WO1990000724A1 - Water metering system - Google Patents

Water metering system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1990000724A1
WO1990000724A1 PCT/GB1989/000788 GB8900788W WO9000724A1 WO 1990000724 A1 WO1990000724 A1 WO 1990000724A1 GB 8900788 W GB8900788 W GB 8900788W WO 9000724 A1 WO9000724 A1 WO 9000724A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
credit
processor
water
card
reader
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1989/000788
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Charles John Ashdown
Original Assignee
Welsh Water Authority
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Welsh Water Authority filed Critical Welsh Water Authority
Publication of WO1990000724A1 publication Critical patent/WO1990000724A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F15/00—Coin-freed apparatus with meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/08—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred
    • B67D7/30—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred
    • B67D7/305—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred in function of money to be spent therefor
    • B67D7/307—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred in function of money to be spent therefor using electrical or electro-mechanical means
    • B67D7/308—Arrangements of devices for controlling, indicating, metering or registering quantity or price of liquid transferred with means for predetermining quantity of liquid to be transferred in function of money to be spent therefor using electrical or electro-mechanical means involving digital counting
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F15/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F1/00 - G01F13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
    • G01F15/001—Means for regulating or setting the meter for a predetermined quantity
    • G01F15/003—Means for regulating or setting the meter for a predetermined quantity using electromagnetic, electric or electronic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/343—Cards including a counter
    • G06Q20/3433—Cards including a counter the counter having monetary units
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0014—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to water metering systems.
  • the present invention provides a water metering system comprising meter means for measuring the quantity of water supplied through a pipe, valve means for shutting off the water supply, a reader for reading credit units from a credit unit storage means, a processor for controlling the valve means in response to information received by the processor from the reader and from the meter and means for supplying -power to the reader, the processor and the valve means.
  • meter means for measuring the quantity of water supplied through a pipe
  • valve means for shutting off the water supply
  • a reader for reading credit units from a credit unit storage means
  • a processor for controlling the valve means in response to information received by the processor from the reader and from the meter and means for supplying -power to the reader, the processor and the valve means.
  • the processor automatically varies the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to a predetermined type of use.
  • the processor may vary the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to the time of usage of water. This enables a higher tariff to be charged during peak periods of water usage, for example at certain times of day or on certain days of the week, so that users are encouraged to transfer a portion of their water consump ⁇ tion to periods of lesser usage and/or restrict their usage during periods of heavy demand.
  • the processor may vary the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to the amount of water supplied per unit time. This enables the tariff to be varied according to the volume of water used over a predetermined time period, for example per hour or per day. Thus, users who consume a large quantity of water over only a few hours or a few days can be charged at a higher tariff.
  • the means for supplying power preferably includes a battery, for example a long life battery,
  • the processor in response to a predetermined flow rate of water the processor is arranged automatically to shut the valve.
  • the processor in response to a predetermined flow rate of water the processor is arranged automatically to shut the valve.
  • the reader is preferably a card reader into which a credit unit storage card can be inserted.
  • the system may be sealed in an electronically secure manner in a housing so that interference with the housing can be detected by electronic enquiry from a remote position.
  • the present invention further provides a card for use in a system according to the invention the card having two discrete regions on which credit units are stored the card being so arranged that on deletion of all the units in one region the card must be removed from the reader and reinserted in a different orientation in order for the units in the second region to be used.
  • the card may for example be arranged such that the major part of the credit units are in a first region at one end of the card and credit units for a period of only a few days typical usage are in a second region at the other end of the card.
  • a meter 1 measures the water flow in a water supply pipe 2, the information being passed to a processor 3 as represented by dotted line 4.
  • the meter may be for example a standard turbine metering unit fitted with a reed switch as used in known remote reading installations.
  • a card reader 5 is arranged to pass information read from a credit unit storage card 5a to the processor 3, as represented by dotted line 6.
  • a control valve 7 is sited in the pipe 2 and is controlled by the processor in response to the information received from the card reader relating to the available credit and from the meter relating to the amount of water used.
  • a power pack 8 containing a battery provides power to the card reader 5, processor 3 and control valve 7 as represented by the solid lines.
  • the processor 3 may be preset to adjust the amount of water supplied per unit credit according to any selected variable factor, for example in response to the time of supply or the amount of consumption.
  • the reader determines whether there is credit available and passes this information to the processor. Assuming that credit is available, the valve 7 is opened and water passing through the meter is measured by the meter 1. The meter is monitored by the processor 3. The amount of water which is to be supplied per unit credit as determined on the basis of the above- mentioned factor is calculated by the processor 3. When the last credit unit readable on the card has been used up, the processor responds by shutting the valve.
  • the card When a card according to the invention having two discrete credit unit storage regions is used, the card can be turned around after the first region is used up, the second region providing sufficient credit for a few more days water supply, thus alerting the user to the fact that almost all of the credit units have been used.
  • a customer purchases a given number of credit units in advance, preferably in the form of credit units stored on a credit unit storage card. In this way, it is possible to ensure that water used by the customer is paid for in advance.

