System and method for monitoring, controlling, and displaying utility information
First Claim
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1. A system for controlling a utility meter comprising:
- a collar coupled to the utility meter for monitoring a utility usage by a premise;
logic configured to generate customer utility usage data corresponding to the utility meter; and
a display unit communicatively coupled to the collar for displaying the customer utility usage data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for monitoring, controlling, and displaying utility information is provided. A collar communicatively connected to the utility meter monitors power usage and provides usage data, power quality data, and other data to the utility and the customer. The system provides for pre-pay power, and the collar relay can automatically connect or disconnect power to a customer as required. The system provides intelligent remote control of utility meters via wireless or other communications means. A display unit communicatively coupled to the collar displays customer utility usage data.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A system for controlling a utility meter comprising:
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a collar coupled to the utility meter for monitoring a utility usage by a premise; logic configured to generate customer utility usage data corresponding to the utility meter; and a display unit communicatively coupled to the collar for displaying the customer utility usage data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method, comprising the steps of:
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receiving at least one reading from a prepaid utility meter; transmitting data indicative of the reading to a utility provider; determining an amount of available prepaid utility service remaining to a customer based upon the utility meter data transmitted; and displaying data indicative of the amount of prepaid utility service remaining to a customer display unit. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system, comprising:
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a collar communicatively coupled to a utility meter for monitoring a power usage; logic configured to determine whether the power usage has exceeded a threshold; and a billing server communicatively coupled to the collar via a network, wherein the collar transmits customer utility data to the billing server. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification