Electronic metering equipment system

• US 6,016,432 A
• Filed: 06/06/1995
• Issued: 01/18/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Original Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• Inventors: Stein, Per
• Primary Examiner(s): LE, THANH C
• Application Number:
  US08/469,655
• Time in Patent Office: 1,687 Days
• Field of Search: 455/89, 455/90, 455/54.1, 455/351, 455/349, 455/74, 455/550, 455/556, 455/557, 455/558, 455/572, 455/573, 455/574, 455/575, 455/552, 455/127, 340/870.07, 340/870.03, 340/870.02, 340/825.44, 235/380, 235/382, 235/492, 364/705.01, 364/705.05
• US Class Current: 455/557
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 21/00 Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/00 Arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus with cameras or projectors G03B31/00 ; recording/reproducing of music for electrophonic musical instruments G10H1/0033; automatic arrangements for answering calls or for recording messages for absent subscribers H04M1/64; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with dictation recording and playback systems H04M11/10; connection of TV recorder with other related apparatus, e.g. TV camera or receiver, in which the TV signal is significantly involved H04N, e.g. H04N23/00, H04N5/765; combination of radio or TV with other apparatus, e.g. with vehicles H05K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/003 with radio receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 4/01 Connections using shape memory materials, e.g. shape memory metal
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/088 with parts of the receiver detachable or collapsible
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/38 Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3805 with built-in auxiliary receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3816 Mechanical arrangements for accommodating identification devices, e.g. cards or chips; with connectors for programming identification devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

A conventional utility meter has numeric information supplied to a display. The utility meter is modified by the addition of a module port for a telecommunications module. The telecommunications module receives the numeric information which is supplied to the display, and communicates that numeric information as data signals to one of the plurality of standardized wireless telephone networks.

Claims

1. A method of providing telecommunications from an item of electronic equipment used in measuring a flowing commodity including electricity, fluids, traffic, comprising the steps of:

providing a port in the item of electronic equipment, said port having a module connector disposed therein;

providing a removable modular telecommunications unit having;

a first end;

a second end;

a telecommunications transceiver for communicating with one of a plurality of standardized wireless networks in accordance with at least one preselected communications standard;

a system connector disposed on said first end;

a power connector disposed on said second end; and

an antenna connector disposed on said second end;

disposing said removable modular telecommunications unit within said port so as to electrically couple said system connector to said module connector;

providing power to said telecommunications transceiver by electrically coupling an external power source to said power connector; and

electrically coupling an external antenna to said telecommunications transceiver through said antenna connector.

2. An item of electronic equipment comprising:

means for measuring a flowing commodity including electricity, fluid, or traffic;

said means for measuring a flowing commodity including a port;

said port further including a module connector disposed therein;

a removable telecommunications unit electrically coupled to said module connector;

said removable telecommunications unit having;

a first end;

a second end;

a telecommunications transceiver for communicating with one of a plurality of standardized wireless networks in accordance with at least one preselected communications standard;

a system connector disposed on said first end;

a power connector coupled to an external power source disposed on said second end;

an antenna connector disposed on said second end; and

an antenna electrically connected to said antenna connector.