CA1189907A - Multiple rate metering system - Google Patents
Multiple rate metering systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1189907A CA1189907A CA000420218A CA420218A CA1189907A CA 1189907 A CA1189907 A CA 1189907A CA 000420218 A CA000420218 A CA 000420218A CA 420218 A CA420218 A CA 420218A CA 1189907 A CA1189907 A CA 1189907A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- unit
- microprocessor
- data
- metering system
- multiple rate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R21/00—Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor
- G01R21/007—Adapted for special tariff measuring
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R21/00—Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor
- G01R21/133—Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
- G01R21/1333—Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique adapted for special tariff measuring
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q50/00—Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
- G06Q50/06—Electricity, gas or water supply
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
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 arranged 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. The second unit comprises a second coupling device co-operating with the first coupling device to transmit and receive data to and from the first unit, a second microprocessor, a second read-only-memory for storing a program controlling the operation of said second microprocessor, a storage medium for storing data from said second microprocessor, a display unit, a first actuator operable by the reader to transmit a signal through the first and second coupling devices to instruct the first microprocessor to transfer data relating to the pulse count in the different predetermined periods to the second unit. The second microprocessor is arranged to display the data in the display unit, and the operator can accept or reject the data and instruct the second microprocessor to store the data in the storage medium with appropriate customer identification for subsequent retrieval at a cental location.
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 arranged 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. The second unit comprises a second coupling device co-operating with the first coupling device to transmit and receive data to and from the first unit, a second microprocessor, a second read-only-memory for storing a program controlling the operation of said second microprocessor, a storage medium for storing data from said second microprocessor, a display unit, a first actuator operable by the reader to transmit a signal through the first and second coupling devices to instruct the first microprocessor to transfer data relating to the pulse count in the different predetermined periods to the second unit. The second microprocessor is arranged to display the data in the display unit, and the operator can accept or reject the data and instruct the second microprocessor to store the data in the storage medium with appropriate customer identification for subsequent retrieval at a cental location.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the invention This invention relates to a multiple rate metering system applicable to domestic customers.
Description of the prior art It is a well known problem that electricity demand varies considerably during the course of the day with peaks in demand occurring at certain times of day. utility companies must have the generating capacity to met the demand in those peak periods. This requires a substantial capital investment in generating equipment, which most of tune time is under-utilized. If the utility's customers can be persuaded to change their habits so as to ensure more uniform consumption of electricity during the course of the day, substantial savings can be achieved in that the available generating equipment can be operated at near-f~ll capacity for a greater proportion of the time. Some progress has been made in flattening the load curve in the industrial sector by charging preferential rates for off-peak usage. However, little progress has been made in the private sector, largely as a result of the practical problem of converting very large numbers of small consumers over to multiple rate metering, even though the private sector collectively accounts for a major portion of electricity consumption-.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a multiple rate electricity metering system which can conveniently be employed with existing electricity meters.
According to the present invention there is r3~ 7 voided multiple rate metering system suitable for use with an existing single rate, electromechanical electricity meter employing an Eddy current disc mounted in a casing, comprising: a first Retrofit 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;
said first unit comprising a sensor for generating pulses in rest posse 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 randon-access-memory, said first microprocessor being programmed to store data in said random-access memory related to the pulses generated in different pro-determined periods during which different electricity rates apply, and first coupling means for establishing non-contact communication through the casing with said second unit when said second unit is brought into close proximity with said first unit; said second unit comprising suckled coupling means co-operating with said first coupling means to transmit and receive data to and from said first unit, a second microprocessor, a second read-only-memory for storing a program controlling the operation of said second microprocessor, a storage medium for storing data from said second microprocessor, display means, first actuator means operable by the meter reader to transmit a signal through said first and second coupling means to instruct said first microprocessor to transfer data relating to -the pulses generated in said different predetermined periods to said second unit, said second microprocessor being programmed to display said data in said display means, and second actuator means operable by the meter reader to accept said data and instruct said second microprocessor to store said data in said storage medium with appear-private customer identification for subsequent retrieval at a eon-trial location.
Preferably, each coupling means comprises a light-
Field of the invention This invention relates to a multiple rate metering system applicable to domestic customers.
