Abstract: A marking and counting probe for use with a counter, e.g. a computer, comprises a tubular housing for holding a marking implement, such as a highlighter. One end of the tubular housing has an aperture through which the marking end of the marking implement extends. The other end of the housing is closed and has a switch which is activated by the marking implement when a certain activating pressure is applied to the switch by the marking implement. A resilient means, such as a spring within the switch, keeps the marking implement from activating the switch until the activating pressure is applied to the switch by pressing the marking end of the marking implement against a surface. The switch is connected to a counter whereby, when sufficient pressure is exerted on the switch by the marking implement to activate the switch, a count is recorded.

Abstract: A marking and counting implement comprises a tubular housing for holding a marking implement, such as a highlighter. One end of the tubular housing has an aperture through which the marking end of the marking implement extends. The other end of the housing is closed and has a switch which is activated by the marking implement when a certain activating pressure is applied to the switch by the marking implement. Typically, a resilient means, such as a spring, keeps the marking implement from activating the switch until the activating pressure is applied to the switch by pressing the marking end of the marking implement against a surface. The switch is connected to a counter whereby, when sufficient pressure is exerted on the switch by the marking implement to activate the switch, a count is recorded. Thus, the marking and counting implement can be used for both marking and counting.

Abstract: A two wire/three wire utility data communications system for remotely reading utility meter registers. In the two wire version, a hand-held reading unit is inductively coupled over two wires via a port located remotely from a meter register. Alternatively, a meter interface unit (MIU) may be connected directly to the register via three wires. Each register includes one or more wheel position encoders. An AC interrogation signal is applied by the reading unit to encoder circuitry at the meter which powers the circuitry and causes the position of each encoder wheel to be read. In the two wire mode, register display information (e.g. the current meter reading) is transmitted back to the reading unit by varying the load (impedance) presented by the register side of the circuit. This causes a corresponding variation of the amount of current drawn from the reading unit. The current-modulated signal is decoded by the reading unit and converted into a register reading.

Abstract: A two wire/three wire utility data communications system for remotely reading utility meter registers. In the two wire version, a hand-held reading unit is inductively coupled over two wires via a port located remotely from a meter register. Alternatively, a meter interface unit (MIU) may be connected directly to the register via three wires. Each register includes one or more wheel position encoders. An AC interrogation signal is applied by the reading unit to encoder circuitry at the meter which powers the circuitry and causes the position of each encoder wheel to be read. In the two wire mode, register display information (e.g. the current meter reading) is transmitted back to the reading unit by varying the load (impedance) presented by the register side of the circuit. This causes a corresponding variation of the amount of current drawn from the reading unit. The current-modulated signal is decoded by the reading unit and converted into a register reading.

Abstract: A two wire/three wire utility data communications system for remotely reading utility meter registers. In the two wire version, a hand-held reading unit is inductively coupled over two wires via a port located remotely from a meter register. Alternatively, a meter interface unit (MIU) may be connected directly to the register via three wires. Each register includes one or more wheel position encoders. An AC interrogation signal is applied by the reading unit to encoder circuitry at the meter which powers the circuitry and causes the position of each encoder wheel to be read. In the two wire mode, register display information (e.g. the current meter reading) is transmitted back to the reading unit by varying the load (impedance) presented by the register side of the circuit. This causes a corresponding variation of the amount of current drawn from the reading unit. The current-modulated signal is decoded by the reading unit and converted into a register reading.

Abstract: A mounting adaptor is provided for use with a standard electric utility meter base, or the like, upon which a typical instant-picture camera is mounted and focused upon a meter to be read. The instant-picture camera is set up with triggerable activation means to automatically produce a photograph of said meter to be read. A timer is in communication with the camera activation means, and at given intervals will trigger the instant-picture camera to photograph the meter to be read, thereby producing a photographic document of the reading, and then automatically deposit the finished document into a security compartment of the mounting adaptor apparatus, after which the document may then be collected at a convenient time by one authorized to access said compartment.

Abstract: A single optical port in an electric meter is multiplexed between at least two internal systems by using a multiplexer circuit which has a set of data lines which can be connected to the optical port and to one of the internal systems. The multiplexer is controlled by means of a magnetic reed switch which is mounted within the cover of the meter, so no mechanical changes to the meter cover are required.

