Meter reading methods and apparatus
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for reading a meter having a plurality of rotating dials comprising:
- a plurality of patterned discs, each of which is mounted for rotation with a respective one of the dials, each disc having sectors of different radiant energy attenuating properties so that radiant energy directed to the disc is encoded by the sectored pattern;
first means for directing radiant energy to each of the discs one at a time in succession;
second means for directing the encoded radiant energy from each disc to a single sensor location;
a sectored detector disposed at the sensor location so that each detector sector receives a portion of the encoded radiant energy from the second means and produces a detector sector output signal indicative of the intensity of the received radiant energy; and
third means for processing the detector sector output signals to produce dial reading output signals indicative of the angular position of each of the discs.
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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.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. Apparatus for reading a meter having a plurality of rotating dials comprising:
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a plurality of patterned discs, each of which is mounted for rotation with a respective one of the dials, each disc having sectors of different radiant energy attenuating properties so that radiant energy directed to the disc is encoded by the sectored pattern; first means for directing radiant energy to each of the discs one at a time in succession; second means for directing the encoded radiant energy from each disc to a single sensor location; a sectored detector disposed at the sensor location so that each detector sector receives a portion of the encoded radiant energy from the second means and produces a detector sector output signal indicative of the intensity of the received radiant energy; and third means for processing the detector sector output signals to produce dial reading output signals indicative of the angular position of each of the discs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. The method of reading a meter having a plurality of rotating dials comprising the steps of:
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mounting a patterned disc for rotation with each of the dials, each disc having sectors of different radiant energy attenuating properties so that radiant energy directed to the disc is encoded by the sectored pattern; directing radiant energy to each disc one at a time in succession; directing the encoded radiant energy from each disc to a single sensor location; detecting the intensity of the encoded radiant energy received in each of a plurality of sectors of the sensor location; determining from the intensities of the received encoded radiant energy sectors the angular position of the disc which was the source of received encoded radiant energy. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification