Meter Register

Abstract

A method and apparatus for measuring a fluid and determining a leak comprising the steps of providing a meter and a meter register coacting with the meter. When a leak is detected, a signal is transmitted from the meter register regarding fluid consumption. The transmitted signal indicates a leak either when the measured flow rate remains a fixed volume over a fixed period of time, or the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold value.

1 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A meter register, comprising:
 a register body having a rotatable drive shaft coupled thereto;   a drive gear attached to said drive shaft, at least one follower gear rotatably attached to said register body and coupled with said drive gear; and   an antenna, comprising a first electrically conductive sheet, a second electrically conductive sheet, and an axially extending leg electrically connected to said first electrically conductive sheet and said second electrically conductive sheet, said first electrically conductive sheet spaced an axial distance away from said second electrically conductive sheet wherein at least a portion of said register body is sandwiched between said first electrically conductive sheet and said second electrically conductive sheet.   
     
     
         30 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A utility meter, comprising:
 a meter body having a chamber through which material passes;   a measuring unit contained within said chamber, said chamber comprising a rotating member, said rotating member having a magnetic member; and   a sealed register attached to said chamber, said register comprising:
 a register body having a rotatable drive shaft coupled thereto; 
 a magnet attached to said drive shaft and coacting with said magnetic member; 
 a drive gear attached to said drive shaft, at least one follower gear rotatably attached to said register body and coupled with said drive gear; 
 an antenna, comprising a first electrically conductive sheet, a second electrically conductive sheet, and an axially extending leg electrically connected to said first electrically conductive sheet, said first electrically conductive sheet spaced an axial distance away from said second electrically conductive sheet, wherein at least a portion of said register body is sandwiched between said first electrically conductive sheet and said second electrically conductive sheet; and 
 a metallic body attached to a clear face to form a sealed internal chamber, said sealed internal chamber receiving said register body. 
   
     
     
         45 .- 47 . (canceled) 
     
     
         48 . A method for measuring a utility, comprising the following steps:
 a) providing a meter;   b) providing a meter register;   c) transmitting a signal from a meter register, said signal identifying said meter-type identification code, and utility consumption; and   d) 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. 
     
     
         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)