Method and an apparatus for operating an electromagnetic valve associated to a gas meter
AssigneeAlfa Centauri S.P.A.
InventorMario Tabellario
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for operating an electromagnetic valve, associated to a gas meter, and operated to stop, or allow, a flow of gas through the meter (1) includes: an electronic consumption measuring device (4), which generates in output electric signals representing the quantity of gas, which flows through the meter (1); a central unit (C), which receives in input the electric signals generated by the measuring device (4) and includes means for transmitting the data concerning the gas consumption, by electromagnetic waves. Moreover, the apparatus includes an electric, functional connection between the central unit (C) and the electromagnetic valve (3), while the central unit (C) includes also means for receiving significant data by electromagnetic waves.
Claims14
An apparatus for operating an electromagnetic valve associated with a gas meter, said electromagnetic valve being operable for stopping or allowing a flow of gas to pass through said gas meter (1) to one or more users, said apparatus being associated with said gas meter (1) and comprising:
- an electronic gas consumption measuring device (4) for generating electrical signals corresponding to a quantity of gas which flows through said meter (1);
- a central unit (C) electrically connected to said electronic gas consumption measuring device for receiving and processing said electrical signals generated by said measuring device (4) for determining a quantity of gas consumed, and having means for transmitting to a remote system, by electromagnetic waves, data relevant to the quantity of gas consumed;
- a functional electrical connection provided between said central unit (C) and said electromagnetic valve (3);
- a protective cover (6) for protecting at least said central unit (C), said electronic measuring device (4), electrical connections between the central unit and the electronic measuring device, and said functional electrical connection provided between said electromagnetic valve (3) and said central unit (C);
- said electromagnetic valve (3) being integrated with said gas meter (1) and operable through a fore wall (1k) of said gas meter, said central unit (C) and electronic measuring device (4) being fastened to said fore wall (1k) of the gas meter (1);
- and,
- wherein the protective cover is removably coupled to the fore wall (1k) for protecting from outside at least said central unit (C), said electronic measuring device (4), the electrical connections between the central unit and the electronic measuring device, and said functional electrical connection of said electromagnetic valve (3) to said central unit (C), the coupling of the protective cover (6) to the fore wall (1k) being monitored by sensor means in communication with the central unit (C) such that the central unit detects immediately when the protective cover (6) is removed.
A method for operating an electromagnetic valve, associated with a gas meter, said electromagnetic valve (3) being operable to stop or allow a flow of gas through said gas meter (1) to one or more users, said method comprising:
- providing a central unit (C);
- providing an electronic measuring device for measuring consumption of said gas flowing through the gas meter and transmitting the measured gas consumption to said central unit;
- storing the measured gas consumption information;
- transmitting said gas consumption information from the central unit (C) to a remote system by electromagnetic waves;
- transmitting control signals from said remote system to the central unit (C) for directing the central unit to operate the electromagnetic valve (3), so as to stop or allow the flow of gas through the gas meter (1) to the one or more users;
- providing a protective cover for protecting at least said central unit (C), said electronic measuring device (4), electrical connections between the central unit and the electronic measuring device, and an electrical connection provided between said electromagnetic valve (3) and said central unit (C);
- integrating said electromagnetic valve (3) with said gas meter (1) for operating the electromagnetic valve through a fore wall (1k) of said gas meter, situating said central unit (C) and electronic measuring device (4) in a position corresponding to said fore wall (1k) of the gas meter (1);
- removably coupling the protective cover to the fore wall (1k) for protecting from outside at least said central unit (C), said electronic measuring device (4), the electrical connections between the central unit and electronic measuring device, and the electrical connection between said electromagnetic valve (3) and said central unit (C);
- and,
- monitoring the coupling between the protective cover and the fore wall by said central unit, such that the central unit detects immediately when the protective cover (6) is removed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.