Title: Data collection apparatus

Abstract: Remote stations are connected to utility meters in individual dwellings. A main station is connected to the remote stations via first, second and third transmission lines. The main station applies power and interrogation signals to a selected remote station over the first and third transmission lines. The selected remote station sends data signals representing the meter reading to the main station over the second and third transmission lines in response to the interrogation signals. The main station may further send secondary interrogation signals to the selected remote station by connecting and disconnecting the second and third transmission lines. The selected remote station sends secondary data signals to the main station over the second and third transmission lines in response to the secondary interrogation signals.

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Inventors: Abe, Takeshi (Tokyo, JP)

Application Number: 889920
Filing Date: 1978-03-24
Publication_date: 1980-06-17
Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd. (Tokyo, JP)
Primary Class(es): 340/870.02 340/870.03, 340/870.19, 340/870.29, 340/870.39
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3417390	Dec, 1968	Turtle	340/210.
3659277	Apr, 1972	Brown	340/203.
3828313	Aug, 1974	Schull et al.	340/151.
3944981	Mar, 1976	Akita et al.	340/147.
4001703	Jan, 1977	Saul et al.	340/210.
4070650	Jan, 1978	Ohashi et al.	340/172.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Yusko, Donald J.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Alexander; David G.