US5553094A — Radio communication network for remote data gener…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 457 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module coupled to a respective physical device generating respective NSM data, with each network service module including an NSM receiver for receiving a command signal, an NSM controller responsive to the received command signal for setting a carrier frequency, and an NSM transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio at the carrier frequency the respective NSM data from the respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal at a time pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for simultaneously receiving the transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes of said plurality of remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including an RCN transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio the command signal; an RCN receiver for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; and an RCN memory for storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals, with said RCN transmitter responsive to a first polling signal for transmitting by wireless radio the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT), with each intermediate data terminal including a first IDT transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio the first polling signal using a first polling-access protocol to each of said plurality of remote cell nodes; a first IDT receiver for receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, respectively, with the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of said plurality of remote cell nodes; an IDT memory for storing the received multiplicity of RCN-packet signals; a second IDT receiver for receiving a second polling signal; and a second IDT transmitter, responsive to the second polling signal, for transmitting the stored multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having a CDT transmitter for transmitting the second polling signal using a second polling access protocol to said plurality of intermediate data terminals, a CDT receiver for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, a CDT processor for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, and a CDT memory for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 457 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module coupled to a respective physical device generating respective NSM data, with each network service module including an NSM receiver for receiving a command signal, an NSM controller responsive to the received command signal for setting a carrier frequency, and an NSM transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio at the carrier frequency the respective NSM data from the respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal at a time pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for simultaneously receiving the transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes of said plurality of remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including an RCN transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio the command signal; an RCN receiver for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; and an RCN memory for storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals, with said RCN transmitter responsive to a first polling signal for transmitting by wireless radio the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT), with each intermediate data terminal including a first IDT transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio the first polling signal using a first polling-access protocol to each of said plurality of remote cell nodes; a first IDT receiver for receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, respectively, with the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of said plurality of remote cell nodes; an IDT memory for storing the received multiplicity of RCN-packet signals; a second IDT receiver for receiving a second polling signal; and a second IDT transmitter, responsive to the second polling signal, for transmitting the stored multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having a CDT transmitter for transmitting the second polling signal using a second polling access protocol to said plurality of intermediate data terminals, a CDT receiver for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, a CDT processor for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, and a CDT memory for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 34 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first IDT transmitter of each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals includes frequency controlling means for controlling and changing the carrier frequency.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 17 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 2 wherein the frequency controlling means includes a synthesizer.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 356 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules including NSM-transmitter means for transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data generated by a respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal at a time pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced, with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for receiving the transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including RCN-receiver means for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; RCN-memory means for storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; and RCN-transmitter means, responsive to a first polling signal, for transmitting the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT), with each intermediate data terminal including IDT-transmitter means for transmitting the first polling signal to said plurality of remote cell nodes; IDT-receiver means for receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, respectively, with the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of said plurality of remote cell nodes; IDT-memory means for storing the received multiplicity of RCN-packet signals, with said IDT-transmitter means responsive to a second polling signal for transmitting the stored multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-transmitter means for transmitting the second polling signal to said plurality of intermediate data terminals, CDT-receiver means for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, CDT-processing means for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, and CDT-memory means for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 356 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules including NSM-transmitter means for transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data generated by a respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal at a time pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced, with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for receiving the transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including RCN-receiver means for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; RCN-memory means for storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; and RCN-transmitter means, responsive to a first polling signal, for transmitting the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT), with each intermediate data terminal including IDT-transmitter means for transmitting the first polling signal to said plurality of remote cell nodes; IDT-receiver means for receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, respectively, with the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of said plurality of remote cell nodes; IDT-memory means for storing the received multiplicity of RCN-packet signals, with said IDT-transmitter means responsive to a second polling signal for transmitting the stored multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-transmitter means for transmitting the second polling signal to said plurality of intermediate data terminals, CDT-receiver means for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, CDT-processing means for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, and CDT-memory means for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 59 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said network service modules further includes: NSM-receiver means for receiving a command signal transmitted from at least one of said plurality of remote cell nodes; and NSM-processor means, responsive to the command signal, for setting a carrier frequency of said NSM-transmitter means and updating an internal clock.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 99 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said network service modules further includes: NSM-processor means, responsive to detecting an alarm condition, for generating an alarm signal; said NSM-transmitter means, responsive to said alarm signal, for transmitting the alarm signal in an NSM-packet signal; said RCN-receiver means, responsive to receiving the alarm signal, for causing said RCN-transmitter means to transmit an RCN-packet signal having the alarm signal; and said IDT-receiver means, responsive to receiving the RCN-packet signal having the alarm signal, for causing said IDT-transmitter means to transmit an IDT-packet signal having the alarm signal.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 45 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein said plurality of physical devices includes a plurality of electricity meters, each of said plurality of electricity meters coupled to a respective one of said plurality of network service modules, for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 45 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein said plurality of physical devices includes a plurality of water meters, each of said plurality of water meters coupled to a respective one of said plurality of network service modules, for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 45 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein said plurality of physical devices includes a plurality of gas meters, each of said plurality of gas meters coupled to a respective one of said plurality of network service modules, for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 45 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein the IDT-transmitter means, responsive to receiving an RCN-packet signal from a respective one of the multiplicity of remote cell nodes, sends an acknowledgement signal to the respective one of the multiplicity of remote cell nodes.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 68 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 10 wherein the respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes, responsive to receiving the acknowledgement signal, retains the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals in the RCN-memory means until additional NSM-packet signals are received from said multiplicity of network service modules, and the respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes overwrites the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 26 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein said CDT-processing means correlates the plurality of NSM-packet signals embedded in the plurality of IDT-packet signals.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 31 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 12 wherein said CDT-processing means identifies a duplicate NSM-packet signal within the plurality of NSM-packet signals embedded in the plurality of IDT-packet signals.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 31 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein said CDT-processing means identifies a duplicate NSM-packet signal within the plurality of NSM-packet signals embedded in the plurality of IDT-packet signals.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 20 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 14 or 13 wherein said CDT-processing means deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signal.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 37 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of intermediate data terminals includes directional antenna means for transmitting in turn the first polling signal to said plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 35 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a disk for rotating to measure data and for generating respective NSM data from the data measured.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 41 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 17 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a reverse sensor for detecting a reverse rotation of the respective disk and for generating respective NSM data from the reverse rotation detected.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 47 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a housing for housing the respective physical device, and a tilt sensor for detecting a movement of said housing and for generating respective NSM data from the movement detected.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 34 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 19 wherein said plurality of physical devices includes a plurality of tilt sensors for detecting a movement of a respective one of the plurality of housings.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 41 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a field sensor for detecting a presence of an electric field and for generating respective NSM data from the electric field presence detected.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 34 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes an acoustic sensor for detecting sounds and for generating respective NSM data from the sound detected.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 41 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a magnetic sensor for detecting a presence of a magnetic field and for generating respective NSM data from the magnetic field presence detected.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 35 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a heat sensor for detecting a temperature and for generating respective NSM data from the temperature detected.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 38 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a battery level sensor for detecting a battery level and for generating respective NSM data from the battery level detected.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 38 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a consumption sensor for detecting a value of consumption and for generating respective NSM data from the consumption value detected.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 40 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of the plurality of physical devices includes a cover sensor for detecting a continual presence of a cover and for generating respective NSM data from the cover presence detected.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 48 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 27 wherein the cover includes a reflective strip, and wherein the cover sensor includes: a light emitting diode for generating a light beam to reflect off of the reflective strip; and a photo diode for detecting the reflected light beam.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 26 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 4 wherein the IDT-transmitter means sends a plurality of communications signals to the plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 28 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 29, wherein at least a multiplicity of remote cell nodes receives the plurality of communications signals from the IDT-transmitter means.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 286 words

