Abstract: A gas meter includes a meter housing, a gas volume measuring system and a valve. The valve and the system are both contained within the housing. An inlet pipe, via which gas is supplied to the system and the valve, and an outlet pipe, via which the gas supplied to the system and the valve is fed to a consumer, are provided. A first communication port is operatively associated with the system. Data signals appertaining to gas supplied to a consumer via the outlet pipe are transmittable via the first communication port. The housing is adapted contiguously to receive a module which is effective to provide predetermined meter functionality. The module includes a further communication port positioned for communication with the system via the first communication port.

Abstract: A modular gas meter comprising a basic meter module, including a solenoid operated gas valve, a gas flow measurement arrangement and a gas valve control system, including a first optical interface which facilitates the transmission of control data to or from the control system, which basic module is adapted to be operatively combined with an add-on module so as to extend meter functionality, which add-on module comprises a module control system, which operates to control functionality and which includes a second optical interface, arranged for communication with the first optical interface when the two modules are mutually operatively combined, so that when functionality demands, an appropriate request signal is transmitted via the optical interfaces to request opening of the gas valve, and a manually operated switch to which the module control system is responsive for sending an enable signal via the interfaces to the valve control system, whereby operation of the gas valve to effect gas supply via the meter

Abstract: The meter 2, e.g. a gas meter includes an inlet boss 4 providing an unregulated supply of gas via a valve means 8 which regulates the flow of gas as it passes into a chamber 6. The valve means 8 forms part of a governor which is formed integral with the gas meter. The valve means 8 includes a valve stem 12 which has a bore 18 extending throughout the length of the valve stem. The valve stem passes through the chamber 6 and through a first diaphragm 22 to which it is sealably connected and is terminated on the surface of second diaphragm 34. The first diaphragm 22 separates second and third chambers 24, 28, the second chamber 24 being in communication with the first chamber 6. The third chamber 28 is connected via the bore 18 in the valve stem 12 to the unregulated gas supply. The second diaphragm 34 separates fourth and fifth chambers 32, 38, the chamber 38 is vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An electricity meter includes input terminals to which, in use, a main electricity supply is connected, output terminals via which, in use, electricity is fed to a consumer, a switch via which electricity is fed from the input terminals to the output terminals and an indicating device operative to provide an indication of the quantity of electricity fed via the switch to the consumer. The meter is adapted to receive a unit arranged in operative association with the switch so as to effect operation of a switch actuator to open the switch for the purpose of interrupting the supply of electricity to the consumer consequent upon receipt by the unit of a predetermined actuation signal.

Abstract: A gas meter includes a measuring tube through which gas to be supplied is fed. The tube includes two ultrasonic transducers between which ultrasonic signals are transmitted so that gas flow is measured in dependence upon the difference between the times of flight of ultrasonic signals transmitted therebetween in opposite directions. The gas flow is determined from the difference between the times of flight. A digital display is operative to indicate the volume of gas used, and an electrical power supply is used for driving the apparatus. The times of flight are measured by an electronic clock. Finally, a data interface facilitates the feeding of data to or from the meter.