text:
A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.
1. In a network having a collector that receives data from nodes and communicates the data to a communication server, a method of retrieving data from a node, comprising:
examining a list of nodes registered with said collector;
identifying a registered node with which communication is to be established;
reading data from said registered node by sending a request to said node to forward said data to said collector;
determining if said request resulted in a successful data read from said registered node;
retrying reading data from said registered node if said request was not successful;
increasing a number of packet level retries for each successive retry to read data from said registered node; and
storing said data at said collector.
2. The method of
determining if additional data is to be read from additional registered nodes; and
reading said additional data from said additional registered nodes.
3. The method of
determining if said additional data has been read from all registered nodes registered with said collector; and
waiting a predetermined time period before again reading from said registered nodes.
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
increasing said number of packet level retries in accordance with an increasingly higher level to which said registered node is assigned.
8. The method of
9. In a collector that receives data from nodes and communicates the data to a communication server, said collector maintaining a list of registered nodes with which said collector communicates, and said nodes being organized into levels within a subnet that communicates with said collector, a method of reading data from nodes within said subnet, comprising:
identifying a registered node with which communication is to be established from said list of registered nodes;
requesting data from said registered node;
determining if data was successfully received from said registered node:
retrying requesting data from said node if said data was not successfully received;
increasing a number of packet level retries for each successive retry to request data from said registered node;
receiving said data; and
storing said data at said collector.
10. The method of
determining if additional data is to be read from additional registered nodes; and
reading said additional data from said additional registered nodes.
11. The method of
determining if said additional data has been read from all registered nodes registered with said collector; and
waiting a predetermined time period before again reading from said registered nodes.
12. The method of
13. The method of
14. The method of
15. The method of
increasing said number of packet level retries in accordance with an increasingly higher level to which said registered node is assigned.
16. The method of
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/185,664, filed Jun. 27, 2002, and entitled "Dynamic Seif-Configuring Metering Network," the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The present invention relates to metering systems, and more particularly, to wireless networks for gathering metering data.
The collection of meter data from electrical energy, water, and gas meters has traditionally been performed by human meter-readers. The meter-reader travels to the meter location, which is frequently on the customer's premises, visually inspects the meter, and records the reading. The meter-reader may be prevented from gaining access to the meter as a result of inclement weather or, where the meter is located within the customer's premises, due to an absentee customer. This methodology of meter data collection is labor intensive, prone to human error, and often results in stale and inflexible metering data.
Some meters have been enhanced to include a one-way radio transmitter for transmitting metering data to a receiving device. A person collecting meter data that is equipped with an appropriate radio receiver need only come into proximity with a meter to read the meter data and need not visually inspect the meter. Thus, a meter-reader may walk or drive by a meter location to take a meter reading. While this represents an improvement over visiting and visually inspecting each meter, it still requires human involvement in the process.
An automated means for collecting meter data involves a fixed wireless network. Devices such as, for example, repeaters and gateways are permanently affixed on rooftops and pole-tops and strategically positioned to receive data from enhanced meters fitted with radio-transmitters. Data is transmitted from the meters to the repeaters and gateways and ultimately communicated to a central location. While fixed wireless networks greatly reduce human involvement in the process of meter reading, such systems require the installation and maintenance of a fixed network of repeaters, gateways, and servers. Identifying an acceptable location for a repeater or server and physically placing the device in the desired location on top of a building or utility pole is a tedious and labor-intensive operation. Furthermore, each meter that is installed in the network needs to be manually configured to communicate with a particular portion of the established network. When a portion of the network fails to operate as intended, human intervention is typically required to test the effected components and reconfigure the network to return it to operation. Thus, while existing fixed wireless systems have reduced the need for human involvement in the daily collection of meter data, such systems require substantial human investment in planning, installation, and maintenance and are relatively inflexible and difficult to manage.
A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting meter data is disclosed herein. In an illustrative embodiment, a plurality of meter devices, which operate to track usage of a service or commodity such as, for example, electricity, water, and gas, are operable to wirelessly communicate. One of the meter devices, which is referred to as a collector, broadcasts messages to identify one or more of the meters with which it can directly communicate. The meters with which the collector is operable to directly communicate may be referred to as level one meters. Data designating these meters as level one meters is stored on the collector and the level one meters.
The collector communicates instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. Meters that directly communicate with the level one meters may be referred to as level two meters. Data identifying the level two meters and the communication path to the level two meters is stored on the collector and the level two meters.
The collector continues the process of scanning the last defined level of meters for new meters that communicate with the last defined level. This process gradually provides identification of the meters in the network and the paths by which to communicate with each meter. Additionally, when new meters are added to the network, they are identified via subsequent scans.
Other features of systems and methods for gathering metering data are further apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:
Exemplary systems and methods for gathering meter data are described below with reference to
Generally, a plurality of meter devices, which operate to track usage of a service or commodity such as, for example, electricity, water, and gas, are operable to wirelessly communicate with each other. A collector meter is operable to automatically identify and register meters for communication with the collector meter. When a meter is installed, the meter becomes registered with the collector that can provide a communication path to the meter. The collectors receive and compile metering data from a plurality of meter devices via wireless communications. A communications server communicates with the collectors to retrieve the compiled meter data.
System 110 further comprises collectors 116. Collectors 116 are also meters operable to detect and record usage of a service or commodity such as, for example, electricity, water, or gas. Collectors 116 comprise an antenna and are operable to send and receive data wirelessly. In particular, collectors 116 are operable to send data to and receive data from meters 114. In an illustrative embodiment, meters 114 may be, for example, an electrical meter manufactured by ABB Incorporated.
A collector 116 and the meters 114 for which it is configured to receive meter data define a subnet 120 of system 110. For each subnet 120, data is collected at collector 116 and periodically transmitted to communication server 122. Communication server 122 stores the data for analysis and preparation of bills. Communication server 122 may be a specially programmed general purpose computing system and may communicate with collectors 116 wirelessly or via a wire line connection such as, for example, a dial-up telephone connection or fixed wire network.
Thus, each subnet 120 comprises a collector 116 and one or more meters 114, which may be referred to as nodes of the subnet. Typically, collector 116 directly communicates with only a subset of the plurality of meters 114 in the particular subnet. Meters 114 with which collector 116 directly communicates may be referred to as level one meters 114 a. The level one meters 114 a are said to be one "hop" from the collector 116. Communications between collector 116 and meters 114 other than level one meters 114 a are relayed through the level one meters 114 a. Thus, the level one meters 114 a operate as repeaters for communications between collector 116 and meters 114 located further away in subnet 120.
Each level one meter 114 a directly communicates with only a subset of the remaining meters 114 in the subnet 120. The meters 114 with which the level one meters 114 a directly communicate may be referred to as level two meters 114 b. Level two meters 114 b are one "hop" from level one meters 114 a, and therefore two "hops" from collector 116. Level two meters 114 b operate as repeaters for communications between the level one meters 114 a and meters 114 located further away from collector 116 in the subnet 120.
While only three levels of meters are shown (collector 114, first level 114 a, second level 114 b) in
Each meter 114 and collector 116 that is installed in the system 110 has a unique identifier stored thereon that uniquely identifies the device from all other devices in the system 110. Additionally, meters 114 operating in a subnet 120 comprise information including the following: data identifying the collector with which the meter is registered; the level in the subnet at which the meter is located; the repeater meter with which the meter communicates to send and receive data to the collector; an identifier indicating whether the meter is a repeater for other nodes in the subnet; and if the meter operates as a repeater, the identifier that uniquely identifies the repeater within the particular subnet, and the number of meters for which it is a repeater. Collectors 116 have stored thereon all of this same data for all meters 114 that are registered therewith. Thus, collector 116 comprises data identifying all nodes registered therewith as well as data identifying the registered path by which data is communicated with each node.
Generally, collector 116 and meters 114 communicate with and amongst one another using any one of several robust wireless techniques such as, for example, frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) and direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS).
For most network tasks such as, for example, reading data, collector 116 communicates with meters 114 in the subnet 120 using point-to-point transmissions. For example, a message or instruction from collector 116 is routed through a defined set of meter hops to the desired meter 114. Similarly, a meter 114 communicates with collector 117 through the same set of meter hops, but in reverse.
