Gas meter reading system
First Claim
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1. A gas meter comprising:
- a sealed housing;
a dial having a rotating arm mounted in said housing, said dial indicating an amount of gas that flowed through said housing;
a window mounted to said housing and adjacent said dial, wherein said window is arranged to allow viewing of said dial;
a device having a base mounted to a first portion of said window opposite said arm, said base having a wall that forms an enclosed area, said device having a sensor removably coupled to said base, wherein said arm remains visible through a second portion of the window and said base remains coupled to said window when said sensor is removed.
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Abstract
A gas meter reading system is provided that allows automated meter reading capability to be incorporated with sealed mechanical type gas meters. The reading system is mounted to the window of the meter adjacent to the measurement dial. The reading system senses the rotation of the dial and provides data, such as a pulse, that may be recorded by an external source. A method of detecting for leaks with a gas meter having a reading system is also provided.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A gas meter comprising:
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a sealed housing; a dial having a rotating arm mounted in said housing, said dial indicating an amount of gas that flowed through said housing; a window mounted to said housing and adjacent said dial, wherein said window is arranged to allow viewing of said dial; a device having a base mounted to a first portion of said window opposite said arm, said base having a wall that forms an enclosed area, said device having a sensor removably coupled to said base, wherein said arm remains visible through a second portion of the window and said base remains coupled to said window when said sensor is removed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A sensing system for a sealed gas meter having a dial with an arm viewable through a window, said sensing system comprising:
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a base sized to fit over a first portion of said window, wherein said arm is visible from a second portion of said window when said base is coupled to said window, said base having an opening therethrough and a wall projecting from the perimeter of said opening, said wall forming an enclosed area, said base being made from a translucent material; a cap member removably coupled to said wall; a sensor coupled to said cap and disposed within said wall, said sensor having an optical sensor arranged to record the motion of said arm. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of checking for leaks in a gas system having a sealed gas meter on having a window adjacent a dial, said method comprising:
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a) providing a device having a base sized to fit over a portion of said window, said base having a wall projecting away from said window, said device further having a sensor coupled to a cap, said cap being removably coupled to said base; b) turning off gas to said meter; c) removing said sensor; d) making an indicia designating a position of said dial on said wall; e) turning on said gas to said meter; f) waiting a predetermined amount of time; and
,g) comparing said dial position to said indicia. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification