underlying data structure. The underlying data structure may be used in generating requests for multiple types of work events, including meter monitoring work events and meter servicing work events. The work request is then processed to generate a work order which is transmitted to a field device component or other component of the system so that work may be performed as directed in the request. | 10-06-2011 |
20110220213 | DYNAMIC-ADAPTIVE VAPOR REDUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for improved flow measurements for LCG, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), is disclosed. Embodiments of the present technology detect the presence of a vapor in a fluid flowing in a mass flow meter. A control valve is then adjusted to provide enough back pressure to prevent the measured liquid from flashing and to reduce the presence of vapor in the fluid flowing in the mass flow meter. By keeping the fluid in liquid form, the present technology reduces the vapor flowing in the mass flow meter, increasing the accuracy of mass flow and other measurements. Utilizing a similar principle of vapor detection, embodiments of the present technology provide for improved average parameter value calculation, such as average density calculations and equivalent liquid volume calculations. | 09-15-2011 |
20110210862 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING AND DISPLAYING CONSUMPTION DATA FROM A METER READING SYSTEM - 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. | 09-01-2011 |
20110206087 | CELL ISOLATION THROUGH QUASI-ORTHOGONAL SEQUENCES IN A FREQUENCY HOPPING NETWORK - 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 methodology and apparatus subject matter relating to quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. | 08-25-2011 |
20110193719 | DISCOVERY PHASE IN A FREQUENCY HOPPING NETWORK - 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. Particular present features relate to operation at the node level of a Discovery Phase in a frequency hopping network. | 08-11-2011 |
20110192999 | GAS PRESSURE REGULATOR WITH INTEGRATED REMOTE DISCONNECT - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for remotely shutting off gas flow at a consumer location. A gas pressure regulator is configured to respond to communication signals from a central facility via a communications infrastructure to override normal pressure regulation functions such that the gas pressure regulator outlet pressure is reduced to zero. | 08-11-2011 |
20110182326 | EMBEDDED RF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION TOOL TO GAUGE RF TRANSCEIVERS PERFORMANCE NEED - 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 related to Embedded RF environmental evaluation tool features to gauge the performance need of RF transceivers. | 07-28-2011 |
20110163925 | EMBEDDED ANTENNA APPARATUS FOR UTILITY METERING APPLICATIONS - An embedded antenna for facilitating wireless transmission of utility meter data is disclosed, where in one embodiment an RF antenna is a part of the faceplate of the utility meter. In another embodiment the utility meter faceplate is a single-layer or a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with the RF antenna printed on any desired layer. Such faceplates may be labeled to be viewable from outside of the meter housing and/or have openings to accommodate visual access to an output display of the meter consumption information. | 07-07-2011 |
20110130978 | FILTERING TECHNIQUES TO REMOVE NOISE FROM A PERIODIC SIGNAL AND Irms CALCULATIONS - A signal filtering technique is designed to remove the effects of a periodic, low-frequency noise signal from a signal of interest. A signal waveform is sampled at different points of a number of consecutive periodic noise signal cycles and the collected samples are averaged to produce a corrected signal. The number of consecutive cycles in which samples are taken and averaged is inversely related to the signal amplitude such that as the signal level decreases, the number of cycles examined increases. The technique is particularly applicable to periodic signals associated with the output of Hall effect sensors in an electrical metrology environment. Improved RMS calculations are obtained for filtering low-frequency random noise from Hall sensors by averaging samples at different points of a signal cycle to create a composite desired signal cycle to facilitate other signal calculations. In a given electricity utility meter incorporating solid state circuitry, such metrology RMS calculations may be implemented in a metrology section of solid state devices provided on printed circuit boards, such as utilizing programmable integrated circuit components. By varying the number of cycles summed, the algorithm will adapt to amplitude changes more quickly. By using time averaged samples to filter random noise from the periodic signal of interest, the overall requirements for complex filtering is reduced. Instead, the technique relies on buffering and averaging synchronized samples for a given number of line cycles, so that by increasing the buffer size, larger numbers of line cycles can be accumulated and the filter cut-off frequency reduced. | 06-02-2011 |
20110115682 | RF LOCAL AREA NETWORK ANTENNA DESIGN - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters relating to an antenna configured for mounting under the glass in a utility meter. The antenna is configured as a patch antenna where a radiating element is mounted on one side of a plastic substrate while a conductive ground plane element is mounted on the other side of the substrate. The ground plane element faces the meter electronics and thereby provides protection to the electronics from the electromagnetic field of the antenna. Both the radiating element and ground plane element may be provided by hot stamping conductive material directly on to the front and rear surfaces of the substrate. The antenna may be feed by a microstrip feedline mounted on the printed circuit board supporting other meter components. | 05-19-2011 |
