Meter Protection Or Fraud Combatting Patents (Class 324/110)
  • Patent number: 11921532
    Abstract: A power supply control circuit for controlling operation of a power supply for an electricity meter during an alternating current (AC) power outage includes: an input section configured to receive a representation of an output voltage of the power supply and a power loss signal; a comparator section configured to generate an output signal based on the power loss signal and the representation of the output voltage; and a feedback control section configured to control a feedback signal to the power supply based on the output signal from the comparator section. When activated by the output signal from the comparator section, the feedback control section is configured to change the feedback signal with respect to the feedback signal from a feedback circuit caused the output voltage. The change in the feedback signal causes the power supply to stop supplying the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Doug Busekrus
  • Patent number: 11848798
    Abstract: An array controlling system includes a database, a controlling center and an array device. The controlling center reads a plurality of data of the database. The array device includes a processing unit, a main bus and an array unit. The processing unit receives a command of the controlling center and converts the command into a communication data. The main bus is configured to transmit the communication data to the array unit. A plurality of array modules of the array unit are connected in series with each other through a serial bus, and sequentially receive the communication data. The processing unit controls each of the array modules according to the communication data. A plurality of sensing data of the array modules are collected to the processing unit. The processing unit returns the sensing data to the database or the controlling center to update the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: RHYMEBUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsuan-Yu Huang, Shun-Han Ko, Yu-Hung Lin, Po-Chun Chiu, Hsien-Tang Jao
  • Patent number: 11740267
    Abstract: A load-side voltage detection module for a metrology device includes a plurality of first resistors electrically coupled to a first load-side terminal, the first resistors being in series, a plurality of second resistors electrically coupled to a second load-side terminal, the second resistors being in series, a voltage divider electrically coupled between a first line-side terminal and a second line-side terminal, the voltage divider creating a reference voltage for the load-side voltage detection module, and a pulse generator to generate a pulse based on detection of voltage, the pulse indicating a voltage on at least one of the first load-side terminal or the second load-side terminal, above at least one threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lancaster, Stephen Ross Sanner
  • Patent number: 11474132
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatuses for detecting and reporting suspected tampering of an energy meter to a utility. The method and apparatus uses a plurality of sensors to obtain data relating to one or more input parameters based on the type of input signal. The input parameters are mapped with a tamper type to provide a classification of one or more output parameters. The output parameters are compared to one or more operating conditions of the energy meter to identify one or more suspected tampers. Any suspected tampers are reported to the utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Nagaraja Sundaresh, Rajesh Mahapatra, Shalu Singhvi
  • Patent number: 11423716
    Abstract: Systems and methods detecting onboard sensor tampering are disclosed. According to embodiments, data captured by interior sensors within a vehicle may be analyzed to determine an indication that the activity of the vehicle operator either cannot be sufficiently detected or cannot be sufficiently identified using the captured data (e.g., that the captured data may be compromised). A date and time associated with the indication may be recorded, and a vehicle operator associated with the indication may be identified. A possible cause for the compromised data may be diagnosed, and notification may be generated indicating that the activity of the vehicle operator either cannot be sufficiently detected or cannot be sufficiently identified, and/or the possible cause. Additionally, a recommendation for restoring sensor functionality may be generated for the vehicle operator based the possible cause.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Chan, Kenneth J. Sanchez, Gina Taylor, Saivikas Thalluri, Jie Yan
  • Patent number: 11398115
    Abstract: A wireless communication device for collecting vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD) data is disclosed, together with associated methods of handling OBD data in such wireless communication devices. The device comprises a connector for connecting the device to an OBD port of a vehicle to receive OBD data; a processor configured to continually aggregate the OBD data and/or acceleration data from an acceleration sensor into risk profile data during a journey made by the vehicle; a memory for storing the latest risk profile data for the journey; and a wireless transceiver for transmitting the stored risk profile data to an external mobile device during the journey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Bridgestone Mobility Solutions B.V.
