Abstract: An encoder-type register for an automatic meter reader to be interfaced with a visual read-only register of the kind found in a water meter that measures water consumption. The water meter register has a rotatable sweep hand that carries a magnet and rotates around a register plate in relation to the speed and volume of water moving through the water meter. A plurality of (e.g., three) magnetic (e.g., Hall effect) sensors are fixedly positioned one-after-another in the path of the magnet carried by the rotating sweep hand. The magnetic sensors measure the magnetic field produced by the rotating magnet and generate corresponding output signals. A microprocessor receives the output signals generated by the magnetic sensors whenever the magnet rotates therepast. The microprocessor stores information concerning the number of rotations of the magnet carried by the sweep hand depending upon the direction in which the magnet is being rotated as an indication of water consumption.

Abstract: An adjustable stand to be detachably connected to and provide vertical support for a conventional water meter of the kind that is coupled to a fire hydrant to measure the volume of water consumed by a user by way of the fire hydrant. The water meter stand includes a foot that lays upon the ground and a meter support plate that is attached to the fire hydrant water meter. A turnbuckle assembly is located between the foot and the meter support plate. A housing of the turnbuckle assembly is rotated to cause upper and lower threaded rods to correspondingly move through the housing. Accordingly, the length of the stand between the foot and the meter support plate can be selectively adjusted regardless of the dimensions of the fire hydrant and the elevation of the water meter coupled thereto and suspended above the ground.

Abstract: An encoder-type register for an automatic meter reader to be interfaced with a visual read-only register of the kind found in a water meter that measures water consumption. The water meter register has a rotatable sweep hand that carries a magnet and rotates around a register plate in relation to the speed and volume of water moving through the water meter. A plurality of (e.g., three) magnetic (e.g., Hall effect) sensors are fixedly positioned one-after-another in the path of the magnet carried by the rotating sweep hand. The magnetic sensors measure the magnetic field produced by the rotating magnet and generate corresponding output signals. A microprocessor receives the output signals generated by the magnetic sensors whenever the magnet rotates therepast. The microprocessor stores information concerning the number of rotations of the magnet carried by the sweep hand depending upon the direction in which the magnet is being rotated as an indication of water consumption.

Abstract: A one way check valve to be coupled between a fire hydrant water meter that is connected to a fire hydrant and a fire hose that is connected to a water holding tank such as, for example, a fire engine tanker truck to be filled with water from a municipal water supply. The one way check valve includes a spring- biased blocking head which is movable through the check valve from a first position, at which to close a set of fluid passages through the check valve, to a second position, at which to open the set of fluid passages to the flow of water from the fire hydrant. A shaft extends from the blocking head, and a coil spring is wound around the shaft. When water is flowing into the check valve from the fire hydrant and the fire hydrant water meter, the corresponding water pressure causes the water blocking head to move to the second position during which the spring is compressed and the fluid passages are opened to permit the flow of water to the holding tank.

Abstract: A large volume water meter having particular application for use with a fire suppression system by which to measure the volume of water consumed by a residence during periods of calm and during a fire emergency when water is supplied from a source at high speed to a sprinkler system in order to combat a residential fire. The water meter has a dual element strainer assembly including an outer strainer to trap sand and other suspended particles and an inner strainer surrounded by the outer strainer and arranged in spaced coaxial alignment therewith. An adjustable flow control turbine assembly having a rotor that is responsive to the water flow is received within the inner strainer. The turbine assembly and the dual element strainer assembly are coupled to one another within the water meter so as to produce an uninterrupted stream of water by way of radial and axial flow paths through the strainer assembly to the turbine assembly.

Abstract: A universal mounting bracket by which any one of a variety of conventional water meters for measuring the volume of water consumed by a user is mechanically coupled in close proximity to a conventional data logger that is adapted to transmit a signal to a remote receiver which is indicative of the volume of water consumption measured by the water meter. The universal mounting bracket has a flat base that is connected to the bottom of the water meter and a flat face that is connected flush against a side of the data logger, whereby the water meter and data logger lie in spaced side-by-side alignment with one another. A pair of threaded bolts extend through respective bolt holes in the flat base of the universal mounting bracket for receipt at correspondingly threaded receptacles formed in the bottom of the water meter.

Abstract: A break-away lock to secure a fire hydrant water meter to a fire hydrant so as to stop thieves and dishonest building contractors from removing the water meter from the fire hydrant. The break-away lock is advantageously adapted to permit the water meter to automatically separate from the fire hydrant in the event that a pulling force is applied to a water supply hose connected between a water tanker truck and the water meter to prevent a possible unearthing of the fire hydrant should the truck inadvertently pull away from the fire hydrant without first detaching the hose from the water meter. The break-away lock includes a swivel connected to the fire hydrant, a slide-out coupler, one end of which is connected to the water meter and the opposite end of which is slideably received by the swivel, and an outer clamping shell surrounding the swivel and slide-out coupler to deny unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: A break-away ring manufactured from a frangible material and removably received by a water meter of the type used to measure the volume of water consumed by a residence or a commercial facility. The break-away ring applies a holding pressure for retaining within the water meter a register to measure the volume of water consumed. The ring has a plurality of notches formed therein. A tool is inserted in one of the notches for prying the break-away ring outwardly from the water meter, whereby to break the ring and end the holding pressure generated thereby. Accordingly, the register can now be easily lifted out of the water meter for repair or replacement. The foregoing removal of the register is accomplished without having to either interrupt the water service to the consumer or disconnect the water meter from the consumer's water line.

Abstract: A break-away lock to secure a fire hydrant water meter to a fire hydrant so as to stop thieves and dishonest building contractors from removing the water meter from the fire hydrant. The break-away lock is advantageously adapted to permit the water meter to automatically separate from the fire hydrant in the event that a pulling force is applied to a water supply hose connected between a water tanker truck and the water meter to prevent a possible unearthing of the fire hydrant should the truck inadvertently pull away from the fire hydrant without first detaching the hose from the water meter. The break-away lock includes a swivel connected to the fire hydrant, a slide-out coupler, one end of which is connected to the water meter and the opposite end of which is slideably received by the swivel, and an outer clamping shell surrounding the swivel and slide-out coupler to deny unauthorized access thereto.

Abstract: A twin check valve water meter having a water register and being connected between a source of water (e.g. a fire hydrant) and a water receptacle (e.g. a tanker truck) so as to measure the volume of water flowing between the source and the receptacle. In order to reliably prevent the back flow of non-potable water from the receptacle to the water supply of a municipality, the water meter is provided with a first check valve at the inlet end thereof ahead of (i.e. upstream from) the water register and a second check valve at the outlet end behind (i.e. downstream from) the water register. A flat screen follows the first check valve in the flow path, and a wave-shaped strainer is located between the flat screen and the water register. The flat screen and the wave-shaped strainer cooperate to slow and smooth the stream of water from the source to enable the water register to provide an accurate reading of water consumption.

Abstract: A water meter to accurately measure the volume of water flowing from a source thereof to an end user by controlling the rate at which the water is delivered from the source to a turbine of the water meter so as to produce a smooth linear flow. The turbine is rotated within the body of the water meter to vary the alignment of flow passages through the turbine between the water source and a rotor that is responsive to water flow. The position of the turbine is selectively adjusted within the body of the water meter when a locating pin from the base of the turbine is received through a particular one of a series of indexing holes formed in a cap of the turbine. A variable water inlet orifice is formed through the bottom of the turbine to communicate with the rotor. A flow regulator that cooperates with the variable water inlet orifice is manually manipulated to control the size of the inlet orifice and the rate at which water flows therethrough.