Apparatus and Method for Measuring Water Quality in a Water Meter Data Collection System
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Abstract
A system for monitoring water quality in a water meter data collection system having a plurality of metering end points (E) for measuring consumption includes a plurality of chemical biological and environmental sensors (S1, S2) disposed in a distribution system near or within the distribution end points (A, B), with the sensors (S1, S2) generating electrical signals through a network (G) that can be processed and communicated with the water meter data to a collection station (D) from the metering end points (E).
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Citations
39 Claims
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1-20. -20. (canceled)
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21. Apparatus for sensing water quality at a water metering system end point, the apparatus comprising:
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a fluid flow metering element and a device that converts metering signals or movements of a flow metering element to electrical signals representing units of consumption; communication interface circuitry for converting the electrical signals representing units of consumption to meter data signals; means for electronically communicating the meter data signals to an external data collection device; and a sensor disposed in or near the fluid flow metering element to associated therewith and to sense a quality of the water, said sensor producing a water quality status signal to the communication interface circuitry, and wherein the communication interface circuitry is responsive to the water quality status signal to incorporate said water quality status signal into a group of data signals including meter data signals; and wherein said means for electronically communicating the meter data will also communicate the water quality status signal in a transmission to a collection station in a water meter data collection network. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A method for sensing water quality at a water metering system end point, the method comprising:
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converting movements of a fluid flow metering element to electrical signals representing units of consumption; converting the electrical signals representing units of consumption to meter data signals; electronically communicating the meter data signals to an external data collection device; and sensing a quality of the water in or near the fluid flow metering element, said sensor producing a water quality status signal; and including said water quality status signal in a group of meter data signals to be transmitted to a collection station; and electronically communicating the water status signal with the meter data to a collection station in a water meter data collection network. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification