Importance

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Abstract

A multiple rate metering system suitable for use with an existing single rate, electromechanical electricity meter employing an Eddy current disc mounted in a casing, comprises a first unit mountable inside the casing of the electricity meter, and a second unit, which is portable so that it can be brought into close proximity with said first unit by a meter reader. The first unit comprises a sensor for generating pulses in response to rotation of the Eddy current disc, a first microprocessor, a first read-only-memory for storing a program to control the operation of said first microprocessor, a random-access-memory, the first microprocessor being programmed to store data in said random-access memory related to the pulse count in different predetermined periods during which different electricity rates apply, and a first coupling device for establishing communication through the casing with said second unit when said second unit is brought into proximity with said first unit. The second unit comprises a second coupling device co-operating with the first coupling device to transmit and receive data to and from the first unit, a second microprocessor, a second read-only-memory for storing a program controlling the operation of said second microprocessor, a storage medium for storing data from said second microprocessor, a display unit, a first actuator operable by the reader to transmit a signal through the first and second coupling devices to instruct the first microprocessor to transfer data relating to the pulse count in the different predetermined periods to the second unit. The second microprocessor is arranged to display the data in the display unit, and the operator can accept or reject the data and instruct the second microprocessor to store the data in the storage medium with appropriate customer identification for subsequent retrieval at a central location.

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First Claim