A method for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two of said plurality, of remote cell nodes, for simultaneously receiving the plurality of NSM data by said at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data from each of the plurality of physical devices as an NSM-packet signal at a time selected pseudorandomly; receiving, at each remote cell node (RCN), a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals received at each of the plurality of remote cell nodes; polling the plurality of remote cell nodes with a plurality of polling signals, respectively, from an intermediate data terminal; transmitting from each of the plurality of remote cell nodes, responsive to the plurality of polling signals, the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a plurality of RCN-packet signals, respectively; receiving the plurality of RCN-packet signals at the intermediate data terminal (IDT); storing the received plurality of RCN-packet signals at the intermediate data terminal; transmitting, responsive to a second polling signal, from a plurality of intermediate data terminals, the plurality of stored RCN-packet signals as a plurality of IDT-packet signals, respectively; and receiving the plurality of IDT-packet signals at a central data terminal (CDT).

Claim 34

Independent Claim 286 words

A method for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two of said plurality, of remote cell nodes, for simultaneously receiving the plurality of NSM data by said at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data from each of the plurality of physical devices as an NSM-packet signal at a time selected pseudorandomly; receiving, at each remote cell node (RCN), a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals received at each of the plurality of remote cell nodes; polling the plurality of remote cell nodes with a plurality of polling signals, respectively, from an intermediate data terminal; transmitting from each of the plurality of remote cell nodes, responsive to the plurality of polling signals, the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a plurality of RCN-packet signals, respectively; receiving the plurality of RCN-packet signals at the intermediate data terminal (IDT); storing the received plurality of RCN-packet signals at the intermediate data terminal; transmitting, responsive to a second polling signal, from a plurality of intermediate data terminals, the plurality of stored RCN-packet signals as a plurality of IDT-packet signals, respectively; and receiving the plurality of IDT-packet signals at a central data terminal (CDT).

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 59 words

The method as set forth in claim 31 further comprising the steps of: sending an acknowledgement signal to a respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes; receiving the acknowledgement signal; retaining the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; receiving additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and overwriting the retained stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method as set forth in claim 31, further comprising the steps of: correlating the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; identifying a duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; retaining the duplicate NSM-packet signal; receiving additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and overwriting the duplicate NSM-packet signal.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method as set forth in claim 31, further comprising the step of: sending a plurality of communications signals to the plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method as set forth in claim 34, further comprising the step of: receiving the plurality of communications signals at a multiplicity of remote cell nodes.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 221 words

A communications network for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules coupled to a respective physical device of said plurality of physical devices, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules including an NSM transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio the respective NSM data from the respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules within a range of at least one remote cell node, with each remote cell node including an RCN receiver for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of the plurality of network service modules, and RCN-transmitter means for transmitting the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-receiver means for receiving a plurality of RCN-packet signals, a CDT processor for decoding the plurality of RCN-packet signals as the NSM data, and a CDT memory for storing the NSM data in a data base.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 221 words

