Abstract: An electronic energy meter register which, in one aspect, is configured to perform load profile recording in a manner which eliminates a need for a back-up battery is described. In other aspects, the present invention is a routine of operating a meter register for providing a cost savings and/or productivity gain when a utility customer relocates and for ensuring that load control commands are effectively executed. The register, in one embodiment, is configured to be coupled to a meter including an eddy current disk and shaft which rotate in response to the rate of energy consumption by a load being metered. The register, in the one embodiment, includes a microprocessor, a non-volatile memory, and a disk sensing optics assembly.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the resistance of liquid paints and the surface resistance of articles to be coated electrostatically, includes a voltage multiplier circuit that multiplies a periodic low voltage signal to generate a resistance measuring voltage applied to first and second electrodes for resistance measurements. The electrodes are coupled to differential inputs of an A/D converter having an oscillator output for supplying the periodic low voltage signal to the multiplier circuit. Resistance, voltage and current measuring circuits are alternately switchable between the electrodes and the differential inputs of the A/D converter for measuring resistance, voltage and current, the results of which are displayed visually.

Abstract: An electrical utility meter includes measurement error diagnostic capabilities with intelligent communication capabilities. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes an electrical utility meter for measuring energy consumption by a load. The electrical utility meter includes, sensor circuitry, a conversion circuit, a communication circuit, and a controller. The sensor circuitry connects to a meter socket. The meter socket connects to a plurality of power lines that, in turn, connect the load to a source of electrical power. The source of electrical power provides power to the load in a plurality of phases. The sensor circuitry generates voltage and current measurement signals representative of the voltage and current waveforms on the plurality of power lines.

Abstract: An electrical utility meter includes a controller that determines a list of highest demands using event-triggered windows of time to ensure that only one of the entries on the list corresponds to any one high consumption event. The controller generates a demand value corresponding to the quantity of energy consumed within a demand interval, and then determines whether the demand value for the demand interval is greater than a smallest demand value on a list of highest demands in a memory location. If so, the controller opens a demand window, the demand window having a duration exceeding the demand interval. The controller then obtains a plurality of additional demand values for the duration of the demand window, each of the additional demand values corresponding to one of a plurality of additional demand intervals within the demand window. The controller records in the list of highest demands in the memory location a select one of the demand value and plurality of additional demand values.

Abstract: A method for computing the energy consumed by each unit in a multiple unit facility operating from a single furnace which burns fossil fuel. The method involves connecting an hour meter in a separate electrical circuit including a hot water circulator or a blower fan in series with a thermostat and a source of line voltage and using a microprocessor to allocate the proportional use of energy by each of the units relative to the total usage of all of the units by comparison of the reading of each hour meter in each unit to the combined reading of all of hour meters and computing in dollars the energy consumption of each unit during said time period by multiplying the allocated proportion by a number corresponding to the fuel cost over said time period.

Abstract: A demand electronic electricity meter having load profile recording capabilities is presented. Load profile recording requires memory for storing the recorded information, whereby either on-board memory or external memory is required. Load profile parameters include the number of channels (e.g., 1, 2 or more channels), interval size (e.g., 1, 5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 minutes), quantities to be recorded (e.g., kWh and kvarh, kVAh, or Qh) and channel scalar/divisor (e.g., for each channel, a 2 byte divisor and a 2 byte scalar). With two channels, only two quantities are available for recording, kWh and the one other quantity that the meter has been configured to record, (e.g., kvarh, KVAh, or kQh). For each quantity selected, snapshots of the corresponding total accumulator; (i.e. total kWh and total kvarh, kVAh or kQh) are automatically maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signal threshold adjustment that compensates for signal asymmetry which utilizes an algorithm to detect each side of an asymmetric signal independently to ensure that the proper signal detection point is used on both the high and low side of the asymmetric signal. In particular, the high side threshold is adjusted downwards a predetermined amount until detected, the high side threshold voltage is then recorded and reset to the maximum value. Correspondingly, the low side threshold is then adjusted upwards the predetermined amount until detected, the low side threshold voltage is then recorded and reset to the minimum value. The algorithm may be repeated to continuously monitor a signal. The gain of the read amplifier can then be accordingly adjusted by the controller such that it approximately equals the peak of the amplified reference burst to the predetermined value.

Abstract: An optical-electronic demand meter using an optical metering outfit (MOF) is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the power demand from a conventional watt-hour meter including a disk having a black mark imprinted on an edge thereof wherein the disk rotates in proportion to the amount of electrical power demanded by the energized electrical equipment connected thereto. The method comprising the steps of: positioning a scanning laser beam in front of the rotating disk of the watt-hour meter in a position transverse to the rotating disk such that the edge of the rotating disk is within the field of view of the scanning laser beam, scanning and then detecting the passings of the black mark as the disk rotates through at least two revolutions and computing the power demanded by the connected and energized electrical equipment based upon the amount of time between successive passings of the black mark.

Abstract: An electronic meter reader having a transmitter and antenna for inductively transmitting alternating current power in any selected one of a plurality of frequencies. The reader further includes a receiver for inductively receiving meter reading data from the meter being read represented by a load modulation of the transmitted frequency. A bandpass filter limits the bandwidth of the modulation frequency. The power transmitted by the transmitter may also be used by the meter to generate and transmit data representative of the meter reading back to the reader. A second receiver is also provided for inductively receiving reading data from the meter in the form of a modulated frequency generated by the meter. The reader includes a microprocessor and program which control the generation of a plurality of interrogation signal formats, and which decode a plurality of received data formats.

Abstract: A meter reader 12 analyzes a signal from a meter 22 and compares its structure with a plurality of known signal structures stored in a memory 41. If the comparison shows that a particular one signal structure stored in the memory is inconsistent with the data signal being received, that structure is rejected and not used in future comparisons as the receipt of the data signal progresses. Eventually, the non-rejected signal structures should be reduced to a single structure which by elimination must be the closest structure to that of the signal being read. The meter reader can then pass the received data signal and the identification of its particular signal structure to further processing apparatus 11 such as a signal recorder or signal display and can arrange this recording or display so that parts of the signal representing different properties can be arranged consistently with other data signals which may be of different structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for digitally measuring electrical energy consumption parameters from a transmission line carrying alternating current. Current flowing in the conductor is sampled at multiple times which are independent of the current phase. Using an appropriate microcomputer, this sampled current is analytically filtered by expressing the current with Fourier Series using only selected harmonics thus eliminating those harmonics which define noise. An approximation of the power and power consumption is then computed by multiplying the current as expressed in Fourier Series and a voltage measurement from the conductor to obtain a power reading, and the power reading is summed to obtain a number value proportional to the energy consumption.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for identifying events for making changes to a meter register configuration. In the one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of storing event data, including event dates, in a meter register memory, the event data being stored in a floating date format or in a fixed date format, and processing the event data to determine whether a current date corresponds to an event date.

Abstract: A power meter (10) is provided which can plug into an electric wall socket and it is provided with its own socket (16) for receiving the plug of an electrical appliance. The power meter has means for measuring electric current flow to an electrical appliance and indicates the amount of electrical power consumed by an appliance. In alternative embodiments, the meter is provided as an integral part of an electric wall switch (30) or wall socket (40) or it is built into an electrical appliance (50). In another embodiment, the power meter has a plurality of sockets for receiving the plugs of a number of electrical appliances for separately indicating the power consumption of each appliance.

Abstract: An energy meter capable of converting from one mode of operation to another mode of operation is described. In the one embodiment, the present apparatus measures energy consumption, and converts operation from a first mode to a second mode.

Abstract: A current measurement circuit for an electrical energy meter of the type having an inductive current pickup which generates a signal proportional to the derivative of current with respect to time in an electrical power line. An underdamped integrator is provided which compensates for nonideal phase characteristics of the inductive current pickup including a phase deviation from 90.degree. at the nominal line frequency. The integrator has a transfer function with a magnitude peak at a frequency below the line frequency and with a phase shift deviating from 90.degree. at the line frequency.

Abstract: An auto diagnostic apparatus having jawed, needle-toothed clips for connection to variable output wires of engine sensors adjacent to the sensors, and a processor which converts the output voltages to output values in reader friendly units understandable to the auto technician, and which stores and continuously updates the minimum and maximum output values for diagnosing intermittent or periodically interrupted electrical current. The needle-toothed clips establish an electrical connection to the variable output sensor wire without damaging the insulation or integrity of the sensor wire.

Abstract: A time of use register for use in an electronic watthour meter is formed of a three piece interlocking construction without the use of separate fasteners or the use of tools for assembly. The TOU register includes a front cover, a rear cover and a resilient clip, each of these components having various features to provide firm containment of a PC board and an LCD within the register. The front cover includes a window within which the LCD is positioned and a connector slot within which a resilient electrical conductor strip is situated. The electrical conductor strip provides communication between the PC board, which has a contact array at one edge of the board, and the LCD array, which also has a complementary contact array at its upper edge. The rear cover encloses the rear and part of the sides of the TOU register and includes a number of stops for providing uniform pressure against the PC board to hold it in position.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing a meter register in a default mode of operation includes a microcontroller coupled to a programmable non-volatile memory for automatically disposing the meter register in a self-programmed state when the electrical meter containing the meter register is installed for the first time. The self-programmed state is a functional default state and provides a monitoring utility company with accurate customer billing information from the time of installation. Accordingly, a technician responsible for installing the meter in the field need not be familiar with the techniques for programming the meter. If a mode of operation other than the default mode of operation is preferred, the microcontroller can be accessed for disposing the meter in a time-of-use and demand mode of operation or a demand only mode of operation. The microcontroller also provides means for retaining a programmed state of the meter register in the event of a power outage.

Abstract: An electronic type watthour measuring apparatus equipped with an automatic measuring-error correcting circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to measure RMS current, RMS voltage, and true power for zero-fired alternating current loads are provided. These methods and apparatuses are simple and inexpensive and provide updated measurements after each set of blocked or unblocked alternating current cycles.

Abstract: A modular metering instrument including one of a plurality of sensing probes or probe modules including identification and calibration information stored therein and a meter module which can identify the sensing probe when the sensing probe is connected thereto. The storage of calibration and identification information in the sensing probe allows the meter module to be utilized with any one of a number of sensing probes to sense different physical parameters. The sensing probe includes at least one sensor and related circuitry to generate a signal relating to the sensed parameter. The meter module analyzes and calibrates the signal and displays the measured parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a digital and analog system for generating an energy log for instant recall and display. The system is permanently programmed in read-only memory with the task of scanning sensor inputs, performing consumption calculations, updating the non-volatile memory, responding to external commands, and monitoring peripheral performance. The stored information is available for real-time query of individual sensor data or as a composite hard copy report on a month-to-date or month-end basis. The apparatus accepts inputs from both analog and digital sensors whose outputs produce information related to data such as current consumption, water consumption, or fuel consumption and provides an optional interface for the control of these functions based on pre-programmed upper/lower limits.

Abstract: A digital power meter achieves enhanced accuracies through the utilization of a sequence of meter stage improvements. Such improvements include the utilization of a digital phase shift based cycle phase realignment following the scaling function of the meter. The cycle phase corrected signals are digitized utilizing a sampling procedure wherein two samples of both current and voltage are taken within a precisely defined sampling interval. These samples are improved by the application thereto of a truncation correction and are averaged prior to being combined to provide quantity signals such as watt, VAR, volt, amperes, and the like. By developing subinterval transfer of components of these quantities to an overflow register, errors otherwise occurring at this stage of metering are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: An electronic register for an electric watthour metering system includes a display buffer for receiving, at substantially the same time, all data items to be displayed. The data items in the display buffer are scrolled to a display in sets appropriate for the capacity of the display. Each set is maintained on the display for as long as required for human reading. The displayed items, having been taken into the display buffer at the same instant, are consistent with each other regardless of the length of time required to complete the display sequence.

Abstract: An electrical power measuring device wherein signals (V.sub.i, V.sub.v) representing one of the current and voltage supplied to a load are applied to the input of a sigma delta modulator (9), and the state (0 or 1) of the modulator output together with the polarity of the other one of the voltage and current values, is used to determine the sense in which the digital signals representative of successive samples of the other one of voltage and current values are accumulated in an accumulator (11). The count in the accumulator (11) consequently increases at a rate representative of the power supplied to the load.

Abstract: An electronic register in an electric energy meter includes a power supply transformer mounted on and through the register circuit board which is positioned between the base of the meter and the register indicator. Shrouds isolate and insulate the connections within the shrouds to the primary winding of the transformer, and positioning members are provided to secure the transformer to the circuit board while at the same time providing positioning for the secondary winding terminal pins which pass through the circuit board to enable their proper connection, such as by soldering, to the circuit board. A unitary molded bobbin provides a spool for the transformer windings and core, the positioning members, the shrouds, and securing of the secondary winding terminal pins.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring the tension of an electricity line, the circuit comprising a capacitive divider comprising first and second capacitors, first and second amplification lines for amplifying the tension across the terminals of the second capacitor, said amplification lines having respective time constants of the order of 100 ms and in the range 2.5 ms to 15 ms, the amplification lines being connected to respective first and second controlled switches under the control of a logic circuit, the circuit further including a circuit for generating the absolute value of the algebraic difference between the signals provided by the amplification lines, and a comparator circuit for providing an output signal that controls the logic circuit causing it to change state when said absolute value exceeds a given threshold.

Abstract: A time of use register for use in an electronic watthour meter is formed of a three piece interlocking construction without the use of separate fasteners or the use of tools for assembly. The TOU register includes a front cover, a rear cover and a resilient clip, each of these components having various features to provide firm containment of a PC board and an LCD within the register. The front cover includes a window within which the LCD is positioned and a connector slot within which a resilient electrical conductor strip is situated. The electrical conductor strip provides communication between the PC board, which has a contact array at one edge of the board, and the LCD array, which also has a complementary contact array at its upper edge. The rear cover encloses the rear and part of the sides of the TOU register and includes a number of stops for providing uniform pressure against the PC board to hold it in position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for digitally measuring electrical energy consumption from a transmission line carrying alternating current. Instead of actually measuring current from a transmission line conductor, the time derivative of the magnetic field induced by current flowing in the conductor is measured thereby obtaining a reading which is proportional to the time derivative of the current flow. Using an appropriate microcomputer, the time derivative of the magnetic field (the magnetic field rate of change) is represented with an algorithmic series for expressing cyclic phenomena, such as the Fourier series of low order. An approximation of the power consumption is then computed by converting the time derivative of the current as expressed in the algorithmic series and a voltage measurement from the conductor mathematically to a power reading, and the power reading is summed to obtain a number value proportional to the energy consumption.

Abstract: A watt-hour meter cover is provided which has an optical coupler including a conduit, lens, and means for engaging an external programmer/reader. The conduit has improved signal transmission properties. The cover may be designed to disable test mode hardware when replaced after meter servicing. A battery access hatch and module with a reset and scroll actuator is installed through the cover.

Abstract: In an arrangement for measuring an electrical power or energy, for each of a plurality of phases, the arrangement includes a voltage input in a transformer supplied with current and connected to an integrator with a high ohm input. Each transformer is connected via an integrator with a high ohm input to a mark-space-amplitude modulator, one of which is provided per phase. Each voltage input is also in communication with the corresponding mark-space-amplitude modulator. Each mark-space-amplitude modulator comprises a mark-space modulator and a pulse amplitude modulator. Each pulse amplitude modulator is provided with two push-pull outputs, each of which is connected to an input of a current/frequency converter for the integration of marks (pulses) and spaces (i.e. spaces between pulses) present at the output of the pulse amplitude modulator. The current/frequency converter is connected to processing and display circuitry for displaying an output.

Abstract: An electronic time of use or demand register is provided for selective addition to a watthour meter in an energy meter. The electronic register is configured for parallel mounting beside the watthour meter to minimize space and includes an integral register enclosure for properly assembling and securing various components in positive operational relationships such as positioning the optical detection assembly relative to the rotating castellated shutter and in turn positioning the optical communications link relative to the optical detection assembly. The register enclosure additionally includes integral means for mounting the electronic register within the energy meter and for selectively adding and positioning a plurality of optional features.

