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Remote universal send/receive utility usage data gathering system

  • US 5,808,558 A
  • Filed: 12/02/1996
  • Issued: 09/15/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/29/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A universal send/receive utility usage data gathering system having a transponder unit and a reader/interrogator unit, capable of passing radiated electromagnetic signals between each other, comprising:

  • a) a multiple-tapped antenna system, adapted to pass electromagnetic signals, having a first set of multiple windings within the transponder unit and having a second set of multiple windings within the reader/interrogator unit,said first set of windings having a plurality of taps coupled thereto and being electrically selectable as to act as a transmit antenna, as to act as a receive antenna, or to act both as a receive and a transmit antenna,said second set of windings having a plurality of taps coupled thereto and being electrically selectable as to act a transmit antenna or as to act as a receive antenna, said taps capable of independent selection;

    and wherein,a) the reader/interrogation unit comprises first means for generating a transponder interrogation signal and for storing a responsive data signal received from the transponder, said interrogation signal being selected by logic circuits within said reader/interrogation unit to match interrogation requirements of the transponder unit, said first means coupled to second means for selection and impedance matching of said second set of windings to act as a transmit antenna, said second means coupled to said plurality of taps within said second set of windings; and

    further comprising third means for selection and impedance matching of said second set of windings to act as a receive antenna, said third means coupled to said plurality of taps within said second set of windings capable of programmed amplification and wave shaping of said received transponder data signal, and in communication with said first means in which said received transponder data signal is stored;

    b) the transponder unit is coupled to said plurality of taps within said first set of windings, and comprises means forselecting said transmit antenna winding, said receive antenna winding, or both,receiving external pulses indicative of utility usage,storing utility usage data,receiving said interrogation signal,responding to said interrogation signal with said responsive transponder data signal; and

    further contains power storage means.

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