Abstract

In a water metering system the amount of water passing through a pipe (2) is monitored by a meter means (1), and a valve means (7) is operable to shut off the water supply through the pipe (2). A processor (3) controls the valve means (7) in response to information received from a reader (5) for reading credit units from a credit unit storage means and from the meter means (1). In use of the system, the amount of water passing through the pipe (2) is controlled in accordance with the availability of credit units on the credit unit storage means.

Description

Water Metering System
The present invention relates to water metering systems.
In known water metering systems it is usual for the meter to measure the quantity of water passing •' through a supply pipe, the user being charged subsequently at an appropriate rate for the water used. In the use of such a system the charging period will normally be relatively long, for example, a number of weeks or months.
The present invention provides a water metering system comprising meter means for measuring the quantity of water supplied through a pipe, valve means for shutting off the water supply, a reader for reading credit units from a credit unit storage means, a processor for controlling the valve means in response to information received by the processor from the reader and from the meter and means for supplying -power to the reader, the processor and the valve means. Using the system of the invention, the water used by the customer is paid for in advance instead of a number of weeks or months in arrears.
Preferably the processor automatically varies the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to a predetermined type of use. For example, the processor may vary the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to the time of usage of water. This enables a higher tariff to be charged during peak periods of water usage, for example at certain times of day or on certain days of the week, so that users are encouraged to transfer a portion of their water consump¬ tion to periods of lesser usage and/or restrict their usage during periods of heavy demand. Alternatively, or in addition, the processor may vary the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to the amount of water supplied per unit time. This enables the tariff to be varied according to the volume of water used over a predetermined time period, for example per hour or per day. Thus, users who consume a large quantity of water over only a few hours or a few days can be charged at a higher tariff.
The means for supplying power preferably includes a battery, for example a long life battery,
Advantageously, in response to a predetermined flow rate of water the processor is arranged automatically to shut the valve. Thus, if flow rate is excessively large or prolonged, as might occur for example where there is a leaking pipe or a tap left on, the supply is automatically shut down.
The reader is preferably a card reader into which a credit unit storage card can be inserted.
The system may be sealed in an electronically secure manner in a housing so that interference with the housing can be detected by electronic enquiry from a remote position.
The present invention further provides a card for use in a system according to the invention the card having two discrete regions on which credit units are stored the card being so arranged that on deletion of all the units in one region the card must be removed from the reader and reinserted in a different orientation in order for the units in the second region to be used. By providing two discrete regions, for example at opposite ends of the card the user cannot inadvertently run out of credit because on deletion of the first region the user is alerted to the fact that only a limited amount of credit remains on the card. The card may for example be arranged such that the major part of the credit units are in a first region at one end of the card and credit units for a period of only a few days typical usage are in a second region at the other end of the card.
The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows a plan of a system according to the invention.
In the drawing a meter 1 measures the water flow in a water supply pipe 2, the information being passed to a processor 3 as represented by dotted line 4. The meter may be for example a standard turbine metering unit fitted with a reed switch as used in known remote reading installations. A card reader 5 is arranged to pass information read from a credit unit storage card 5a to the processor 3, as represented by dotted line 6. A control valve 7 is sited in the pipe 2 and is controlled by the processor in response to the information received from the card reader relating to the available credit and from the meter relating to the amount of water used. A power pack 8 containing a battery provides power to the card reader 5, processor 3 and control valve 7 as represented by the solid lines.
In use the processor 3 may be preset to adjust the amount of water supplied per unit credit according to any selected variable factor, for example in response to the time of supply or the amount of consumption. On insertion of a card 5a, the reader determines whether there is credit available and passes this information to the processor. Assuming that credit is available, the valve 7 is opened and water passing through the meter is measured by the meter 1. The meter is monitored by the processor 3. The amount of water which is to be supplied per unit credit as determined on the basis of the above- mentioned factor is calculated by the processor 3. When the last credit unit readable on the card has been used up, the processor responds by shutting the valve. When a card according to the invention having two discrete credit unit storage regions is used, the card can be turned around after the first region is used up, the second region providing sufficient credit for a few more days water supply, thus alerting the user to the fact that almost all of the credit units have been used. Thus, in use of the system of the invention a customer purchases a given number of credit units in advance, preferably in the form of credit units stored on a credit unit storage card. In this way, it is possible to ensure that water used by the customer is paid for in advance.