Description of the prior art It is a well known problem that electricity demand varies considerably during the course of the day with peaks in demand occurring at certain times of day. utility companies must have the generating capacity to met the demand in those peak periods. This requires a substantial capital investment in generating equipment, which most of tune time is under-utilized. If the utility's customers can be persuaded to change their habits so as to ensure more uniform consumption of electricity during the course of the day, substantial savings can be achieved in that the available generating equipment can be operated at near-f~ll capacity for a greater proportion of the time. Some progress has been made in flattening the load curve in the industrial sector by charging preferential rates for off-peak usage. However, little progress has been made in the private sector, largely as a result of the practical problem of converting very large numbers of small consumers over to multiple rate metering, even though the private sector collectively accounts for a major portion of electricity consumption-.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a multiple rate electricity metering system which can conveniently be employed with existing electricity meters.
According to the present invention there is r3~ 7 voided multiple rate metering system suitable for use with an existing single rate, electromechanical electricity meter employing an Eddy current disc mounted in a casing, comprising: a first Retrofit 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;
said first unit comprising a sensor for generating pulses in rest posse 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 randon-access-memory, said first microprocessor being programmed to store data in said random-access memory related to the pulses generated in different pro-determined periods during which different electricity rates apply, and first coupling means for establishing non-contact communication through the casing with said second unit when said second unit is brought into close proximity with said first unit; said second unit comprising suckled coupling means co-operating with said first coupling means to transmit and receive data to and from said first unit, a second microprocessor, a second read-only-memory for storing a program controlling the operation of said second microprocessor, a storage medium for storing data from said second microprocessor, display means, first actuator means operable by the meter reader to transmit a signal through said first and second coupling means to instruct said first microprocessor to transfer data relating to -the pulses generated in said different predetermined periods to said second unit, said second microprocessor being programmed to display said data in said display means, and second actuator means operable by the meter reader to accept said data and instruct said second microprocessor to store said data in said storage medium with appear-private customer identification for subsequent retrieval at a eon-trial location.
Preferably, each coupling means comprises a light-
- 2 -I to fitting diode and a phototransistor. The TOED of the second unit omits a signal under the control of the second microprocessor, which is received by -the phototransistor of the second unit. In this way, instructions controlling the operation of the first mice reprocessor can be passed from the second unit to the first unit.
Under control from the second unit, the first microprocessor trays-mitt the data from the random-access-mernory to the second unit where it is displayed in the display means. This gives the reader an opportunity to verify -the total unit count with the reading on the electromechanical read-out of the existing meter. The sum of the counts for the different predetermined periods should obviously be equal to count for the total period shown on the electromech-apical read-out. The predetermined periods can, for example, no-present different times of day. For example, the meter may record the pulse count for the period 9.00 arm. to 12.00 noon separately from the pulse count for the remaining part of the day over the meter-reading period in question. The count stored in the RAM (random access memory) for each predetermined period will not normally be reset by the meter reader, that is the RAM will act as an accumulator in the same manner as the existing electron mechanical read-out, and the pulse count representing the electric city consumed during the meter-reading period will be calculated by subtracting the current total from ,~; - 3 -thepre~ious total. This allows any errors to be corrected subsequently.
The microprocessor keeps track of the time of day, and the meter reader preferably has a facility in the second unit to reset the time registered by the microprocessor when the meter is read.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be descried in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a block diagram of a first unit intended to be fitted into an existing electricity meter;
and Figure 2 is a block diagram of a second unit intended to be carried by a meter reader.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The first unit shown in Figure 1 comprises an 80C48 microprocessor 1 connected through a CMOS
integrated-circuitr wave-shaping unit 2 to the collector of a phototransistor 3 having its emitter connected to ground.
The microprocessor 1 is connected through a diode 3 to a power supply 4, and synchronized to the standard 60 Ho supply by means of line I In the event of a power failure, unit 5, which is an ICM7029 crystal oscillator connected to a quartz crystal 6, takes over the clocking of the microprocessor 1.
A reacl-only-memory 8 and a random access memory 9 are also connected to the microprocessor 1. The read-only-memory 8 stores a program controlling the operation of the microprocessor 1 which, in turn, stores data in the random-access memory JO A light-emitting diode and phototransistor 11 are also connected to the microprocessor 1.