20110078093 | TELEMETRY SYSTEM - Disclosed are apparatus and related methodologies for transmitting data in a gas AMI network. Data may be transmitted bi-directionally between selected endpoint devices and data collection devices to central or head end equipment. Transmitted data may include parameter updating data for selected endpoint devices, and collected data from selected endpoint devices. Endpoint physical area conditions may be monitored for selected of the endpoint devices including monitoring for and reporting of physical changes in the area surrounding cathodic protection systems. The present concepts may be extended to implementation in conjunction with water and electricity metering environments. | 03-31-2011 |
20110078063 | COMBINED CATHODIC PROTECTION AND METER READING MONITORING SYSTEM - Disclosed are apparatus and related methodologies for increasing functionality of gas metrology devices used in a supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) network by combining the collection of meter data with cathodic protection (CP) monitoring data in a single system. Per present subject matter, CP monitoring data may be collected at individual metrology locations and combined with data otherwise bubbled up to SCADA data collectors for transmission to the network head end. CP data collection and transmission with the bubbled up metrology data provides a significant increase in the amount of CP data collected and offers the advantage of relatively earlier detection of CP installation related problems in addition to significant reduction in data collection costs. | 03-31-2011 |
20110077037 | METHODOLOGY AND APPARATUS FOR VALIDATING NETWORK COVERAGE - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for validating network coverage (i.e., desired functionality) of newly installed network devices. Per use of presently disclosed technology, equipment installers may confirm both one and two way communications abilities of newly installed network devices as well as receive network diagnostic related data to assist them in the equipment installation process. Validation of communications operation may be initiated by any of the newly installed equipment, a handheld device, or via mobile device communications. | 03-31-2011 |
20110074603 | SAFETY UTILITY RECONNECT - 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. | 03-31-2011 |
20110074602 | GAS SHUT-OFF VALVE WITH FEEDBACK - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a feedback mechanism to a system operator that provides a positive indication of the position of a valve which controls gas flow to a consumer. Rotation of a stepper motor controlling a valve mechanism is optically monitored and a feedback signal is sent to the system operator indicating positive operation of the valve only when a selected number of rotations of the stepper motor is reported. The stepper motor may be operated in different modes, each associated with different nominal current consumption levels. In a higher current consumption mode, such as a torque-oriented mode, the stepper motor may be stepped a few additional steps after valve closure to ensure seating of the valve. | 03-31-2011 |
20110074601 | UTILITY METER WITH FLOW RATE SENSITIVITY SHUT OFF - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing gas disconnection by way of a self-monitoring metrology device. In accordance with the present subject matter, a gas metering device is provided with a controllable valve previously generally operated remotely to respond to disconnect instruction from handheld, mobile, or fixed network devices or systems. In accordance with present technology, such previously supplied valve opening functionality is employed to provide a safety-related self-monitoring metrology device configured to evaluate gas flow through such device and to initiate a valve opening request upon determination of the existence of a gas flow rate exceeding a predetermined threshold. In alternate embodiments, a valve opening request may be initiated if the difference in gas flow rates as between an input sensor and an output sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 03-31-2011 |
20110074600 | UTILITY REMOTE DISCONNECT FROM A METER READING SYSTEM - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing remote gas disconnection by way of a meter reading system. In accordance with the present subject matter, a gas metering device is provided with a remotely controllable valve, and a handheld or mobile device (normally employed to collect data such as normal meter readings generally associated with utility consumption) is configured to transmit disconnect instructions to a selected gas metering device as a meter reader proceeds along a route. In an alternative embodiment, disconnect instructions may be sent directly to a remotely operable valve equipped metering device by way of a fixed network meter reading system. | 03-31-2011 |