A communications network for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules coupled to a respective physical device of said plurality of physical devices, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules including an NSM transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio the respective NSM data from the respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules within a range of at least one remote cell node, with each remote cell node including an RCN receiver for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of the plurality of network service modules, and RCN-transmitter means for transmitting the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-receiver means for receiving a plurality of RCN-packet signals, a CDT processor for decoding the plurality of RCN-packet signals as the NSM data, and a CDT memory for storing the NSM data in a data base.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39 wherein said IDT transmitter includes frequency controlling means for controlling and changing the carrier frequency.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 17 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39 wherein the frequency controlling means includes a synthesizer.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 248 words

A communications network for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules for generating a plurality of NSM-packet signal, respectively, with each network service module including NSM-transmitter means for transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data generated by a respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving a transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including RCN-receiver means for receiving a NSM-packet signal transmitted from a network service module, RCN-memory means for storing a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals, and RCN-transmitter means for transmitting the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals from the RCN-memory means as an RCN-packet signal; an intermediate data terminal (IDT) including IDT-receiver means for receiving an RCN-packet signal transmitted from a remote cell node, IDT-memory means for storing a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals, and IDT-transmitter means for transmitting the stored multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-receiver means for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, CDT-processing means for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as a plurality of NSM data, and CDT-memory means for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 248 words

A communications network for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules for generating a plurality of NSM-packet signal, respectively, with each network service module including NSM-transmitter means for transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data generated by a respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving a transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including RCN-receiver means for receiving a NSM-packet signal transmitted from a network service module, RCN-memory means for storing a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals, and RCN-transmitter means for transmitting the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals from the RCN-memory means as an RCN-packet signal; an intermediate data terminal (IDT) including IDT-receiver means for receiving an RCN-packet signal transmitted from a remote cell node, IDT-memory means for storing a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals, and IDT-transmitter means for transmitting the stored multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-receiver means for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, CDT-processing means for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as a plurality of NSM data, and CDT-memory means for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 56 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39 wherein each of said network service modules includes: NSM-receiver means for receiving a command signal transmitted from one of said plurality of remote cell nodes; and NSM-processor means responsive to the command signal for setting a carrier frequency of said NSM-transmitter means and updating an internal clock.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 115 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39, wherein; each of said network service modules further includes NSM-processor means, responsive to detecting an alarm condition, for generating an alarm signal, with said NSM-transmitter means, responsive to said alarm signal, transmitting an NSM-packet signal having said alarm signal; each of said remote cell nodes further includes RCN-processor means, responsive to receiving the NSM-packet signal having the alarm signal, for causing said RCN-transmitter means to transmit an RCN-packet signal having the alarm signal; and said intermediate data terminal further includes IDT-processor means, responsive to receiving the RCN-packet signal having the alarm signal, for causing said IDT-transmitter means to transmit an IDT-packet signal having the alarm signal.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 45 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39 wherein said IDT-transmitter means, responsive to receiving an RCN-packet signal from a respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes, sends an acknowledgement signal to the respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 68 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 42 wherein the respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes, responsive to receiving the acknowledgement signal, retains the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals in the RCN-memory means until additional NSM-packet signals are received from said multiplicity of network service modules, and the respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes overwrites the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 19 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39 wherein said CDT-processing means correlates the plurality of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 44 wherein said CDT-processing means identifies a duplicate NSM-packet signal among the plurality of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39 wherein said CDT-processing means identifies a duplicate NSM-packet signal among the plurality of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 46 wherein said CDT-processing means deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signal from the plurality of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39 wherein the IDT-transmitter means sends a plurality of communications signals to a remote cell node.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 26 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 48, wherein the plurality of remote cell nodes receives the plurality of communications signals from the IDT-transmitter means.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 28 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 with each of said plurality of physical devices including an electricity meter for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 28 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 with each of said plurality of physical devices including a water meter for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 28 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 with each of said plurality of physical devices including a gas meter for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 33 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 39 wherein said intermediate data terminal includes antenna means for transmitting in turn a polling signal to each of said plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 27 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a disk for rotating to measure data.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 58 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein: each of said plurality of physical devices includes a housing for housing a respective one of the plurality of physical devices; and each of said plurality of physical devices includes a tilt sensor for detecting a movement of a respective one of the plurality of housings.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 31 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a field sensor for detecting a presence of an electric field.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 27 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes an acoustic sensor for detecting a sound.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 31 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a magnetic sensor for detecting a presence of a magnetic field.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 27 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a heat sensor for detecting a temperature.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 29 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a battery level sensor for detecting a battery level.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 29 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a consumption sensor for detecting a value of consumption.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 30 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 54 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a reverse sensor for detecting a reverse rotation of a respective disk.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 31 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 36 or 39 wherein each of the plurality of physical devices includes a cover sensor for detecting a continual presence of a cover.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 48 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 63 wherein the cover includes a reflective strip, and wherein the cover sensor includes: a light emitting diode for generating a light beam to reflect off of the reflective strip; and a photo diode for detecting the reflected light beam.

Claim 70

Independent Claim 176 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving NSM-data by said at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving at the plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules; storing a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals at each of the plurality of remote cell nodes; transmitting from each of the plurality of remote cell nodes the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a plurality of RCN-packet signals; and receiving the plurality of RCN-packet signals at a central data terminal (CDT).

Claim 71

Independent Claim 176 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving NSM-data by said at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving at the plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules; storing a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals at each of the plurality of remote cell nodes; transmitting from each of the plurality of remote cell nodes the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a plurality of RCN-packet signals; and receiving the plurality of RCN-packet signals at a central data terminal (CDT).

