Patent ID: 6181257
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G01D,G01F,G08C,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
A universal send/receive utility usage data gathering system having a universal reader/interrogator unit and a transponder unit of the Sensus type wherein the transponder contains transponder windings with means for communicating with transponder windings; and includes means for receiving data indicative of utility usage, storing utility usage data, receiving interrogation signal, and responding with transponder data signal; wherein the transponder and universal reader/interrogator are capable of passing radiated electromagnetic signals between each other, comprising:a) an antenna system, adapted to pass electromagnetic signals, having a first set of windings and a second set of windings;said first set of windings being a part of the universal reader/interrogator unit having a plurality of taps coupled thereto and being electrically selectable as to act as a transmit antenna or as to act as a receive antenna, said taps capable of independent selection;said second set of windings being the transponder windings and wherein,b) the universal reader/interrogation unit comprises first means for generating transponder interrogation signal and for storing responsive data signal received from the transponder, said interrogation signal being selected by logic circuits within said reader/interrogation unit to match interrogation requirements of the transponder unit, said first means coupled to second means for selection and impedance matching of said first set of windings to act as a transmit antenna, said second means coupled to said plurality of taps within said first set of windings; and further comprising third means for selection and impedance matching of said first set of windings to act as a receive antenna, said third means coupled to said plurality of taps within said first set of windings capable of programmed amplification and wave shaping of said received transponder data signal, and in communication with said first means in which said received transponder data signal is stored.