20110074599 | IN HOME DISPLAY UPDATABLE VIA UTILITY ENDPOINT - Disclosed are an in home display apparatus and methodology for displaying utility consumption and other related information to a consumer. The display device monitors transmissions from a utility consumption endpoint on a meter for user readable display. Messages relevant to the consumer may be sent to the endpoint to be relayed along with bubbled-up data from the endpoint on the meter to the in home display device. Flags related to certain of the messages may be set by the endpoint and cleared by the in home display device as a mechanism for acknowledging receipt of messages. Network readers see that set flags have been cleared and thus confirm message delivery to the network. | 03-31-2011 |
20110074598 | COLLECTION OF TELEMETRY DATA THROUGH A METER READING SYSTEM - Disclosed are apparatus and related methodologies for transmitting data related to utility conditions between monitoring locations and a central and/or data collection facility using a meter reading system. Collection of both corrected and uncorrected data from meters is achieved to thereby provide backup data in case of corrector failure. The presently disclosed subject matter also provides for the collection of telemetry data and alarms from correctors and recorders over a meter reading system. Two-way communications over a meter reading system is also provided to permit data transmission to selected endpoint devices. | 03-31-2011 |
20110068785 | HALL SENSOR WITH TEMPERATURE DRIFT CONTROL - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing approaches to remove or reduce thermal drift of the magnetic sensitivity of Hall sensor devices, to improve the stability of resulting signals of interest. Samples of a particular signal or signals of interest having improved stability make for advantageous use in conjunction with electricity meters. At the same time, associated designs and related components have greater simplicity, for reduced complexity in implementation. Among alternative embodiments, a gating structure selected of various present alternative designs may be used to partially cover, to an intentionally selected degree, an active area of a Hall sensor, so that a zero-drift supply current value may likewise be selected so as to satisfy other criteria which may be applicable to use of the Hall sensor. In other alternative embodiments, a gate structure is used which fully covers the Hall sensor active area, but a gate-control technique is practiced which is based on combined use with an external, relatively high resistance voltage-divider circuitry arrangement, again for eliminating temperature-based drift of the magnetic sensitivity of the Hall sensor arrangement, regardless of the end use to which such Hall sensor is applied. | 03-24-2011 |
20110050456 | VERSATILE RADIO PACKETING FOR AUTOMATIC METER READING SYSTEMS - An automatic meter reading (AMR) system utilizes versatile radio packets that are recognizable by AMR system receivers capable of receiving conventional interval data message (IDM) radio packets. A versatile radio packet includes a packet preamble portion, a packet body portion, and a packet validation portion. The packet preamble portion has a frame synchronization bit sequence that is recognizable by existing or conventional encoder-receiver-transmitter (ERT)-compatible AMR system receivers, such as a bit sequence equal to 0x16A3. The packet preamble portion also has a packet type identifier field and a packet length field. The packet body portion includes at least an endpoint serial number field and a message, where at least the message has a variable length. Optionally, the message includes a message type identifier field and a message value field that can have a plurality of sub-fields. The AMR system may use message type identifiers optionally present in the versatile radio packets to filter, or discriminate between, certain message types at the reader level. Versatile radio packets can enable endpoints and other devices in the AMR system to transmit a variety of new information to existing AMR infrastructure without having to conduct a significant infrastructure overhaul of the AMR system. | 03-03-2011 |
20110038288 | MOBILE AUTOMATIC METER READING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for collecting data generated by a plurality of metering devices located within a geographic area. The mobile automatic meter reading system provides two-way simplex communication capabilities between a mobile receiving device and a plurality of endpoint devices on a plurality of communication channels. The mobile collector device efficiently and accurately communicates with and receives data from the endpoint devices while moving throughout a localized geographical area. Aspects of the invention thereby improve the effectiveness of automatic meter reading systems. | 02-17-2011 |
20110038104 | AUTOMATED METER READER DIRECT MOUNT ENDPOINT MODULE - An automated meter reader module can be operably connected to an existing utility meter to provide an endpoint for use in an automated meter reader system. The automated meter reader module can utilize an index attachment drive mechanism to electronically and mechanically monitor consumption of a utility such as water, gas, or electricity. The index attachment of the existing utility meter is attached so that it does not physically impede reception or transmission of radio frequency communications by a patch antenna integrated into a printed circuit board located inside the automated meter reader module. A gasket around the edge of the housing sealingly interfaces with the existing utility meter and a multi-faced cover that allows the registered dials located on the index attached to be viewed from a plurality of vantage points. | 02-17-2011 |
20110037612 | RF METER READING SYSTEM - 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. | 02-17-2011 |