The first unit is mounted inside the casing of an existing electricity metro Such a meter has an Eddy current disc whose rate of rotation is determined by the power consumption of the customer. A black band broken at one point to provide a silver reflection is arranged on the disc. This black band is illuminated, and the phototransistor is arranged over it so as to be responsive to the passage of the silver reflection on each rotation of the disc. This generates a pulse which is shaped in the unit 2 before being passed to the microprocessor 1.
The microprocessor 1 is clocked in synchronism with the 60 Ho supply by the line 7 r and maintains a clock for the time of day and a calendar for the date Under program control from the read-only-memory 8, the microprocessor 1 accumulates the pulse count from the phototransistor 3 during different predetermined periods Anaheim of such periods can be provided. For example, the microprocessor 1 can be instructed to accumulate the count in the period 7.00 to 11.00 arm. on weeicdays in one section of the memory, in the period 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
on weekdays in another section of the memory in the remaining weekday hours in another section of the memory, and the count at weekends in another section of the memory, giving four predetermined periods in total. Since the microprocessor 1 maintains a calendar in the random-access memory 9, the system can also be programmed to take into account statutory holidays and place the count for these days in the weekend section o-F the millionaire. Alternatively, of course, the microprocessor 1 can be instructed to accumulate the counts for different periods, -For example, -the 7.00 to 11.00 arm.
periods and -the 4.00 -to 6.00 p.m. periods in the same sect-ion o-F
the Mueller if electricity during -these periods is to be billed on the same tariff.
The second unit, shown in Figure 2, is mourlted in a portable casing and comprises a microprocessor 12 conrlected through a diode 13 -to a power supply 14. An oscillator 15 con-netted -to a quartz crystal 16 provides clock pulses to drive the microprocessor 12, which is also connected -through an address bus 17 and a data bus 18 to a read-only-memory 19 and a random-access memory 20. The read-only-rnemory stores a program control-lying the operation of the microprocessor 12. The data bus is connected to the peripheral equipment 21. A light emitting diode 22 and a photo-transistor 23 are connected to the peripheral equipment 21. This is connected -to three control buttons 24, 25, 26 and a LED display 27.
When the meter reader makes his rounds, he carries with 20 him the portable unit shown in Figure 2. At each customers premises, he places the unit next to -the existing electricity meter, in which has previously been installed the Furriest unit, with the light emitting diode 22 and phototransistor 23 of the second unit disposed respectively opposite the light-enli-tting diode 10 and the phototransistor 11 of the first unit. In this manner data can be transferred serially in binary -forum between the two units in both directions without creating s-tray magnetic Fields which might influence the operation o-F the e'lectromechani-eel meter.
By pressing -the button 24, the meter reader causes the microprocessor in the second unit to send a signal through the optical coupling to the microprocessor in the first unit X
instructing it to transfer the data in the first RAM 9 -to the second unit. Lowry, under the control of the operator, i-t is disk played in -the display unit 27 enabling the operator to verify -it to be correct. For example, -the operator can total the number of units consumed in each of -the predetermined periods over the meter reading period and verify that this total agrees with the number of units consumed as shown by the existing electromechani-eel register. If the two agree, the operator can accept the data by pressing -the accept button 25, causing it to be stored in the 10 RAM 20 of the second unit. A customer identification signal is stored in the first unit and -transferred into the second unit along with the data, so the RAM 20 of the second unit stores the customer identification, and the total count number in each of -the predetermined periods. The meter reader then passes -to the next customer and repeats the process, so that, at the end of the day, data are stored in the RAM 20 relating to the total count number for each customer visited during the day in each predator-mined time period, along with appropriate customer identification.
On his return to the utility's office the meter reader 20 connects the second unit directly to the main-frame computer and transfers the data contained in t RAM 20 into the central memory.
From -this data, the central computer is able -to prepare the cuss tumors monthly bill showing the number of units consumed in each of the predetermined time periods.
The second unit is shown as having a RAM 20 so the storage medianly For -the data because static RAM's are now available of sufficient capacity and low power consumption -to hold one day's worth of data. The RAM 20 can, of course, be replaced by any other suitable storage medium, such as a cassette -tape. This 30 does have -the problem in cold climates that the -tape -tends to Buckley brittle leading to loss of data. Fur -this reason, the static RAM is preferred.
