System and method for accurate reading of rotating disk

• US 20020109608A1
• Filed: 09/19/2001
• Published: 08/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Landis and Gyr Technologies LLC (Landis+Gyr Group AG)
• Original Assignee: Statsignal Systems Incorporated (Statsignal)
• Inventors: Davis, James, Petite, Thomas D., Huff, Richard M.
• Granted Patent: US 6,784,807 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/870.02
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 4/008 Modifications to installed utility meters to enable remote reading
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/30 Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Abstract

A novel system and method for achieving accurate readings of the rotational speed, number of revolutions and direction of rotation of a utility system. More specifically, a system and method for retrofitting existing utility meters with a lightweight tape, having contrasting sections of reflective and non-reflective material applied thereto, which is read by optical sensors as the lightweight tape passes by with the revolutions of the disk of the utility meter. Additionally, the system and method detects unauthorized use of the utility or tampering with the utility meter and its functions.

Claims