The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 23, 2002
Filed:
Oct. 30, 1998
Mohammed S. Ali, Montgomery, AL (US);
Schlumberger Resource Management Services, Inc., Norcross, GA (US);
Abstract
A meter interface unit (MIU) for use in sending, via RF or other suitable type of transmission, utility consumption information from a utility meter to a remote location. The MIU includes an antenna electrically coupled to a transmitter device. A microprocessor is operative to initiate reading of usage information from the meter encoder associated with the meter and control transmission of that information at selected times. The microprocessor implements functions to determine which of several known types of meter encoders is present. The meter encoder data is then read and converted to the desired transmission protocol. Power management circuitry is provided to limit application of power to the encoder, except when usage information is being obtained. The power management circuitry may also include step-up circuitry to convert a lower voltage level supplied by a power source to a higher voltage level needed by the encoder.