Magnetic sensor apparatus for remotely monitoring a utility meter or the like
US4728950A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1985 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor apparatus (21) for use in a remote meter monitoring system (20) for remotely monitoring the dials (54a-e) of a utility meter (56) by use of Hall Effect devices (40-49). The Hall Effect devices (40-49) are concentrically positioned about the axis of rotation of a pointer member (64) having a permanent magnetic member (66) attached to a free end thereof. The Hall Effect devices (40-49) are axially displaced from the permanent magnetic member (66) and are in alignment with the circumferential path of travel of the permanent magnetic member (66). A microprocessor (68) electrically interconnected to the Hall Effect devices (40-49) selectively drives each of the Hall Effect devices (40-49). The microprocessor (68) further monitors the Hall Effect devices (40-49) and obtains output signals therefrom representative of the angular position of the pointer member (64).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.