Automatic meter reading module
First Claim
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1. An automatic meter reader module for a utility meter having an inner cavity of a given volume, comprising:
- a printed circuit board (PCB) on which is mounted on-board circuitry and detection equipment configured to detect utility consumption metered by the utility meter; and
a transmission device operatively coupled to the PCB, the transmission device being configured to transmit data indicative of utility consumption;
wherein the PCB is configured for mounting to a back side of a mechanical index assembly within the inner cavity of the utility meter without increasing the given volume of the inner cavity.
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Abstract
An automatic meter reader module is provided that is adapted to be retrofitted or installed in a new or existing utility meter. The module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) on which is mounted on-board circuitry and detection equipment configured to detect utility consumption metered by the utility meter. A transmission device operatively coupled to the PCB is configured to transmit data indicative of utility usage. The PCB is configured to mount within an inner cavity of the utility meter.
142 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An automatic meter reader module for a utility meter having an inner cavity of a given volume, comprising:
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a printed circuit board (PCB) on which is mounted on-board circuitry and detection equipment configured to detect utility consumption metered by the utility meter; and
a transmission device operatively coupled to the PCB, the transmission device being configured to transmit data indicative of utility consumption;
wherein the PCB is configured for mounting to a back side of a mechanical index assembly within the inner cavity of the utility meter without increasing the given volume of the inner cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A utility meter comprising:
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a meter housing;
a mechanical index assembly configured to mount to the meter housing and to define an inner cavity of a given volume bounded by the meter housing and the mechanical index assembly;
an automatic meter reader module configured to mount within the inner cavity without increasing the given volume, the module being operatively connected to the mechanical index assembly and configured to detect utility consumption, wherein the automatic meter reader module further comprises;
a printed circuit board (PCB) on which is mounted on-board circuitry and detection equipment configured to detect the utility consumption metered by the utility meter, the PCB being mounted to a back side of the mechanical index assembly; and
a transmission device operatively coupled to the PCB, the transmission device being configured to transmit data indicative of utility consumption. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An automatic meter reader adapter module for use with a utility meter having a mechanical index assembly positioned within a inner cavity of a given volume, comprising:
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a printed circuit board (PCB) on which is mounted on-board circuitry and detection equipment configured to detect utility consumption metered by the utility meter; and
a transmission device operatively couple to the PCB, the transmission device being configured to transmit data indicative of utility consumption, the transmission device including an antenna extending from the PCB;
wherein the automatic meter reader module including the PCB and the transmission device is configured to mount within the inner cavity of the utility meter without requiring an increase in the given volume of the inner cavity and wherein the detection equipment includes a pulse gear mounted for rotation on the PCB and the on-board circuitry includes a pulse detection circuit configured to detect rotations of the pulse gear. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification