초록 ▼

An automated multi-purpose utility water meter readout system. The disclosed system obtains water usage information from an existing water meter without any modifications or attachments to the meter. The device needs only to be located in proximity to the water meter and obtains water flow informati

An automated multi-purpose utility water meter readout system. The disclosed system obtains water usage information from an existing water meter without any modifications or attachments to the meter. The device needs only to be located in proximity to the water meter and obtains water flow information by sensing the magnetic flux lines generated by the internal rotating coupling magnets of the water meter. The varying magnetic flux is converted to a periodic electrical signal whose frequency is proportional to the flow rate. The instantaneous flow is continually totalized and stored in a solid-state counter, from which the totalized flow information is periodically transmitted to a remote receiver by a standard, well-proven radio frequency telemetry link. The remote receiver stores data from multiple meters (up to 10,000) and periodically sends the data to the data processing office by means of telephone lines, CATV cable, or RF link. As an option, the system offers a feature that can provide direct benefits to the water user, i.e. an interface unit located in the user\s residence receives water use data from the meter and displays this data to aid in water conservation and provide warnings of water leaks. The disclosed system is optionally powered by a novel solid-state thermoelectric generator which converts ambient thermal energy to electrical energy and provides an operational life that far exceeds the economic life of the device.

대표청구항 ▼

In a meter measuring consumption of an item and having a case with a rotating magnet therein producing a magnetic field moving at a rate proportional to the consumption of the item, the improvement for remotely reading data from outside of the meter without physically invading or modifying the meter

In a meter measuring consumption of an item and having a case with a rotating magnet therein producing a magnetic field moving at a rate proportional to the consumption of the item, the improvement for remotely reading data from outside of the meter without physically invading or modifying the meter comprising: (a) sensor means disposed outside of the case for sensing a portion of the magnetic field passing through the case and for providing an electrical signal proportional to the rate of movement of the magnetic field; (b) consumption calculation means connected to receive said electrical signal for producing a binary count of the consumption of the item; (c) transmitter means for wirelessly transmitting said binary count; and, (d) receiver means for receiving said wirelessly transmitted binary count and for transmitting said received binary count to a central site which uses the data.