System with replacement meter cover

• US 7,167,102 B2
• Filed: 05/27/2004
• Issued: 01/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Henry B. Crichlow
• Original Assignee: Henry B. Crichlow
• Inventors: Crichlow, Henry B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Garber; Wendy R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dang; Hung Q
• Application Number:
  US10/709,770
• Publication Number:
  US 20040246143A1
• Time in Patent Office: 971 Days
• Field of Search: 340/870.02, 340/870.28, 705/412, 702/61, 324/156, 324/115, 324/157, 379/106.07, 379/106.06
• US Class Current: 340/870.02
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 4/008 Modifications to installed utility meters to enable remote reading
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/00 Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/30 Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Abstract

A system can be used with an existing meter that has a removable cover and a base and measures the usage of a utility commodity, such as electricity. The system replaces the removable cover with a replacement cover that fits onto the base in the same manner as the removable cover. The system has a usage reader inside the replacement cover that obtains information on the amount of the utility commodity that is used. No electrical or mechanical connection between the usage reader and the meter is made to obtain that information. An automatic meter reader, which includes a microprocessor for storing information and calculating charges and a transmitter for transmitting information to a remote receiver and a way to transfer information from the usage reader to the automatic meter reader is also part of the system.

Claims

1. In a meter that measures the usage of a utility commodity and has a base and a removable cover, a system that replaces said removable cover comprising

(A) a replacement cover that fits onto said base in the same manner as said removable cover, said replacement cover having an extension;

(B) a usage reader inside said replacement cover directly attached to said cover that obtains information on the amount of said utility that is used without making an electrical or mechanical connection to said meter;

(C) an automatic meter reader inside and attached to said extension, which comprises a microprocessor for storing information and calculating charges and a transmitter for transmitting information to a remote receiver;

(D) means for transferring information from said usage reader to said automatic meter reader; and

(E) a transmitter for transferring information from said automatic meter reader to a remote receiver.

2. A system according to claim 1 mounted on the base of an existing operating meter.

3. A system according to claim 1 mounted on the base of a new meter.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said replacement cover is attachable to said base without shutting off power to said meter.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said base is cylindrical and said replacement cover is attachable by rotating it relative to said base.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said replacement cover is made of glass or clear plastic.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter transmits information from said automatic meter reader through a telephone line to said remote receiver.

8. A system according to claim 1 wherein said utility is electric power.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein said extension extends laterally from said cover and houses said usage reader and said automatic meter reader.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein said extension has a first plug for receiving power and a second plug for transmitting and receiving information.

11. A system according to claim 1 wherein said meter has a meter wheel, the angular velocity of which is proportional to the usage of said utility commodity.

12. A system according to claim 11 wherein said usage reader is an optical pulse reader.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein the position of said optical pulse reader relative to said meter wheel is adjustable.

14. A system according to claim 1 wherein said said transmitter transfers information wirelessly.

15. A system according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter transfers information to the internet.

16. A method of obtaining information from a meter that measures usage of a commodity utility use comprising

(A) removing said removable cover from said meter;

and

(B) installing a system according to claim 1 onto said base of said meter.

17. In an electric power meter that measures the usage of electric power and has a base and a removable cover, a system that replaces said removable cover comprising

(A) a transparent replacement cover that fits onto said base in the same manner as said removable cover, said replacement cover having a lateral extension;

(B) an optical pulse reader inside said replacement cover directly attached to said cover that obtains information on the amount of said electric power that is used without an electrical or mechanical connection to said meter;

(C) an automatic meter reader inside and attached to said lateral cover, said automatic meter reader comprising a microprocessor for storing information and calculating charges and a transmitter for transmitting information to a remote receiver; and

(D) means for transferring information from said optical pulse reader to said automatic meter reader.

18. A method of obtaining information from a meter that measures electrical power usage comprising

(A) removing said removable cover from said meter;

and

(B) installing a system according to claim 17 onto said base of said meter.

19. In an electric power meter that measures the usage of electric power and has a base and a removable cover, a system that replaces said removable cover comprising

(A) a transparent replacement cover that fits onto said base in the same manner as said removable cover, said replacement cover having a lateral extension that has a power-receiving plug and a communication plug;

(B) an optical pulse reader inside said replacement cover directly attached to said replacement cover that obtains information on the amount of said electric power that is used without an electrical or mechanical connection to said meter;

(C) an automatic meter reader inside and attached to said lateral cover, said automatic meter reader comprising a microprocessor for storing information and calculating charges;

(D) means for transferring information from said optical pulse reader to said automatic meter reader, whereby said system receives power through said power plug and sends and receives information through said communication plug.

20. A method of obtaining information from a meter that measures electrical power usage comprising

(A) removing said removable cover from said meter;

(B) installing a system according to claim 19 onto said base of said meter; and

(C) attaching a power line to said power plug and a communication line to said communication plug.