    Inventors: Ulf Meyer, David Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11393322
    Abstract: An electric utility meter including a three-axis Hall Effect sensor configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field in two or more directions surrounding the electric utility meter. The electric utility meter also includes a controller having an electronic processor. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of an abnormal magnetic field proximate the electric utility meter from the three-axis Hall Effect sensor, determine an amount of time for which the abnormal magnetic field has been detected, and log a magnetic field tamper event in an event log when the amount of time for which the abnormal magnetic field has been detected exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Aclara Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee McDougall, Jr., Charles Andrew Waters
  • Patent number: 11212598
    Abstract: A resource monitor for monitoring consumption of a resource includes: a commissioning processor, configured to pair with a client device via a Bluetooth link, and configured to receive WIFI network credentials from the client device, and configured to transmit the credentials to commission the resource monitor onto the WIFI network, and configured to initiate communications with a resource server over the internet cloud; and a meter reading processor, that receives meter identifiers from the resource server via the internet cloud for resource meters within radio range, and that tunes a meter receiver to narrowband frequency channels to detect and decode radio signals transmitted by resource meters to extract the meter identifiers along with corresponding meter readings, and that periodically transmits the meter identifiers along with the corresponding meter readings to the resource server over the internet cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Copper Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Mathews, Daniel J. Forman, Christopher P. Meyer, Michael L. Russo
  • Patent number: 11128129
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for selectively providing a signal path from a respective wire of a multi-wire bus to at least one corresponding data signal output node of at least one set of differential data signal output nodes using a respective switching element in a respective set of signal path circuits connected in parallel, and generating a set of discharge currents, each discharge current of the set of discharge currents generated through a respective resistive element in the respective set of signal path circuits to discharge a portion of a voltage pulse on the respective wire of the multi-wire bus to one or more metallic planes via a respective localized ESD protection circuit, the respective resistive element and the respective localized ESD protection circuit connected between the respective wire and the respective switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: KANDOU LABS, S.A.
    Inventors: Kiarash Gharibdoust, Suhas Rattan, Pallavi Muktesh
  • Patent number: 11079417
    Abstract: Techniques for detecting electrical meter bypass theft are described herein. In one example, a time-series of voltage-changes and current-changes associated with electrical consumption measured at a meter are obtained. The time series may track associated voltage and current changes at short intervals (e.g., 5-minutes). The voltage and current changes may indicate a slight voltage change when an appliance is turned on or off. An analysis (e.g., a regression analysis) may be performed on the voltage-changes against the current-changes. Using the correlation from the analysis, it may be determined if the meter was bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Sonderegger
  • Patent number: 10980168
    Abstract: A monitoring system for an agricultural metering system includes a processor configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors positioned about the agricultural metering system. The processor is also configured to compare the sensor data to one or more thresholds to determine a condition of one or more drive units of the agricultural metering system. The processor is further configured to provide an output indicative of the condition of the one or more drive units of the agricultural metering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Trevor Lawrence Kowalchuk, Dennis George Thompson, Anthony Charles Rapley
  • Patent number: 10969413
    Abstract: A device for detecting energy theft from a utility network configured to access energy data for utilities, generate energy results, identify an outlying utility in the energy results, access behavioral data, determine whether there is a likelihood of energy theft associated with the outlying utility, generate descriptive results from the behavioral data indicating the likelihood of energy theft, receive a response of whether the energy theft occurred, and refine operation of the detecting of energy theft of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Victoria Neuenschwander, Richard Carpenter
  • Patent number: 10965160
    Abstract: A method and a device are described for obtaining power intended to supply a consuming appliance from a conductor traversed by a primary electrical current, in which a core of magnetic material and a conductive solenoid wound about the core are positioned in a position remote from the conductor to obtain a secondary current in the solenoid from a magnetic field flux generated in the solenoid by the conductor, core and solenoid. The conductive solenoid is connected to the consuming appliance by a circuit adapted to convert the secondary current into a power intended to supply the consuming appliance through a related voltage and output current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: TIXON ENERGY S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Dondolini
  • Patent number: 10948526
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed towards electricity fraud detection systems that involve a behavioral detection ecosystem to improve the detection rate of electricity fraud while reducing the rate of false-positives. More specifically, machine learning algorithms are eschewed in favor of two separate models that are applied sequentially. The first model is directed to improving the detection rate of electricity fraud through the use of detectors to identify customers engaging in suspicious behavior based on the demand profiles of those customers. The second model is directed to reducing the rate of false-positives by identifying potential legitimate explanations for any suspicious behavior. Subtracting away the suspicious behavior with legitimate explanations leaves only the identified, unexplained suspicious behavior that is highly likely to be associated with fraudulent activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Hussain Abbas
  • Patent number: 10916815
    Abstract: A system for battery gravitation-orientation detection. The system has a battery, an accelerometer fixed relative to the battery or optionally fixed relative to a battery housing, a processor programmed to: receive one or more signals from the accelerometer, compute a gravity direction from the one or more signals, and determine if battery or the battery housing is in a sub-optimum orientation for battery life based on the gravity direction and a relative alignment of the gravity direction to the battery or the battery housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SENSUS SPECTRUM, LLC
    Inventor: Adam D. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10908181
    Abstract: The present disclosure disclosed a test device, which is defined with a test point connected with a circuit board of a display screen, thereby imputing a test signal to the display screen. The test device includes: a housing and a probe, an accommodation cavity with an open bottom is formed in the housing, a first contact and a second contact are defined on the inner wall of the accommodation cavity, the probe is defined in the accommodation cavity and movable between a first position and a second position in a first direction, when the probe is at a first position, a test signal may be conducted to a test point; when the probe is at a second position, the charge of the probe accumulated may be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: HKC Corporation Limited, Chongqing HKC Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiaoyu Huang
  • Patent number: 10879694
    Abstract: A flip-flop circuit includes two inverters and two transmission circuits. The two inverters and the two transmission circuits are implemented using reverse direction high-electron-mobility transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventors: David L. Whitney, Manuel M. Del Arroz
  • Patent number: 10846189
    Abstract: A test system, for example for set top boxes or game consoles, includes logic to reformat media signals output by a device under test, logic to receive the reformatted media signals and to analyze them for errors, and a pluggable interface coupling and device under test to the logic to reformat the media signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Contec LLC
    Inventors: Darby Racey, Vladzimir Valakh, Vicente Miranda, Rafael Villanueva
  • Patent number: 10771980
    Abstract: Secure device data records (DDRs) are provided. In some embodiments, a system for secure DDRs includes a processor of a wireless communication device for wireless communication with a wireless network, in which the processor is configured with a secure execution environment, and in which the secure execution environment is configured to: monitor service usage of the wireless communication device with the wireless network; and generate a plurality of device data records of the monitored service usage of the wireless communication device with the wireless network, in which each device data record is associated with a unique sequence order identifier; and a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions. In some embodiments, the secure execution environment is located in an application processor, in a modem processor, and/or in a subscriber identity module (SIM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Headwater Research LLC
    Inventors: Gregory G. Raleigh, James Lavine, Alireza Raissinia, Michael J. Sabin
  • Patent number: 10755495
    Abstract: Systems and methods detecting onboard sensor tampering are disclosed. According to embodiments, data captured by interior sensors within a vehicle may be analyzed to determine an indication that the activity of the vehicle operator either cannot be sufficiently detected or cannot be sufficiently identified using the captured data (e.g., that the captured data may be compromised). A date and time associated with the indication may be recorded, and a vehicle operator associated with the indication may be identified. A possible cause for the compromised data may be diagnosed, and notification may be generated indicating that the activity of the vehicle operator either cannot be sufficiently detected or cannot be sufficiently identified, and/or the possible cause. Additionally, a recommendation for restoring sensor functionality may be generated for the vehicle operator based the possible cause.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Chan, Kenneth J. Sanchez, Gina Taylor, Saivikas Thalluri, Jie Yan
