US4881070A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Meter reading methods and apparatus
Assignee: Energy Innovations Inc
•
Filing: 1989-03-22
•
Granted: 1989-11-14
•
Expires: 2009-03-22
Abstract
Abstract Meters having a plurality of rotating dials are read automatically by using radiant energy to sense the angular positions of the dials. A single radiant energy detector is time-shared among the several dials to reduce the cost of the meter reading apparatus. The meter can transmit meter readings and other information to remote locations. It can also receive, store, and act upon information received from remote locations. The meter can measure short-term demand, and can produce output signals for indicating and/or controlling demand.
Inventors
- 👤 David E. Burrowes
- 👤 Alan W. Holmes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D5/00; G01D5/26; G01D5/39; G01R; G01R11/00; G01R11/02; G01R13/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A meter associated with and disposed at the premises of a customer who is consuming a service or commodity supplied to said premises from a remote location via a service or commodity channel which extends from said remote location to said premises comprising: means for determining the rate at which said service or commodity is currently being consumed at said premises; means for receiving from a remote location an input signal indicative of a maximum allowable rate of consumption of said service or commodity at said premises; means responsive to said input signal for storing said maximum allowable rate; means for comparing said rate at which said service or commodity is currently being used with said maximum allowable rate; and means for producing an output signal indicative of whether or not said rate at which said service or commodity is currently being used is greater than said maximum allowable rate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
A meter associated with and disposed at the premises of a customer who is consuming a service or commodity supplied to said premises from a remote location via a service or commodity channel which extends from said remote location to said premises comprising: means for determining the rate at which said service or commodity is currently being consumed at said premises; means for receiving from a remote location an input signal indicative of a maximum allowable rate of consumption of said service or commodity at said premises; means responsive to said input signal for storing said maximum allowable rate; means for comparing said rate at which said service or commodity is currently being used with said maximum allowable rate; and means for producing an output signal indicative of whether or not said rate at which said service or commodity is currently being used is greater than said maximum allowable rate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The meter defined in claim 1 further comprising: means for transmitting said output signal to a remote location.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The meter defined in claim 1 further comprising: means for utilizing said output signal to reduce usage of said service or commodity at said premises if said output signal indicates that said rate at which said service or commodity is currently being used is greater than said maximum allowable rate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The meter defined in claim 1 further comprising: means for utilizing said output signal to interrupt said channel if said output signal indicates that said rate at which said service or commodity is currently being used is greater than said maximum allowable rate.
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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) | 1992-11-13 | 1993-05-15 | 1993-11-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-11-13 | 1997-05-15 | 1997-11-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-11-13 | 2001-05-15 | 2001-11-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |