US Patent No: 7,973,673
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
Automated meter reader direct mount endpoint module
Stats
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Jul 5, 2011
Issued date -
Apr 2, 2007
filing date -
11/695,503
serial no -
In Force
status
Importance
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Abstract
An automated meter reader module can be operably connected to an existing utility meter to provide an endpoint for use in an automated meter reader system. The automated meter reader module can utilize an index attachment drive mechanism to electronically and mechanically monitor consumption of a utility such as water, gas, or electricity. The index attachment of the existing utility meter is attached so that it does not physically impede reception or transmission of radio frequency communications by a patch antenna integrated into a printed circuit board located inside the automated meter reader module. A gasket around the edge of the housing sealingly interfaces with the existing utility meter and a multi-faced cover that allows the registered dials located on the index attached to be viewed from a plurality of vantage points.
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First Claim
Related Publications
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International Classification(s)
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Cited Art
| Patent Info | (Count) | # Cites | Year |
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| 5,339,686 Water meter housing connection apparatus | 12 | 1993 | |
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| RE38348 Battery assembly | 3 | 2001 | |
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| 4,811,600 Device for making flowmeter tamperproof | 7 | 1987 | |
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| 5,196,783 Vent for electricity metering device | 4 | 1991 | |
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| 6,891,104 Hinged weatherproof electrical box cover | 31 | 2003 | |
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| 5,777,222 Fluid meter with modular automatic meter reading unit | 10 | 1997 | |
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| 6,797,884 Waterproof cover structure of electric distribution box | 9 | 2003 | |
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| 5,421,201 Adapter for connecting an encoder remote transmitter to a gas meter | 5 | 1994 | |
| 5,767,790 Automatic utility meter monitor | 48 | 1996 | |
Patent Citation Ranking
Maintenance Fees
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Year Payment | $1600.00 | $800.00 | $400.00 | Jan 5, 2015 |
| 7.5 Year Payment | $3600.00 | $1800.00 | $900.00 | Jan 5, 2019 |
| 11.5 Year Payment | $7400.00 | $3700.00 | $1850.00 | Jan 5, 2023 |
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surcharge - 3.5 year - Late payment within 6 months | $160.00 | $80.00 | $40.00 |
| Surcharge - 7.5 year - Late payment within 6 months | $160.00 | $80.00 | $40.00 |
| Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months | $160.00 | $80.00 | $40.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable | $700.00 | $350.00 | $175.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional | $1,640.00 | $820.00 | $410.00 |