Itron Gmbh

Amp LLC

Gary L Larson

Aaron Fitzgerald

Scott L Cumeralto

Richard Devries

Kris Stroda

Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.

Integrated meter module and utility metering system

A system and method for fast detection of specific on-air data rates are disclosed which, in one example embodiment, enable endpoint devices in automatic meter reading (AMR) systems to quickly determine the existence of over-the-air information that is specifically targeted to a unique class of AMR devices. An endpoint device utilizing the digital squelch circuit arrangement and algorithm of the invention can quickly and precisely determine if the AMR system is communicating with its class of AMR device by looking for a specific non-standard data rate present on the air. This method therefore allows for a significant improvement in battery life in two-way RF communication units by avoiding unnecessary data processing and data transmissions. The digital squelch method also enables even faster determination of inappropriate data rates and of no signal present situations, further improving battery life.

System and method for fast detection of specific on-air data rate

The RF communications system of the present invention wirelessly communicates data without encountering undue interference problems with other devices and complies with rules governing unlicensed, spectrum-sharing devices. In an example embodiment, a transmitter device includes a digital subsystem powered by a power supply that processes data from another device and a radio frequency (RF) sub-system that transmits the processed data using a frequency hopping scheme. The RF sub-system includes a microprocessor arrangement that ON-OFF keys a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and provides a frequency-hopping scheme. The VCO is coupled to a signal frequency spreading arrangement that spreads the signal to a predetermined transmission bandwidth, wherein the frequency spreading occurs during an ON state of the ON-OFF keying and the transmission bandwidth exceeds a reception bandwidth at which the signal will be decoded.

RF communications system utilizing digital modulation to transmit and receive data

A low impedance encoder generally comprises a clock source and a switch. The clock source operates according to a predetermined duty cycle. The switch has a first position, closed, and a second position, opened. The duty cycle controls a current flow the switch. A high current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is closed and that the consumption of a utility as registered by the utility meter has occurred; the switch will continue to open and close throughout the process of metering. A low current flow through the switch indicates that the switch is open.

Low impedance encoder for a utility meter

An improved threshold circuit (30) for reconstructing digitally-encoded, optically-transmitted signals is disclosed. The threshold circuit (30) automatically compensates for amplitude variations in the received signal due to noise, gain variations, and the like, and thereby provides improved accuracy in reproduction of the digitally-encoded signal. An amplifier (120) generates an output signal the level of which, under low signal amplitude, is linearly related to the instantaneous level of the digitally-encoded input signal. An active low pass linear filter (122, 124, 132) generates from the amplified output signal a signal the level of which corresponds to the average level of the amplified output signal. A bias signal generator (40) receives the average level signal on one input and a selected reference signal on the other. The bias generator (40) outputs a bias signal the level and polarity of which are related to the degree and polarity of difference between the average level signal and the reference signal. The bias signal biases the linear amplifier (120) to compensate for any variations of the average level of the amplified input signal from a selected threshold value that corresponds to the reference signal. A trigger circuit (45) converts the bias-controlled, amplified signal to digital square wave pulses corresponding to the transmitted digitally-encoded signal.

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Waseca, MN, United States of America

Gary L Larson