Remote meter reading apparatus
Abstract
Abstract THE APPARATUS ENABLES A METER-READER TO READ THE GAS, AND/OR ELECTRIC, AND/OR WATER METERS IN A BUILDING WITHOUT ENTERING THE BUILDING. ONE OF THE DIALS ON EACH METER HAS ITS POINTER CONNECTED TO A VARIABLE CONDENSER TO VARY THE CAPACITY OF THE LATTER AS THE POINTER ROTATES. THIS ALTERS THE FREQUENCY OF SIGNAL TRANSMITTED BY A RADIO TRANSMITTER THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE METER. A METER READER MAY DRIVE BY THE BUILDING IN A VEHICLE CONTAINING A RECEIVER AND RECORDING DEVICE TO PICK UP AND RECORD THE SIGNAL. THE FREQUENCY OF THE SIGNAL CHANGES, THEREFORE, WITH THE QUANTITY OF THE UTILITY CONSUMED. FOR PURPOSES OF IDENTIFICATION, DIFFERENT CUSTOMERS ARE ON DIFFERENT CARRIER FREQUENCIES, AND ADJACENT METERS HAVE DIFFERENT FREQUENCY RANGES.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas E Smith
- 👤 Wallace R Straight
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-02-22 | 1974-08-24 | 1975-02-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-22 | 1978-08-24 | 1979-02-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-08-24 | 1983-02-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |