US3778795A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remotely controlled automatic utility meter reader
Assignee: VIDAR LABOR Inc
•
Filing: 1972-03-13
•
Granted: 1973-12-11
•
Expires: 1992-03-13
Abstract
Abstract A remotely controlled apparatus for reading a plurality of dials of a totalling type meter in sequence, for producing a plurality of signals, one signal for each dial read, with the character of the signal determined by the position of the indicator relative to its dial and which automatically terminates its activity when all of the dials have been read.
Inventors
- 👤 J Campman
- 👤 J Linscott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:08
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M11/00; H04M11/002; G; G01; G01F; G01F15/00; G01F15/06; G01F15/061; G01F15/063
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
281 words
An automatic meter reader for totalling meters, said meters having a casing, a window in said casing, an array of meter dials in the interior of said casing behind the window thereof, said dials being graduated into ten divisional points and an indicator means movable relative to each of the dials, the composite of the positions of the indicators relative to the divisional points of the dials being indicative of the reading of said meter, said meter reader comprising; a meter reader casing for attachment over the window of said meter casing on said casing; a single signal generator for producing at least ten distinct signals, one for each of the divisional points of the dials; an illuminating means automatically operable for sequentially illuminating the faces of said dials for short periods of time; viewing means for viewing the positions of said indicator means relative to the divisional points of its dial, when said dial is illuminated; ten photosensitive means, one for all similar divisional points of the dials associated with the viewing means of the dials, responsive according to the positions of said indicator means as seen by said viewing means while said dials are illuminated; control means operable by said photosensitive means for determining the character of the signal generated by said signal generator; means responsive to an interrogating signal for energizing and activating said meter reader, for connecting said signal generator to a telephone line for the transmission of said signals and for initiating the operation of said illuminating means; and means operable at the conclusion of the operation of said illuminating means for disconnecting the signal generator from the telephone line and for de-energizing said meter reader.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
281 words
An automatic meter reader for totalling meters, said meters having a casing, a window in said casing, an array of meter dials in the interior of said casing behind the window thereof, said dials being graduated into ten divisional points and an indicator means movable relative to each of the dials, the composite of the positions of the indicators relative to the divisional points of the dials being indicative of the reading of said meter, said meter reader comprising; a meter reader casing for attachment over the window of said meter casing on said casing; a single signal generator for producing at least ten distinct signals, one for each of the divisional points of the dials; an illuminating means automatically operable for sequentially illuminating the faces of said dials for short periods of time; viewing means for viewing the positions of said indicator means relative to the divisional points of its dial, when said dial is illuminated; ten photosensitive means, one for all similar divisional points of the dials associated with the viewing means of the dials, responsive according to the positions of said indicator means as seen by said viewing means while said dials are illuminated; control means operable by said photosensitive means for determining the character of the signal generated by said signal generator; means responsive to an interrogating signal for energizing and activating said meter reader, for connecting said signal generator to a telephone line for the transmission of said signals and for initiating the operation of said illuminating means; and means operable at the conclusion of the operation of said illuminating means for disconnecting the signal generator from the telephone line and for de-energizing said meter reader.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-10 | 1977-06-11 | 1977-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-10 | 1981-06-11 | 1981-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-10 | 1985-06-11 | 1985-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |