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Meter register transmitting flow rate warning

  • US RE47,407 E1
  • Filed: 11/07/2012
  • Issued: 05/28/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of detecting a leak in a liquid consumption system, comprising the following steps:

  • providing a meter housing having a liquid inlet opening, a liquid outlet opening, a measuring chamber between, and in fluid communication with, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet openings, and a cavity having an access opening;

    providing a sealed meter register in the access opening of the meter housing, wherein the meter register comprises a microprocessor and an antenna sealed within wherein the antenna comprises a first electrically-conductive member connected to an extending leg and a second electrically-conductive member spaced an axial distance from the first conductive member, and the meter register is magnetically coupled with the measuring chamber to coact with the measuring chamber to receive liquid flow information from the measuring chamber, wherein the microprocessor of the meter register receives the liquid flow information and measures the amount of liquid flowing through the measuring chamber as a function of time defined as a measured flow rate, wherein the sealed meter register and the meter housing form a meter;

    passing a liquid from a liquid source, through the liquid inlet opening of the meter, through the measuring chamber of the meter and through the liquid outlet opening of the meter to the liquid consumption system, wherein as the liquid moves the measuring chamber, the measuring chamber generates the liquid flow information, and the microprocessor provides the measured flow rate;

    andgenerating a signal indicating a leak when the measured flow rate is greater than zero and when one of the following events occurs;

    (i) the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time, or(ii) the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate valueprogramming the microprocessor to determine;

    (i) if the measured flow rate is greater than zero;

    (ii) if the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time; and

    (iii) if the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value; and

    wherein a signal is generated to indicate a leak when the microprocessor determines conditions (i) and (ii) are present, or conditions (i) and (iii) are present,wherein the signal generated indicating a leak is an alarm emitted from the meter and a wireless signal is transmitted through the antenna from the meter to a location other than the meter indicating leak, andwherein comprising the further step of providing shut-off means in a liquid line which is coupled to said meter and opening and closing said shut-off means depending on the volume of liquid passing through said meter.

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