Patent US4215916A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4215916A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Submerged meter reading device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-05-30
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Granted: 1980-08-05
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Expires: 1999-05-30
Abstract
Abstract For convenience, speed and economy in the reading of submerged water meters, as illuminated reading scope is provided which is extendable to draw in water. The scope is compressed after being placed over the face of the meter to expel the water from its interior in a jet stream which positively flushes the face of the meter so as to render it readily readable. The scope is simple and economical.
Inventors
- 👤 Billy W. Bell
- 👤 Walter D. Ferguson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:15
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B23/00; G02B23/16; G02B23/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A submerged meter reading device comprising a scope having telescoping tube sections and lenses at the opposite ends of the scope, one lens having an aperture by means of which fluid may be drawn into the scope by suction when the scope is extended and by means of which a pressurized fluid stream can be expelled from the scope to wash a meter face when the scope is compressed, and an illuminating means in the scope near the lens having said aperture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
A submerged meter reading device comprising a scope having telescoping tube sections and lenses at the opposite ends of the scope, one lens having an aperture by means of which fluid may be drawn into the scope by suction when the scope is extended and by means of which a pressurized fluid stream can be expelled from the scope to wash a meter face when the scope is compressed, and an illuminating means in the scope near the lens having said aperture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
A submerged meter reading device as defined in claim 1, and said illuminating means comprising a light bulb and socket unit secured to the wall of one telescoping tube section, a water tight transulucent enclosure for said light bulb and socket unit, and a battery pack including a light bulb on-off switch attached to the exterior of the scope.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A submerged meter reading device as defined in claim 1, and an adjustable compression seal on the scope between said tube sections to regulate the force required to extend and compress the scope.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
90 words
A submerged meter reading device as defined in claim 3, and said seal comprising an elastic gasket surrounding the smaller tube section of the scope and having inclined end faces, one of said end faces engaging an inclined end face on the larger tube section of the scope, a compression collar having screw-threaded engagement with said larger tube section and surrounding the smaller tube section and having an interior inclined surface, the other of said end faces of said elastic gasket engaging the interior inclined surface of said compression collar.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A submerged meter reading device as defined in claim 4, and a pair of threaded end caps for the ends of said tube sections adjacent to said lenses and engaging said lenses to secure them to the end faces of said tube sections.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-08-05 | 1984-02-04 | 1984-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-05 | 1988-02-04 | 1988-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-05 | 1992-02-04 | 1992-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |