Meters having a plurality of rotating dials are read automatically by using radiant energy to sense the angular positions of the dials. A single radiant energy detector is time-shared among the several dials to reduce the cost of the meter reading apparatus. The meter can transmit meter readings and...http://www.google.com/patents/US4881070?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US4881070 - Meter reading methods and apparatus