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method as set forth in claim 65, further comprising the steps of: sending an acknowledgement signal to a respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes; receiving the acknowledgement signal; retaining the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; receiving additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and overwriting the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method as set forth in claim 65, further comprising the steps of: correlating the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; identifying a duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; retaining the duplicate NSM-packet signal; receiving additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and overwriting the duplicate NSM-packet signal.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method as set forth in claim 65, further comprising the step of: sending a plurality of communications signals to a respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method as set forth in claim 68, further comprising the step of: receiving the plurality of communications signals at the plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 56 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further comprising the steps of: receiving a command signal transmitted from one of said plurality of remote cell nodes at one of the multiplicity of network service modules; and setting, in response to the command signal, a carrier frequency of a transmitter located at said network service module.

Claim 77

Independent Claim 56 words

The method as set forth in 65 further comprising the steps of: generating, in response to detecting an alarm condition at a network service module, an alarm signal; transmitting the alarm signal in an NSM-packet signal; and transmitting, in response to receiving the NSM-packet signal having the alarm signal, an RCN-packet signal having the alarm signal.

Claim 78

Independent Claim 56 words

The method as set forth in 65 further comprising the steps of: generating, in response to detecting an alarm condition at a network service module, an alarm signal; transmitting the alarm signal in an NSM-packet signal; and transmitting, in response to receiving the NSM-packet signal having the alarm signal, an RCN-packet signal having the alarm signal.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of generating NSM data from said plurality of physical devices with a plurality of electricity meters, respectively.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of generating NSM data from said plurality of physical devices with a plurality of water meters, respectively.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of generating NSM data from said plurality of physical devices with a plurality of gas meters, respectively.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further comprising the steps of: receiving an RCN-packet signal from a respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes at the central data terminal; and sending an acknowledgement signal to the respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 63 words

The method as set forth in claim 75 further comprising the steps of: retaining, at the respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes, the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals until additional NSM-packet signals are received from said multiplicity of network service modules; and overwriting, at the respective one of the plurality of remote cell nodes, the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further comprising the steps of correlating, in time, the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method as set forth in claim 77 further comprising the step of identifying a duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further comprising the step of identifying a duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method as set forth in claim 79, or 78 further comprising the step of deleting the duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 53 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the steps of: housing each of the plurality of physical devices with a respective one of a plurality of housings; and detecting a movement of a respective one of the plurality of housings with a respective one of a plurality of tilt sensors.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step for detecting the presence of an electric field with a field sensor at a network service module.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of detecting sounds with a respective one of a plurality of acoustic sensors, at a respective one of said plurality of physical devices.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of detecting the presence of a magnetic field, with a respective one of a plurality of magnetic field sensors, at a respective one of said plurality of physical devices.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of detecting a temperature, with a respective one of a plurality of temperature sensors, of g respective one of said plurality of physical devices.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 38 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of detecting a battery level, using a respective one of a plurality of battery level sensors, of a respective one of said plurality of physical devices.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 38 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of detecting a value of consumption, using a respective one of a plurality of consumption sensors, of a respective one of said plurality of physical devices.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of detecting a reverse rotation of a respective one of a plurality of disks at a respective one of said plurality of physical devices.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method as set forth in claim 65 further including the step of detecting, using a respective one of a plurality of cover sensors, a continual presence of a cover on a respective one of the plurality of physical devices.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method as set forth in claim 89 wherein the cover includes a reflective strip, further including the steps of: generating a light beam to reflect off of the reflective strip; and detecting the reflected light beam.

Claim 98

Independent Claim 372 words

A method for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for simultaneously receiving the plurality of NSM data by said at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data from each of the plurality of physical devices as an NSM-packet signal at a time selected pseudorandomly; receiving, at each remote cell node (RCN), a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals at each of the plurality of remote cell nodes; polling, from a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT) using a plurality of polling signals, respectively, the plurality of remote cell nodes, with each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals polling a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of the plurality of remote cell nodes; transmitting from each of the plurality of remote cell nodes, responsive to the plurality of polling signals, the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals at each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals, with the multiplicity of RCN-packet signals including a subset of the plurality of RCN-packet signals; storing the received multiplicity of RCN-packet signals at each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals; polling, from a central data terminal using a second polling signal, the plurality of intermediate data terminals; transmitting from each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals, responsive to the second polling signal, the multiplicity of stored RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal, respectively; receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals at the central data terminal; and decoding, at the central data terminal, the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 99

Independent Claim 372 words

A method for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for simultaneously receiving the plurality of NSM data by said at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data from each of the plurality of physical devices as an NSM-packet signal at a time selected pseudorandomly; receiving, at each remote cell node (RCN), a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals at each of the plurality of remote cell nodes; polling, from a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT) using a plurality of polling signals, respectively, the plurality of remote cell nodes, with each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals polling a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of the plurality of remote cell nodes; transmitting from each of the plurality of remote cell nodes, responsive to the plurality of polling signals, the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals at each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals, with the multiplicity of RCN-packet signals including a subset of the plurality of RCN-packet signals; storing the received multiplicity of RCN-packet signals at each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals; polling, from a central data terminal using a second polling signal, the plurality of intermediate data terminals; transmitting from each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals, responsive to the second polling signal, the multiplicity of stored RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal, respectively; receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals at the central data terminal; and decoding, at the central data terminal, the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 111 words

The method as set forth in claim 91, further comprising, after the step of receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals at each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals, the steps of: sending an acknowledgement signal to a respective one of the multiplicity of remote cell nodes; receiving, at the respective one of the multiplicity of remote cell nodes, the acknowledgement signal; retaining, at the respective one of the multiplicity of remote cell nodes, the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; receiving, at the respective one of the multiplicity of remote cell nodes, additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and overwriting the retained stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 72 words

