Badger Meter, Inc.

Randy Schultz

Mark M Lazar

Theresa Saadeh

John A Olson

Kelly Laughlin-Parker

Ryan M Beverung

Yarum Locker

Michele R B Malinowski

Jacob Graudenz

Dennis J Webb

Yacov Kirgner

Anna Kirgner

Erez Sharabi

Michele R Malinowski

A method and apparatus is disclosed for adjusting a transmission power level of a transceiver () at a utility meter data origination site (). A power level of transmission at the site transceiver () is adjusted to an optimum level if an acknowledgement is not received from a network gateway () in response to data transmissions from the site transceiver (). Also, for each unsuccessful transmission period, the amount of metering data is increased in the next transmission period to make up for the failed communication tries. Upon establishing communication with the gateway (), the site transceiver () can receive commands from the gateway () that further adjust its power level of transmission to optimize reception at the gateway from a large plurality of utility meter data origination sites () within a geographical area served by the gateway (). The gateway () communicates utility metering data through a wireless network (), such as WIFI, GPRS, POE or CDMA to a data collection center () for data processing and billing operations.

Apparatus and method for establishing communication from remote sites in a fixed meter reading network

A method and system by which certain radio transmitters are assigned to certain reception nodes for the purpose of transmitting metering data derived from a plurality of utility meters to a system management computer. The reception nodes are configured to receive and process data transmissions only from those transmitters with data paths assigned to particular reception nodes, and to ignore data transmissions from non-listed transmitters, thereby assuring that on a continuous basis, a majority of the transmitters will utilize only one data path. Lists may be formed for the transmitters and reception nodes in the system management computer and transmitted to the reception nodes. The status of data transmissions through the repeaters may also be uploaded to the system management computer for analysis of data update rates and data path redundancy.

Method and system for controlling path redundancy in the acquisition of utility meter data

Growing community of inventors

Fredonia, WI, United States of America

Randy Schultz