In some instances, however, collector 117 needs to quickly communicate information to all meters 114 located in its subnet 120. Accordingly, collector 117 may issue a broadcast message that is meant to reach all nodes in the subnet 120. The broadcast message may be referred to as a "flood broadcast message." A flood broadcast originates at collector 116 and propagates through the entire subnet 120 one level at a time. For example, collector 116 may transmit a flood broadcast to all first level meters 114 a. The first level meters 114 a that receive the message pick a random time slot and retransmit the broadcast message to second level meters 114 b. Any second level meter 114 b can accept the broadcast, thereby providing better coverage from the collector out to the end point meters. Similarly, the second level meters 114 b that receive the broadcast message pick a random time slot and communicate the broadcast message to third level meters. This process continues out until the end nodes of the subnet. Thus, a broadcast message gradually propagates out the subnet 120.
The flood broadcast packet header contains information to prevent nodes from repeating the flood broadcast packet more than once per level. For example, within a flood broadcast message, a field might exist that indicates to meters/nodes which receive the message, the level of the subnet the message is located; only nodes at that particular level may re-broadcast the message to the next level. If the collector broadcasts a flood message with a level of 1, only level 1 nodes may respond. Prior to re-broadcasting the flood message, the level 1 nodes increment the field to 2 so that only level 2 nodes respond to the broadcast. Information within the flood broadcast packet header ensures that a flood broadcast will eventually die out.
Generally, a collector 116 issues a flood broadcast several times, e.g. five times, successively to increase the probability that all meters in the subnet 120 receive the broadcast. A delay is introduced before each new broadcast to allow the previous broadcast packet time to propagate through all levels of the subnet.
Meters 114 may have a clock formed therein. However, meters 114 often undergo power interruptions that can interfere with the operation of any clock therein. Accordingly, the clocks internal to meters 114 cannot be relied upon to provide an accurate time reading. Having the correct time is necessary, however, when time of use metering is being employed. Indeed, in an embodiment, time of use schedule data may also be comprised in the same broadcast message as the time. Accordingly, collector 116 periodically flood broadcasts the real time to meters 114 in subnet 120. Meters 114 use the time broadcasts to stay synchronized with the rest of the subnet 120. In an illustrative embodiment, collector 116 broadcasts the time every 15 minutes. The broadcasts may be made near the middle of 15 minute clock boundaries that are used in performing load profiling and time of use (TOU) schedules so as to minimize tone changes near these boundaries. Maintaining time synchronization is important to the proper operation of the subnet 120. Accordingly, lower priority tasks performed by collector 116 may be delayed while the time broadcasts are performed.
In an illustrative embodiment, the flood broadcasts transmitting time data may be repeated, for example, five times, so as to increase the probability that all nodes receive the time. Furthermore, where time of use schedule data is communicated in the same transmission as the timing data, the subsequent time transmissions allow a different piece of the time of use schedule to be transmitted to the nodes.
Exception messages are used in subnet 120 to transmit unexpected events that occur at meters 114 to collector 116. In an embodiment, the first 4 seconds of every 32-second period are allocated as an exception window for meters 114 to transmit exception messages. Meters 114 transmit their exception messages early enough in the exception window so the message has time to propagate to collector 116 before the end of the exception window. Collector 116 may process the exceptions after the 4-second exception window. Generally, a collector 116 acknowledges exception messages, and collector 116 waits until the end of the exception window to send this acknowledgement.
In an illustrative embodiment, exception messages are configured as one of three different types of exception messages: local exceptions, which are handled directly by the collector 116 without intervention from communication server 122; an immediate exception, which is generally relayed to communication server 122 under an expedited schedule; and a daily exception, which is communicated to the communication server 122 on a regular schedule.
If an immediate exception type has been received, at step 220, collector 116 makes a record of the exception. An immediate exception might identify, for example, that there has been a power outage. Collector 116 may log the receipt of the exception in one or more tables or files. In an illustrative example, a record of receipt of an immediate exception is made in a table referred to as the "Immediate Exception Log Table."
At step 222, collector 116 waits a set period of time before taking further action with respect to the immediate exception. For example, collector 116 may wait 64 seconds. This delay period allows the exception to be corrected before communicating the exception to communication server 122. For example, where a power outage was the cause of the immediate exception, collector 116 may wait a set period of time to allow for receipt of a message indicating the power outage has been corrected.
If at step 224 the exception has not been corrected, at step 226, collector 116 communicates the immediate exception to communication server 122. For example, collector 116 may initiate a dial-up connection with communication server 122 and download the exception data. After reporting an immediate exception to communications server 122, collector 116 may delay reporting any additional immediate exceptions for a period of time such as ten minutes. This is to avoid reporting exceptions from other meters 114 that relate to, or have the same cause as the exception that was just reported.
If a daily exception was received, at step 230, the exception is recorded in a file or a database table. Generally, daily exceptions are occurrences in the subnet 120 that need to be reported to communication server 122, but are not so urgent that they need to be communicated immediately. For example, when collector 116 registers a new meter 114 in subnet 120, collector 116 records a daily exception identifying that the registration has taken place. In an illustrative embodiment, the exception is recorded in a database table referred to as the "Daily Exception Log Table." At step 232, collector 116 communicates the daily exceptions to communications server 122. Generally, collector 116 communicates the daily exceptions once every 24 hours.
According to an aspect of the disclosed system 110, a collector 116 may dynamically identify meters 114 that are operable to communicate with it in a subnet 120 as well as identify more efficient communication paths for previously registered meters. For example, when a collector 116 is initially brought into system 110, it needs to identify and register meters in its subnet 120. A "node scan" refers to a process of communication between connectors 116 and meters 114 whereby a collector may identify and register new nodes in a subnet 120 and allow previously registered nodes to switch paths. A collector 116 can implement a node scan on the entire subnet, referred to as a "full node scan," or a node scan can be performed on specially identified nodes, referred to as a "node scan retry."
A full node scan may be performed, for example, when a collector is first installed. The collector 116 must identify and register nodes from which it will collect usage data.
Collector 116 receives a response from one of the meters 114 at step 312. At step 313, collector 116 identifies a received signal strength (RSSI) value for the response from meter 114. At step 314, collector 116 stores in memory the meter's 114 unique identifier along with the corresponding RSSI value.
Preferably, collector 116 attempts to register meters 114 that will have a reliable data communication path. Accordingly, at step 316, collector 116 compares the RSSI value of the node scan response with a selected threshold value. For example, the threshold value may be −60 dBm. RSSI values above this threshold are sufficiently reliable. Collector 116 maintains a list of meters 114 that responded but which do not satisfy the RSSI threshold. For example, a database table referred to as the Straggler table may be employed to store for each meter that responded to a Node Scan Response and did not meet the RSSI value, the meter's unique identifier and the RSSI value of the response. Accordingly, if at step 316 the RSSI value is not greater than the established threshold, at step 318, collector 116 updates its list to include the meter's unique identifier and RSSI value. Thereafter, processing continues at step 326.
If at step 316, the RSSI value exceeds the threshold, at step 324, collector 116 registers the node. Registering a meter 114 comprises updating a list of the registered nodes at collector 116. For example, the list may be updated to identify the meter's system-wide unique identifier and the communication path to the node. Collector 116 also records the meter's level in the subnet (i.e. whether the meter is a level one node, level two node, etc.), whether the node operates as a repeater, and if so, the number of meters for which it operates as a repeater. Upon initialization, the data indicates the node is not a repeater and the number of meters for which it operates as a repeater is zero. The registration process further comprises transmitting registration information to the meter 114. For example, collector 116 forwards to meter 114 an indication that it is registered, the unique identifier of the collector with which it is registered, the level the meter exists at in the subnet, and the unique identifier of the meter with which it should communicate data. The meter stores this data and begins to operate as part of the subnet by responding to commands from its collector 116.
At step 326, collector 116 determines if there are additional responses to the node scan request. If so, processing continues at step 314.
Steps 310 through 326 may be performed several times so as to insure that all meters 114 that may receive the Node Scan Procedure, have an opportunity for their response to be received at collector 116. Accordingly, at step 328, collector 116 determines whether the Node Scan should be implemented again. Generally, this is determined by comparing the number of times the steps have been completed with a predefined limit. If the limit has not been met, processing continues at step 310. If the limit has been met, a first portion of the node scan procedure is complete. It is presumed that all first level meters 114 have been identified and registered at this point in the process. The Straggler list may identify one or more meters 114 that did not satisfy the RSSI threshold. The node scan process continues by performing a similar process as that described above at each of the now registered level one nodes. This process results in the identification and registration of level two nodes. After the level two nodes are identified, a similar node scan process is performed at the level two nodes to identify level three nodes, and so on.
