초록 ▼

A utility data gathering system is disclosed as comprising a register including a series of index members coupled to a meter mechanism. Each index member includes a plurality of contacts and a switch arm moveable with its index member. The meter mechanism is responsive to utility consumption for mov

A utility data gathering system is disclosed as comprising a register including a series of index members coupled to a meter mechanism. Each index member includes a plurality of contacts and a switch arm moveable with its index member. The meter mechanism is responsive to utility consumption for moving the index members to positions indicative of the utility consumed, whereby each switch arm completes in normal operation a circuit with just one of its plurality of contacts dependent upon the position of its index member. A digital computer is programmed for performing first and second scans of each contact of each index member to obtain corresponding first and second sets of data indicative of a completed circuit through the switch arm and contacts of each index member. The completed circuit data obtained from each of the first and second scans are compared and if the circuit data of the first and second scans are different, an alarm manifestation is generated.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for determining the quantity of utility consumed during a given time period by a utility customer, comprising:(a) providing a meter for making a measurement of the amount of utility passing therethrough;(b) providing a register adapted to supply electrical indica

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for determining the quantity of utility consumed during a given time period by a utility customer, comprising:(a) providing a meter for making a measurement of the amount of utility passing therethrough;(b) providing a register adapted to supply electrical indications of said measurement;(c) providing a meter transponder coupled to said register for determining electrical manifestations of the measurement from said indications obtained from said register, said meter transponder being electrically connected to a secondary winding;(d) allowing passage of the utility through the meter to provide the measurement;(e) determining the electrical manifestations of the measurement in the meter transponder;(f) providing a portable interrogator having a primary winding;(g) bringing the portable interrogator to a position in relation to the meter transponder whereby the secondary winding and the primary winding are disposed such that a signal in either would induce the same signal in the other by inductive coupling;(h) actuating the portable interrogator and transmitting an electrical signal having a clock pulse component, from the portable interrogator to the meter transponder, by placing the electrical signal on the primary winding whereby it is induced in the secondary winding, thereby activating the meter transponder and causing the meter transponder to obtain said electrical manifestations, and modulate said electrical signals with respect to said clock pulse component, thereby generating a signal representative of the electrical manifestations of the measurement available to the interrogator and placing the signal on the secondary winding; and(i) determining from the signal the measurement of utility represented thereby.