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Apparatus for detecting rotation of a rotary element such as the spinner of a water meter

  • US 5,187,989 A
  • Filed: 07/17/1991
  • Issued: 02/23/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/20/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A device for detecting the rotation of a rotary element about an axis XX'"'"', the device comprising:

  • a) m proximity detectors situated in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX'"'"' on m radial directions;

    b) a mark fixed to said element eccentrically relative to the axis XX'"'"', said mark being suitable for modifying the response of the proximity detectors when said element is rotating;

    c) a power supply for powering said proximity detectors;

    d) selection means for selecting a series of m-1 proximity detectors to be powered; and

    e) processor means firstly for observing changes in the signals delivered by each of the detectors in said series using parameters representative of such changes, thereby identifying the passage of the mark past one of the detectors situated at the end of said series, and secondly, as soon as such a passage has been identified, for;

    deducing therefrom the number of revolutions;

    actuating the selection means so as to cause it to select a new series of m-1 proximity detectors excluding the detector at which passage of the mark has just been identified; and

    reinitializing said parameters in readiness for observing changes in the forthcoming signals from said new series, in such a manner that the parameters reinitialized in this manner are representative of the fact that at that time the mark cannot be at one of the detectors of said new series.

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