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US 6,622,097 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for reading and controlling electric power consumption
OwnerRobert R. Hunterinventor
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OwnerRobert R. Hunterinventor
Estimating the term…
An electro-optical, automatic meter reader for enabling a consumer to view and manage power consumption through a browser. A sensor attached to a bracket is mounted to the outside cover of a utility meter without modification of the meter or removal of its housing. A data-collector stores data obtained from the sensor via a serial port which may also provide power for the sensor, thus avoiding use of a dedicated power supply. The data-collector connects to a computer which provides a centralized object through which to view and manage power consumption. The real-time and combined historic data can be used to forecast whether usage will fall above or below a predetermined usage level at the end of a given period of time. In response to a forecast exceeding the level, the computer displays the appropriate graph in a red colored bar within a quantity vs. time chart. The computer may control power consuming devices. A communication system may be established to the system for remote management by the consumer or by the utility company for its own billing and management purposes.
An apparatus for reading electric power consumption, comprising:
An apparatus for reading electric power consumption, comprising:
An apparatus for reading electric power consumption, comprising:
A system for monitoring and controlling power consumption comprising:
A method of monitoring and controlling power consumption comprising:
A system for monitoring and controlling power consumption comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.