The method as set forth in claim 91, further comprising, after the step of receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals at each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals, the steps of: sending an acknowledgement signal to a respective one of the multiplicity of remote cell nodes; receiving, at the respective one of the multiplicity of remote cell nodes, the acknowledgement signal; and deleting, by overwriting, the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 62 words

The method as set forth in claim 91, further comprising, after the step of receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals at each of the plurality of intermediate data terminals, the steps of: correlating the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals embedded in the multiplicity of RCN-packet signals; identifying a duplicate NSM-packet signal within the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; and deleting the duplicate NSM-packet signal.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method as set forth in claim 91, further comprising, after the step of receiving, at each remote cell node, a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals, the steps of: correlating the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; identifying a duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; retaining the duplicate NSM-packet signal; receiving additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and overwriting the duplicate NSM-packet signal.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 53 words

The method as set forth in claim 91 further comprising, after the step of receiving, at each remote cell node, a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals, the steps of: correlating the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; identifying a duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; and duplicating, by overwriting, the duplicate NSM-packet signal.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method as set forth in claim 91, further comprising, after the step of transmitting an RCN-packet signal, the steps of: monitoring, by the plurality of remote cell nodes, the transmitted RCN-packet signal; comparing, by a monitoring remote cell node, the transmitted RCN-packet signal to NSM data stored at the monitoring remote cell node; identifying redundant NSM data; and cancelling the redundant NSM data.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 56 words

The method as set forth in claim 91, further comprising, after the step of decoding, at the central data terminal, the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, the steps of: correlating the plurality of NSM data; identifying duplicate NSM data within the plurality of NSM data; and deleting the duplicate NSM data.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 242 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules for generating a plurality of NSM-packet signals, respectively, with each network service module including NSM-transmitter means for transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data generated by a respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving a transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including RCN-receiver means for receiving an NSM-packet signal transmitted from a network service module, RCN-memory means for storing the received NSM-packet signal, and RCN-transmitter means for transmitting the stored NSM-packet signal from the RCN-memory means as an RCN-packet signal; an intermediate data terminal (IDT) including IDT-receiver means for receiving the RCN-packet signal transmitted from each remote cell node, IDT-memory means for storing the received RCN-packet signal, and IDT-transmitter means for transmitting the stored RCN-packet signal as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-receiver means for receiving the IDT-packet signal, CDT-processing means for decoding the received IDT-packet signal as a plurality of NSM data, and CDT-memory means for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 242 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules for generating a plurality of NSM-packet signals, respectively, with each network service module including NSM-transmitter means for transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data generated by a respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving a transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including RCN-receiver means for receiving an NSM-packet signal transmitted from a network service module, RCN-memory means for storing the received NSM-packet signal, and RCN-transmitter means for transmitting the stored NSM-packet signal from the RCN-memory means as an RCN-packet signal; an intermediate data terminal (IDT) including IDT-receiver means for receiving the RCN-packet signal transmitted from each remote cell node, IDT-memory means for storing the received RCN-packet signal, and IDT-transmitter means for transmitting the stored RCN-packet signal as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-receiver means for receiving the IDT-packet signal, CDT-processing means for decoding the received IDT-packet signal as a plurality of NSM data, and CDT-memory means for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 115 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99, wherein: each of said network service modules further includes NSM-processor means, responsive to detecting an alarm condition, for generating an alarm signal, with said NSM-transmitter means, responsive to the alarm signal, transmitting an NSM-packet signal having the alarm signal; each of said remote cell nodes further includes RCN-processor means, responsive to receiving the NSM-packet signal having the alarm signal, for causing said RCN-transmitter means to transmit an RCN-packet signal having the alarm signal; and said intermediate data terminal further includes IDT-processor means, responsive to receiving the RCN-packet signal having the alarm signal, for causing said IDT-transmitter means to transmit an IDT-packet signal having the alarm signal.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 26 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 with each of said plurality of physical devices including an electricity meter for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 26 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 with each of said plurality of physical devices including a water meter for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 26 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 with each of said plurality of physical devices including a gas meter for generating respective NSM data.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 35 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein said IDT-transmitter means, responsive to receiving the RCN-packet signal from a particular remote cell node, sends an acknowledgement signal to the particular remote cell node.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 55 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 104 wherein the particular remote cell node, responsive to receiving the acknowledgement signal, retains the stored NSM-packet signal in a respective RCN-memory means until an additional NSM-packet signal is received from a network service module, and then the particular remote cell node deletes the stored NSM-packet signal.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 17 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein said CDT-processing means correlates the NSM data.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 23 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 106 wherein said CDT-processing means identifies duplicate NSM data among the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 23 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein said CDT-processing means identifies duplicate NSM data among the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 18 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 108 wherein said CDT-processing means deletes the duplicate NSM data.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein said IDT transmitter includes frequency controlling means for controlling and changing the carrier frequency.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 33 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein said intermediate data terminal includes antenna means for transmitting in turn a polling signal to each of said plurality of remote cell nodes.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes disk for rotating to measure data.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 30 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 112 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a reverse sensor for detecting a reverse rotation of a respective disk.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 48 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a housing for housing a respective one of the plurality of physical devices; and a tilt sensor for detecting a movement of a respective one of the plurality of housings.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 29 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a field sensor for detecting a presence of an electric field.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 25 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes an acoustic sensor for detecting a sound.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 29 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a magnetic sensor for detecting a presence of a magnetic field.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 25 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a heat sensor for detecting a temperature.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 27 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a battery level sensor for detecting a battery level.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 27 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of said plurality of physical devices includes a consumption sensor for detecting a value of consumption.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 29 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 99 wherein each of the plurality of physical devices includes a cover sensor for detecting a continual presence of a cover.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 371 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules including NSM-transmitter means for transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data generated by a respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal at a time pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced, with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for receiving the transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including RCN-receiver means for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; RCN-memory means for storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; and RCN-transmitter means, responsive to a first polling signal, for transmitting the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT), with each intermediate data terminal including IDT-transmitter means for transmitting the first polling signal to said plurality of remote cell nodes; IDT-receiver means for receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, respectively, with the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of said plurality of remote cell nodes; IDT-processing means for decoding the multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; IDT-memory means for storing the received multiplicity of RCN-packet signals, with said IDT-transmitter means responsive to a second polling signal for transmitting the stored multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-transmitter means for transmitting the second polling signal to said plurality of intermediate data terminals, CDT-receiver means for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, CDT-processing means for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, and CDT-memory means for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 371 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules including NSM-transmitter means for transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data generated by a respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal at a time pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced, with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for receiving the transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including RCN-receiver means for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; RCN-memory means for storing the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; and RCN-transmitter means, responsive to a first polling signal, for transmitting the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT), with each intermediate data terminal including IDT-transmitter means for transmitting the first polling signal to said plurality of remote cell nodes; IDT-receiver means for receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, respectively, with the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of said plurality of remote cell nodes; IDT-processing means for decoding the multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; IDT-memory means for storing the received multiplicity of RCN-packet signals, with said IDT-transmitter means responsive to a second polling signal for transmitting the stored multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having CDT-transmitter means for transmitting the second polling signal to said plurality of intermediate data terminals, CDT-receiver means for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, CDT-processing means for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, and CDT-memory means for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 19 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 122 wherein said CDT-processing means correlates the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 25 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 122 or 123 wherein said CDT-processing means identifies duplicate NSM data from the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 124 wherein said CDT-processing means deletes the duplicate NSM data from the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 19 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 122 wherein said IDT-processing means correlates the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 126 wherein said IDT-processing means identifies a duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 127 wherein said IDT-processing means deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signal from the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 23 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 122 wherein said IDT-processing means identifies duplicate NSM data from the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 23 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 122 wherein said RCN-processing means identifies redundant NSM data from the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 24 words

