Importance

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Abstract

A system for remotely monitoring and transmitting data and other information received from utility and other devices is disclosed. The universal meter reader of the present invention includes a device for sensing and collecting data at a first location. The sensed data that is in analog form is converted to a digital signal and a processing unit processes the data. The data is subsequently stored in a memory device for subsequent transmission to an interested party. In one embodiment, the data can be digitally transmitted over a GSM or TDMA technology digital network via a control channel. In addition, the universal meter reader includes a connective interface for connecting to a telecommunications system at a first location to establish a wireless telecommunications connection. An improved infrared reader of the present invention includes an infrared transmitter and receiver. A reflective member is displaced between the transmitter and the receiver and creates an optical communication with the rotatable disk, dial or mechanical indicator located within a conventional utility meter. The improved meter is capable of measuring the number of disk, dial or mechanical indicator rotations and is also capable of calculating and storing utility usage from the number of disk rotations. The data is then capable of being transmitted via a wired or wireless connection to the universal meter reader or a display unit.

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First Claim