X
I
The meter reader does no-t normally reset the count in the sections o-F the RAM 9 of the First unit relating to the various predetermined -time periods. This enables subsequent verification if a customer queries a bill, in the same way as the total count on the register o-F an existing meter can always be referred -to in the event o-F a query. By means of the reset button 26, however, he is able to reset -the clock and calendar being maintained by the microprocessor 1 in the event that -they are incorrect.
although the first unit normally -takes its power from the mains supply, a back-up battery is provided, which takes over in the even-t of a power failure, at which time -the oscillator also takes over the clocking of the First microprocessor '1.
The ROM in the first unit can be preprogrammed according to the utill-ty~s individual requirements. different ROMs can be manufactured containing different standard programs, or alternatively, -the first unit can be provided with a PROM
(programmable read-only-memory) to enable a customized program to be burnt in.
If the meter reader finds he is not able to accept the data displayed in the display unit, he can make a correction by making use of the optical coupling between the -two units.
The following pages contain the memory map and flow charts relating to -the operation o-F the microprocessor 1 in the first unit.
X
Under control from the second unit, the first microprocessor trays-mitt the data from the random-access-mernory to the second unit where it is displayed in the display means. This gives the reader an opportunity to verify -the total unit count with the reading on the electromechanical read-out of the existing meter. The sum of the counts for the different predetermined periods should obviously be equal to count for the total period shown on the electromech-apical read-out. The predetermined periods can, for example, no-present different times of day. For example, the meter may record the pulse count for the period 9.00 arm. to 12.00 noon separately from the pulse count for the remaining part of the day over the meter-reading period in question. The count stored in the RAM (random access memory) for each predetermined period will not normally be reset by the meter reader, that is the RAM will act as an accumulator in the same manner as the existing electron mechanical read-out, and the pulse count representing the electric city consumed during the meter-reading period will be calculated by subtracting the current total from ,~; - 3 -thepre~ious total. This allows any errors to be corrected subsequently.
The microprocessor keeps track of the time of day, and the meter reader preferably has a facility in the second unit to reset the time registered by the microprocessor when the meter is read.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be descried in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a block diagram of a first unit intended to be fitted into an existing electricity meter;
and Figure 2 is a block diagram of a second unit intended to be carried by a meter reader.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The first unit shown in Figure 1 comprises an 80C48 microprocessor 1 connected through a CMOS
integrated-circuitr wave-shaping unit 2 to the collector of a phototransistor 3 having its emitter connected to ground.
The microprocessor 1 is connected through a diode 3 to a power supply 4, and synchronized to the standard 60 Ho supply by means of line I In the event of a power failure, unit 5, which is an ICM7029 crystal oscillator connected to a quartz crystal 6, takes over the clocking of the microprocessor 1.
A reacl-only-memory 8 and a random access memory 9 are also connected to the microprocessor 1. The read-only-memory 8 stores a program controlling the operation of the microprocessor 1 which, in turn, stores data in the random-access memory JO A light-emitting diode and phototransistor 11 are also connected to the microprocessor 1.
The first unit is mounted inside the casing of an existing electricity metro Such a meter has an Eddy current disc whose rate of rotation is determined by the power consumption of the customer. A black band broken at one point to provide a silver reflection is arranged on the disc. This black band is illuminated, and the phototransistor is arranged over it so as to be responsive to the passage of the silver reflection on each rotation of the disc. This generates a pulse which is shaped in the unit 2 before being passed to the microprocessor 1.
The microprocessor 1 is clocked in synchronism with the 60 Ho supply by the line 7 r and maintains a clock for the time of day and a calendar for the date Under program control from the read-only-memory 8, the microprocessor 1 accumulates the pulse count from the phototransistor 3 during different predetermined periods Anaheim of such periods can be provided. For example, the microprocessor 1 can be instructed to accumulate the count in the period 7.00 to 11.00 arm. on weeicdays in one section of the memory, in the period 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
on weekdays in another section of the memory in the remaining weekday hours in another section of the memory, and the count at weekends in another section of the memory, giving four predetermined periods in total. Since the microprocessor 1 maintains a calendar in the random-access memory 9, the system can also be programmed to take into account statutory holidays and place the count for these days in the weekend section o-F the millionaire. Alternatively, of course, the microprocessor 1 can be instructed to accumulate the counts for different periods, -For example, -the 7.00 to 11.00 arm.
periods and -the 4.00 -to 6.00 p.m. periods in the same sect-ion o-F
the Mueller if electricity during -these periods is to be billed on the same tariff.
The second unit, shown in Figure 2, is mourlted in a portable casing and comprises a microprocessor 12 conrlected through a diode 13 -to a power supply 14. An oscillator 15 con-netted -to a quartz crystal 16 provides clock pulses to drive the microprocessor 12, which is also connected -through an address bus 17 and a data bus 18 to a read-only-memory 19 and a random-access memory 20. The read-only-rnemory stores a program control-lying the operation of the microprocessor 12. The data bus is connected to the peripheral equipment 21. A light emitting diode 22 and a photo-transistor 23 are connected to the peripheral equipment 21. This is connected -to three control buttons 24, 25, 26 and a LED display 27.
When the meter reader makes his rounds, he carries with 20 him the portable unit shown in Figure 2. At each customers premises, he places the unit next to -the existing electricity meter, in which has previously been installed the Furriest unit, with the light emitting diode 22 and phototransistor 23 of the second unit disposed respectively opposite the light-enli-tting diode 10 and the phototransistor 11 of the first unit. In this manner data can be transferred serially in binary -forum between the two units in both directions without creating s-tray magnetic Fields which might influence the operation o-F the e'lectromechani-eel meter.
By pressing -the button 24, the meter reader causes the microprocessor in the second unit to send a signal through the optical coupling to the microprocessor in the first unit X
instructing it to transfer the data in the first RAM 9 -to the second unit. Lowry, under the control of the operator, i-t is disk played in -the display unit 27 enabling the operator to verify -it to be correct. For example, -the operator can total the number of units consumed in each of -the predetermined periods over the meter reading period and verify that this total agrees with the number of units consumed as shown by the existing electromechani-eel register. If the two agree, the operator can accept the data by pressing -the accept button 25, causing it to be stored in the 10 RAM 20 of the second unit. A customer identification signal is stored in the first unit and -transferred into the second unit along with the data, so the RAM 20 of the second unit stores the customer identification, and the total count number in each of -the predetermined periods. The meter reader then passes -to the next customer and repeats the process, so that, at the end of the day, data are stored in the RAM 20 relating to the total count number for each customer visited during the day in each predator-mined time period, along with appropriate customer identification.
On his return to the utility's office the meter reader 20 connects the second unit directly to the main-frame computer and transfers the data contained in t RAM 20 into the central memory.
From -this data, the central computer is able -to prepare the cuss tumors monthly bill showing the number of units consumed in each of the predetermined time periods.
The second unit is shown as having a RAM 20 so the storage medianly For -the data because static RAM's are now available of sufficient capacity and low power consumption -to hold one day's worth of data. The RAM 20 can, of course, be replaced by any other suitable storage medium, such as a cassette -tape. This 30 does have -the problem in cold climates that the -tape -tends to Buckley brittle leading to loss of data. Fur -this reason, the static RAM is preferred.
X
I
The meter reader does no-t normally reset the count in the sections o-F the RAM 9 of the First unit relating to the various predetermined -time periods. This enables subsequent verification if a customer queries a bill, in the same way as the total count on the register o-F an existing meter can always be referred -to in the event o-F a query. By means of the reset button 26, however, he is able to reset -the clock and calendar being maintained by the microprocessor 1 in the event that -they are incorrect.
although the first unit normally -takes its power from the mains supply, a back-up battery is provided, which takes over in the even-t of a power failure, at which time -the oscillator also takes over the clocking of the First microprocessor '1.
The ROM in the first unit can be preprogrammed according to the utill-ty~s individual requirements. different ROMs can be manufactured containing different standard programs, or alternatively, -the first unit can be provided with a PROM
(programmable read-only-memory) to enable a customized program to be burnt in.
