US4833455A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anti-tamper device for utility meters
Assignee: MICRO-PORT INTERNATIONAL Ltd
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Filing: 1988-02-24
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Granted: 1989-05-23
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Expires: 2008-02-24
Abstract
Abstract An anti-tamper device is disclosed for utility meters of the type comprises comprising a fixed base unit and a removable plug-in unit associated with said base unit. The device comprises an electronic indicator for generating a new indication in response to a trigger signal, and a detector operable in response to the insertion of said plug-unit into the fixed base to generate said trigger signal. A different indication is generated each time the plug-in unit is inserted into the fixed base, thereby facilitating the detection of meter tampering.
Inventors
- 👤 Roy G. Bishop
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 20:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R11/00; G01R11/02; G01R11/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
An anti tamper device for utility meters of the type comprising a fixed base unit and a removable plug-in unit associated with said base unit, said device comprising: electronic indication means for generating a new indication in response to a trigger signal, said electronic indication means comprising a random number generator and a display unit for displaying the number generated by said random number generator; and detection means operable in response to the insertion of said plug-in unit into the fixed base unit to generate said trigger signal, whereby a different indication is generated each time the plug-in unit is inserted into the fixed base unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
An anti tamper device for utility meters of the type comprising a fixed base unit and a removable plug-in unit associated with said base unit, said device comprising: electronic indication means for generating a new indication in response to a trigger signal, said electronic indication means comprising a random number generator and a display unit for displaying the number generated by said random number generator; and detection means operable in response to the insertion of said plug-in unit into the fixed base unit to generate said trigger signal, whereby a different indication is generated each time the plug-in unit is inserted into the fixed base unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit is operable to display the number generated by the random number generator in response to an external command.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as claimed in claim 2, comprising a magnetic switch responsive to said external command to activate the display unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device is adapted to be installed within said plug-in unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said detection means comprises a pressure switch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a warning signal lamp operable to indicate incorrect installation of the plug-in unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electronic indication means includes a counter capable of counting to a relatively high number to minimize the risk of the counter returning to the same count after repeated activation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
106 words
An anti tamper device for utility meters of the type comprising a fixed base unit and a removable plug-in unit associated with said base unit, said device comprising: electronic indication means for generating a new indication in response to a trigger signal, said electronic indication means comprising a pseudo-random number generator and a display unit for displaying the number generated by said pseudo-random number generator; and detection means operable in response to the insertion of said plug-in unit into the fixed base unit to generate said trigger signal, whereby a different indication is generated each time the plug-in unit is inserted into the fixed base unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
106 words
An anti tamper device for utility meters of the type comprising a fixed base unit and a removable plug-in unit associated with said base unit, said device comprising: electronic indication means for generating a new indication in response to a trigger signal, said electronic indication means comprising a pseudo-random number generator and a display unit for displaying the number generated by said pseudo-random number generator; and detection means operable in response to the insertion of said plug-in unit into the fixed base unit to generate said trigger signal, whereby a different indication is generated each time the plug-in unit is inserted into the fixed base unit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the display unit is operable to display the number generated by the number generator in response to an external command.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as claimed in claim 9, comprising a magnetic switch responsive to said external command to activate the display unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the device is adapted to be installed within said plug-in unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said detection means comprises a pressure switch.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a warning signal lamp operable to indicate incorrect installation of the plug-in unit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic indication means includes a counter capable of counting to a relatively high number to minimize the risk of the counter returning to the same count after repeated activation.
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) | 1992-05-22 | 1992-11-21 | 1993-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-22 | 1996-11-21 | 1997-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-22 | 2000-11-21 | 2001-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |