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Method for reading a plurality of remote meters

  • US 5,481,259 A
  • Filed: 05/02/1994
  • Issued: 01/02/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/02/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of reading meter status information from a plurality of remote meter interface units using a meter reading device, the plurality of remote meter interface units are partitioned into at least first and second meter groups, all of the meter interface units assigned to the first meter group have a first sleep period assigned to them, while all of the meter interface units assigned to the second meter group have a second sleep period assigned to them, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) transmitting, by the meter reading device, a message indicating operation of a meter read process;

    (b) receiving, by a select one of the meter interface units in the first meter group, the message;

    (c) operating the select one meter interface unit in a sleep mode for a duration of the first sleep period;

    (d) requesting, by the meter reading device, meter status information from the select one meter interface unit;

    (e) transmitting the meter status information from the select one meter interface unit in the first meter group to the meter reading device; and

    (f) changing the sleep period assigned to the select one meter interface unit from the first sleep period to the second sleep period.

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