REMOTE METER MONITOR

• US 3,852,726 A
• Filed: 07/26/1973
• Issued: 12/03/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/1973
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Pat Romanelli
• Original Assignee: Pat Romanelli
• Inventors: Romanelli, Pat
• Primary Examiner(s): Habecker, Thomas B.
• Application Number:
  US05/383,300
• Time in Patent Office: 495 Days
• Field of Search: 340/188R
• US Class Current: 340/870.02
• CPC Class Codes: G06M 1/274 using magnetic means; using Hall-effect devices

Abstract

A meter reader unit comprises a circular array of reed switches in proximate concentric position with the numerals on the dial face of a clock-type utility meter whose pointer has a magnetic free end. The magnetic pointer selectively actuates the reed switches thereby producing a digital signal representing the analog-type meter reading. The digital signals are transmitted by cable to a remote location to provide a numerical digital readout by means of a decade array of light emitting diodes which are electrically in circuit with the reed switches.

Claims

1. Remote meter monitor apparatus for connection to a circular type meter with a rotatably driven pointer having a magnetic free end, comprising a circular array of spaced magnetic field sensitive elements in proximate concentric peripheral position with respect to the circular sweep of said magnetic free end of said pointer, whereby said magnetic field sensitive elements will be selectively actuated in accordance with the proximate positIon therewith of said magnetic free end of said pointer to produce a digital electrical signal representing the angular position of said pointer and the reading on said meter, a housing adaptable to be mounted over the dial face of said meter, said housing having a cylindrical chamber for enclosing said meter pointer and a circular array of bores therein surrounding said chamber for receiving and positioning said magnetic field sensitive elements in said concentric peripheral position and perpendicular to said dial face, remote terminal means located at a position remote from said meter, electrical transmission means interconnecting said magnetic field sensitive elements and said remote terminal means for transmitting said digital electrical signal to said remote terminal means, and digital readout means adaptable for connection to said remote terminal means and responsive to said digital electrical signals to provide a digital readout corresponding to the angular position of said pointer.

2. Remote meter monitor apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said magnetic field sensitive elements comprise reed switches which are operative to become actuated when subjected to the magnetic field produced by said magnetic free end of said pointer.

3. Remote meter monitor apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the magnetic free end of said pointer comprises a permanent magnet.

4. Remote meter monitor apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said electrical transmission means comprises a plurality of leads respectively connected to said reed switches, said leads terminating respectively in socket terminals.

5. Remote meter monitor apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said digital readout means comprises an array of light emitting elements operative to emit visible light in response to the application thereto of an electrical signal.

6. Remote meter monitor apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said light emitting elements comprise light emitting diodes.

7. Remote meter monitor apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said light emitting diodes are respectively connected to pin contacts adaptable for respective connection to said socket terminals.