Claims

Claims :
1. A water metering system comprising meter means for measuring the quantity of water supplied through a pipe, valve means for shutting off the water supply, a reader for reading credit units from a credit unit storage means, a processor for controlling the valve means in response to information received by the processor from the reader and from the meter and means for supplying power to the reader, the processor and the valve means.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor automatically varies the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to a predetermined type of use.
3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor automatically varies the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to the time of usage of water.
4. A system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the processor automatically varies the amount of water supplied per unit credit in response to the amount of water supplied per unit time.
5. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for supplying power includes a battery.
6. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reader is a card reader into which a credit unit storage card can be inserted.
7. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein in response to a predetermined flow rate of water the processor is arranged automatically to shut the valve.
8. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the system is sealed in an electronically secure manner in a housing so that interference with the housing can be detected by electronic enquiry from a remote position.
9 A card for use in a system as claimed in claim 6, the card having two discrete regions on which credit units are stored the card being so arranged that on deletion of all the units in one region the card must be removed from the reader and reinserted in a different orientation in order for the units in the second region to be used.
PCT/GB1989/000788 1988-07-12 1989-07-11 Water metering system WO1990000724A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8816517 1988-07-12
GB8816517A GB2220975B (en) 1988-07-12 1988-07-12 Water metering system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1990000724A1 true WO1990000724A1 (en) 1990-01-25

Family

ID=10640278

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1989/000788 WO1990000724A1 (en) 1988-07-12 1989-07-11 Water metering system

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3982989A (en)
GB (1) GB2220975B (en)
WO (1) WO1990000724A1 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2664312A1 (en) * 1990-07-03 1992-01-10 Lyonnaise Eaux Apparatus for automatic distribution of water
FR2665504A1 (en) * 1990-08-01 1992-02-07 Tilhet Daniel System for enabling the operation of a controlled element, especially of a solenoid valve for dispensing flushing water
EP0545550A1 (en) * 1991-11-30 1993-06-09 Schlumberger Industries Limited Prepayment water supply systems
WO1997045704A1 (en) * 1996-05-24 1997-12-04 Lg (Uk) Limited Metering systems
WO1999016702A1 (en) * 1997-09-26 1999-04-08 Gilbarco Inc. Fuel dispensing system with prepayment means linked to a transponder
WO1999042963A1 (en) * 1998-02-10 1999-08-26 Whitehead, John, Anthony, Bailie Apparatus for prepayment water management
US9410833B1 (en) 2011-03-18 2016-08-09 Soneter, Inc. Methods and apparatus for fluid flow measurement
CN114038125A (en) * 2021-09-24 2022-02-11 清华大学 Emergency water use control method and intelligent water meter