The meter that receives the Initiate Node Scan Response request responds by performing a node scan process similar to that described above at steps 310 through 328. More specifically, the meter broadcasts a request to which all unregistered nodes respond. The request comprises the number of timeslots available for responding nodes (which is used to set the period for the node to wait for responses), the unique address of the collector that initiated the node scan procedure, a measure of the reliability of the communications between the sending node and the collector (which is used in the process of determining whether a meter's path may be switched as defined below in connection with
Collector 116 attempts to register meters 114 that will have a reliable data communication path. Accordingly, at step 348, collector 116 compares the RSSI value for the selected meter 114 with a selected threshold value. If the RSSI value is not greater than the threshold value, at step 350, collector 116 determines if the particular meter was previously identified as having responded to a Node Scan Response request but having not met the RSSI threshold. Specifically, collector 116 may refer to its Straggler table or similar file where it maintains a list of meters 114 that meet this criteria. If so, at step 352, collector 116 compares the RSSI value with the previously stored value. If the new RSSI value is greater than the previous value, at step 354, collector updates the Straggler table to identify the new RSSI value and the new communication path. If at step 352, the new RSSI value is not greater than the previous value, processing continues at step 362. If at step 350, it is determined that the particular meter 114 is not in the Straggler table, processing continues at step 354, where the Straggler table is updated to reflect the meter identifier, the communication path to this meter and the RSSI value. Thereafter, processing continues at step 362.
If at step 348, the RSSI value exceeded the threshold, at step 360, collector 116 registers the node. Registering a meter 114 comprises updating a list of the registered nodes at collector 116. For example, the list may be updated to identify the meter's unique identifier and the level of the meter in the subnet, i.e. whether the meter is a level one node, level two node, etc. Additionally, the collector's 116 registration information is updated to reflect that the meter 114 from which the scan process was initiated is identified as a repeater for the newly registered node. The registration process further comprises transmitting information to the newly registered meter as well as the meter that will serve as a repeater for the newly added node. For example, the node that issued the node scan response request is updated to identify that it operates as a repeater and, if it was previously registered as a repeater, increments a data item identifying the number of nodes for which it serves as a repeater. Thereafter, collector 116 forwards to the newly registered meter an indication that it is registered, an identification of the collector 116 with which it is registered, the level the meter exists at in the subnet, and the unique identifier of the node with which it communicates to forward information to collector 116.
At step 362, collector 116 determines if there are additional nodes identified in the information retrieved from the meter 114 that performed the node scan request. If so, processing continues at step 346.
If at step 362, there are no potential nodes to be evaluated, at step 364, collector 116 determines if there are other registered nodes on the same level that have not been directed to perform a node scan. For example, if level 1 nodes are being scanned for potential level 2 nodes, at step 364 collector 116 determines if there are any level 1 nodes that have not yet performed a node scan procedure. If so, processing continues at step 340 wherein collector requests that a node scan procedure be performed at the node.
If at step 364, all nodes at the level of the subnet under evaluation have been reviewed, processing continues at step 368, with collector 116 determining if there are registered meters at the next level of the subnet. If so, processing continues at step 340 with node scans being performed at this next level.
If at step 368 there are no registered nodes at the next higher level, at step 370, collector 116 registers the nodes identified in the list of meters that have responded but did not meet the RSSI threshold. At this point in the process, presumably, the list comprises the best path identified for each of the unregistered meters that responded, even if that path does not meet the desired RSSI threshold. If during operation of the network, a meter registered in this manner fails to perform adequately, it may be assigned a different path or possibly to a different collector as described below.
As previously mentioned, a full node scan may be performed when a collector 116 is first introduced to a network. At the conclusion of the full node scan, a collector 116 will have registered a set of meters 114 with which it communicates and reads metering data. Full node scans might be periodically performed by an installed collector to identify new meters 114 that have been brought on-line since the last node scan and to allow registered meters to switch to a different path.
In addition to the full node scan, collector 116 may also perform a process of scanning specific meters 114 in the subnet 120, which is referred to as a "node scan retry." For example, collector 116 may issue a specific request to a meter 114 to perform a node scan outside of a full node scan when on a previous attempt to scan the node, the collector 116 was unable to confirm that the particular meter 114 received the node scan request. Also, a collector 116 may request a node scan retry of a meter 114 when during the course of a full node scan the collector 116 was unable to read the node scan data from the meter 114. Similarly, a node scan retry will be performed when an exception procedure requesting an immediate node scan is received from a meter 114.
According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, system 110 automatically reconfigures to accommodate a new meter 114 that may be added. More particularly, the system identifies that the new meter has begun operating and identifies a path to a collector 116 that will become responsible for collecting the metering data. A flow chart of a process for adding a new meter is depicted in
A collector 116 periodically retrieves meter data from the meters that are registered with it. For example, meter data may be retrieved from a meter every 4 hours. Where there is a problem with reading the meter data on the regularly scheduled interval, the collector will try to read the data again before the next regularly scheduled interval. Nevertheless, there may be instances wherein the collector 116 is unable to read metering data from a particular meter 114 for a prolonged period of time. The meters 114 store an indication of when they are read by collector 116 and keep track of the time since their data has last been collected by the collector 116. If the length of time since the last reading exceeds a defined threshold such as for example, 18 hours, presumably a problem has arisen in the communication path between the particular meter 114 and the collector 116. Accordingly, the meter 114 changes its status to that of an unregistered meter and attempts to locate a new path to a collector 116 via the process described above in connection with
In some instances, while a collector 116 may be able to retrieve data from a registered meter 114 occasionally, the level of success in reading the meter may be inadequate. For example, if a collector 116 attempts to read meter data from a meter 114 every 4 hours but is able to read the data, for example, only 70 percent of the time or less, it may be desirable to find a more reliable path for reading the data from that particular meter. Where the frequency of reading data from a meter 114 falls below a desired frequency, the collector 116 transmits a message to the meter 114 to respond to node scans going forward. The meter 114 remains registered but will respond to node scans such as are described above in connection with
In some instances, a more reliable communication path for a meter may exist through a collector other than that with which the meter is registered. A meter may automatically recognize the existence of the more reliable communication path, switch collectors, and notify the previous collector that the change has taken place.
If at step 512, it is determined that the path to the new collector may be better than the path to its existing collector, at step 514, the meter 114 responds to the node scan. Included in the response is information regarding any nodes for which the particular meter may operate as a repeater. For example, the response might identify the number of nodes for which the meter serves as a repeater.
At step 516, collector 116 determines if it has the capacity to service the meter and any meters for which it operates as a repeater. If not, the collector 116 does not respond to the meter that is attempting to change collectors. If, however, the collector 116 determines that it has capacity to service the meter 114, at step 518, the collector 116 stores registration information about the meter 114. At step 520, collector 116 transmits a registration command to meter 114. At step 522, the meter 114 updates its registration data to identify that it is now registered with the new collector. At step 524, collector 116 communicates instruction to the meter 114 to initiate a node scan request. Nodes that are unregistered, or that had previously used meter 114 as a repeater respond to the request to identify themselves to collector 116. The collector registers these nodes as is described above in connection with registering new meters/nodes.
Under some circumstances it may be necessary to change a collector. For example, a collector may be malfunctioning, and need to be taken off-line. Accordingly, a new communication path must be provided for collecting meter data from the meters serviced by the particular collector. The process of replacing a collector is performed by broadcasting a message to unregister, usually from a replacement collector, to all of the meters that are registered with the collector that is being removed from service. According to an aspect of the disclosed embodiment, registered meters may be programmed to only respond to commands from the collector with which they are registered. Accordingly, the command to unregister may comprise the unique identifier of the collector that is being replaced. In response to the command to unregister, the meters begin to operate as unregistered meters and respond to node scan requests. To allow the unregistered command to propagate through the subnet, when a node receives the command it will not unregister immediately, but rather remain registered for a defined period, which may be referred to as the "Time to Live". During this time to live period, the nodes continue to respond to application layer and immediate retries allowing the unregistration command to propagate to all nodes in the subnet. Ultimately, the meters register with the replacement collector as described above in connection with
One of collector's 116 main responsibilities within subnet 120 is to retrieve metering data from meters 114. The self-configuring and self-healing characteristics of system 110 provide that collectors 116 have improved reliability in reading usage data. Generally, meters 114 store data regarding usage of electricity, gas, water, etc. in memory. Collector 116 periodically retrieves this data from nodes in its subnet 120. In an embodiment, collector 116 has as a goal to obtain at least one successful read of the metering data per day from each node in its subnet. Collector 116 attempts to retrieve the data from all nodes in its subnet 120 at a configurable periodicity. For example, collector 116 may be configured to attempt to retrieve metering data from meters 114 in its subnet 120 once every 4 hours.
If at step 614, the meter data was not received at collector 116, at step 620 collector 116 begins a retry procedure wherein it attempts to retry the data read from the particular meter. Collector 116 continues to attempt to read the data from the node until either the data is read or the next subnet reading takes place. In an embodiment, collector 116 attempts to read the data every 60 minutes. Thus, wherein a subnet reading is taken every 4 hours, collector 116 may issue three retries between subnet readings.
The inability to read metering data may be the result of communication failures that can take place at the packet communication level. For example, if for each hop the probability of successful communications is 95%, a level 8 node requires 16 message hops, which would result in a 44% probability a successful round trip message. If 2 immediate retries are used for each hop, the per hop probability increases from 95% to 99.98% and the probability of a successful round trip message increases to 99.8%. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the disclosed system, with each successive retry to read data from a node, the number of packet level retries increases. For example, if during a normal read attempt one packet level retry is undertaken, when an application level retry to read the data is made by the collector, two or more packet level retries may be implemented. Thus, as the number of application level retries increases, so does the number of packet level retries. Furthermore, the number of packet level retries varies according to the level at which the particular meter 114 exists in the subnet 120. The higher the level, the greater the number of packet level retries. The table below lists exemplary packet level retries for various subnet levels and various numbers of prior application level retry attempts.
In an embodiment of system 120, meters 114 are typically two-way meters—i.e. they are operable to both receive and transmit data. However, one-way meters that are operable only to transmit and not receive data may also be deployed in the system 110.
A block diagram for an exemplary meter device operable to perform as meter 114 or collector 116 as described above is depicted in
Those skilled in the art understand that processor readable instructions for implementing the above-described processes, such as those described with reference to
Thus, a dynamic self-configuring system for gathering metering data has been disclosed. This novel system and the methods performed therein provide a reliable and efficient means to collect metering data with minimal human intervention. Furthermore, the system requires minimal human interaction to configure and upgrade efficiencies.
While systems and methods have been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modification and variations may be made without departing from the principles described above and set forth in the following claims. For example, while communication server 122 has been described as communicating with collectors 116 via a dial-up connection, the communication may take place wirelessly. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims as describing the scope of disclosed embodiments.
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Re: A housekeeper?
Now, see, the thing is, the kids do already help but this house is just a dirt magnet! And 6 bathrooms, it's insane... even with the urinal in one the boys still manage to, um, dirty up every bathroom.
Each kid has a bathroom a week to clean (and I have one LOL). However, two thoughts in my head here, I don't like to "fix it" when they do a not-good-enough-in-my-book job and undermine their work. At the same time, I like it cleaner than they do it... since they aren't stupid, they'll know if I do it (which I don't
to do, or really have the time) so I thought a housekeeper/helper would be a good solution.
The kids are doing a great job with the main floors, sweeping & mopping, but then there's the "extra" rooms and those just aren't being gotten to. In general the kitchen is sparkling every night, but a thorough scrubbing of the cabinets would be wonderful once a month. The windows, yuck, I can't seem to get them streak free from the last, messy, tenant.
I've found someone, I think I'll have her come over & do the windows/kitchen & bathrooms once. See how long it takes, how good she does & how much she charges (I've heard 10 Euro an hour, 30 Euro a cleaning, any ideas?). But once every other week should be fine. Especially once we get on a roll.
I need a little more time to take them to the park, Sensapolis, castles... and still have time to cook, laundry & work. This might be the ticket. I certainly would love not to have to scrub 6 bathrooms every week.
Thanks so much all!
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SCRANTON — Many restaurant owners in Scranton wish the newest businesses would drive themselves out of downtown. The fight between brick and mortar restaurants and food trucks has come to a fever pitch and now city council is stepping in.
People on both sides of the restaurant/food truck debate are expected to be at a city council meeting to listen as council members mull over some possible amendments to the city's current food truck rules.
Sometimes downtown Scranton can look more like a street fair at lunchtime. Over the past year or so, food trucks have become a common sight in a place that's already full of food selections.
Dominic Saadi has owned and operated City Cafe in downtown Scranton for six years. He has a specialized menu that people will travel for, but still he believes the traveling food vendors are hurting his business. He said something has to change. He's one of a growing list of restaurant owners asking city council to change the food truck rules to keep them out of downtown.
"As long as they keep a safe enough distance and don't park directly in front or within a short distance of the restaurants, they have to earn a livelihood as well, but it's an unfair advantage, I believe," said Saadi.
Scranton has an ordinance regarding food trucks. They have to stay 100 feet away from any established restaurants, and they have to pay an annual fee, but that ordinance started becoming more controversial when food trucks became more popular.
What The Fork is one of those popular trucks, and the owners are on the defense in the food truck debate.
"I think the places where we're willing to make sacrifices aren't on the same page as what we're looking for," said Mario Bevilacqua.
Mario Bevilacqua and his employees at What The Fork try to play by the rules, usually setting up a few miles away from downtown and then putting their location on social media. They're willing to pay a higher fee or have a curfew, but they don't want to be barred from downtown.
"For us it would be detrimental. We can come here; we have a pretty good following. We would be able to capture or audience elsewhere, but I think it's about the idea in general and for the rest of the mobile food service vendors, we can be a voice for everybody," said Bevilacqua.
The folks from What The Fork started an online petition in support of the food trucks this week and already have thousands of signatures. There won't be any changes to the ordinance from city council for a few weeks; they're discussing it formally for the first time Thursday night.


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Oh, common', I have been waiting for a well needed doctor appt, since september. Traveling from Hunterdon County to Someset county to make a 9;15am appt.
So what about NJ Housing assistance program for renters'? Is that going to start sign up list again; because most people need more assistance with rent. Most can not afford to buy, first time or not.
I have noticed that, also; and I know about all the trash as well; that is why we opted outside the city. And I would appreciate to see updates on this everyday; you know we will never know the answer tho' but we sure have a right too.
Yeh, you have a point and I am sorry for your recent loss. But, it does seem that they have interviewed some people who they met at McDonalds that maybe they should look a little deeper into. I caught one statement from and elderly man close to his age that would set off alarms for me. I do not specifically want to mention name or statement, but, worth looking at further
I still can not help thinking about the quote by the daughter, after being called because person reported seeing papers pile up for days. She says "I don't Think He's going to make it"? I would be questioning that, myself. Why state it that way. It seemed obvious to everyone else there that he was dead. I do not get it. Explain it to me
I read this yesterday, and looked for update today; but nothing. but something I read before stuck in my mind. The daughter was called because no one had seen or heard from him in a couple of days, and newspapers are piling up. And they quote her saying "I don't think he is going to make it" WTH
Sounds like some of the comments of the interview at McDonalds could be misread, esp. one of the later ones. Easily misconstrued.
I moved out about 4 years ago now, but i lived in a condo in the back corner adjacent to the one I believe the ederly man lived; judging by the pictures; I was on the end building right side facing him; In his building there were also domestic disputes routinely where the cops were always there. Back then the association was very adament about locking the doors; and we were suppied with an upper and lower key for the locks outside, and then keys to our upstairs rental unit. But the other couples and singles were all elderly and they also demanded the doors locked, I obliged because the 2 elderly women were downstairs, and I , too was concerned for their wellbeing. As I feel about this poor old man, that as yet, we know nothing about, but I do remember his name. Do not remember anything I ever heard that he would be doing that was not proper, and lets' face it. In any community that close, you often know everyone elses business.
Excuse my error; they were condos, usually 4 in one building, but from what the news was saying he lived on first and second floor. Unless he owned both of them, I do not know how. The association has strick rules about living conditions. Whatever he did or did not do; and we don't know the story yet; no-one deserves to be murdered
I lived across from the house on Yorkshire, in flemington south estates, and they were adament about keeping outside doors, double-locked; Inside doors locked as well. Anyone who got in, either you let them in, or they had keys. Sounds like a personal conflict to me. Maybe it should be checked out. Family; friends,etc.


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Mon-Fri: 7am-1am EST / Sat-Sun: 7am-11pm EST
PartSelect Number PS2020805
This assembly comes with a check valve and helps expel water from the washing machine once spin speed is maintained for a specific period of time.
This part works with the following brands: Whirlpool, Admiral, Estate, Inglis, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Roper, Maytag, Crosley, Jenn-Air, Hardwick, Magic Chef, Amana, Caloric & Glenwood.
