Utility Node Communication Device Adaptable to a Cellular Device

1 . A utility node communication device comprising:

a dock to removably receive a cellular device, the dock having retaining members to securely retain the cellular device within the dock, the retaining members defining an opening to provide access to a display screen of the cellular device; and

a main body attached to the dock, the main body comprising:

a radio to communicate utility information with a utility node device;

a communication component communicatively coupled to the radio, the communication component to communicate with the cellular device; and

a keyboard to receive input from an individual and to send keystroke information based on the input to the communication component or the radio.

2 . The utility node communication device of claim 1 , wherein the cellular device comprises a cellular telephone, an electronic reader device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or a tablet computer.

3 . The utility node communication device of claim 1 , wherein the utility information comprises:

resource consumption information related to consumption of gas, electricity, and/or water;

configuration information related configuring the utility node device;

servicing information related to servicing the utility node device; and/or

installation information related to installing the utility node device.

4 . The utility node communication device of claim 1 , further comprising the cellular device connected to the dock.

5 . The utility node communication device of claim 1 , wherein the main body further comprises a meter probe port to connect to a probe that obtains a reading from the utility node device.

6 . The utility node communication device of claim 1 , wherein the main body and the dock are releasably attached to each other.

7 . The utility node communication device of claim 1 , wherein the dock and the main body form a single piece.

8 . The utility node communication device of claim 1 , wherein the dock includes shock absorbent protectors.

9 . The utility node communication device of claim 1 , wherein each retaining member includes a protective wall and a tab, the protective wall being disposed between the tab and a base portion of the dock, the tab extending from an edge portion of the dock toward a middle portion of the dock.

10 . A utility node communication device comprising:

a radio to communicate with a utility node device; and

a communication component communicatively coupled to the radio, the communication component to communicate with a cellular device located proximately to the utility node communication device.

11 . The utility node communication device of claim 10 , wherein the radio communicates according to a protocol adapted for utility reading.

12 . The utility node communication device of claim 10 , wherein the utility node communication device comprises a display screen and/or a keyboard.

13 . The utility node communication device of claim 10 , wherein the communication component is communicatively coupled to the cellular device through a wireless connection.

14 . The utility node communication device of claim 10 , further comprising:

an enclosure to house the radio and the communication component, the enclosure providing a protective casing for the radio and the communication component.

15 . The utility node communication device of claim 14 , further comprising:

a dock attached to the enclosure,

wherein the dock is configured to connect to the cellular device and to release the cellular device.

16 . The utility node communication device of claim 15 , wherein the dock forms a protective casing for the cellular device and is adapted to a shape of the cellular device.

17 . The utility node communication device of claim 10 , further comprising:

a battery to provide power to the radio, the communication component, and/or the cellular device.

18 . A method implemented at least in part by a utility node communication device, comprising:

receiving, at the utility node communication device, utility information from a proximate utility node device, the utility information comprising resource consumption information related to consumption of gas, electricity, and/or water, configuration information related configuring the proximate utility node device, servicing information related to servicing the proximate utility node device, and/or installation information related to installing the proximate utility node device; and

sending, by the utility node communication device, the utility information to a cellular device communicatively coupled to the utility node communication device, the cellular device comprising a cellular telephone, an electronic reader device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or a tablet computer.

19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising:

performing an action by the cellular device, the action comprising:

processing the utility information,

storing the utility information,

sending the utility information to a head end device of a utility, and/or

sending information to the utility node communication device to be sent to the proximate utility node device.

20 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the receiving includes receiving the utility information according to a protocol adapted for utility reading.