If the meter reader finds he is not able to accept the data displayed in the display unit, he can make a correction by making use of the optical coupling between the -two units.
The following pages contain the memory map and flow charts relating to -the operation o-F the microprocessor 1 in the first unit.
X
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A multiple rate metering system suitable for use with an existing single rate, electromechanical electricity meter em-ploying an Eddy current disc mounted in a casing, comprising: a first retrofit 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;
said first unit comprising a sensor for generating pulses in response to rotation of the Eddy current disc, a first micropro-cessor, a first read-only-memory for storing a program to control the operation of said first microprocessor, a random-access-memory, said first microprocessor being programmed to store data in said random-access memory related to the pulses generated in different predetermined periods during which different electricity rates apply, and first coupling means for establishing non-contact com-munication through the casing with said second unit then said sec-ond unit is brought into close proximity with said first unit;
said second unit comprising second coupling means co-operating with said first coupling means to transmit and receive data to and from said first unit, a second microprocessor, a second read-only-memory for storing a program controlling the operation of said second microprocessor, a storage medium for storing data from said second microprocessor, display means, first actuator means operable by the meter reader to transmit a signal through said first and second coupling means to instruct said first microprocessor to transfer data relating to the pulses generated in said different predetermined periods to said second unit, said second micropro-cessor being programmed to display said data in said display means, and second actuator means operable by the meter reader to accept said data and instruct said second microprocessor to store said data in said storage medium with appropriate customer identification for subsequent retrieval at a central location.
and a second unit, which is portable so that it can be brought into close proximity with said first unit by a meter reader;
said first unit comprising a sensor for generating pulses in response to rotation of the Eddy current disc, a first micropro-cessor, a first read-only-memory for storing a program to control the operation of said first microprocessor, a random-access-memory, said first microprocessor being programmed to store data in said random-access memory related to the pulses generated in different predetermined periods during which different electricity rates apply, and first coupling means for establishing non-contact com-munication through the casing with said second unit then said sec-ond unit is brought into close proximity with said first unit;
said second unit comprising second coupling means co-operating with said first coupling means to transmit and receive data to and from said first unit, a second microprocessor, a second read-only-memory for storing a program controlling the operation of said second microprocessor, a storage medium for storing data from said second microprocessor, display means, first actuator means operable by the meter reader to transmit a signal through said first and second coupling means to instruct said first microprocessor to transfer data relating to the pulses generated in said different predetermined periods to said second unit, said second micropro-cessor being programmed to display said data in said display means, and second actuator means operable by the meter reader to accept said data and instruct said second microprocessor to store said data in said storage medium with appropriate customer identification for subsequent retrieval at a central location.
2. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 1 wherein said storage medium in said second unit is also a random-access memory.
3. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 1 wherein said first and second coupling means each comprise optical couplings.
4. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 3 wherein each said optical coupling comprises a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor, whereby when data is transferred bet-ween said first and second couplings, the phototransistor of the first coupling means is placed opposite the light-emitting diode of the second coupling means, and the phototransistor of the second coupling means is placed opposite the light-emitting diode of the first coupling means such that data is transferred serially between said two units in the form of optical pulses under the control of said microprocessors.
5. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor comprises a phototransistor adapted to respond to the passage of a mark on the Eddy current disc of the electro-mechanical meter.
6. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 1 comprising means for deriving clock pulses for said first micro-processor from the mains supply, said first microprocessor being clocked in synchronism with the mains supply.
7. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 6 further comprising an oscillator for providing clock pulses to the first microprocessor in the event of a power failure or reduction in mains frequency.
8. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 5 wherein said sensor is connected to said first microprocessor through a CMOS wave-shaping circuit.
9. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 1 wherein said storage medium is magnetic tape.
10. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 1 wherein said second unit comprises means enabling the meter reader to reset the microprocessor of the first unit.