This part fixes the following symptoms:
Level of DifficultyReally easy
Time to do repair:15 - 30 mins
ToolsPliers, Screw drivers
CustomerRita from Three Rivers MI
Removed back of washer and unscrewed pump band and hose removed pump and replaced pump,replaced hose to new pump,WE really appreciated the fast shipping of the part from your facility.Thank You again
Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.
Were these instructions helpful?
ToolsPliers, Screw drivers, Wrench set
CustomerDanvardys from Powder Springs GA
The first step to repairing this problem is to remove the hoses and back panel of the washer. Next detach both the hoses attached to the pump ( have some towels handy because their will be a lot of water pouring out of the pump). Before removing any screws on the pump, use a wrench to remove the bottom platform securing the pump inside of the washer. On the the Amana washer there should be about three bolts holding this small platform down. After unscrewing the bolts, unsnap the wire connected to the motor and remove the platform to get the entire pump out of the washer. The next step is to unscrew the screws on the bottom of the platform to release the base of the pump. The next step is to put the new pump on that same platform. FYI the new pump may not fit on the platform. To solve this problem, unscrew the motor/pump(the black thing) from the base holding the motor( the cream or white colored part). Do this step for the old and new motor/pump. Screw your new motor to the old base. Screw the base with the motor attached back on the platform. Connect the wire in the washer back to the motor. Screw the platform back in the washer and reconnect everything that was disconnected to remove the motor/pump. Finally put the back panel back on the washer and run a test cycle. The washer should now be able to drain.
CustomerRaymond from Berea KY
Tilt washer onto door with back of washer on top for easier access.
Level of DifficultyEasy
ToolsNutdriver, Pliers, Screw drivers
CustomerROD from HENDERSONVILLE TN
Unplugged washerLoosened 2 hose clamps with nut driverUnplugged 2 power wires with pliersTwisted motor in washer base to align with large holes and removed itAttached wires to new motorReplaced new motor, twisted back in baseAttached 2 hoses and tightened hose clampsTest washing worked fineHose outlet no longer available with cylindrical filter, so current hose without filter is being used.Lint fiter simple front load replacement for old one in Maytag MDE3000AYW dryer.
All brand logos are trademarks of their respective owners.
The PartSelect logo is a Registered Trademark of Atlantic Laundry Centres, Ltd.
Copyright © 1999-2015 , Eldis Group Partnership. All rights reserved.


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Jessie Schnepp
|Volunteer Assistant Coach
|Previous College:
|New Hampshire '13
Jessie Schnepp ('13) will serve her second year as volunteer assistant coach for the University of New Hampshire volleyball team.
In her senior season, she set a single-season program record with 560 digs. Furthermore, Schnepp also registered an individual match program record of 38 digs at Villanova (Aug. 25, 2012).
A team captain in the 2012 season, Schnepp was named the Rutgers and Holly Young Invitational All-Tournament Team member as well as being selected to the America East All-Academic Team. In addition, the former tri-captain was inducted into the National College Athlete Honor Society while recording a team-high in service attempts (34), service attempts per set (0.29), digs (560), and digs per set (4.79) in her senior campaign.
A native of East Longmeadow, Mass., Schnepp graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire in May 2013.


text:
Outlook 2010 add-ins..
How to make it more reliable.. History: I was having problems starting Outlook on occasion, and I was having to run SCANPST too much. Looking at the add-ins (File > Options > Add-ins): COM add-in for MS Outlook Hotmail Connector = Not required.. I do not want Hotmail maxing out my pst file, thanks. MS… Continue reading Outlook 2010 add-ins..


text: Prev | Next Sholten Singer/The Herald-Dispatch William Cammack Campbell speaks after receiving an honorary doctoral degree during Marshall University's Winter Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington. Gallery: Remembering Bill Campbell Aug. 31, 2013 @ 04:04 PM The Herald-Dispatch / 2015 Amateur golf legend William C. Campbell of Huntington passed away Friday afternoon at his second home in Lewisburg, W.Va. He was 90. (u'nobuy',)


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For his final outing as the ever-clever MI-6 spy James Bond, Pierce Brosnan has a so-so script to work with but he does a great job, as usual, of keeping the lack-luster story alive. He is joined, this time, by a showy Halle Berry (who adds very little to the film) and some other less-than-exciting characters (with the exception of Rosamund Pike who plays a great friend then foe to Bond). So, even with the daunting challenge of keeping the movie entertaining despite obstacles, Brosnan comes through with a bang! He is really charged here as Bond, finally finding his 007 footing…he's tough and charming and cynical, yet confident. It's a shame that this was his last 007 film (though new Bond Daniel Craig is also good spy material, which he proves in 2006's Casino Royale) but for four films, Brosnan brought life back into a fledgling series…just as he brings life to this fledgling movie.
About Cecilia C.
I order the DVDs, Blu-rays, and Audiobooks at the Niles Library. I love movies almost as much as I love being a librarian. Also, I am an Anglophile, Hitchcock-phile, destined to move to London/England one day, loves to travel (Europe), loves to read, wishes for some more time to write.


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JS Kabylie reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League at the weekend, while Esperance made all but sure of joining them. Group B leaders JSK drew 1-1 away to Al Ahly to go five points clear of their opponents - and six above third-placed Heartland - with two rounds remaining. The Tunisian giants, meantime, beat TP Mazembe 3-0 to replace their visitors atop of Group A and establish a five-point cushion over ES Setif, who moved into third thanks to a reverse of Dynamos.
Mazembe's defeat in Rades was the worst they have suffered in the competition since 1977, when they lost by the same score in Togo. The reigning champions' nemesis was Michael Eneramo, who celebrated a recall to the Nigeria squad for their upcoming CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a first-half brace. That ensured a tumultuous week for the Esperance striker, in which he was involved in a training ground bust-up, ended on a high note.
ES Setif closed to within three points of Mazembe by notching their first win in the group stage against Dynamos on Friday evening. Bouazza Feham scored twice for the Algerians, before Youssef Ghazali sealed a 3-0 win.
Esperance and Mazembe will entertain Setif and Dynamos respectively in the penultimate round knowing that home victories would take them through to the last four.
Ahly frustration, Heartland relief
Al Ahly were expected to exact revenge for a 1-0 defeat at JS Kabylie a fortnight ago, and that appeared on the cards when their recent recruit Mohamed 'Gedo' Nagui opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a header from Ahmed Fathi's cross. The visitors refused to crumble, however, and restored parity five minutes later when, after a free-kick was blocked, Saad Tedjar thumped home the rebound.
JSK were forced to play the entire second half with ten men after the 44th-minute dismissal of Sid Ali Yahia-Cherif, but, largely thanks to a series of saves by Asseiah – especially one from Osama Hosni - they eked out the draw.
"Today our strikers laid siege to the Kabylie goal but couldn't convert any of the chances they created," said Ahly coach Hossam Al Badri after yesterday's encounter. "They were rather impulsive."
Heartland, last year's runners-up, are now just a point behind Ahly following a come-from-behind victory over Ismaily. Mohamed Hommos gave the visitors a 29th-minute lead, but after ThankGod Ike equalised on the stroke of half-time, Chinedu Efugh struck a late winner for the Nigerian heavyweights.
"I'm happy that we got the three points at last," reflected Heartland coach Samson Siasia. "This is our first win and we hope it can go on like this. But I'm not happy with the way the defenders played."
Heartland will visit Al Ahly in two weeks' time, while JSK host Ismaily.


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Poem by Robert Service, recited by Christopher Herwig, 1-2 lines a day while hiking and rafting across Iceland with Alastair Humphreys from North to South in July 2010.
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The No. 17 Chattanooga Mocs head to Birmingham, Ala., this weekend for a showdown with the Samford Bulldogs. UTC has already clinched at least a tie for the Southern Conference Championship, and can secure the title outright, along with the automatic bid to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs, with a win on Saturday.
UTC sits in first place in the league race with a 6-1 SoCon record, 8-2 overall. Samford, Furman and Wofford are all tied for second with a 4-2 league tally. The Mocs wrap up their SoCon schedule on Saturday, while the other three teams in the race will play their final league games on Nov. 23. UTC's regular season ends on the 23rd at Alabama.
Kickoff is set for 3:04 p.m. (E.S.T.) - 2:04 p.m. locally at Siebert Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. - on Saturday, Nov. 16. This is the 39th meeting between these two schools in a rivalry that dates back to 1906. The Mocs own a 26-9-3 advantage and are 7-4 in Birmingham.
Chattanooga is riding is riding its first six-game conference winning streak since joining the league in 1977. UTC also has secured its first eight-win season since 1980. Chattanooga's last nine-win season came in 1979.
