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Method and apparatus for metering building structures

  • US 5,986,573 A
  • Filed: 11/19/1996
  • Issued: 11/16/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/20/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of metering fluid consumption flow in a building structure having a plurality of units, having a plurality of discharge service outlets for dispensing fluids therefrom, the method comprising:

  • identifying each of the service outlets to be metered in the building structure;

    using an individual control valve for each service/outlet;

    using a plurality of meters associated individually with said service outlets all disposed within a single unit of said building each meter constructed to monitor the fluid flow from individual ones of the service outlets to be metered so that the fluid discharge consumption at each service outlet is measured;

    installing the provided single meter within a given distance from one of the valves for the discharge service outlet to be metered so that the fluid being discharged from its the service outlet is indicated by a meter reading, the meter reading being indicative of the fluid consumed at the service outlet;

    electronically sending meter readings indicative of the fluid consumed at each metered discharge service outlet periodically to a remote location; and

    determining a total consumption of fluid for each unit by accumulating electronically the meter readings received from the plurality of service outlets being metered within said unit of the building structure, responsive to receiving the meter readings remotely therefrom.

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