20110026425 | USE OF MINIMAL PROPAGATION DELAY PATH TO OPTIMIZE A MESH NETWORK - 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. Particular present features relate to the use of minimal propagation delay path to optimize a mesh network. | 02-03-2011 |
20110004764 | SECURE METER ACCESS FROM A MOBILE READER - Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improved processes for securely accessing a meter. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for providing a mobile meter reader with an authorization that may be used to establish a secure session with a meter is implemented. In particular, the method includes issuing a request for authorization to access the meter from the mobile meter reader. If the mobile meter reader maintains sufficient rights, an authorization having an encoded digital signature is generated at a host computer system and provided to the mobile meter reader. Then the method formulates and transmits an authorization command to the meter having the encoded digital signature that was generated by the host computing system. | 01-06-2011 |
20100309021 | REAL TIME CLOCK DISTRIBUTION AND RECOVERY - 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 real time clock distribution and recovery. | 12-09-2010 |
20100305887 | VOLTAGE MONITORING IN AN ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for monitoring voltage at individual utility meters in a distribution system together with voltage levels at a substation associated with the distribution system. Voltage measurements are made over a predetermined time interval and compared to plural sets of threshold values. | 12-02-2010 |
20100299457 | TIME SYNCHRONIZATION OF PORTABLE DEVICES - A portable time transfer device is provided to transfer accurate date/time to reader devices and, thus, the reader devices do not have to be connected to a source of accurate time. A host computing system is configured to synchronize the portable time transfer device to a network, GPS, or other source of precise (accurate) time. Once the portable time transfer device is synchronized to the accurate date/time by the host computing system, the portable time transfer device is ready to be used by reader devices or any other devices (e.g., laptops, etc.) which need to maintain accurate time regardless of the connectivity to a network or GPS. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295704 | NUMBER OF SONS MANAGEMENT IN A CELL NETWORK - 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. | 11-25-2010 |
20100271945 | DOWNLINK ROUTING MECHANISM - 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 Downlink routing mechanisms. | 10-28-2010 |
20100265096 | ENDPOINT CLASSIFICATION AND COMMAND PROCESSING - Packet formats and related infrastructure for improved messaging and processing of commands in an AMR system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for identifying the features of an endpoint based on data encoded in a standard meter reading is provided. In this regard, the method includes receiving a standard meter reading having an endpoint type and subtype classification, wherein the subtype classification corresponds to a feature of the endpoint that may be re-configured. Once received, the standard metering reading is decoded. Then, the method identifies the classification of the endpoint with regard to type and subtype and determines whether the endpoint is capable of implementing a particular command. | 10-21-2010 |
20100265095 | ENDPOINT CLASSIFICATION AND COMMAND PROCESSING - Packet formats and related infrastructure for improved messaging and processing of commands in an AMR system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for identifying the features of an endpoint based on data encoded in a standard meter reading is provided. In this regard, the method includes receiving a standard meter reading having an endpoint type and subtype classification, wherein the subtype classification corresponds to a feature of the endpoint that may be re-configured. Once received, the standard metering reading is decoded. Then, the method identifies the classification of the endpoint with regard to type and subtype and determines whether the endpoint is capable of implementing a particular command. | 10-21-2010 |
20100192001 | DEVICE TIME ADJUSTMENT FOR ACCURATE DATA EXCHANGE - The clock of an endpoint device is adjusted to a collection system time in a meter reading system where the endpoint device is employed to read and record meter reading data for calculation of consumption data. Specifically, the meter reading data are recorded as a fixed number of intervals in such a way that the calculation of consumption data can be requested by indication of the number of intervals and the start interval. In one aspect, the endpoint device time is adjusted to an external clock to calculate accurate consumption while the process for adjusting the endpoint device time does not result in creating very short/long intervals, nor updating the meter reading data that have been already logged and stored in the endpoint device. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188938 | MEASURING THE ACCURACY OF AN ENDPOINT CLOCK FROM A REMOTE DEVICE - 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 is provided of measuring the accuracy of an endpoint clock, such as a utility meter clock, from a remote device configured to capture transmissions that originate from the utility meter. Generally, the method includes synchronizing the time maintained by the utility meter with the time maintained by the remote device. The method receives and decodes a packet that includes a time stamp provided by the utility meter. Then, the method calculates the extent of the inaccuracy of the time stamp in the received packet and determines whether the extent of the inaccuracy satisfies a predetermined threshold. