| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080272933 | MOBILE UTILITY DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM - Methods and systems described herein allow collection of utility system endpoint data (e.g., meter data sent by utility meters configured for automatic meter reading) via a mobile utility data collection system that includes both a remote communication portion (e.g., radio device) and an external computer portion (e.g., handheld computer with meter reading application installed). | 11-06-2008 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