11. A multiple rate metering system according to claim 1 wherein said second unit is also provided with coupling means for connection to a central computer to enable the data stored in said storage medium to be transferred to the main memory of said central computer.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/344,500 | 1982-02-01 | ||
| US06/344,500 US4516213A (en) | 1982-02-01 | 1982-02-01 | Multiple rate metering system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1189907A true CA1189907A (en) | 1985-07-02 |
Family
ID=23350788
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000420218A Expired CA1189907A (en) | 1982-02-01 | 1983-01-25 | Multiple rate metering system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4516213A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1189907A (en) |
Families Citing this family (39)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4730247A (en) * | 1983-09-05 | 1988-03-08 | Mitutoyo Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Digital indication type measuring apparatus and measured data storage apparatus therefor |
| JPS60104267A (en) * | 1983-11-11 | 1985-06-08 | Toshiba Corp | Electric energy measuring device |
| US4627000A (en) * | 1984-04-12 | 1986-12-02 | General Electric Company | Apparatus and method for copying data from one electronic demand register to another |
| US4654588A (en) * | 1984-10-05 | 1987-03-31 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Time-of-use watt-hour meter with demand profile capability |
| US4720799A (en) * | 1985-06-19 | 1988-01-19 | Woithe Stanley D | Hydrologic data acquisition system |
| US4688038A (en) * | 1985-09-30 | 1987-08-18 | Milton S. Gerstein | Remote meter-reader device for gas meters, and the like |
| US4791362A (en) * | 1986-04-11 | 1988-12-13 | Sangamo Weston, Inc. | Modularized solid state register |
| US4792677A (en) * | 1986-08-29 | 1988-12-20 | Domestic Automation Company, Inc. | System for use with a utility meter for recording time of energy use |
| US4783623A (en) * | 1986-08-29 | 1988-11-08 | Domestic Automation Company | Device for use with a utility meter for recording time of energy use |
| US5079715A (en) * | 1987-12-28 | 1992-01-07 | Krishnan Venkataraman | Electronic data recorder for electric energy metering |
| US5014213A (en) * | 1988-04-20 | 1991-05-07 | Domestic Automation Company, Inc. | System for use with polyphase utility meters for recording time of energy use |
| US5054787A (en) * | 1988-11-10 | 1991-10-08 | Selectro-Vision, Ltd. | Portable validation unit for gaming system |
| US5212644A (en) * | 1990-11-20 | 1993-05-18 | Mors Technologies, Inc. | Incremental rate locker system |
| US5237507A (en) * | 1990-12-21 | 1993-08-17 | Chasek Norman E | System for developing real time economic incentives to encourage efficient use of the resources of a regulated electric utility |
| US5457621A (en) * | 1992-02-21 | 1995-10-10 | Abb Power T&D Company Inc. | Switching power supply having voltage blocking clamp |
| US5537029A (en) | 1992-02-21 | 1996-07-16 | Abb Power T&D Company Inc. | Method and apparatus for electronic meter testing |
| US5383129A (en) * | 1993-08-31 | 1995-01-17 | Xerox Corporation | Method of estimating cost of printing materials used to print a job on a printing apparatus |
| RO120431B1 (en) | 1996-10-22 | 2006-01-30 | Abb Power T & D Company Inc. | Electric energy meter |
| US7444401B1 (en) | 2002-11-18 | 2008-10-28 | Arkion Systems Llc | Method and apparatus for inexpensively monitoring and controlling remotely distributed appliances |
| US6968276B2 (en) * | 2002-11-19 | 2005-11-22 | Texas Instruments Deutschland Gmbh | System for processing measuring signals from a sensor |
| US7355867B2 (en) * | 2004-08-17 | 2008-04-08 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Power supply for an electric meter having a high-voltage regulator that limits the voltage applied to certain components below the normal operating input voltage |
| CN1912548B (en) * | 2005-08-11 | 2011-08-17 | 北京握奇数据系统有限公司 | Intelligent meter with multiple metering mode and its metering method |
| US9202362B2 (en) * | 2008-10-27 | 2015-12-01 | Mueller International, Llc | Infrastructure monitoring system and method |
| MX2011012383A (en) | 2009-05-22 | 2011-12-16 | Mueller Int Llc | Infrastructure monitoring devices, systems, and methods. |
| US8849462B2 (en) * | 2009-12-02 | 2014-09-30 | Velvetwire Llc | Method and apparatus for automation of a programmable device |
| US8633612B2 (en) * | 2010-03-10 | 2014-01-21 | Velvetwire, Llc | Signal variance sensing power controller |
