Multifunction data port providing an interface between a digital network and electronics in residential or commercial structures
US7486782B1 · kind B1 · utility
39Cited by
76References
28Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S50/12
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multifunction data port is located in or attached to the utility meter or the meter box. The installation or removal of the data port requires opening the meter seal. The data port interface can provide broad band access to a digital network and the Internet. It can provide the utility customer with a secure computer terminal for commerce and telecommunications. It can provide the electric utility load management and time of use metering of electrical power.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.