Method and apparatus having time dependent sleep modes

A meter interface unit operable between an operational state and a battery saving state in which a select portion of the meter interface unit is placed in a battery saving condition, the meter interface unit comprising:

• a battery;
• a memory section having a plurality of operating schedules stored in the memory section;
• a controller for determining day of cycle and time of day information, the controller in response to the day of cycle determined, selects an operating schedule from among the plurality of operational schedules stored in the memory section;
• a power control circuit responsive to the controller for selectively connecting and disconnecting the battery from the select portion of the meter interface unit;
• and
• the power control circuit electrically disconnects power from the battery to the select portion of the meter interface unit if it is determined by the controller, based on information provided by the selected operating schedule and on the time of day information provided by the controller, that it is time to place the meter interface unit in the battery saving state.

A remote meter reading system, comprising:

• a meter interface unit operable between an operational state and a battery saving state, the meter interface unit including a radio frequency transceiver which is placed in a battery saving condition when the meter interface unit is in the battery saving state, the meter interface unit comprising:
• a battery;
• a memory section having a plurality of operating schedules stored in the memory section;
• a controller for determining day of cycle and time of day information, the controller in response to the day of cycle determined, selects an operating schedule from among the plurality of operational schedules stored in the memory section;
• a power control circuit responsive to the controller for selectively connecting and disconnecting the battery from the radio frequency transceiver;
• and
• the power control circuit electrically disconnects power from the battery to the radio frequency transceiver if it is determined by the controller, based on information provided by the selected operating schedule and on the time of day information provided by the controller, that it is time to place the meter interface unit in the battery saving state;
• and
• a meter reading device, comprising:
• a radio frequency transceiver for communicating with the meter interface unit.