| EP2582886B1 (en) | 2010-06-16 | 2019-11-27 | Mueller International, LLC | Infrastructure monitoring devices, systems, and methods |
| US8466803B2 (en) * | 2011-05-06 | 2013-06-18 | Greenwave Reality PTE, Ltd. | Smart meter emulation |
| US8833390B2 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2014-09-16 | Mueller International, Llc | Valve meter assembly and method |
| US8660134B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2014-02-25 | Mueller International, Llc | Systems and methods for time-based hailing of radio frequency devices |
| US8855569B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2014-10-07 | Mueller International, Llc | Systems and methods for dynamic squelching in radio frequency devices |
| CN103679955B (en) * | 2012-09-25 | 2016-06-01 | 深圳市金正方科技股份有限公司 | A kind of step price electricity-selling system based on IC-card amount control ammeter and IC-card amount control ammeter |
| GB201301582D0 (en) * | 2013-01-29 | 2013-03-13 | Itron Inc | Electricity meter |
| AU2014235054B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-11-02 | Mueller International, Llc | Systems for measuring properties of water in a water distribution system |
| US10243724B2 (en) * | 2014-02-12 | 2019-03-26 | Infineon Technologies Ag | Sensor subassembly and method for sending a data signal |
| US9494249B2 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2016-11-15 | Mueller International, Llc | Mechanical stop for actuator and orifice |
| US9565620B2 (en) | 2014-09-02 | 2017-02-07 | Mueller International, Llc | Dynamic routing in a mesh network |
| US11041839B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2021-06-22 | Mueller International, Llc | Distribution system monitoring |
| US11725366B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2023-08-15 | Mueller International, Llc | Remote-operated flushing system |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3046534A (en) * | 1959-10-05 | 1962-07-24 | Jr Paul C Constant | Remote meter reading apparatus |
| US3422441A (en) * | 1965-09-13 | 1969-01-14 | Lockheed Aircraft Corp | Binary code data recorder system |
| US4119948A (en) * | 1976-04-29 | 1978-10-10 | Ernest Michael Ward | Remote meter reading system |
| US4132981A (en) * | 1976-10-21 | 1979-01-02 | Rockwell International Corporation | Self-powered system for measuring and storing consumption of utility meter |
-
1982
- 1982-02-01 US US06/344,500 patent/US4516213A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1983
- 1983-01-25 CA CA000420218A patent/CA1189907A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4516213A (en) | 1985-05-07 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1189907A (en) | Multiple rate metering system | |
| US4783623A (en) | Device for use with a utility meter for recording time of energy use | |
| US4120031A (en) | Utility usage monitoring systems | |
| US4792677A (en) | System for use with a utility meter for recording time of energy use | |
| EP0250202B1 (en) | Commodity metering system | |
| US4467434A (en) | Solid state watt-hour meter | |
| EP0335912B1 (en) | Prepayment metering system using encoded purchase cards | |
| EP0015120B1 (en) | Meters for measuring electrical energy consumption | |
| CA1161171A (en) | Power outage recovery method and apparatus for demand recorder with solid state memory | |
| CA1152217A (en) | Data processor apparatus for multitariff meter | |
| US20020120569A1 (en) | System and method for communication between remote locations | |
| US4851708A (en) | Timeswitches | |
| GB2046924A (en) | Portable programmerreader unit for programmable time registering electric energy meters | |
| CA1275304C (en) | Time-of-use-meter with a calendar of cyclic events | |
| US4621330A (en) | Programming system for programmable time registering electric energy meters | |
| EP0419106B1 (en) | Commodity metering systems | |
| EP0981723B1 (en) | Metering systems | |
| EP0092436B1 (en) | Improved apparatus for the collection of payments for commodities | |
| JPS6191574A (en) | Method of measuring power demand and watt-hour meter having demand profile capacity | |
| WO1990000724A1 (en) | Water metering system | |
| EP0076809B1 (en) | Multiple rate electrical energy metering apparatus | |
| CN101303783A (en) | Energy (electricity) management method and system for paying in time and copying back electric quantity | |
| GB2053538A (en) | Multi-tariff meter | |
| CN2335201Y (en) | IC card type gas meter | |
| CN2251141Y (en) | Intelligent prepayment watthour meter |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |