公开(公告)号：US06653945B2

公开(公告)日：2003-11-25

申请号：US09960800

申请日：2001-09-21

Applicant: Dennis F. Johnson ,  Michael Wiebe ,  Erwin Holowick ,  Nathan R. Jacob ,  Michael F. Murhpy ,  James J. Schellenberg ,  Michael S. Stasenski

Inventor： Dennis F. Johnson ,  Michael Wiebe ,  Erwin Holowick ,  Nathan R. Jacob ,  Michael F. Murhpy ,  James J. Schellenberg ,  Michael S. Stasenski

IPC: G08C1506

CPC classification number: H04Q9/14 ,  G01D4/004 ,  G01D4/008 ,  G08C15/00 ,  G08C15/06 ,  H02J13/0086 ,  H04L12/2854 ,  H04L43/022 ,  H04L43/0817 ,  H04L43/0829 ,  H04W8/26 ,  H04W24/10 ,  H04W74/06 ,  H04W74/08 ,  H04W74/0833 ,  H04W84/04 ,  Y02B90/242 ,  Y02B90/244 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y02B90/247 ,  Y04S20/322 ,  Y04S20/327 ,  Y04S20/42 ,  Y04S20/48 ,  Y04S20/50 ,  Y04S40/168

Abstract: A radio communications network for transmitting data from a plurality of remote stations to a central station is provided. This system is particularly proposed for automatic meter reading systems in which the remote stations are located at utility meters. The system includes an array of receiving stations arranged relative to the remote stations so that the messages from each remote station can be received by at least two and preferably four of the receiving stations providing a high level of duplication of messages. The remote stations transmit utility usage information obtained from a previous time period at a random time subsequent to the time period so that message collisions can occur. High level of duplication provided by the increased number of receiving stations reduces the message loss. A quiet period during which the remote stations are prevented from transmitting can be used for communication between the receiving stations and the central station.

公开(公告)号：US06617976B2

公开(公告)日：2003-09-09

申请号：US09992222

申请日：2001-11-19

Applicant: Brent Walden ,  Ivan P. DaSilva

Inventor： Brent Walden ,  Ivan P. DaSilva

IPC: G08B2300

CPC classification number: G01D4/008 ,  Y02B90/241 ,  Y02B90/247 ,  Y04S20/32 ,  Y04S20/50

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for radio utility meter reading processing of data acquisition for use with an automatic billing system involves a utility meter transmitter antenna system installed at or near ground level. An RF utility meter communication apparatus transmits utility meter data to a remote utility meter data collection unit from an underground pit box. The pit box includes a utility meter and has a generally ground level pit lid with an opening therethrough. An antenna element has an upper member extending at least partly through such pit lid opening. A depending base of the antenna element extends from the upper element and passes through the pit lid opening into the underground pit box. The depending antenna element is capacitively coupled or provided with some other form of non-mechanical coupling to the output of an RF transmitter also included within the pit box. The antenna element components are nested for ease of attachment to or removal from a pit lid, with a rotatable threaded nut received about a depending antenna element for drawing tight against the underside of the pit lid, with an upper antenna element received above such pit lid. An antenna element may be directly coupled with a metallic pit lid so that such metallic pit lid functions as part of the antenna. Alternative embodiments may be provided for structure of the antenna element, so as to minimize the structure and components needed for removably securing or installing the antenna arrangement, supported on the removable pit lit of a conventional pit box.

公开(公告)号：US20030034900A1

公开(公告)日：2003-02-20

申请号：US10148896

申请日：2002-06-19

Inventor： Myoung Cook Han

IPC: G08C015/06

CPC classification number: H04Q9/04 ,  G01D4/004 ,  G01D4/008 ,  G01D5/48 ,  G01R22/00 ,  G08C17/02 ,  G08C19/36 ,  Y02B70/346 ,  Y02B90/242 ,  Y02B90/243 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y02B90/247 ,  Y04S20/322 ,  Y04S20/325 ,  Y04S20/42 ,  Y04S20/50 ,  Y04S20/525

Abstract: A system and method for wireless automatic meter reading which can wirelessly and remotely read integrated amounts of consumed electric power, water, gas and the like. An image sensor module (1) is installed in a predetermined portion of an integrating meter for picking up an image of a numeral displayed on a display of the integrating meter and converting the picked-up image into an electrical signal. A main processor unit (7) generates a numeric code corresponding to the numeral image. A radio frequency module (13) transmits the generated numeric code wirelessly to a meter reading center (16).