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188263 | PRIORITIZED COLLECTION OF METER READINGS - 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. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188260 | ENDPOINT CLASSIFICATION AND COMMAND PROCESSING - Packet formats and related infrastructure for improved messaging and processing of commands in an AMR system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for identifying the features of an endpoint based on data encoded in a standard meter reading is provided. In this regard, the method includes receiving a standard meter reading having an endpoint type and subtype classification, wherein the subtype classification corresponds to a feature of the endpoint that may be re-configured. Once received, the standard metering reading is decoded. Then, the method identifies the classification of the endpoint with regard to type and subtype and determines whether the endpoint is capable of implementing a particular command. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188259 | FILTERING OF METER READING DATA - 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. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188258 | TIME-DIVIDED COMMUNICATIONS IN A METERING SYSTEM - A method, system, and related apparatus for performing time-divided communications in a metering environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, an endpoint (e.g., ERT) is provided that implements a method for communicating messages with a remote device. Generally, the method includes causing the endpoint to transmit a standard meter reading message within a predefined frequency band. Then, after waiting a predetermined amount of time, a receiver on the endpoint is activated to listen for a message transmitted by the remote device. While the receiver on the endpoint is activated, the endpoint may receive a command from the remote device without being required to transmit an additional standard meter reading message. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188257 | IN-HOME DISPLAY - Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to providing enhanced features regarding the consumption of utility services. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for obtaining a specified time interval of consumption data using the two-way communication ability of a utility meter. Specifically, the method includes capturing network traffic originating from the utility meter that contains consumption data. Then, processing is performed to identify any intervals of consumption data that were not successfully collected. If an interval of consumption data was not successfully collected when transmitted at a scheduled time, the method generates and sends a request to the utility meter to obtain the omitted interval. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188256 | REQUESTED TIME ADJUSTMENT FOR ACCURATE DATA EXCHANGE - A system, method and device are provided for reducing consumption calculation errors caused due to time drift in an endpoint device. In one embodiment, the endpoint device transmits consumption data in response to a request for consumption data. The request generally includes a time period of the consumption data. The endpoint device adjusts the set of intervals based on the extent of the difference between the collection system time and the endpoint device time to obtain the most accurate intervals. The process for adjusting intervals can be implemented independently from time synchronization between the endpoint and collection systems. Further, the process for adjusting intervals does not result in updating the meter reading data that have been already logged and stored in the endpoint device. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188255 | RELATIVE TIME SYSTEM - A system, method and device are provided for obtaining, from each endpoint device, meter reading data where the meter reading data are recorded and managed based on a relative time clock in each endpoint device. The relative time clock may be a simple inexpensive clock that tracks minutes and triggers recording of meter reading data for a particular hour at the end of that hour. In that embodiment, a collection system sends an endpoint device a request that includes a requested time that is converted into a relative time so that the endpoint device can understand the request. Since each recorded interval is generated based on a relative time maintained by the clock in the endpoint device rather than an absolute (real) time, the endpoint device does not need to maintain accurate date/time or to read meter reading data from the utility meter based on a real date/time. | 07-29-2010 |
20100117856 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF HIGH VOLUME IMPORT, VALIDATION AND ESTIMATION OF METER DATA - A meter data management system includes one or more application servers configured to receive, validate and estimate received meter data. The one or more application servers may include various memory/media elements for storing raw and transformed meter data as well as software in the form of computer-executable instructions, which are executed by a processor to implement a variety of functions, including establishing a mapping between the plurality of external devices and a plurality of preconfigured processing workbins (e.g., collections of meter channels in the same time zones), transforming the received meter data into a plurality of data files identified by timing parameter and workbin, validating data provided in each data file, estimating missing or invalid data, and automatically writing validated (and optionally estimated) data as import files to a database server. Such clean data files are then imported to one or more dedicated databases installed on the database server. | 05-13-2010 |