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BR9504661A (en) * 1995-09-14 1997-10-07 Francisco Mathieu Controlling device for the supply of pre-paid tariffed inputs
ATE252724T1 (en) * 1999-07-03 2003-11-15 Gmt Gaselan Gas Mess Und Regel DEVICE FOR RELEASING OR DISCONNECTING THE DELIVERY OF GAS
GB2393310B (en) * 2002-09-18 2006-01-11 Siemens Metering Products Ltd Improvements in or relating to utility meters
CN105261121A (en) * 2015-09-29 2016-01-20 成都易信达科技股份有限公司 Method of providing advance water amount by intelligent water meter

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3834230A (en) * 1972-08-31 1974-09-10 D Auerbach System for the proportional evaluation of quantitative flow of fluids
EP0063893A2 (en) * 1981-04-21 1982-11-03 Mainmet Limited Energy controller
EP0081921A1 (en) * 1981-12-10 1983-06-22 Hawker Siddeley Revenue Controls Limited Credit card systems
EP0131331A2 (en) * 1983-07-11 1985-01-16 Mainmet Limited Commodity dispensing apparatus
GB2144566A (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-03-06 Hawker Siddeley Revenue Contr Remote metering system
US4731575A (en) * 1986-12-08 1988-03-15 Sloan Joseph W Prepayment metering system using encoded purchase cards

Family Cites Families (5)

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GB1320363A (en) * 1970-07-31 1973-06-13 Desmarias R Supply of commodities
ZA829559B (en) * 1982-01-29 1983-10-26 Hawker Siddeley Revenue Contr Read and erase device
GB2128792A (en) * 1982-10-19 1984-05-02 Hawker Siddeley Revenue Contr A product-accessing system
GB8400809D0 (en) * 1984-01-12 1984-02-15 De La Rue Co Plc Prepayment metering system
GB2153573B (en) * 1984-01-25 1987-04-01 Schlumberger Electronics A prepayment system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3834230A (en) * 1972-08-31 1974-09-10 D Auerbach System for the proportional evaluation of quantitative flow of fluids
EP0063893A2 (en) * 1981-04-21 1982-11-03 Mainmet Limited Energy controller
EP0081921A1 (en) * 1981-12-10 1983-06-22 Hawker Siddeley Revenue Controls Limited Credit card systems
EP0131331A2 (en) * 1983-07-11 1985-01-16 Mainmet Limited Commodity dispensing apparatus
GB2144566A (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-03-06 Hawker Siddeley Revenue Contr Remote metering system
US4731575A (en) * 1986-12-08 1988-03-15 Sloan Joseph W Prepayment metering system using encoded purchase cards

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2664312A1 (en) * 1990-07-03 1992-01-10 Lyonnaise Eaux Apparatus for automatic distribution of water
FR2665504A1 (en) * 1990-08-01 1992-02-07 Tilhet Daniel System for enabling the operation of a controlled element, especially of a solenoid valve for dispensing flushing water
EP0545550A1 (en) * 1991-11-30 1993-06-09 Schlumberger Industries Limited Prepayment water supply systems
WO1997045704A1 (en) * 1996-05-24 1997-12-04 Lg (Uk) Limited Metering systems
WO1999016702A1 (en) * 1997-09-26 1999-04-08 Gilbarco Inc. Fuel dispensing system with prepayment means linked to a transponder
US6073840A (en) * 1997-09-26 2000-06-13 Gilbarco Inc. Fuel dispensing and retail system providing for transponder prepayment
WO1999042963A1 (en) * 1998-02-10 1999-08-26 Whitehead, John, Anthony, Bailie Apparatus for prepayment water management
US9410833B1 (en) 2011-03-18 2016-08-09 Soneter, Inc. Methods and apparatus for fluid flow measurement
US9874466B2 (en) 2011-03-18 2018-01-23 Reliance Worldwide Corporation Methods and apparatus for ultrasonic fluid flow measurement and fluid flow data analysis
CN114038125A (en) * 2021-09-24 2022-02-11 清华大学 Emergency water use control method and intelligent water meter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2220975B (en) 1992-07-22
GB2220975A (en) 1990-01-24
GB8816517D0 (en) 1988-08-17
AU3982989A (en) 1990-02-05

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