Abstract translation: 一种用于无线自动抄表的系统和方法，其可以无线和远程地读取消耗的电力，水，气体等的一体化量。 图像传感器模块（1）安装在积分仪的预定部分中，用于拾取在积分仪的显示器上显示的数字的图像，并将拾取的图像转换成电信号。 主处理器单元（7）产生与数字图像相对应的数字代码。 射频模块（13）将生成的数字代码无线发送到抄表中心（16）。

公开(公告)号：US20020109608A1

公开(公告)日：2002-08-15

申请号：US09956377

申请日：2001-09-19

Applicant: StatSignal Systems, Inc.

Inventor： Thomas D. Petite ,  Richard M. Huff ,  James Davis

IPC: G08C015/06 ,  G08C019/12

CPC classification number: G08C17/02 ,  G01D4/008 ,  Y02B90/247 ,  Y04S20/50

Abstract: A novel system and method for achieving accurate readings of the rotational speed, number of revolutions and direction of rotation of a utility system. More specifically, a system and method for retrofitting existing utility meters with a lightweight tape, having contrasting sections of reflective and non-reflective material applied thereto, which is read by optical sensors as the lightweight tape passes by with the revolutions of the disk of the utility meter. Additionally, the system and method detects unauthorized use of the utility or tampering with the utility meter and its functions.

Abstract translation: 一种用于实现公用事业系统的旋转速度，转数和旋转方向的精确读数的新型系统和方法。 更具体地说，一种用轻便的带子改装现有的电表的系统和方法，其具有应用于其上的反射和非反射材料的对比部分，该光学传感器由光学传感器读取，随着光盘的转动， 公用事业仪表 此外，该系统和方法检测未经授权使用该公用设施或篡改公用事业仪表及其功能。

公开(公告)号：US5963146A

公开(公告)日：1999-10-05

申请号：US454678

申请日：1995-05-31

Applicant: Dennis F. Johnson ,  Michael Wiebe ,  Erwin Holowick ,  Nathan R. Jacob ,  Michael F. Murhpy ,  James J. Schellenberg ,  Michael S. Stasenski

Inventor： Dennis F. Johnson ,  Michael Wiebe ,  Erwin Holowick ,  Nathan R. Jacob ,  Michael F. Murhpy ,  James J. Schellenberg ,  Michael S. Stasenski

IPC: G01D4/00 ,  G08C15/00 ,  G08C15/06 ,  H02J13/00 ,  H04L12/28 ,  H04L12/56 ,  H04Q9/14 ,  G08C19/16

CPC classification number: H04Q9/14 ,  G01D4/004 ,  G01D4/008 ,  G08C15/00 ,  G08C15/06 ,  H02J13/0086 ,  H04L12/2854 ,  H04L43/0817 ,  H04W74/08 ,  H04L43/022 ,  H04L43/0829 ,  H04W24/10 ,  H04W74/06 ,  H04W74/0833 ,  H04W8/26 ,  H04W84/04 ,  Y02B90/242 ,  Y02B90/244 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y02B90/247 ,  Y04S20/322 ,  Y04S20/327 ,  Y04S20/42 ,  Y04S20/48 ,  Y04S20/50 ,  Y04S40/168

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

公开(公告)号：US5410246A

公开(公告)日：1995-04-25

申请号：US093299

申请日：1993-07-16

Applicant: Mark K. Cornwall ,  Karen M. Owens ,  Keith Grateful ,  John E. Buffington

Inventor： Mark K. Cornwall ,  Karen M. Owens ,  Keith Grateful ,  John E. Buffington

IPC: G01D4/00 ,  G01D5/34 ,  G06M1/10 ,  G01R27/26

CPC classification number: G01D5/342 ,  G01D4/008 ,  G06M1/101 ,  Y02B90/247 ,  Y04S20/50

Abstract: A method for detecting a marked element on an eddy wheel in proximity to a sensor is described. The method includes the steps of accumulating sensor output signals over a selected time period. The number of sensor output signal over a first and second time period are determined. From that number an average value is calculated. A threshold value is established for the average for determining whether the marked is present. The threshold value is compared to the average value. If the average value is greater than the threshold value, an output signal is generated to indicate the presence of the mark.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于检测传感器附近的涡轮上的标记元件的方法。 该方法包括在选定的时间段内累积传感器输出信号的步骤。 确定第一和第二时间段上的传感器输出信号的数量。 从该数字计算平均值。 建立一个阈值，用于确定是否存在标记的平均值。 将阈值与平均值进行比较。 如果平均值大于阈值，则产生输出信号以指示标记的存在。

公开(公告)号：US11973831B2

公开(公告)日：2024-04-30

申请号：US18114780

申请日：2023-02-27

Applicant: Itron, Inc.