The communications network as set forth in claim 130 wherein said RCN-processing means cancels the redundant NSM data from the plurality of NSM data.

Claim 142

Independent Claim 190 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving NSM-data by said at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving at a remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing the NSM-packet signal; receiving at the remote cell node a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules; storing a plurality of NSM-packet signals at the remote cell node, the plurality of NSM-packet signals including the NSM-packet signal and the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; transmitting from the remote cell node the stored plurality of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; and receiving the RCN-packet signal at a central data terminal (CDT).

Claim 143

Independent Claim 190 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving NSM-data by said at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving at a remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing the NSM-packet signal; receiving at the remote cell node a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules; storing a plurality of NSM-packet signals at the remote cell node, the plurality of NSM-packet signals including the NSM-packet signal and the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; transmitting from the remote cell node the stored plurality of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; and receiving the RCN-packet signal at a central data terminal (CDT).

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method as set forth in claim 132, further comprising the steps of: sending an acknowledgement signal to the remote cell node; receiving the acknowledgement signal at the remote cell node; retaining the stored plurality of NSM-packet signals; receiving additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and overwriting the stored plurality of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method as set forth in claim 132, further comprising the steps of: sending an acknowledgement signal to the remote cell node; receiving, at the remote cell node, the acknowledgement signal; and deleting by overwriting, at the remote cell node, the stored plurality of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method as set forth in claim 132, further comprising the steps of: correlating the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; identifying a redundant NSM-packet signal from the plurality of NSM-packet signals; receiving additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and deleting, by overwriting, the redundant NSM-packet signal with the additional received NSM-packet signals.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 45 words

The method as set forth in claim 132, further comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of RCN-packet signals at the central data terminal; correlating the NSM data embedded in the plurality of RCN-packet signals; identifying redundant NSM data; and deleting the redundant NSM data.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method as set forth in claim 132, further comprising the step of: sending a plurality of communications signals to the remote cell node.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method as set forth in claim 132, further comprising the step of: sending a command signal to the remote cell node.

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method as set forth in claim 132, further comprising the steps of: receiving a command signal, transmitted from the remote cell node, at one of the multiplicity of network service modules; and setting, in response to the command signal, a carrier frequency of a transmitter located at said network service module.

Claim 151

Independent Claim 199 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving NSM-data by at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving, at a first remote cell node (RCN), the NSM-packet signal; storing the NSM-packet signal at the first remote cell node; receiving at the first remote cell node, a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules; storing a plurality of NSM-packet signals at the first remote cell node, the plurality of NSM-packet signals including the NSM-packet signal and the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; transmitting, from the first remote cell node, the stored plurality of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; and receiving the RCN-packet signal at a central data terminal (CDT).

Claim 152

Independent Claim 199 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by a plurality of remote cell nodes located within the geographic area and spaced with each network service module of the plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes for receiving NSM-data by at least two remote cell nodes, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving, at a first remote cell node (RCN), the NSM-packet signal; storing the NSM-packet signal at the first remote cell node; receiving at the first remote cell node, a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules; storing a plurality of NSM-packet signals at the first remote cell node, the plurality of NSM-packet signals including the NSM-packet signal and the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; transmitting, from the first remote cell node, the stored plurality of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; and receiving the RCN-packet signal at a central data terminal (CDT).

