GB1253826A - Improvements in or relating to remote reading means - Google Patents

Abstract

1,253,826. Remote meter reading. PARKINSON COWAN Ltd. 6 Aug., 1969 [13 Aug., 1968], no. 38622/68. Heading G4H. A device for remotely reading the counting register of, e.g. a gas meter, comprises a series of index members of different numerical significance driven from the meter, a corresponding series of switching elements responsive to movement of the index members, a means for transmitting an electrical current through the switching elements, a retaining means for holding the index means stationary during the electrical transmission and a means remote from the meter operated by the electrical transmission for recording the positions of the index members. The switching elements comprise a pair of electrically connected contacts 30 which co-operate with a series contacts 29, circumferentially spaced on an index wheel, and a contact ring. When the meter is to be read a solenoid 32 is activated which locks the index wheels in position, ensures that the index members are aligned at a digital position and engages the contacts 30 with the contacts 29. A current is then passed through each of the leads 35 in succession and a series of signals is received on the lines 31 which correspond to the meter reading. In a modification the contacts 29 are replaced by four concentric contact groups to enable the reading to be transmitted in binary coded decimal. A clutch may be provided to allow continued movement of the meter mechanism while the index members are held stationary for reading. Each meter is provided with an identification code by means of differing interconnections between the lines 37 and 31. The code may be recorded together with the meter reading by passing a current through each of the leads 37 and recording the output on the lines 31. The remote reading and recording device may be portable and comprises a decimal to binary encoder to which the digital outputs from the meter device are fed before recording.