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.
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12. A method of detecting a leak in a liquid consumption system, comprising the following steps:
providing a meter having a measuring chamber, wherein a liquid passes from a liquid source, through the measuring chamber of the meter to the liquid consumption system; and
providing a sealed meter register having a microprocessor and an antenna connected to the microprocessor within the sealed meter register wherein the antenna comprises a first electrically-conductive member connected to an extending leg and a second electrically-conductive member spaced an axial distance from the first conductive member, wherein the sealed meter register is magnetically coupled with the measuring chamber to coact with the meter to measure the amount of liquid flowing from the liquid source through the meter to the liquid consumption system, and wherein the microprocessor receives liquid flow information from the meter register to measure the amount of liquid from the liquid source moving through the meter to the liquid consumption system as a function of time defined as a measured flow rate; and
generating a signal indicating a leak when the measured flow rate is greater than zero and when one of the following events occurs:
(i) the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time, or
(ii) the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value,
programming the microprocessor to determine:
(i) if the measured flow rate is greater than zero;
(ii) if the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time; and
(iii) if the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value; and
wherein a signal is generated to indicate a leak when the microprocessor determines conditions (i) and (ii) are present, or conditions (i) and (iii) are present,
wherein said signal includes information corresponding to an odometer reading on said meter; and
wherein the signal generated indicating a leak is an alarm emitted from the meter and a wireless signal is transmitted through the antenna from the meter to a location other than the meter indicating leak, and
wherein comprising the further step of providing shut-off means in a liquid line which is coupled to said meter and opening and closing said shut-off means depending on the volume of liquid passing through said meter.
0. 14. A system for determining a leak in a liquid consumption system, comprising:
a sealed register body having a face portion and a body defining an internal cavity, the internal cavity under negative pressure;
a rotatable follower magnetic member provided in said internal cavity, said follower magnetic member adapted to be rotated by a driving magnetic member external of said sealed register body, said follower magnetic member provided within said internal cavity;
an antenna provided within said internal cavity, and a visual display provided within said internal cavity and visible through said face portion wherein the antenna comprises a first electrically-conductive member connected to an extending leg and a second electrically-conductive member spaced an axial distance from the first conductive member; and
a microprocessor within the internal cavity and coacting with the antenna, wherein the rotatable follower member coacts with the microprocessor to determine a volume of flow and/or a flow rate through a meter, wherein the antenna is adapted to transmit a signal defined as a first signal identifying the flow rate and/or the volume of flow measured by the sealed register body, wherein said visual display displays a volume of flow measured by the sealed register body that corresponds to a number of rotations of said rotatable follower member, and wherein the microprocessor generates a signal defined as a second signal indicating a leak when the measured flow rate is greater than zero and when one of the following events occurs:
(i) the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time, or
(ii) the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value, and
the antenna is adapted to transmit the second signal indicating a leak,
wherein the signal generated indicating a leak is an alarm emitted from the meter and a wireless signal is transmitted from the meter to a location other than the meter indicating leak,
a meter body coupled to said sealed register body; and
a shut-off valve in a liquid line which is coupled to said meter.
11. A method of detecting a leak in a fluid consumption system, comprising the following steps:
providing a fluid meter to pass a fluid from a fluid source, through the meter to the fluid consumption system, the fluid meter comprising a body and a sealed meter register;
providing a sealed meter register with one or more rotating magnetic couplings to coact with the meter to measure the amount of fluid flowing through the meter from the fluid source to the fluid consumption system;
providing a microprocessor within the sealed meter register to receive fluid flow information from the meter register to measure the amount of fluid moving through the meter from the fluid source to the fluid consumption system as a function of time defined as a measured flow rate;
generating providing an antenna within the sealed meter register, wherein the antenna comprises a first electrically-conductive member connected to an extending leg and a second electrically-conductive member spaced an axial distance from the first conductive member; the antenna acting with the microprocessor to transmit a transmitted signal indicating a leak when the measured flow rate is greater than zero and when one of the following events occurs:
(i) the measured flow rate remains constant a fixed volume over a fixed period of time, or
(ii) the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value,
programming the microprocessor to determine:
(i) if the measured flow rate is greater than zero;
(ii) if the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time; and
(iii) if the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value; and
wherein a signal is generated to indicate a leak when the microprocessor determines conditions (i) and (ii) are present, or conditions (i) and (iii) are present; and
said method further comprises the step of determining reverse flow through said meter and transmitting such information; and
wherein the signal generated indicating a leak is an alarm emitted from the meter and a wireless signal is transmitted through the antenna from the meter to a location other than the meter indicating leak, and
wherein comprising the further step of providing shut-off means in a liquid line which is coupled to said meter and opening and closing said shut-off means depending on the volume of liquid passing through said meter.
