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Apparatus and method for sensing tampering with a utility meter

  • US 5,473,322 A
  • Filed: 07/24/1992
  • Issued: 12/05/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/24/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detecting tampering with a metering device, comprising:

  • (a) an early power failure detecting means for detecting a loss of power to said metering device, said early power failure detecting means generating an early power failure detect signal, SEPFD, in response to detection of loss of power to said metering device;

    (b) a movement detection means for detecting movement of said metering device, said movement detection means supplying, in response to the detection of movement of said metering device, a movement signal;

    (c) timer means for supplying a power failure detect enable signal, SPFDE, of a predetermined time duration in response to receipt of said movement signal; and

    (d) a logic means for providing a tamper detect output in response to receipt by said logic means of both of said power failure detect signal, SEPFD, and said power failure detect enable signal, SPPFDE, whereby said tamper detect signal can only be generated by the detection of movement of said metering device within a time period corresponding to said predetermined time duration which follows the detection of movement of said metering device.

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