20100110617 | EMBEDDED ANTENNA APPARATUS FOR UTILITY METERING APPLICATIONS - An embedded antenna for facilitating wireless transmission of utility meter data is disclosed, where in one embodiment an RF antenna is a part of the faceplate of the utility meter. In another embodiment the utility meter faceplate is a single-layer or a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with the RF antenna printed on any desired layer. Such faceplates may be labeled to be viewable from outside of the meter housing and/or have openings to accommodate visual access to an output display of the meter consumption information. | 05-06-2010 |
20100109650 | APPARATUS FOR ELECTRONICALLY MEASURING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRICAL ENERGY - An integral electronic revenue meter system diagnostics package including a microprocessor, storage memory, preselect series of system diagnostic tests, and recording any results which exceed predefined programmable thresholds, and display means for displaying error and/or diagnostic messages identifying selected diagnostic data and/or errors discovered in the meter tests during a predefined period is included as part of an electricity revenue meter of the type used for collecting metering data for a utility which uses such data for billing purposes. The system automatically senses the type of electrical service in which the revenue meter is installed when the revenue meter is installed in a socket at the customer's premises. | 05-06-2010 |
20100026517 | UTILITY DATA COLLECTION AND RECONFIGURATIONS IN A UTILITY METERING SYSTEM - 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. | 02-04-2010 |
20100010700 | MAPPING IN MOBILE DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS, SUCH AS FOR UTILITY METER READING AND RELATED APPLICATIONS - A mobile data collection system may perform or facilitate monitoring and management of mobile automatic meter reading (MAMR) activities via out of route meter read identification and graphical route playback. In identifying out of route endpoints, the mobile data collection system receives an indication of each of the endpoints included in a predetermined meter reading route. The mobile data collection system executes the route detecting endpoints and collecting location information relating to out of route endpoints that are not included in the predetermined route. Location information identifying the out of route endpoints is then presented to a user. In facilitating graphical route playback, the mobile data collection system collects information as it progresses through the route. The collected information may then be used in a graphical playback of the route, which shows the mobile data collection system dynamically traveling through the route (e.g., on a map) and reading endpoints. | 01-14-2010 |
20100007521 | RF METER READING SYSTEM - 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. | 01-14-2010 |
20090299884 | REMOTE SYSTEM UPGRADES IN SPECIFIC REGULATORY ENVIRONMENTS - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing remote system upgrades to utility meters in certain regulatory environments. A utility meter having a metrology section and a registry portion is provided with additional memory in the metrology section, and configured as the primary storage location for billing information. The metrology section is configured for remote upgrade of firmware associated with automatic meter reading (AMR) functions in a manner that maintains the integrity of stored billing material despite any failed upgrade of the associated AMR device or functionality | 12-03-2009 |
20090296431 | SINGLE SWITCH HIGH EFFICIENCY POWER SUPPLY - Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a capacitive voltage divider configured to reduce a relatively high level alternating current (AC) to a lower level direct current (DC). The apparatus provides a series of capacitors and diodes configured for series charging of the capacitors and parallel discharge thereof by way of a single switching element. In operation, the capacitor series is charged during the negative half cycle of the AC source and then discharged during the positive half cycle thereof. | 12-03-2009 |
20090295371 | ACTUATOR/WEDGE IMPROVEMENTS TO EMBEDDED METER SWITCH - Disclosed is a wedge shaped actuator device configured to provide separation of spring supported electrical contacts in an electrical switch. The wedge is configured with dual contour sides to maximize transfer of energy from a drive solenoid to the contact carrying springs. Portions of the wedge are relieved to allow for uninhibited movement of the wedge over side surfaces of the contact carrying springs to avoid digging in of any rough materials from the side edges of the spring as may be occasioned due to stamping techniques used to form the springs. | 12-03-2009 |
20090284251 | MODULAR METER CONFIGURATION AND METHODOLOGY - A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing. Physical stability and strength is provided by using tapered mounting posts and integrated snap fit arrangements without requiring any screws for assembly. A light pipe provides external output through an innercover to indicate correct meter operation. Meter data and other metered information may be output through different configurations optionally involving hardwired output, RF links, pulse outputs, and telephone connections via modem or wireless. | 11-19-2009 |