13. A method of detecting a leak in a liquid consumption system, comprising the following steps:
providing a meter adapted to receive signals from an external source, the meter having a measuring chamber, wherein a liquid passes from a liquid source, through the measuring chamber of the meter to the liquid consumption system; and
providing a sealed meter register having a microprocessor and an antenna within the sealed meter register wherein the antenna comprises a first electrically-conductive member connected to an extending leg and a second electrically-conductive member spaced an axial distance from the first conductive member, wherein the meter register is magnetically coupled with the measuring chamber to coact with the meter to measure the amount of liquid flowing from the liquid source through the meter to the liquid consumption system, and wherein the microprocessor receives liquid flow information from the meter register to measure the amount of liquid from the liquid source moving through the meter to the liquid consumption system as a function of time defined as a measured flow rate; and
generating a signal indicating a leak when the measured flow rate is greater than zero and when one of the following events occurs:
(i) the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time, or
(ii) the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value,
programming the microprocessor to determine;
(i) if the measured flow rate is greater than zero;
(ii) if the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time; and
(iii) if the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value; and
wherein a signal is generated to indicate a leak when the microprocessor determines conditions (i) and (ii) are present, or conditions (i) and (iii) are present; and
transmitting to the meter a first signal from the external source to adjust a transmitting second signal from the meter, the second signal indicating an odometer reading; and
wherein the signal generated indicating a leak is an alarm emitted from the meter and a wireless signal is transmitted through the antenna from the meter to a location other than the meter indicating leak, and
wherein comprising the further step of providing shut-off means in a liquid line which is coupled to said meter and opening and closing said shut-off means depending on the volume of liquid passing through said meter.
1. A method of detecting a leak in a liquid consumption system, comprising the following steps:
providing a meter housing having a liquid inlet opening, a liquid outlet opening, a measuring chamber between, and in fluid communication with, the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet openings, and a cavity having an access opening;
providing a sealed meter register in the access opening of the meter housing, wherein the meter register comprises a microprocessor and an antenna sealed within wherein the antenna comprises a first electrically-conductive member connected to an extending leg and a second electrically-conductive member spaced an axial distance from the first conductive member, and the meter register is magnetically coupled with the measuring chamber to coact with the measuring chamber to receive liquid flow information from the measuring chamber, wherein the microprocessor of the meter register receives the liquid flow information and measures the amount of liquid flowing through the measuring chamber as a function of time defined as a measured flow rate, wherein the sealed meter register and the meter housing form a meter;
passing a liquid from a liquid source, through the liquid inlet opening of the meter, through the measuring chamber of the meter and through the liquid outlet opening of the meter to the liquid consumption system, wherein as the liquid moves the measuring chamber, the measuring chamber generates the liquid flow information, and the microprocessor provides the measured flow rate; and
generating a signal indicating a leak when the measured flow rate is greater than zero and when one of the following events occurs:
(i) the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time, or
(ii) the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value
programming the microprocessor to determine;
(i) if the measured flow rate is greater than zero;
(ii) if the measured flow rate remains constant over a fixed period of time; and
(iii) if the measured flow rate exceeds a threshold flow rate value; and
wherein a signal is generated to indicate a leak when the microprocessor determines conditions (i) and (ii) are present, or conditions (i) and (iii) are present,
wherein the signal generated indicating a leak is an alarm emitted from the meter and a wireless signal is transmitted through the antenna from the meter to a location other than the meter indicating leak, and
wherein comprising the further step of providing shut-off means in a liquid line which is coupled to said meter and opening and closing said shut-off means depending on the volume of liquid passing through said meter.
2. The method as claimed in
3. The method as claimed in
4. The method as claimed in
0. 5. The method as claimed in
8. The method as claimed in
0. 9. The method as claimed in
0. 10. The method as claimed in
0. 15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein interior of the meter register has a negative pressure.
0. 16. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the magnetically activated device is a reed switch.
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The present , or meter housing, made in accordance with the present invention. The water meter 10 includes a body 12 having a measuring chamber 14, an access opening 15, an inlet 16, an outlet 18, and a register 20. Preferably, the body 12 is made of a metallic material, such as bronze, copper, plastic, or stainless steel, although it can be made of other materials. The measuring chamber 14 can include many different types of measuring-type chambers, such as positive displacement chambers and/or a vane or a multi-jet type chamber. The inlet 16 and outlet 18 are adapted to be secured to piping P. The register 20 is a sealed register received by the access opening 15 of the meter housing, and preferably is magnetically coupled to the measuring chamber 14, which includes a magnetic drive arrangement that is well known in the art. The register 20 of the water meter 10 of the present invention includes an arrangement to transmit and receive radio waves R as depicted in
Referring to
A magnetic direction detection arrangement 58 is provided on a lower portion of the subassembly 26 and includes reed switches 54 and 56. The reed switches 54 and 56 are magnetically activated switches. The reed switches 54 and 56 extend along axes A and B. Axes A and B are parallel to each other. Further, the reed switches 54 and 56 are radially spaced apart from each other as depicted by r in
Referring back to
An electronics package 68 is provided within the register 20. The electronic package 68 includes the board 70 that has a microprocessor 72 which is electrically coupled to the batteries 50 and 52.
The register 20 includes an antenna 74 is electronically coupled to the microprocessor 72. As shown in
More specifically, the antenna 74 includes a first electrically conductive sheet 80, a second electrically coupled conductive sheet 76 spaced a first distance apart X from the first metallic sheet 80, and an axially extending leg 78 electrically connected to the first electrically conductive sheet 80 and the second electrically conductive sheet 76. The axially extending leg 78 is likewise electrically conductive. Preferably, the first electrically conductive sheet 80, the second electrically conductive sheet 76, and the axially extending leg 78 are made of metal. More preferably, the first electrically conductive sheet 80, the second electrically conductive sheet 76 and the axially extending member 78 are made from a unitary sheet of metal. The first electrically conductive sheet 80 has a first arcuate-shaped outer edge 100 and the second electrically conductive sheet 76 has a second arcuate outer edge 102 wherein the axially extending member 78 extends from the first arcuate-shaped outer edge 100 to the second arcuate-shaped outer edge 102. The first arcuate-shaped outer edge 100 has a first radius R1 extending from a first center point 104 and a second arcuate-shaped outer edge 102 has a second radius R2 extending from a second center point 106. The first center point 104 and the second center point 106 are contained on a center line 108. The first electrically conductive sheet 80 and the second electrically conductive sheet 76 are contained in a first plane 109 and a second plane 110, respectively. The first electrically conductive sheet 80 has a first surface area 112 and a second electrically conductive sheet 76 has a second surface area 114, wherein the first surface area 112 is greater than the second surface area 114. Both the first electrically conductive sheet 80 and the second electrically conductive sheet 76 include cut-out sections 116. The cut-out sections 116 permit the antenna 74 to be accommodated by the meter register 20 by permitting other register components to be received by the cut-out sections 116. For example, the reed switches 54 and 56 are contained within one of the cut-out sections 116. As stated previously, the coaxial cable 82 is electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive sheet 80 and the second electrically conductive sheet 76. Preferably, the distance X is approximately equal to or a multiple of a wavelength distance to be transmitted from the antenna 74. Essentially, the axially extending leg 78 has a length equal to X. Although the antenna 74 shows substantially arcuate and circular sheets, the sheets can also be other shapes, such as rectangular or square, for example.
The metallic cup 24 is electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive sheet 80 and the second electrically conductive sheet 76. The cup 24 is an opened top structure having a cylindrically-shaped side wall 118 attached to a bottom wall 120. The bottom wall 120 slopes away from the opened top portion toward a central axis 122 passing through the cup 24. Preferably, a portion 124 of the bottom wall 120 is frusta-conical in shape. The bottom wall 120 includes a flat central portion 126 connected to an end 128 of the frusta-conical portion 124 that is adapted to receive the magnetic coupling 64. Preferably, the first electrically conductive sheet 80 includes tabs 130 extending therefrom used for contacting the metallic cup 24.
