Meter register

Abstract

A meter register includes a register body having a rotatable drive shaft coupled thereto. A drive gear is attached to the drive shaft and at least one follower gear is rotatably attached to the register body and coupled with the drive gear. An antenna is provided that includes a first electrically conductive sheet, a second electrically conductive sheet, and an axially extending leg electrically connected to the first electrically conductive sheet and the second electrically conductive sheet. A first electrically conductive sheet is spaced an axial distance away from the second electrically conductive sheet wherein at least a portion of the register body is sandwiched between the first electrically conductive sheet and the second electrically conductive sheet. The meter register can be attached to a meter body and, further, an auxiliary antenna can be attached to the meter register. Also disclosed is a method of operation of a utility measuring system that incorporates the above-described meter register.

1 - 47 . (canceled)  
   
   
       48 . A method for measuring a utility, comprising the following steps: 
 providing a meter;    providing a meter register;    transmitting a signal from a meter register, said signal identifying said meter-type identification code, and utility consumption; and    receiving said information by a central authority.    
   
   
       49 . A method as claimed in  claim 48 , further comprising the step of transmitting information if said meter has been tampered with.  
   
   
       50 . A method as claimed in  claim 49 , wherein said tampering comprises subjecting said meter register to a magnetic field above a threshold value.  
   
   
       51 . A method as claimed in  claim 48 , wherein said meter is a fluid meter, said method further comprising the step of determining reverse flow through said meter and transmitting such information.  
   
   
       52 . A method as claimed in  claim 48 , wherein said signal includes information corresponding to an odometer reading on said meter.  
   
   
       53 . A method as claimed in  claim 48 , wherein said meter is adapted to receive signals from an external source.  
   
   
       54 . A method as claimed in  claim 53 , further comprising the step of transmitting a signal from an external source to adjust the transmitting signal odometer reading.  
   
   
       55 . A method as claimed in  claim 48 , further comprising the step of providing a database containing the received information by the central authority.  
   
   
       56 . A method as claimed in  claim 55 , wherein said database is accessible by a third party. I  
   
   
       57 . A method as claimed in  claim 56 , wherein said third party is an end user which is responsible for the meter.  
   
   
       58 . A method as claimed in  claim 57 , wherein said database is internet accessible.  
   
   
       59 . A method as claimed in  claim 48 , wherein said meter transmits a signal if there is a utility leak and said method further comprising the step of notifying a third party to report a leak.  
   
   
       60 . A method as claimed in  claim 59 , wherein said notification occurs either via an alarm or a signal sent to a phone or a pager.  
   
   
       61 . A method as claimed in  claim 48 , wherein said signal is received by a receiver mounted on a vehicle.  
   
   
       62 . A method as claimed in  claim 48 , further comprising the step of providing shut-off means in a fluid line which is fluidly coupled to said meter and opening and closing said valve depending on the amount of fluid measured by said meter.  
   
   
       63 - 65 . (canceled)