Abstract: A utility meter including an electronic module to calculate predetermined parameters related to electric utility line and load conditions. Signals related to utility line voltage and load conditions are scaled and sampled to generated a data base which is utilized by a digital processor to calculate the parameters discussed above. Calibration processes controlled by the processor corrects for errors related to the sensors used to sense line voltage and load conditions as well as drift in the analog portions of the electronic module.

Abstract: A metering system includes an electronic register having a non-volatile storage into which data is written upon the detection of a power outage. A power supply and monitor provides a regulated voltage for the electronic register and contains a capacitor which normally stores a sufficient quantity of electric energy to continue operation of the electronic register for a long enough period of time to complete the writing of data to the non-volatile storage. The discharge rate of the capacitor is linearly controlled to sustain the regulated voltage at its normal regulated value for the required period of time. An electronic meter is shut down upon the detection of a power outage to remove a portion of the load on the power supply to aid in sustaining the regulated voltage for the required period of time. The detection of momentary power outages is prevented by forcing the capacitor to charge to a prescribed voltage level before a subsequent outage can be detected.

Abstract: A method for an alarm system is intended in particular for the monitoring of service apartments for elderly and/or handicapped persons. The energy consumption of each apartment is recorded over a period, for example in a computer. The results are presented in the form of a reference curve or standard curve for each apartment. Thereafter the actual energy consumption is compared with the value for the normal curve, and alarms of various kinds and of various degrees of urgency are triggered if the values differ by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the timekeeping accuracy of a time of the use or demand of energy electronic register in an electric energy meter includes compensating for the absence of line frequency timing pulses for the period between the occurrence of a power outrage and the actuation of backup timekeeping resulting from the power supply filter capacitor discharge time. A timing counter counts minutes of line frequency timing signals by decrementing a counter which is also provided with the interval interrupt operating pulses of the electronic register such that in the absence of line frequency pulses the interval interrupt operating pulses are counted and added to electronic register timekeeping system after a power down mode of operation.

Abstract: The current peak detector can be described as four separate sections. The first section is power distribution. The second is the analog section where the Idd current transient peak is first detected. There are two analog sections, one for Idd internal, and another for Idd external. The third section is the automatic multiplexer that controls which of the two analog sections will drive the digital section. The fourth and final section is the digital section where a voltage that is analogous to the peak current is converted to a DC voltage level with infinite memory. The digital section performs the logic function of replacing any prior digitized voltage peak with any higher voltage peak that may occur during the test period.

Abstract: An energy meter composed of a meter chassis (2) having a transducer (4) connected to sense energy usage and to provide an output having a fixed relation to the sensed energy usage, a replaceable register (6) connectable to the transducer (4) for converting the output provided by the transducer (4) into a readable energy usage indication, a transducer identifying unit (18) secured to the chassis (2) and coded to identify the fixed relation between the transducer output and the sensed energy usage, and a transducer sensing unit (10) secured to the register (6) for coupling with the transducer identifying unit (18) when the register (6) is connected to the transducer (4).

Abstract: An electronic energy meter is provided with a plurality of push button switches on the face of the meter which are selectively actuated by an actuator extending through the transparent cover to display various different meter functions. Switch restrictors are removably provided around a section of the actuator of selected switches which may then be readily actuated only from the inside of the meter, after unlocking and removing the cover.

Abstract: A line isolated current detector for detecting low frequency peak to peak currents on a high frequency chopped line with a first series diode and resistor detecting positive waves and a second series diode and resistor detecting negative waves. First and second capacitors across the first and second resistors, respectively, temporarily store positive and negative detected waves. A third series diode and resistor connected in parallel across the first series diode and resistor and a fourth series diode and resistor connected in parallel across the second series diode and resistor allows faster charging and slower discharging of the capacitors. This allow the capacitors to charge waveforms quick enough to use a high frequency current transformer sensing a high frequency chopped line and discharge waveform slow enough to reconstruct the low frequency waveform before high frequency chopping to allow accurate current measurements of direct current or low frequency currents using a current transformer.

