Mark K. Cornwall - Spokane WA, US Robert J. Strasser - Spokane WA, US
Assignee:
ITRON, INC. - Liberty Lake WA
International Classification:
G08C 15/00
US Classification:
34087003
Abstract:
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing safe reconnection of remotely disconnectible gas meters. In accordance with the present subject matter, a gas metering device is provided with a remotely controllable valve and has associated therewith indicia uniquely identifying the meter. A gas company representative or other authorized person must be physically present to read the meter associated data, enter corresponding data into a handheld device, and transmit a signal from such handheld device to the meter to initiate reclosure. In such manner, physical presence of a gas company representative is required at the time of reconnection to provide other services and functionality such as equipment inspection and/or pilot relighting as required for safety considerations.
Automobile Identification And Variable Rate Fuel System And Method
Techniques for vehicle identification are described herein. In one example, vehicle identification information is obtained for a vehicle at a smart fueling station. Using the vehicle identification information, characteristics of the vehicle may be considered, and a fuel price can be set. Fuel can be dispensed to the vehicle according to the price as set. Payment may be made, such as by an automated system based on near field communications (NFC). The techniques used to identify the vehicle may utilize connections to the on-board diagnostic port (e.g., OBD II) of the vehicle, NFC and data encryption techniques.