Neptune Technology Group Inc.

Other

David Paul Hamilton

Joe Cely

Quentin Easterling

John Bilodeau

Ed Poorbaugh

Burt Carter

Richard Kynard

Warren Wynn

Dan White

David Pettit

Mohammed Ali

Jim Brennan

Tim Bianchi

William James Brennan, Jr

Walter T Castleberry

John Thomas Scarborough

Jeffrey M Fowler

Jerry Wayne Lovett

Jerry Lovett

Michael A Wilson

John Raymond Scarborough, Iii

Michael Allen Wilson

Mahesh K Matam

Charles Cottle

Troy Harstad

Systems and methods described herein provide a pilot-operated oscillating valve including a diaphragm. The valve is configured such that when the diaphragm is in a closed position, pressure of a fluid supply opens the valve, and when the diaphragm is in an open position, the pressure of the fluid closes the valve. The oscillating valve may further include an actuator that can cause the valve to be arrested selectively in the open position or the closed position depending on a state of the actuator. The state of the actuator is switchable with a small expenditure of energy, enabling an extended duty cycle for a battery or other power source associated with the actuator. In some implementations, energy from the oscillating movement of the diaphragm may be captured to recharge the battery for the actuator.

Oscillating valve

Systems and methods described herein provide a water meter assembly with a transition interface that includes a non-linear taper to minimize head loss. According to one implementation, the transition interface may include a non-linear outlet taper. In another implementation, the transition interface may include a non-linear inlet taper and a non-liner outlet taper. In still other implementations, the water meter assembly may include a transition interface with different outlet and inlet tapers.

Water meter assembly with taper for minimizing head loss

A device may include a communication interface and a processor configured to determine that a first transmission task is scheduled and attempt to execute the first transmission task. The processor may also evaluate a metric associated with an effectiveness of the first transmission task. The processor may further modify or set at least one of a transmission interval or power level associated with a second transmission task based on evaluating the metric.

Systems and methods for mobile backup

A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium are described in which a meter interface device may measure a temperature associated with the meter interface device, and use the measured temperature as a basis to regulate the transmission and the reception of data between the meter interface device and a wireless network. The meter interface device may also measure voltage, and use the measured voltage as a basis to regulate the transmission and the reception of data.

Environmental sensor-based radio transmitter of a utility meter system

A meter interface unit (MIU) is provided for a utility meter that uses RFID technology as both a source of backup power and as a means of transmitting utility usage data. Usage data is stored in non-volatile memory that will persist even if the main power source of the MIU is lost. Because an RFID generates electric current when it receives an electromagnetic signal from an interrogator, the RFID can provide power to the memory, read the usage data from the memory, and wirelessly transmit the usage data back to the interrogator without any other source of power. This can prevent data loss when the MIU runs out of power; for example, when its battery is expended. RFID technology can also provide many other benefits and uses when coupled with an MIU, in addition to serving as backup power and communication.

Utility device interface

A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

Fixed network for an automatic utility meter reading system

A method for correcting data signal errors in a meter has been developed. The method includes receiving ordered data signals from the meter. Next, the sequenced of ordered data signals is analyzed to determine whether a data signal is missing. Finally, if a data signal is missing, a predetermined value is added to a sequence counter to compensate for the missing signal.

Method for error detection and flow direction determination in a measuring meter

A measuring meter system with communications and features protocols for monitoring the meter has been developed. The system includes a meter that monitors usage of a distribution system, an electronic data recorder that processes data from the meter, and an external unit that controls the processing of data in the electronic data recorder with a communication protocol. The communication protocol includes an initialization signal, an interval identification signal, and a clock signal.

Communications and features protocol for a measuring water meter

A method for operating an electronic counter with reduced power consumption has been developed. The electronic counter is divided into multiple segments that are ordered according to their numerical value. As the counter is updated, it becomes necessary to propagate data between the segments. If the supply energy of the counter meets or exceeds a set limit, the data is propagated to the next highest segment. However, if the supply energy of the counter falls below the set limit, the data to be propagated is stored in a propagation carry counter.

Power reduction method in an electronic counter

The present invention provides for a self-powered fluid meter that uses the kinetic energy of a fluid being measured to provide power for circuitry that may perform functions related to the fluid measurement. An element is placed within a rotating magnetic field created from the kinetic energy of a fluid. This element creates an electrical pulse to power the circuitry.

Self-powered fluid meter

The present invention provides a device for measuring both the magnitude of rotation of a rotating magnetic field as well as the direction of rotation of a rotating magnetic field. The present invention may be used to measure the magnitude and direction of fluid flow by converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid into a rotating magnetic field. At least two stationary sensors are placed in the magnetic field to detect the resulting changes in magnetic flux polarity occurring and provide therefrom a determination of the magnitude and direction of fluid flow.

Method and apparatus for determining the direction and rate of a rotating element

A mechanical human figure standing in a golf putting posture, having a lower stationary assembly of feet, legs, and spine, and having an upper pivoting assembly of shoulders and arms. The arms are fixed relative to the shoulders. A golf club is fixed to the lower ends of the arms in a golf putting grip. The upper assembly is attached to the spine on a pivot axle extending forward and upward from the top of the spine between the shoulders. The club head pivots in a circular swing arc tangent to the ground. A golf ball and a stroke guide are placed on the ground in front of the robot. Two laser sources on the pivoting assembly illuminate two aspects of a proper stroke on the ground and on the guide. The arms are lifted manually into a backswing and released, striking the ball and demonstrating the guide.

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Shannon, MS, United States of America

David Paul Hamilton