Abstract: 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 other information to remote locations. It can also receive, store, and act upon information received from remote locations. The meter can measure short-term demand, and can produce output signals for indicating and/or controlling demand.

Abstract: A wattmeter in which a Hall sensor is provided with a large number of Hall elements, whose voltages are individually tapped. The wattmeter circuit is further provided with an impulse-width modulator, the input voltage of this modulator being periodically reversed, with a feedback to compensate the disturbing voltages, and with a circuit for precision curvature compensation CMOS bandgap reference. The output of an embodiment of the wattmeter is adapted to the reading-off by a computer. A wattmeter can be realized on a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: Data processing methods and circuit arrangements are provided whereby out of a succession of data, some or most of which are false due to interference or noise, only those most likely to be true are selected for transmission to following stages of processing. Selection is achieved by comparing, according to a predetermined criterion, successive input data words with a data word already held in a data store and updating the store by discarding the stored data word and replacing it with an input data word whenever an input data word meets the predetermined criterion. A stored data word is utilised in further processing only when a predetermined number of input data words have been compared with the stored data word without updating having occurred. The invention has particular relevance to optical pyrometry systems.

Abstract: A digital energy meter for providing energy measurements of nonsinusoidal waveforms. Voltage and related current components of a digitally sampled waveform are multiplied to form a product representative of instantaneous power. The products are summed or accumulated over a first time period, and the sums then accumulated over a second time period to form a second sum representative of total power over the second time period. An energy measurement is then obtained by an algorithm which requires only a simple division by a power of two.

Abstract: An electric watthour meter includes apparatus for delaying a seasonal rate change until data accumulated in the meter is read out. Dates in a rate-change library, consisting of dates on which a rate change is authorized, are compared each day with the current date. When a match between a rate-change date and the current date is found, an arming signal is generated. The arming signal remains ineffective until a reset signal is generated at the completion of meter reading. Following the reset signal, the arming signal is reset.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the input circuit of a meter for simultaneously measuring two electrical quantities is disclosed. The circuit includes a current transformer including a primary winding, two substantially equal secondary windings and a pulse amplitude modulator associated with each secondary winding. Connections are made from each secondary winding to one terminal of its associated and non-associated pulse amplitude modulators, respectively. The circuit can be manufactured simply and economically while providing a high quality meter. Other embodiments provide additional advantages.

Abstract: An underload protection system for an electric motor connected to first and second power supply lines, the lines being connectable to an AC power supply. The system comprises a line voltage sensing circuit connected to the first line and having a line voltage signal impressed therein, and an amplitude adjustment circuit connected to the voltage sensing circuit for adjusting the line voltage signal to produce an amplitude adjusted voltage signal. A line current sensing circuit is connected to the second line and has a line current signal impressed thereon, and a phase adjustment circuit is connected to the current sensing circuit for adjusting the phase of the current signal to produce a phase adjusted current signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electricity meter mainly intended for measuring, registration and reading of one or more consumers' electricity power consumption and/or energy consumption. To the electricity meter a display (12) is connected which is adapted to indicate momentary power consumption, present electricity tariff and accumulated energy consumption expressed in monentary units. The electricity meter is an electronic construction and includes a central processing unit (1) with a microprocessor, one sensor(2) intended for detecting of a consumer's power consumption and a number of memory cells (1a-52d) adapted in a predetermined manner to consecutively receive and store information, calculated and transferred by the central processing unit (1). The electricity meter is also adapted to be connected to a read unit (5) by which stored information and electricity tariffs can be transferred to a central computer, located at, for example, an electrical power producer.

Abstract: An underload protection system for an electric motor connected to first and second power supply lines, the lines being connectable to an AC power supply. The system comprises a line voltage sensing circuit connected to the first line and having a line voltage signal impressed therein, and an amplitude adjustment circuit connected to the voltage sensing circuit for adjusting the line voltage signal to produce an amplitude adjusted voltage signal. A line current sensing circuit is connected to the second line and has a line current signal impressed thereon, and a phase adjustment circuit is connected to the current sensing circuit for adjusting the phase of the current signal to produce a phase adjusted current signal.