Patent ID: 6918311
Filing Date: 2005-07-19
Classification: G01D,G01R,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
1. A gas utility meter reading unit for producing an indication of the quantity of gas consumed, comprising: a housing divided into chambers; a first chamber containing a printed circuit board having a first terminal for connection to an electrical power source; a second chamber sized to contain and hold at least one battery therein, having a second terminal electrically connectable to said at least one battery, moveable relative to said first chamber, adapted to complete an electrical connection between said first terminal and said second terminal as said second chamber moves relative to said first chamber, and releaseably fixed to said housing; and a cover overlapping the electrical contact of said first and second chambers, wherein: said housing defines a first portion having a first free edge around a periphery of said housing, a second portion having a second free edge around a periphery of said housing, said second free edge directed toward said first portion and overlapping said first free edge, and a seal located in a space overlapped by said first and second portions and located near said first and second free edges; said first portion is formed integrally with multiple first shoulders located within said first portion; said second portion is formed integrally with multiple second shoulders located within said second portion, said second shoulders directed toward said first shoulders, a thin space being created between said first and second shoulders; and said printed circuit board having first and second surfaces, said first and second surfaces located between said first and second shoulders, whereby said printed circuit board is held in position inside said housing.