Remote meter reading receptacle for pit lid mounting
First Claim
1. A receptacle assembly for remote reading of a utility meter comprising:
- (a) a substantially annular housing having an open end and a closed end, said substantially annular housing including first means for mounting an electrical coil therein, and said substantially annular housing further including second means for mounting said substantially annular housing to an external substantially annular shroud;
(b) an electrical coil mounted in said first means for mounting, said electrical coil including an electrical cable connected thereto;
(c) said external substantially annular shroud having a closed end and an open end for receiving said annular housing, said external substantially annular shroud being substantially cylindrical in shape and having an annular flange portion formed around said open end thereof and a remaining cylindrical portion, said flange extending outward from said external substantially annular shroud, whereby the maximum diameter of said flange is greater than said remaining cylindrical portion of said shroud, said shroud further including;
(1) means for cooperatively fastening said second mounting means of said substantially annular housing to said external substantially annular shroud;
(2) a first opening formed in said closed end of said external substantially annular shroud for receiving a threaded fastener; and
(3) a second opening formed in said closed end of said external substantially annular shroud for receiving said electrical cable; and
(d) a substantially annular cup-shaped washer having an open end and a closed end, said washer having a first opening for receiving said threaded fastener and a second opening for receiving said electrical cable.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A remote meter reading receptacle for pit lid mounting includes an annular, cup-shaped housing containing a ferrite coil and electronic circuit board. This housing is mounted within an outer shroud which has an annual flange formed about its periphery. The shroud includes a pair of openings, the first for receiving a threaded fastener, such a bolt, and the other for receiving an electrical cable connected to the circuit board of the housing. The shroud is dimensioned to fit securely within an opening formed in the lid of a pit-type meter box, such as used for outdoor setting of water meters. A complementary cup-shaped washer includes a pair of openings for cooperating with the threaded fastener and for receiving the electrical cable. The washer is disposed on the underside of the pit lid and receives the threaded fastener to fasten the housing and shroud assembly securely to the upper surface of the pit lid. The washer is reversible to accommodate a wide range of pit-lid thicknesses. The pit lid receptacle requires only a single hole to be drilled in the pit lid. The receptacle is formed from a ultraviolet stable polycarbonate plastic material. The receptacle is low in profile and provides for secure positioning of the ferrite coil and associated electronic circuit board in an easily assembled housing assembly.
111 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A receptacle assembly for remote reading of a utility meter comprising:
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(a) a substantially annular housing having an open end and a closed end, said substantially annular housing including first means for mounting an electrical coil therein, and said substantially annular housing further including second means for mounting said substantially annular housing to an external substantially annular shroud; (b) an electrical coil mounted in said first means for mounting, said electrical coil including an electrical cable connected thereto; (c) said external substantially annular shroud having a closed end and an open end for receiving said annular housing, said external substantially annular shroud being substantially cylindrical in shape and having an annular flange portion formed around said open end thereof and a remaining cylindrical portion, said flange extending outward from said external substantially annular shroud, whereby the maximum diameter of said flange is greater than said remaining cylindrical portion of said shroud, said shroud further including; (1) means for cooperatively fastening said second mounting means of said substantially annular housing to said external substantially annular shroud; (2) a first opening formed in said closed end of said external substantially annular shroud for receiving a threaded fastener; and (3) a second opening formed in said closed end of said external substantially annular shroud for receiving said electrical cable; and (d) a substantially annular cup-shaped washer having an open end and a closed end, said washer having a first opening for receiving said threaded fastener and a second opening for receiving said electrical cable. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification