US 11,940,311 B2 · Metrology module adaptable for use in multiple gas meters

Abstract

A gas meter control system is adapted for use in gas meters having a plurality of different sizes (e.g., ability to measure different flowrates and/or different gas volumes per billing cycle) and different functional capabilities. In an example, the gas meter control system is configured to recognize and identify a metrology unit, sensor(s), switch(es), valve(s), valve motor(s), and/or other device(s) within a gas meter. Having identified devices present within a gas-environment and an air-environment of the meter, the control system selects and executes appropriate software to operate the identified devices. Addition of an additional component to the meter (e.g., an earthquake sensor or a tamper sensor) results in identification of the added component and execution of appropriate control software. Accordingly, the gas meter control system replaces a number of control systems configured to operate a single specific meter and/or configuration.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A gas meter control system, comprising:

a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), comprising:
a processor;
a memory device in communication with the processor;
and
commands stored in the memory device, comprising:
first commands stored in the memory device and accessible by the processor to operate a first metrology device of a first gas meter;
and
second commands stored in the memory device and accessible by the processor to operate a second metrology device of a second gas meter, wherein the second gas meter is configured to measure gas flows that are greater than can be measured by the first gas meter;
third commands to recognize which one, between the first metrology device and the second metrology device, is in communication with the processor, thereby recognizing an available metrology unit;
and
fourth commands for selecting and executing only one of the first commands or the second commands, wherein the selecting is based on a type of the available metrology unit recognized by the third commands;
and
a bus pass-through device, comprising:
connectors for a bus;
and
a gas-tight seal to separate a gas-environment and an air-environment upon installation.

13 more elements

A method of manufacturing gas meters having at least two designs, the method comprising:

installing a first instance of a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) into a first gas meter, wherein the PCBA comprises:
a processor;
a memory device in communication with the processor;
and
commands stored in the memory device, comprising:
first commands stored in the memory device and accessible by the processor to operate a first metrology device of the first gas meter;
second commands stored in the memory device and accessible by the processor to operate a second metrology device of a second gas meter, wherein the second gas meter is configured to measure gas flows that are greater than can be measured by the first gas meter;
third commands to recognize which one, between the first metrology device and the second metrology device, is in communication with the processor, thereby recognizing an available metrology unit;
and
fourth commands for selecting and executing only one of the first commands or the second commands, wherein the selecting is based on a type of the available metrology unit recognized by the third commands;
installing a second instance of the PCBA into the second gas meter;
installing the first instance of a first bus pass-through device in the first gas meter to allow first data communications between, but prevent a first gas-exchange between, an air-environment and a gas-environment of the first gas meter;
and
installing the second instance of a second bus pass-through device in the second gas meter to allow second data communications between, but a second prevent gas-exchange between, an air-environment and a gas-environment of the second gas meter.

11 more elements

A gas meter, comprising:

a first portion of an enclosure having an air-environment;
a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), within the first portion of the enclosure, the PCBA comprising:
a processor;
a memory device in communication with the processor;
and
commands stored in the memory device, comprising:
first commands stored in the memory device and accessible by the processor to operate a first metrology device of a first gas meter;
second commands stored in the memory device and accessible by the processor to operate a second metrology device of a second gas meter, wherein the second gas meter is capable of measuring a greater gas flow than the first gas meter is capable of measuring;
third commands to recognize which one, between the first metrology device and the second metrology device, is in communication with the processor, thereby recognizing an available metrology unit;
and
fourth commands for selecting and executing only one of the first commands or the second commands, wherein the selecting is based on a type of the available metrology unit recognized by the third commands;
a second portion of the enclosure having a gas-environment;
a metrology device, contained in the second portion, wherein the metrology device is one of the first metrology device of the first gas meter or the second metrology device of the second gas meter;
and
a bus pass-through device, comprising:
connectors for an I2C bus;
and
a gas-tight seal to separate the air-environment from the gas-environment.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Metrology module adaptable for use in multiple gas meters

Life of this patent

Metrology module adaptable for use in multiple gas meters

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20