The Bulldogs are 6-4 overall, but have dropped two consecutive conference games. They were ranked for most of the season, but are just outside of the top-25 this week.
This game will feature one of the top passing attacks in the FCS against one of the top rated passing defenses in the nation. Samford leads the SoCon and is No. 13 in the nation in passing offense (308.4), while the Mocs lead the league and are No. 2 in the country in passing defense (143.6).
The Mocs Sports Network broadcasts the game on ESPN Radio 105.1 The Zone in Chattanooga. Jim Reynolds is in his 34th year as the play-by-play Voice of the Mocs. Todd Agne has provided the color commentary for the past 17 years, while Will Poindexter is back as the sideline reporter. A free audio stream of the game is available through MocsVision on GoMocs.com.
The game will also broadcast on ESPN3.com. Darren Goldwater is the play-by-play announcer and Mike Gottfried is the color commentator. This is the last of four Mocs football games on ESPN3 this fall.
With two weeks left in the regular season, the Mocs are the only team in the hunt that can clinch the automatic bid this weekend. UTC is 6-1 in SoCon action, leading Samford, Wofford and Furman who are all 4-2. A UTC win over Samford gives the Mocs the outright title and the automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs. A Samford win means that all four teams will be watching the scoreboards on Nov. 23. Furman visits Western Carolina this week, while Wofford travels to Appalachian State. Samford hosts Elon and Wofford travels to Furman on Nov. 23.
This is the 11th week the Mocs have been ranked in the Russ Huesman era (since 1999). UTC is 4-6 when ranked in the top-25 since 2010.
UTC's 35-28 win at Appalachian State on Nov. 2 secured the Mocs fourth winning record in the last five years, all during the Russ Huesman era. UTC only had four winning seasons in the 23 years prior to Huesman's arrival in 2009 (1986-2008).
The 20-10 win against No. 15 Wofford on Saturday gave Chattanooga its sixth win in SoCon action. The Mocs had not won six SoCon games in one season since joining the league in 1977.
There were just three penalties combined between the two teams in the Mocs 20-10 win over Wofford last weekend, and just one was against UTC. In the last thee games, the Mocs have only had five total penalties. UTC is currently No. 2 in the nation for fewest penalties per game (3.6) and No. 3 in the FCS for fewest penalty yards (30.0).
On first reference, it is acceptable to refer to us as the "University of Tennessee at Chattanooga". After that, we prefer to be called "Chattanooga" or "UTC." Our nickname is "Mocs."
• The Mocs lead the SoCon in total defense (320.1) and scoring defense (17.9). They are 13th and seventh, nationally, in those respective categories.
• Chattanooga also leads the league and is second in the FCS in passing defense (143.6).
• UTC leads the SoCon and is No. 22 in the nation in pass efficiency defense (112.91).
• The Mocs are allowing just 16.8 first downs per game. That is second in the SoCon and is tied for 20th, nationally.
• Junior DE Davis Tull leads the SoCon and tied for fifth in the FCS with 9.0 sacks ... he set the Mocs all-time sack record (26.5) with one at Elon on Oct. 19.
• UTC is tied for the SoCon lead with 10 interceptions.
• The Mocs are 7-1 when allowing less than 24 points this season ... UTC is 27-5 in the Huesman era (since 2009) when allowing 24 points or less.
• UTC has held five opponents to less than 300 yards of total offense this season, five in 2012 and six in 2011...UTC has held at least four opponents to less than 300 yards in each of Russ Huesman's five seasons...Prior to his arrival in 2009, the last time Chattanooga held four opponents to under 300 yards in a season was 2000.
• The Mocs are currently No. 15 in the FCS and No. 4 in the SoCon in rushing at 235.2 yards per game.
• UTC is No. 24 in the nation and No. 4 in the SoCon in Pass Efficiency (141.84).
• Chattanooga is second in the SoCon and is No. 14 in the country in 3rd-down conversion percentage (59/130 - 45.4%).
• Sophomore QB Jacob Huesman is second in the league and is No. 12 in the country in completion % (66.0%) ... he also leads the SoCon in points responsible for (15 passing TDs, 9 rushing TDs).
• The Mocs have rushed for over 2,000 yards for the first time since 2005 (2,352) and just the second time since 1992. The school record for rushing yards in a season is 3,332 in 1977.
Special Teams
• Thanks to an 81-yard KOR against Western Carolina, senior Chaz Moore is No. 11 in the nation in KOR average (29.1).
• Junior Tommy Hudson is second in the SoCon and No. 24 in the nation with a 9.9 yard punt return average.
• Junior Nick Pollard is handling both the punting and place-kicking duties this season. He is 5-7 on field goals and averages 41.5 yards per punt.
• UTC is coming off a 6-5 record, its third winning season in the last four years. The last time the Mocs had three winning seasons in four years was 1984-87.
• UTC has five on various preseason All-American teams, including senior linebacker Wes Dothard, senior defensive back D.J. Key, senior defensive back Kadeem Wise, junior defensive end Davis Tull and junior tight end Faysal Shafaat.
• UTC is picked to finish third in the SoCon by the league's coaches, the highest preseason prediction for the Mocs since 1991.
• Chattanooga had nine players named to the preseason All-SoCon teams, including five on the first team defense (Dothard, Key, Wise, Tull and senior defensive lineman Derrick Lott).
UTC posted six straight games with at least 200 rushing yards between Georgia State and Elon. That run was snapped against The Citadel. Ironically, UTC had 197 rushing yards before they took a knee on three straight snaps to end the game. The Mocs were right back at it with 228 rushing yards at Appalachian State and 233 against Wofford. This is the first time since 1979 the Mocs have posted 200+ rushing yards in eight games. The last time UTC did it nine times in a season was 1977.
Coach Huesman is 31-23 in his five seasons with the Mocs. He just passed his former coach, Bill Oliver (1980-83), for fourth on the Mocs all-time coaching win list. Oliver went 29-14-1 in four seasons as coach of the Mocs. Joe Morrison (1973-79) is third with a 44-29-4 record in seven seasons.
The Mocs have five defensive players on the preseason All-SoCon first team and four earned preseason All-American honors. UTC is currently leading the league in scoring defense (17.9 ppg), total defense (320.1 ypg) and pass defense (143.6). However, not one of UTC's defenders is in the top 9 in the SoCon in tackles. Senior Wes Dothard is No. 10 with 7.8 stops per game.
Seniors Wes Dothard and D.J. Key are both broke into the Mocs record book for career tackles at Appalachian State. Dothard currently has 292 career stops and needs two more to pass Ron Fague (1994-97) for eighthall-time at UTC. Key has totaled 281 in his career and is 10th all-time at UTC.
Thanks to a 13-tackle effort at Elon on Oct. 19, senior Wes Dothard earned his fourth career SoCon Defensive Player of the Week award. That ties him with Junior Jackson (1986-89) for the most weekly defensive honors by a Moc from the league in school history.
Jacob Huesman is putting up some impressive numbers at quarterback this season. The sophomore captain is second in the SoCon and No. 12 in the nation with a 66.0 completion % (136-206). He is third in the league with a 141.1 pass efficiency rating. He leads the SoCon and is No. 20 in the nation in points responsible for with 15 TD passes and nine rushing scores. His 15 TD throws are second in the SoCon. He is also fourth in the league in total offense (226.8), fourth in rushing (89.6) and fifth in passing (137.2).
Huesman is also starting to make a mark on the Mocs career lists. He has 28 touchdown passes and needs eight more to pass Mickey Brokas (1970-73) for No. 5 all-time at UTC. He is also 10th in career passing yards (3,084) before the end of the season. He also topped 1,000 career rushing yards (1,800) against Georgia State.
After a statistically slow start to the season, junior defensive end Davis Tull has posted 7.0 sacks in the last five games. His one sack at Elon gave him 24.0 for his career, passing former teammate Josh Williams (2009-12) for the Mocs all-time record. Tull, the preseason SoCon Defensive Player of the Year and Buck Buchanan Award candidate, is currently leading the SoCon and tied for fourth in the nation with 9.0 sacks on the year.
Tull claimed the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Month honor for October. Already the school's career sack leader, had a phenomenal month leading the Mocs defense. He tallied 15 tackles, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Those 15 stops included 4.5 sacks (24 yards lost) as he set the career sacks record (24.0) with one at Elon on October 19. He also forced a fumble on that play, aiding a 20-9 UTC road triumph. His best game during the month came in a 31-9 win over Furman on the 12th. He recorded 3.5 sacks (21 yards lost), forced two fumbles and recovered one en route to SoCon Defensive Player of the Week honors providing a happy Homecoming for alums.