  • Patent number: 10656190
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed towards electricity fraud detection systems that involve a behavioral detection ecosystem to improve the detection rate of electricity fraud while reducing the rate of false-positives. More specifically, machine learning algorithms are eschewed in favor of two separate models that are applied sequentially. The first model is directed to improving the detection rate of electricity fraud through the use of detectors to identify customers engaging in suspicious behavior based on the demand profiles of those customers. The second model is directed to reducing the rate of false-positives by identifying potential legitimate explanations for any suspicious behavior. Subtracting away the suspicious behavior with legitimate explanations leaves only the identified, unexplained suspicious behavior that is highly likely to be associated with fraudulent activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Hussain Abbas
  • Patent number: 10657781
    Abstract: A smart doorbell includes a case set, a circuit board, a lens, a vibration sensing module, a locking unit, a vibration unit and a vibration transferring unit. The case set includes a first case and a second case. The first case is combined with the second case. The circuit board is located in the case set. The lens is disposed on the circuit board. The vibration sensing module is connected to the circuit board. The locking unit locks the first case and the second case. The vibration unit is connected to the locking unit and includes a plurality of crests and a plurality of troughs. The crests and troughs are aligned alternatingly. The vibration transferring unit touches the vibration unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Yueh Chen, Jin-Kae Jang, Mei-Yi Tsai
  • Patent number: 10615847
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for delivering broadband video data to an end user device comprising transmitting broadband video data via a radio frequency transmitter to a home radio frequency receiver located at a residential power transformer providing electrical power to a home; coupling the broadband video data from the home radio frequency receiver to a first modem onto a copper power line electrically coupled to the residential power transformer; receiving the broadband data on a second modem from the copper power line; and sending from the second modem, different portions of the broadband data to each of a plurality of end user devices in the home. A system and computer program for performing the method are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Adrian Matthews
  • Patent number: 10595388
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to prevent tampering with an x-ray tube are disclosed. An example circuit board device positioned with respect to the x-ray tube includes a processor and a memory. The example processor is to at least determine configuration information for the circuit board device. The example processor is to at least compare the determined configuration information to stored configuration information in the memory. The example processor is to at least, when the determined configuration information is verified with the stored configuration information, enable the circuit board device. The example processor is to at least, when the determined configuration information is not verified with the stored configuration information, i) disable the circuit board device and ii) process board reactivation before enabling the circuit board device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shivaprasad Nagesh, Aniruddha Tiru
  • Patent number: 10571297
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for a meter collar system for powerline communications are provided. The system includes a meter socket coupled to a utility power cable and a supply cable of the customer premises, and a meter collar device coupled to the meter socket. The meter collar device may include a powerline interface coupled to one or more load lines of the subscriber cable, and a line transceiver, coupled to the powerline interface. A physical layer transceiver may be coupled to a subscriber line. The meter collar device may be configured to receive, from the physical layer transceiver, a first data signal from the subscriber line, and convert the first data signal into a powerline data signal for transmission over the one or more load lines, and transmit the powerline data signal, via the line transceiver, over the one or more load lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Barnett, Jr., Michael L. Elford
  • Patent number: 10527651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to current measurement apparatus 100. The current measurement apparatus 100 comprises a measurement arrangement 110, 114 which is configured to be disposed in relation to a load 108 which draws a current signal, the measurement arrangement being operative when so disposed to measure the load drawn current signal. The current measurement apparatus 100 also comprises a signal source 112 which is operative to apply a reference input signal to the measurement arrangement 110, 114 whereby an output signal from the measurement arrangement comprises a load output signal corresponding to the load drawn current signal and a reference output signal corresponding to the reference input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Analog Devices Global