The first electrically conductive sheet 80 is spaced a second distance Y from the bottom wall 120, which is approximately equal to or a multiple of a wavelength to be transmitted by the antenna 74. A portion of the subassembly 26, which includes a mechanical portion 132 of the register 20, that includes the gear train drive 30 is received between the first conductive sheet 80 and the second conductive sheet 76. The electronic package 68 includes an electrical frequency generator 134 coupled to the first conductive sheet 80 via the coaxial cable 82.
The antenna 74 is coupled to the power source, i.e., the batteries 50 and 52, via the frequency generator 134. More specifically, the board 70 includes the frequency generator 134 which is electrically coupled to the first electrically coupled sheet 80.
This present arrangement results in a very compact sealed register 20 which has an internal antenna. The metallic cup 24 also acts as an amplifier for the antenna 74 and forms an antenna structure. The metallic cup 24 also amplifies the radio waves that are emitted from the antenna 74 so that they may be directed externally of the register 20 as shown in
Referring back to the meter register 20, the mechanical portion of the meter register includes a register body 136 having the rotatable shaft or drive shaft 62 coupled thereto. A drive gear 138 is attached to the drive shaft 62 and at least one follower gear 32 is rotatably attached to the register body 136 coupled to the drive gear 138. The antenna 74 is attached to the register body 136, which is sandwiched between the first electrically conductive sheet 80 and the second electrically conductive sheet 76. The odometer 40 is coupled to the drive gear 138 and at least one follower gear 32. The rotatable drive shaft 62 includes a magnetic member or coupling 64 attached to a first end and the indicator 29 which attaches to a second end. The register drive shaft 62 extends along the longitudinal axis 122 and the first electrically conductive sheet 80 is contained in the first plane 109 and the second electrically conductive sheet 76 is contained in a second plane 110, the longitudinal axis 122 being normal to the first plane 109 and the second plane 110.
Referring to
A rotational direction of the sensing follower gear 32s can therefore be determined by monitoring the sequence of the first state and second state of the reed switches 54 and 56 as shown in
Also, a magnetically activated switch or reed switch 148 can be provided with the register 20 and coupled to the microprocessor 72. The reed switch 148 is electrically coupled to the microprocessor 72 wherein when a magnetic field activates the magnetically activated switch 148 for a fixed period of time, the register 20 and/or antenna 74 emits a signal that indicates the register has been tampered with.
Preferably, the face cap 22 and metallic cup 24 form the internal seal chamber C via an elastomeric sealing member wherein the sealed chamber receives the register body 12. Preferably, the internal chamber C is at a pressure below atmospheric pressure and, more preferably, at a pressure minus 9 atmospheres. Hence, the microprocessor 72 and antenna 74 are maintained in the evacuated internal chamber C.
In various cases, the meter, particularly the water meter 10, is contained in a pit 150, as shown in
The approximate direction of one antenna 74 is as follows: diameter of the circular section 80 is approximately 2.5″; distance X is approximately 0.75″; and diameter of the arc-shaped section 76′ is approximately 2.5″ for approximately 180°. Likewise, the circular sheets 158 and 160 have a diameter of approximately 2.5″ and spaced apart a distance X′ of approximately 0.75″. It is important to note that no separate electrical power is provided to the auxiliary antenna 154 and that an antenna signal 168 is generated external of the pit 150 via the first pit electrically conductive sheet 158 and the second pit electrically conductive sheet 160.