Tull was also recently named to the CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District team. He has a 3.52 g.p.a. as a Health & Human Performance major.
There are a number of Mocs listed among the active career leaders in the FCS. Senior DB Kadeem Wise is sixth among active players in the FCS with 11 interceptions. Junior DL Davis Tull is third with eight forced fumbles, fourth in career sacks (26.5) and sixth in TFLs per game (1.23). Senior LB Wes Dothard is fourth with seven forced fumbles and 10th with 7.19 tackles per game.
Junior running back Keon Williams was having an outstanding season before suffering an ankle injury on the opening kickoff against The Citadel. He has twice been named the league's offensive player of the week and is fifth in the league with 85.9 rushing yards per game and tied for third in the SoCon with nine rushing TDs. He has five 100-yard games this season, and is third in the SoCon with 5.9 yards per carry. His averages are skewed after only playing in one play against The Citadel. he has missed the last two games, but cuold be back in the lineup against Samford.
Junior PK Nick Pollard is No. 5 on the Mocs all-time scoring list with 173 career points. He needs three more to pass Dennis Waters (1986-88) for fourth. He is also second all-time in career PATs with 101. He needs 10 more to pass Matt Vick (1997-00) for the top spot.
Pollard took home conference and national awards for his play against No. 15 Wofford over the Weekend. He was named the Southern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week and the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) National Punter of the Week after helping the Mocs secure at least a tie for the SoCon title on Saturday.
He had a career-long 78-yard punt in the second quarter to highlight an excellent day on special teams. With the Mocs pinned on their own 13-yard line, Pollard nailed a punt over the Terrier returner's head who chased the ball down to his own nine-yard line. Pollard went on to set a UTC single-game record with his 54.7-yard punting average on three kicks.
Pollard was also 2-3 on field goals in the game. He connected on a 29-yarder in the second quarter to put Chattanooga up 17-3. He missed from 45 yards right before the half, but came back with a career-long 42-yarder in the fourth quarter.
The Mocs did not have a red zone stop on defense this season until the App. State game. UTC had two red zone stops at ASU, including Appalachian State's final possession. They added another agaisnt Wofford in the fourth quarter. For the season, UTC has only allowed opponents inside their 20, 28 times. That is the second fewest in the SoCon. Of those 28 trips, only 14 have been TDs, which is the fewest red zone TDs allowed in the SoCon.
• Fabian Truss ranks in the top five in the SoCon kickoff return average (1st-32.1 ypr.), all-purpose yards (1st-216.6 ypg.), punt return average (1st-14.8 ypr.) and scoring by touchdown (5th-6.6 ppg.). • Andy Summerlin is in the top five in the SoCon in passing average per game (1st-294.5 ypg.), total offense per game (1st-288.6 ypg.) and pass efficiency (2nd-142.0).
• Justin Shade is in the top five in the SoCon in tackles for loss (1st-1.3pg.), tackles per game (1st-10.4) and sacks (2nd-0.7 pg).
• Warren Handrahan leads the league in scoring by kick (8.1 ppg.), in field goals per game (1.6 pg.) and field goal percentage (80.0%), and he ranks third in scoring (8.1 ppg.).
• Josh Kimberlin is tied for second in the SoCon in interceptions (0.30 pg.), and Jaquiski Tartt is tied for fourth in the SoCon in passes defended (0.78 pg.).
• Kelsey Pope ranks second in the league in receiving yards per game (72.8ypg.) and receptions per game (5.7 pg.).
• Trey Wesley is tied for first in fumbles recovered (T1st-0.30 pg.).
• Greg Peranich ranks third in punting (42.7 ypk.).
• This is the 39th meeting between these two teams, dating back to 1906.
• Chattanooga leads the series 26-9-3 and is 7-4 in Birmingham.
• The Mocs have won all four games with Samford in the Russ Huesman era.
• UTC has won 12 of the last 14 games in the series and five straight in Birmingham.
• Most of this series was played between 1906 and 1968. there was a 30 year game in games between 1968 and 1998. UTC is 8-2 against Samford since the 1998 season.
Russ Huesman is 31-23 in his five years at Chattanooga after being hired as the 22nd head coach at UTC on Dec. 22, 2008. A 1983 graduate of UTC and a former defensive back, Huesman guided Chattanooga to a 6-5 mark in 2009, equaling the number of wins UTC had seen in the previous three years combined. Huesman is 26-19 against FCS teams with 13 of those losses coming against ranked opponents, including eight in the top-10. He is 22-16 in SoCon action and is 4-0 against Samford.
Prior to his return to Chattanooga, Huesman spent the 25 seasons building a reputation as one of the top defensive-minded assistant coaches in the country. He spent five seasons as the defensive coordinator at the University of Richmond before joining UTC and also coached at Memphis (1998-2003) and William & Mary (14 yrs), serving as the Defensive Coordinator for the 1996-97 seasons. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Huesman played prep football at perennial power Moeller High School, where he lettered for four years under head coach Gerry Faust.
• The Chattanooga Mocs clinched a share of the Southern Conference title for the first time since 1984 with a 20-10 win over Wofford today.
• This is the first eight-win season at UTC since 1980, when head coach Russ Huesman was a junior defensive back
• This is the first time in school history the Mocs have posted six wins in SoCon play…UTC joined the league in 1977.
• This is the first six-game winning streak overall since 1977.
• Chattanooga came into the game No. 8 in the FCS in scoring defense (18.8)…the Mocs have now held four teams to 10 points or less this season…first time since 1998.
• Mocs snap a three-game slide to the Terriers…UTC is 9-11 in the all-time series, 7-4 at home.
• On the opening drive of the second half, Wofford's Will Gay connected with receiver Will Irvin on a 60-yard halfback pass. It was the longest pass play allowed by UTC this season.
• There were no penalties in the first half by either team. UTC ended the game with one flag (pass interference) for 15 yards. The Mocs came into the game No. 3 in the nation in fewest penalty yards (31.7) and No. 5 in fewest penalties (3.89).
• Chattanooga improves to 6-13 against ranked opponents in the Russ Huesman era.
• The Mocs won the turnover battle today 4-1 today…three of the last four drives ended in turnovers for Wofford.
• UTC outrushed Wofford's triple-option attack 233-172. The Mocs are 7-0 when outrushing their opponent…25-3 in the Huesman era (since 2009).
• Chattanooga ran for more than 200 yards for the eighth time this season. The last time that happened was 1991. UTC's 2,352 yards on the ground this season are the most since posting 2,364 in 1991.
• The Mocs are undefeated at home in conference play (4-0) for the first time since 1983.
• Chattanooga is 15-0 when allowing less than 14 points in the Russ Huesman era (since 2009).
• UTC is 24-6 when leading after the third quarter in the Huesman era (since 2009).
• Wes Dothard – Sr.-LB - Nine tackles ... 2.5 TFLs ... third INT of his career.
• Derrick Craine – Fr.-RB - Season-high nine carries for 46 yards.
• Jacob Huesman – So.-QB - 100 yards rushing and passing for the second-straight game…sixth of his career ... 116 yards and a TD on 18 carries ... 15-23 passing for 151 yards ... 3,084 career passing yards passes Stan Nix (1987-90) for No. 10 all-time at UTC...he has 4,884 yards of total offense ... ninth rushing TD of the season.
• Nakevion Leslie – Fr.-DB - Game-high and career-high 14 tackles ... posted a sack and another ½ TFL.
• Nick Pollard – Jr.-P/K - 78-yard punt in the second quarter was the 4th longest in school history…longest since a 79-yarder by Pumpy Tudors against Appalachian State (10/28/98)…longest punt in the SoCon this season ... finished with a 54.7 yard average on three kicks...that's a school record for a game passing Tudors' 54.3 against App State (10/28/89) ... went 2-3 on field goals, including a career-long 42-yarder in the fourth quarter.
• Daniel Ring – So.-DL - Tied a career-high with six tackles ... TFL and recovered a fumble.
• Faysal Shafaat – Jr.-TE - Season-high five catches for 41 yards.
Davis Tull – Jr.-DE - Three tackles, including a ½ sack ... forced his fourth fumble of the season ... extended his UTC career record for sacks to 26.5.
• Dee Virgin – Fr.-DB - Second INT of the season…great one-handed grab ... added four tackles…TFL.
• UTC improved to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in the SoCon with a 20-13 win over Samford ... the Bulldogs dropped to 5-3 overall and 3-3 in SoCon play.