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method as set forth in claim 132 or 140, further comprising the steps of: correlating the plurality of NSM-packet signals; identifying a redundant NSM-packet signal from the plurality of NSM-packet signals; deleting the redundant NSM-packet signal.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method as set forth in claim 140, further comprising the steps of: sending an acknowledgement signal to the first remote cell node; receiving, at the first remote cell node, the acknowledgement signal; and deleting by overwriting, at the first remote cell node, the stored plurality of NSM-packet signals.

Claim 155

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method as set forth in claim 140, further comprising the step of eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, on the acknowledgement signal sent to the first remote cell node.

Claim 156

Dependent Claim 61 words

The method as set forth in claim 140, further comprising the steps of: monitoring, by a second remote cell node, the RCN-packet signal transmitted by the first remote cell node; comparing, by the second remote cell node, the transmitted RCN-packet signal to NSM data stored at the second remote cell node; identifying redundant NSM data; and cancelling the redundant NSM data.

Claim 157

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method as set forth in claim 140, further comprising the steps of: correlating the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; identifying a redundant NSM-packet signal from the plurality of NSM-packet signals; receiving additional NSM-packet signals from the multiplicity of network service modules; and deleting, by overwriting, the redundant NSM-packet signal with the additional received NSM-packet signals.

Claim 158

Dependent Claim 326 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module coupled to a respective physical device generating respective NSM data, with each network service module including an NSM transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio at a carrier frequency the respective NSM data from the respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal at a time pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for simultaneously receiving the transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes of said plurality of remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including an RCN receiver for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; and an RCN transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT), with each intermediate data terminal including an IDT receiver for receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, respectively, with the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of said plurality of remote cell nodes; and an IDT transmitter for transmitting the multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having a a CDT receiver for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, a CDT processor for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, and a CDT memory for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 159

Dependent Claim 326 words

A communications network for collecting a plurality of network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographic area, comprising: a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module coupled to a respective physical device generating respective NSM data, with each network service module including an NSM transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio at a carrier frequency the respective NSM data from the respective physical device as an NSM-packet signal at a time pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period; a plurality of remote cell nodes (RCN) located within the geographic area and spaced, with each network service module of said plurality of network service modules within a range of at least two remote cell nodes of said plurality of remote cell nodes, for simultaneously receiving the transmitted NSM-packet signal by said at least two remote cell nodes of said plurality of remote cell nodes, with each remote cell node including an RCN receiver for receiving a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules, respectively, with the multiplicity of network service modules including a subset of said plurality of network service modules; and an RCN transmitter for transmitting by wireless radio the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal; a plurality of intermediate data terminals (IDT), with each intermediate data terminal including an IDT receiver for receiving a multiplicity of RCN-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of remote cell nodes, respectively, with the multiplicity of remote cell nodes including a subset of said plurality of remote cell nodes; and an IDT transmitter for transmitting the multiplicity of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal; and a central data terminal (CDT) having a a CDT receiver for receiving a plurality of IDT-packet signals, a CDT processor for decoding the plurality of IDT-packet signals as the plurality of NSM data, and a CDT memory for storing the plurality of NSM data in a data base.

Claim 160

Independent Claim 326 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring the NSM data to at least one intermediate data terminal (IDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the first remote cell node, from the intermediate data terminal, using a first polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the first polling signal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, to the transmitted first RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal at the intermediate data terminal; sending, responsive to receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal, an acknowledgement signal to the first remote cell node; eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, to the transmitted acknowledgement signal; cancelling, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal from the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a redundant signal; polling the second remote cell node, from the intermediate data terminal, using a second polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the second polling signal, the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a second RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal at the intermediate data terminal; and sending, responsive to receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal, an acknowledgement signal to the second remote cell node.

Claim 161

Independent Claim 326 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring the NSM data to at least one intermediate data terminal (IDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the first remote cell node, from the intermediate data terminal, using a first polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the first polling signal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, to the transmitted first RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal at the intermediate data terminal; sending, responsive to receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal, an acknowledgement signal to the first remote cell node; eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, to the transmitted acknowledgement signal; cancelling, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal from the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a redundant signal; polling the second remote cell node, from the intermediate data terminal, using a second polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the second polling signal, the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a second RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal at the intermediate data terminal; and sending, responsive to receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal, an acknowledgement signal to the second remote cell node.

Claim 162

Dependent Claim 56 words

The method as set forth in claim 147 further comprising the steps of: decoding, at the intermediate data terminal, the first RCN-packet signal as a first plurality of NSM data; decoding, at the intermediate data terminal, the second RCN-packet signal as a second plurality of NSM data; identifying redundant NSM data; and deleting redundant NSM data.

Claim 163

Independent Claim 188 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring NSM data to at least one intermediate data terminal (IDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; transmitting, to the intermediate data terminal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; monitoring, by the second remote cell node, the transmitted first RCN-packet signal; identifying redundant NSM data; and cancelling redundant NSM data.

Claim 164

Independent Claim 188 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring NSM data to at least one intermediate data terminal (IDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; transmitting, to the intermediate data terminal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; monitoring, by the second remote cell node, the transmitted first RCN-packet signal; identifying redundant NSM data; and cancelling redundant NSM data.

Claim 165

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method as set forth in claim 149 wherein the step of identifying redundant NSM data includes the step of comparing the transmitted first RCN-packet signal to NSM data stored at the second remote cell node.