The following discusses operation of the present invention. Initially, water passes through the inlet 16 causing the measuring chamber 14 to rotate. The water then flows through the outlet 18. The measuring chamber 14 causes the magnetic drive 65 attached to the measuring chamber 14 to rotate. The corresponding magnetic coupling 64 provided in the register 20 is likewise rotated causing the drive shaft 62 to rotate. This in turn causes gears 32 of the gear train drive 30 to rotate which in turn causes the odometer 40 to move indicating the quantity of liquid flowing through the meter. At the same time, the magnet arrangement 34 rotates causing the sensing magnet 142 to rotate about the reed switches 54 and 56. Depending on the sequence of the states of the reed switches 54 and 56 as shown in
Once the water begins to flow from the inlet 16 to the outlet 18, the rotating element in the measuring chamber 14, such as a multi-jet wheel, rotates which in turn causes the magnetic coupling 64 to rotate. This causes the drive shaft 62 to rotate with the respective gear train drive 30. Hence, the dial 29 and the odometer 40 are caused to move. Likewise, the cruciform of the magnetic arrangement 34 rotates. In the present case, the magnetic arrangement 34 includes a single magnet 142. The magnetic field caused by the magnet magnetically coacts with the two reed switches 54 and 56. The state of the reed switches 54 and 56 are affected by the magnetic field of the magnet 142 to determine which sequence can be used to determine the direction of flow through the meter 10 such as, for example, the sequence of reed switches 54 and 56 is as follows: 0,0; 1,0; 1,1; 0,1; 0,0, etc., then this would indicate reverse flow. More than one magnet can be provided in the cruciform magnet arrangement. In the case of three magnets or an odd number of magnets provided in the cruciform section, directional flow can be determined. However, where only two oppositely positioned magnets are provided, or four magnets are provided, in each of the cruciform segments, only an indication of movement or the register can be determined, not the direction of rotation. More particularly, both flow rate and flow direction can be determined if the magnets are arranged in a non-symmetric arrangement about the cruciform, i.e., three magnets or two magnets positioned next to each other.
Further, the signal information provided via the antenna 74 may also include an odometer meter reading corresponding to the meter odometer 40. Furthermore, the register can transmit, periodically or nonperiodically, information through the antenna 74 and identify such information as the meter coating utility consumption. Further, the antenna 74 can not only transmit information signals but, likewise, can receive information signals 194 from a transmitter 196, that is a two-way communication. Preferably, this information can be used to correctly adjust the transmitted meter information indicating the odometer reading and other information. This permits the information to be transmitted via the meter register 20 to be modified in the field without removal of the meter register 20.
The microprocessor 72 can also provide other information related to the operation of the meter. For example, the register 20 can monitor the flow rate via the reed switches 54 and 56, through the meter and, if that information exceeds a fixed flow rate number or the flow rate does not change over a period of time, an alarm can be issued indicating that there may be a leak. In another example, the register 20 can monitor the flow rate via the reed switches 54 and 56 through the meter and determine if the measured flow rate is greater than zero. Specifically if, for example, the meter 10 can detect a flow rate Q as low as 1 liter or quart per hour and over a fixed period of time t, e.g., thirty minutes, and if Q/t over a fixed period of time, e.g., one hour, remains constant, then this could indicate a leak condition. A low constant flow rate over a period of time could indicate a small leak, such as in a toilet, or a large consistent flow rate over a period of time could indicate that a main water line has failed or a bathtub is overflowing. An alarm can be issued either at the location of the meter, or via e-mail or a telephone message, for example.
Preferably, the batteries 50 and 52 provide power to the electronics of the register at 10 milliwatts and power consumption is typical at 2 micro amperes. It is believed that in this arrangement the battery life can be approximately 8 years. Preferably, the antenna 74 transmits data having a 3.3-4 milliseconds length of compression data and the time between transmissions can vary, for example, 6 seconds or twice a day from the meter, depending on the particular situation. The meter 10 can also receive information, i.e., radio signals Q, from a transmitting source TS as shown in
More preferably, the present invention can be utilized in connection with the vehicle 188 which can receive the meter reading signals 186 emitted from the register antenna 74. Specifically, the vehicle 188 can travel a set meter reading route. Along that route the vehicle receiving unit 189 will receive the various radio waves from respective meters 10. The vehicle 188 can be provided with computer assistance to store this information. This information, which includes consumption information, can be sent to a central computer for billing and other information. The vehicle receiving unit can identify if it does not receive the signal from the meter designated on the route. This may indicate that an antenna wire was cut and/or the register was tampered with. An alternative arrangement can be provided that the meter antenna transmits meter reading information to a communication concentrator. This information can be forwarded via a communication line, such as a modem line, or radio waves to a central computer for collation of the information. As described earlier, this information can then be sent to an ASP. This information can be analyzed for billing purposes.
Finally, the information transmitted via the antenna 74 can then be provided through a world-wide-web or internet-based system whereby the user or utility can obtain this information via typing into a computer the user's I.D. number and password at the ASP website. The present invention can also be used in the submetering market, where the submetering entity is responsible for collecting utility fees from users. Such information that may be obtained is meter usage 197a and billing information 197b via screens 198 and 200 such as shown in
Having described the presently preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that it may otherwise be embodied within the scope of the appended claims.
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