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Method and apparatus for reading a meter and providing customer service via the internet

  • US 6,900,738 B2
  • Filed: 06/19/2001
  • Issued: 05/31/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system for monitoring usage of a utility at a location remote from a utility company supplying the utility, said system comprising:

  • a) a meter reading module connected to an existing utility meter for determining an amount of usage at the remote location and generating a data signal indicative of the determined amount of usage;

    b) an existing resident PC located at the remote location connected through a port in said PC to said meter reading module for recieving and storing usage information; and

    c) said PC having a resident program for automatically initiating and performing data transfer via an established internet connection of said PC to a server of the utility, said program working in the backround and unnoticed by a computer user of said PC during a login session to transmit stored usage information to said server of said utility.

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