Claim 166

Independent Claim 285 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring NSM data to at least one intermediate data terminal (IDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the first remote cell node, from the intermediate data terminal, using a first polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the first polling signal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal at the intermediate data terminal; polling the second remote cell node, from the intermediate data terminal, using a second polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the second polling signal, the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a second RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal at the intermediate data terminal; decoding, at the intermediate data terminal, the first RCN-packet signal as a first plurality of NSM data; decoding, at the intermediate data terminal, the second RCN-packet signal as a second plurality of NSM data; identifying redundant NSM data; and deleting the redundant NSM data.

Claim 167

Independent Claim 285 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring NSM data to at least one intermediate data terminal (IDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the first remote cell node, from the intermediate data terminal, using a first polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the first polling signal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal at the intermediate data terminal; polling the second remote cell node, from the intermediate data terminal, using a second polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the second polling signal, the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a second RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal at the intermediate data terminal; decoding, at the intermediate data terminal, the first RCN-packet signal as a first plurality of NSM data; decoding, at the intermediate data terminal, the second RCN-packet signal as a second plurality of NSM data; identifying redundant NSM data; and deleting the redundant NSM data.

Claim 168

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method as set forth in claim 148 or 151 wherein the step of identifying redundant NSM data includes the step of comparing the first plurality of NSM data to the second plurality of NSM data.

Claim 169

Dependent Claim 43 words

The method as set forth in claim 151 further comprising, after the step of transmitting the first RCN-packet signal, the steps of: monitoring, by the second remote cell node, the transmitted first RCN-packet signal; identifying redundant NSM data; and cancelling redundant NSM data.

Claim 170

Independent Claim 320 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring the NSM data to a central data terminal (CDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the first remote cell node, from the central data terminal, using a first polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the first polling signal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, to the transmitted first RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal at the central data terminal; sending, responsive to receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal, an acknowledgement signal to the first remote cell node; eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, to the transmitted acknowledgement signal; deleting, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal from the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the second remote cell node, from the central data terminal, using a second polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the second polling signal, the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a second RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal at the central data terminal; and sending, responsive to receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal, an acknowledgement signal to the second remote cell node.

Claim 171

Independent Claim 320 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring the NSM data to a central data terminal (CDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the first remote cell node, from the central data terminal, using a first polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the first polling signal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, to the transmitted first RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal at the central data terminal; sending, responsive to receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal, an acknowledgement signal to the first remote cell node; eavesdropping, by the second remote cell node, to the transmitted acknowledgement signal; deleting, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal from the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the second remote cell node, from the central data terminal, using a second polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the second polling signal, the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a second RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal at the central data terminal; and sending, responsive to receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal, an acknowledgement signal to the second remote cell node.

Claim 172

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method as set forth in claim 154 further comprising the steps of: decoding, at the central data terminal, the first RCN-packet signal as a first plurality of NSM data; decoding, at the central data terminal, the second RCN-packet signal as a second plurality of NSM data; and deleting redundant NSM data.

Claim 173

Independent Claim 281 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring NSM data to at least one central data terminal (CDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the first remote cell node, from the central data terminal, using a first polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the first polling signal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal at the central data terminal; polling the second remote cell node, from the central data terminal, using a second polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the second polling signal, the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a second RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal at the central data terminal; decoding, at the central data terminal, the first RCN-packet signal as a first plurality of NSM data; decoding, at the central data terminal, the second RCN-packet signal as a second plurality of NSM data; and deleting the redundant NSM data.

Claim 174

Independent Claim 281 words

A method for collecting network service module (NSM) data generated by a plurality of physical devices coupled to a plurality of network service modules, respectively, located within a geographic area, by at least two remote cell nodes located within the geographic area, for transferring NSM data to at least one central data terminal (CDT), and for eliminating redundant NSM data, comprising the steps of: transmitting by wireless radio respective NSM data, generated by a respective physical device using a respective network service module, as an NSM-packet signal; receiving by a first remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; receiving by a second remote cell node (RCN) the NSM-packet signal; storing, at the first remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; storing, at the second remote cell node, the NSM-packet signal as part of a second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals; polling the first remote cell node, from the central data terminal, using a first polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the first polling signal, the first stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a first RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted first RCN-packet signal at the central data terminal; polling the second remote cell node, from the central data terminal, using a second polling signal; transmitting, responsive to the second polling signal, the second stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as a second RCN-packet signal; receiving the transmitted second RCN-packet signal at the central data terminal; decoding, at the central data terminal, the first RCN-packet signal as a first plurality of NSM data; decoding, at the central data terminal, the second RCN-packet signal as a second plurality of NSM data; and deleting the redundant NSM data.

Claim 175

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method as set forth in claim 155 or 156 wherein the step of identifying redundant NSM data includes the step of comparing the first plurality of NSM data to the second plurality of NSM data.

Claim 176

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method as set forth in claim 156 further comprising, after the step of transmitting the first RCN-packet signal, the steps monitoring, by the second remote cell node, the transmitted first RCN-packet signal; identifying redundant NSM data; and cancelling redundant NSM data.

Claim 177

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method as set forth in claim 153 or 158 wherein the step of identifying redundant NSM data includes the step of comparing the transmitted first RCN-packet signal to NSM-data stored at the second remote cell node.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1999-09-03	2000-03-04	2000-09-03	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2003-09-03	2004-03-04	2004-09-03	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2007-09-03	2008-03-04	2008-09-03	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Radio communication network for remote data generating stations

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