| 摘要 |
From a first aspect, a utility meter is provided and comprises: means for measuring the consumption of a utility; a housing for the measuring means; the housing associated 5 with an optical detection means that is arranged to detect movement of part of the housing. In one embodiment, the optical detection means detects movement of the housing relative to the optical detection means. The optical detection means is located within the utility meter, and comprises a photo electric arrangement including an optical transmitter for emitting an optical signal and a receiver for receiving optical signals. 10 From another aspect, an optical detection apparatus for a utility meter is provided, comprising: means for attaching to a surface within the utility meter; a photo electric arrangement including an optical transmitter for emitting an optical signal and a receiver for receiving optical signals; and a mechanism for blocking or interrupting the signal emitted from the transmitter from reaching the receiver, wherein part of the 15 mechanism is adapted to be coupled to a housing of the utility meter, such that movement of the part of the housing causes movement of the part of the mechanism. 7772397_1 (GHMatters) P103208.AU 50a 19 ----- 150a 150a Fig. 1 |
