Utility meter interface unit
US6424270B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q9/04
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.