• Both teams combined for 155 yards of total offense in the first half...UTC 90 and Samford 65.
• Samford Series Notes...UTC leads 26-9-3...19-5-2 at home...4-2 in Finley Stadium...Mocs have won four straight.
• There was only one turnover in the game tonight, an INT by UTC linebacker Gunner Miller...Samford came into the game tied for the league lead in takeaways with 15 (10 INTs & 5 FR)...Mocs came into the game leading the SoCon in fewest turnovers with 5 (2 fumbles and 3 INTs).
• UTC has not turned the ball over for three consecutive games...it is the second time the Mocs have gone three consecutive games without a turnover in the Russ Huesman era (Presbyterian, Wofford & Samford in 2009).
• Samford's fourth quarter TD was its first against the Mocs since the third quarter of the 2010 game in Finley Stadium.
• The Mocs have allowed just one TD in each of the last three games...it is the second time that has happened in the Huesman era, also against Presbyterian (29-13), Wofford (38-9) and Samford (14-7) in 2009.
• Samford's Cameron Yaw connected on a 52-yard FG at the end of the first half...longest in the SoCon this season...it is the longest on record against the Mocs.
• The Mocs allowed 34 points to Appalachian State in the SoCon opener on Sept. 22...since then, UTC has only allowed 33 points in three games.
• UTC held Samford to 111 yards on 32 plays in the first three quarters...the Bulldogs racked up 148 yards on 35 plays in the fourth quarter alone.
• UTC held Samford to a season-low 259 yards of total offense.
• Wes Dothard (LB - Jr.) - Buck Buchanan Award Candidate - Team-high 11 tackles ... second game this season with 10+ tackles...seventh of his career ... also added a PBU.
• Jacob Huesman (Fr. - QB) - 18-23 passing for 164 yards and one TD - pass to J.J. Jackson for 35 yards in the third quarter was his 100th completion of the season...UTC freshman record...he is 106-157 with nine TDs and 1,039 yards on the year.
• Sema'je Kendall (DB - Fr.) - Season-high six tackles ... PBU on the final play of the game ... leads the team and is No. 2 in the SoCon with seven passes defended.
• Gunner Miller (LB - Jr.) - 2nd INT of the season in the second quarter...third of his career ... finished with six tackles.
• Chaz Moore (DB - Jr.) - career-high eight tackles.
• Nick Pollard (P/K - So.) - Averaged 44.5 yards per punt on six attempts - pinned Samford inside the 20 four times ... 49-yard punt late in the 4th quarter flipped the field and allowed the Mocs to hold on for the win ... 2-2 on FGs (29 &36)...6-10 on FGs this season...11-12 from inside 30 yards for his career.
• Zack Rayl (DE - So.) - Career-high five tackles ... recorded a sack and another 1.5 TFLs.
• Terrell Robinson (QB - So.) - Season-high nine receptions for 65 yards ... 5-6 passing for 15 yards. - 17 catches last two games.
• Davis Tull (DE - So.) - Finished with five solo tackles, including two sacks ... leads the SoCon with 8.0 sacks ... leads the SoCon with 9.5 TFLs.
Senior linebacker Wes Dothard and junior defensive end Davis Tull are among the 20 student-athletes across the nation tabbed as candidates for the Buck Buchanan Award, the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Defensive Player of the Year Award. This is the second straight year Dothard has been on the Buchanan Watch List, and the first time two Mocs have been candidates in the same season. Dothard is a two-time All-American linebacker and finished 19th in the voting last year. He led the Mocs with 94 tackles in 2012, repeating as a first team All-Southern Conference selection. He was also a Buchanan Award finalist as a sophomore in 2011, finishing 25th in the national voting. Tull was the SoCon Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, leading the league with a school-record 12.5 sacks. He also led the SoCon, and was No. 5 in the nation, with a UTC-record 19.0 tackles-for-loss.


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Using a ruler and compass only it is possible to fit a square into any triangle so that one side of the square rests on one side of the triangle and the other two vertices of the square touch the other two sides of the triangle:
How is this possible?
Prove why this works.
It is easy to draw a square ABCD with BC on the base PR of the triangle and the vertex D on the side PQ
What happens to the point A as you enlarge the square? The interactivity may help.


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Wow – healthy walking, wonderful scenery, great people, and fundraising for an important cause – all at the same time!
If you would like to join a group of wonderful people dedicated to ending Alzheimer's disease, please join the Southeast Wisconsin chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for a fundraising walk around Frame Park and the Fox River near downtown Waukesha. The date is Saturday, September 14, 2013. Registration can be completed online at www.alz.org/sewi or call 414-479-8800 if you need assistance.


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By unveiling a budget blueprint that would erase the deficit in just 10 years, House Republicans sought on Tuesday to make that goal the gold standard and bare minimum for all future budget battles between the two parties.
"When you're budgeting—just like families and businesses do—you cannot continue to kick the can down the road. You cannot continue to spend money you just don't have," said former vice presidential candidate and House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., flanked by his fellow committee members.
Despite the buildup to this new proposal, Ryan's latest plan looks remarkably similar to his previous budgets in its substance: the same ones litigated on the presidential campaign trail in 2012 and that Democrats love to cast as draconian.
Ryan would turn Medicare into a fixed-cost program for people 54 and younger, beginning in 2024, by giving them a set amount of money to purchase their own health care or a traditional Medicare plan on the private market. This assumes that the business competition will keep prices low enough to make health insurance affordable for senior citizens.
His budget turns Medicaid and food-stamp funding over to the states—effectively transforming these programs from open-ended entitlements and forms of assistance for anyone in need into programs with set budgets. This would mean that people could only receive Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits vis-à-vis state governments as long as the federal money lasted.
Ryan wants to wind down government programs such as housing giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. His budget also seeks to repeal the Affordable Care Act and simplify the tax code to include just two tax brackets, 10 percent and 25 percent.
These policies may offend liberals' sensibilities as they have in past years (the House Budget Committee's top Democrat, Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, called Ryan's new budget "reckless"). In fact, these ideas are basically a rehash from the old-school Ryan playbook.
The biggest policy changes in the new Ryan budget—and the ones that truly help him balance the budget in a decade—instead come from President Obama's signature policies, like raising taxes on the rich.
The roughly $600 billion in increased taxes from the fiscal-cliff deal negotiated at the end of last year help Ryan achieve his balanced-budget goal. Savings yielded by the Affordable Care Act, another major piece of legislation that originated within the White House, also help erase some of the red ink (though Ryan's budget assumes the law's repeal). Ryan's goal of balancing the budget in 10 years was aided as well by the slowdown in the rate of federal health care spending that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office first noted in February in its annual outlook. In 2013, Medicare is expected to grow by just 4 percent, or $21 billion.
Ryan's budget does nothing to tackle Social Security (though budget resolutions, by law, never do). Its Medicare cuts do not take effect until 2024, which means that Ryan does not tackle the true drivers of the long-term deficit during this decade—a point of criticism that he and House Republicans often lob at Democrats.
The other tweaks that Ryan says he is proposing in order to balance the budget by the end of the decade include cuts to federal employees' pensions and an additional two-year extension of the Budget Control Act's spending caps. The cost estimates for those savings will not be available until the end of the week, according to a Ryan spokesman.
Still, this lack of major new policies from Ryan did little to appease Democrats. Van Hollen hosted a 45-minute session with reporters Tuesday to point out the inconsistencies in Ryan's budget. Chief among his complaints: the way Ryan wants to undo both the Affordable Care Act and slash tax rates, while simultaneously counting savings in the health care law and the new revenue from the fiscal-cliff deal as a way to balance his budget in a shorter time frame. "It's a total hoax," Van Hollen said.
Next up in this week's budget battles is the Senate Democrats' proposal, set to be released Wednesday. That will serve as a rebuttal to the Ryan plan and the Republicans' complaint that Senate Democrats have not produced a budget since 2009. That proposal, led by new Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., will call for $975 billion in new revenue and $975 billion in spending cuts, including $275 billion in health care cuts. The health care cuts would not come from any change in benefits, according to Democrats familiar with the budget.
The two competing budget proposals are not expected to result in a successful budget conference. When asked about this possibility, Van Hollen laughed a little and said: "Miracles can happen." Instead, the two budget plans will serve as the opening bids in the next cycle of the ongoing fiscal wars and will serve as a reminder of where the parties stand ahead of the debt-ceiling fight this summer.
This article appears in the March 13, 2013 edition of NJ Daily as New Ryan Budget Looks Strikingly Similar to Old Ones.