A radio frequency automated meter reading (AMR) device for determining
quantities of a consumed utility product including electric, gas and water
service. The present invention intermittently transmits utility product
consumption as a modulated RF signal, and does not require complex polling
and bi-directional communication. Data is obtained and formatted for
transmission and is adapted to be received by a remote receiving device
having an RF receiver. The present invention is adaptable to water meters,
gas meters and electric meters, and has an IR programming module
facilitating remote programming and diagnostic procedures. In the case of
water and gas meters, an internal lithium battery provides an operational
life of up to ten years. In the case of the electric meter, power is
tapped directly from the electric service.
