David P Merriam

Title: The Innovations of David P. Merriam

Introduction

David P. Merriam is a notable inventor based in Albuquerque, NM (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of remote meter reading technology. With a total of three patents to his name, Merriam has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and practical solutions in utility management.

Latest Patents

One of Merriam's latest patents is a remote meter reading method and apparatus. This system involves equipment at a telephone company office that is coupled by modems to a utility company computer, which issues requests for customer data. The system utilizes telephone test trunks to access individual meter sites and initiate meter readings using a series of single frequency bursts. Meter sending units emit a pulse for each unit of consumption, and a microprocessor counts these pulses in RAM to derive separate meter readings. When interrogated, the microprocessor outputs the readings in a binary coded decimal format to a DTMF tone generator. This generator emits each decimal number as a tone pair, which is transmitted via the telephone line, detected at the telephone company, translated into ASCII code, and sent by modem to the utility computer.

Career Highlights

Merriam's career is marked by his work at Sparton Corporation, where he has been able to apply his innovative ideas in practical settings. His contributions have helped streamline processes in utility management, making them more efficient and reliable.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Merriam has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Dale L. Scott and Bryan F. Scott. These partnerships have likely contributed to the development and refinement of his innovative technologies.

Conclusion

David P. Merriam's work in remote meter reading technology showcases his inventive spirit and dedication to improving utility management systems. His patents reflect a significant advancement in the field, demonstrating the impact of his contributions.