Abstract: A system for collection of data and entry of the data to a host computer has a portable, hand held, data collector for collecting data and a stationary data relay for receiving the data from the data collector and for transmitting the data to the host computer. The portable hand held data collector includes a case of a size and shape to be held by one hand during use, a keyboard for inputting the data, displaying for displaying the data, memory for storing the data and an interface for transmitting the data to external. The data relay includes a case shaped to set the portable data collector thereon, of first interface for receiving the data transmitted from the data collector and of said interface for comunicating bidirectionally to the host computer.

Abstract: A utility data gathering system is disclosed as comprising a register including a series of index members coupled to a meter mechanism. Each index member includes a plurality of contacts and a switch arm moveable with its index member. The meter mechanism is responsive to utility consumption for moving the index members to positions indicative of the utility consumed, whereby each switch arm completes in normal operation a circuit with just one of its plurality of contacts dependent upon the position of its index member. A digital computer is programmed for performing first and second scans of each contact of each index member to obtain corresponding first and second sets of data indicative of a completed circuit through the switch arm and contacts of each index member. The completed circuit data obtained from each of the first and second scans are compared and if the circuit data of the first and second scans are different, an alarm manifestation is generated.

Abstract: A dispenser for conductive liquids which includes appropriate circuit elements to measure the volume of liquid dispensed therethrough, and particularly useful in the bar and restaurant trade. The dispenser also includes circuitry to record the number of times it is removed from a container. Probes are provided for actuating a display and for remote recording and reading.

Abstract: A watt-hour metering system includes a meter enclosed in a transparent cover and having an electronic register with a multichannel infra-red responsive data I/O port, and a portable electronic programmer/reader having a complementary infra-red data I/O port. The meter includes a pivoting shutter inside the cover having a pair of magnets affixed thereto and held by gravity in a position to shield at least one channel of the I/O port from radiation entering the cover. An activating magnet is affixed to the programmer/reader such that when the programmer/reader is placed against the meter cover, magnetic flux is coupled to the shutter magnets to cause the shutter to pivot and permit the transmission of infra-red radiation between the I/O port and the programmer/reader. Alternatively, a shutter is pivotally secured to the cover and manually operable from outside the cover to selectively permit and prevent transmission of radiation between the I/O port and programmer/reader.

Abstract: A pair of uniquely designed spring clips are snapped onto existing elements of a visual indicator such as the dial of a utility meter. An encoder having attachment elements with a spacing therebetween corresponding to the spacing between the clips is attached to the clips to quickly, easily, and precisely attach the encoder to the dial in properly aligned position.

Abstract: A multiplicity of environmental parameters, such as composition of the ambient atmosphere, temperature and air pressure, are concurrently measured with a portable device and registered together with information giving time and location of each measurement. The readings are interrelated parameters, e.g. temperature and relative humidity, may be jointly evaluated with adjustment of the stored values in light of one another; they may also be subjected to other corrections such as linearization, averaging or logarithmic conversion. A keyboard on the device enables the instantaneous readout of a selected parameter on a common display panel; detection of dangerous concentrations of noxious gases, e.g. firedamp in a coal mine, sets off an alarm.

Abstract: A multiple rate metering system suitable for use with an existing single rate, electromechanical electricity meter employing an Eddy current disc mounted in a casing, comprises a first unit mountable inside the casing of the electricity meter, and a second unit, which is portable so that it can be brought into close proximity with said first unit by a meter reader. The first unit comprises a sensor for generating pulses in response to rotation of the Eddy current disc, a first microprocessor, a first read-only-memory for storing a program to control the operation of said first microprocessor, a random-access-memory, the first microprocessor being programmed to store data in said random-access memory related to the pulse count in different predetermined periods during which different electricity rates apply, and a first coupling device for establishing communication through the casing with said second unit when said second unit is brought into proximity with said first unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a meter cover (housing) mounted receptacle and detachable magnetic coupler incorporating optical communication devices for electronically communicating with electronic circuitry housed within the meter cover.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for communicating utility usage information from a utility usage location to a portable utility usage registering device (22). A utility usage detection circuit (10) is provided at the utility usage location. The circuit is connectable to a conventional utility meter (12), e.g., a natural gas meter, and provides an electrical signal indicative of utility usage. This signal is applied across a first inductive coil (23), which is mounted at the utility usage location such that the resulting magnetic field is accessible. A matching coil (36) is associated with the portable utility usage registering device and is housed such that it may be positioned within the magnetic field produced by the first inductive coil. When thus positioned the electrical signal produced by the circuit (10) is induced in the matching coil as a result of mutual inductance between the two coils.