Inventor： Mark K. Cornwall ,  James Lee Kann ,  Peter Clevenger

IPC: H04L67/125 ,  G01D4/00 ,  G01F25/10

CPC classification number: H04L67/125 ,  G01D4/002 ,  G01D4/008 ,  G01F25/15

Abstract: Techniques determine if an appliance having a fixed-rate of gas-consumption is degrading over time. In one example, a flowrate of gas at a service site is obtained. The flowrate of gas is disaggregated to obtain a flowrate of gas corresponding to an appliance having a generally fixed-rate of gas-consumption. The flowrate of gas of the appliance is compared to historical gas consumption by the appliance. Based at least in part on the comparing, it may be determined that performance of the appliance has changed over time. For example, the gas consumption of a hot water tank may increase due to mineral build-up in the bottom of the tank. Responsive to the determined degradation of the appliance, warnings may be sent, repairs may be made, and/or appliance(s) may be replaced.

公开(公告)号：US20230400333A1

公开(公告)日：2023-12-14

申请号：US17838031

申请日：2022-06-10

Applicant: Badger Meter, Inc.

Inventor： Christopher Atkeson ,  Arthur G. Ryman ,  Shahram Javey

IPC: G01D4/00

CPC classification number: G01D4/002 ,  G01D4/008 ,  G01D2204/47

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for determining the effect of a change is a utility system based on streamed meter data is described. The system includes a metering analytics system configured to receive a stream of meter data received from sensors in or in proximity with utility meters in a utility monitoring system, the meter data being generated by the sensors and a central event management system for identifying an effect of modification to the utility monitoring system in the streamed meter data based on a plurality of sequential meter reads in the streamed meter data. The central event management system is configured to receive a change notification including change time, identify a meter associated with the change notification, monitor read messages in the streamed meter data to identify a first read message for a watched meter received following the change time, and determine a change effect for the meter based on at least a second read message in the streamed meter data.

公开(公告)号：US11726117B2

公开(公告)日：2023-08-15

申请号：US16863363

申请日：2020-04-30

Applicant: Florida Power & Light Company

Inventor： Adam D. Meranda ,  Bryan Kitchener ,  Christopher Collins

IPC: G01R22/06 ,  H02H9/00 ,  G01D4/00 ,  H04B1/38 ,  H04W84/04

CPC classification number: G01R22/063 ,  G01D4/008 ,  H02H9/005 ,  H04B1/38 ,  H04W84/042

Abstract: A high frequency data recorder (“HFDR”) can include a first set of contacts, on a first side of the HFDR, that are pluggable into a first meter receptacle of a meter box, wherein the first meter receptacle provides a connection to a power supply and a connection to a load. The HFDR also includes a second set of contacts, on a second side of the HFDR, that form a second meter receptacle. The second meter receptacle provides another connection to the power supply and another connection to the load. The HFDR can further include a processor that accesses a non-transitory machine readable memory that stores instruction that when executed cause the processor to passively measures current downstream from the meter box. The HFDR still further includes a wireless transceiver that wirelessly transmits data characterizing the measured current.

公开(公告)号：US20230224367A1

公开(公告)日：2023-07-13

申请号：US18114780

申请日：2023-02-27

Applicant: Itron, Inc.

Inventor： Mark K. Cornwall ,  James Lee Kann ,  Peter Clevenger

IPC: H04L67/125 ,  G01D4/00 ,  G01F25/10

CPC classification number: H04L67/125 ,  G01D4/008 ,  G01D4/002 ,  G01F25/15

Abstract: Techniques determine if an appliance having a fixed-rate of gas-consumption is degrading over time. In one example, a flowrate of gas at a service site is obtained. The flowrate of gas is disaggregated to obtain a flowrate of gas corresponding to an appliance having a generally fixed-rate of gas-consumption. The flowrate of gas of the appliance is compared to historical gas consumption by the appliance. Based at least in part on the comparing, it may be determined that performance of the appliance has changed over time. For example, the gas consumption of a hot water tank may increase due to mineral build-up in the bottom of the tank. Responsive to the determined degradation of the appliance, warnings may be sent, repairs may be made, and/or appliance(s) may be replaced.