Abstract: A monitoring device and method for determining the present demand of electrical energy consumed over a predetermined time period which includes an adjustable reflective scanner or sensor mounted exteriorily of an electric meter for sensing and determining the speed of the rotating disc of a conventional electric meter. The arrangement is such that the scanner or sensor detects the revolutions of the meter disc and emits a signal or signals which are amplified and fed into a counting device which includes a memory and in conjunction with a printer prints the time of day, the date (at midnight) and the number of revolutions of the rotating meter disc which is stored as recorded in memory for a given unit of time. The counting device, memory and printer are embodied in a printing calculator interfaced with timing and scanning means.

Abstract: Energy utilized or consumed at a given location or facility causes pulses to be generated as a function of the instant rate of energy use, and such pulses are counted during succeeding discrete time intervals. The succeeding interval summation count values are recorded in digital form at respective discrete locations in a memory, particularly on an ultraviolet (UV) light-erasable PROM (EPROM) contained in a removable cartridge having a UV substantially opaque case. The interval summation count values are summed to provide a grand total energy or power utilization or consumption figure which is fed into and stored at a discrete location in the EPROM memory at the end of the recording period.

Abstract: A conventional electric utility meter is equipped with special circuitry and components which work in conjunction with an inserted magnetic card to regulate the supply of electricity to the structure to which the unit is attached. In addition to including the conventional dials which indicate overall kilowatt hours, the exterior of the unit includes a receptacle for the card and additional displays which show the kilowatt hours, and corresponding dollar value thereof, for the current payment period. The special circuitry includes a microprocessor, a set of magnetic read/write/erase heads, and a power relay. The circuitry interfaces with the conventional meter components by means of a photocell positioned above apertures or notches in the rotating disk of the meter. In the primary mode of operation, a prepayment card is inserted containing a predetermined kilowatt hour credit. The special circuitry senses this amount and adds it to the amount of power the customer is entitled to receive.

Abstract: Energy utilized or consumed at a given location or facility causes pulses to be generated as a function of the instant rate of energy use, and such pulses are counted at succeeding discrete time intervals. The succeeding interval summation count values are recorded in digital form at respective discrete locations on an ultraviolet UV light-erasable PROM (EPROM) contained in a removable cartridge having a UV substantially opaque case. The interval summation count values are summed to provide a grand total energy or power utilization or consumption figure which is fed into and stored at a discrete location in the EPROM memory at the end of the recording period.

Abstract: A device for periodic, automatic, readable recording of a meter value from a consumption measuring meter including a casing attachable to an otherwise conventional meter and provided with a slot, a printing unit disposed within the casing and located out of the plane of the slot in order to be tamper-proof, the printing unit being composed of an identification data printer and a consumption value printer and being adapted upon insertion of a record card in the slot of the casing to apply to the record card a visually readable marking of the identification data and meter consumption value, and a push button connected to the printing unit and manually actuable for causing the marking to be applied to the record card by shifting the printing unit towards the record card inserted into the casing through the slot.

Abstract: A watt-hour meter or other visual read-out apparatus which may also be read electrically through the use of a plurality of code discs and a photoelectric sensing device in spaced juxtaposition with the back sides of the discs. The sensing device is supported by a cable-controlled carriage which reciprocates back and forth in a direction parallel to the discs under the control of a bidirectional electric motor. A pair of stop members are located at opposite ends of the path of travel of the carriage for causing the motor to reverse direction as the carriage contacts one of the stop members.

Abstract: A utility or service meter including print-out means stored in a tamper-proof zone of a housing and presentable to a record card insertable in the housing to print the accumulated total of the units of the service consumed.

Abstract: A completely solid state photoelectric pulse initiator for electric utility meter telemetry and recording systems includes a low power CMOS digital integrated circuit (I.C.) flip-flop output circuit for directly generating output pulses in response to the rate of rotation of a meter movement. A pulse rate dividing circuit is provided by a presettable divide-by-N CMOS digital I.C. in one preferred form for electronically varying the ratio of the output pulses relative to the input pulses. A simplified data magnetic recording receiver circuit is capable of being supplied recorder drive current directly from the Q and Q logic outputs of the output flip-flop to produce non-return-to-zero (NRZ) data pulse recording.