    Inventors: Stephen James Martin Wood, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, Seyed Amir Ali Danesh
  • Patent number: 10488440
    Abstract: A meter cover removal detection arrangement includes a switch element, a pivoting lever arm, a meter cover and a plunger. The switch element has first and second positions, and conducts electricity between first and second contacts in only one of the first position and the second position. The pivoting lever arm has two arm positions, and is operably coupled to cause the switch element to be in the second position when the lever arm is in a second arm position. The lever arm engages a spring that biases the level arm toward the second arm position. The meter cover has an inward extending cam. The plunger has first and second plunger positions, and is operably coupled to hold the pivoting lever arm in the first arm position when the plunger is in the first plunger position. The cam engages the plunger to hold the plunger in the first plunger position when the meter cover is installed on a meter base. The cam is disengaged from the plunger when the meter cover is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Tate, Wojciech Janczak
  • Patent number: 10439821
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to an electronic device that includes a camera sensor to capture a digital image that includes a plurality of pixels. The electronic device may further include a digital signature calculation engine coupled with the camera sensor, the digital signature calculation engine to generate, based on a private key that is shared between a plurality of image/video acquisition modules and a pixel of the plurality of pixels, a digital signature. The electronic device may further include digital signature insertion logic coupled with the digital signature calculation engine, the digital signature insertion logic to insert an indication of the digital signature into the digital image. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Legitipix, LLC
    Inventor: Sean Patrick Riley
  • Patent number: 10330812
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of identifying which electrical conductor is supplying a signaling-point that is located on that conductor, in the electrical grid. The present invention makes the identification by measuring currents flowing into and out of a common connection-point, such as a power bus, and analyzing concurrent portions of these currents to determine whether they are ingress-current or egress-current over the analysis-intervals, and by a subsequent intra-bus and inter-bus analysis of the ingress/egress patterns. This is in contrast to prior art systems that rely on the measurement of signal strength, an approach that does not take best advantage of information in the signal because it fails to consider polarity of instantaneous voltages, reflective of the direction of current flow, or the intra-bus and inter-bus ingress/egress current-relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Elintrix
    Inventors: Alan Drew Barnett, Joseph Robert Reed
  • Patent number: 10317456
    Abstract: Spike safe floating current and voltage source (VI) containing a forced voltage amplifier in series with a selectable resistor. A method of providing a VI with forced current testing mode using a forced voltage amplifier in series with a selectable resistor. A method of providing a VI with forced voltage testing mode using a forced voltage amplifier in series with a selectable resistor. A method of measuring the on resistance of a device under test using a VI with a forced voltage amplifier in series with a selectable resistor. A method of measuring the breakdown of an input/output junction of a device under test using a VI with a forced voltage amplifier in series with a selectable resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Ramana Tadepalli
  • Patent number: 10260902
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a utility resource are disclosed. One system includes a plurality of utility resource usage capture components connected to a utility resource management computing system via a satellite communications network. Each of the utility resource usage capture components includes a utility resource meter interface and a satellite communication module. The utility resource meter interface is configured to communicate with a plurality of different types of utility resource meters from a plurality of different manufacturers. Each of the plurality of utility resource usage capture components has a low power state and an operational state and configured to automatically enter the operational state, interrogate an associated utility resource meter to obtain a reading and communicate the reading via the satellite communication module, and return to the low power state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Information Data Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Les Robinson, Rod Redlin, Angelo A. Polsinelli, Keith W. Carlson, Stephen A. Uban
  • Patent number: 10230232
    Abstract: A system includes a hot wire and a neutral wire configured to establish a closed circuit between a power source and a load. The system further includes first and second transformers as well as a sensor. The first current transformer is coupled to the hot wire and is configured to introduce a first test current, with a first polarity, into the hot wire. The second current transformer is coupled to the neutral wire and configured to substantially simultaneously introduce a second test current into the neutral wire. The second test current has the same polarity as the first test current. The sensor is configured to sense an asymmetry between the first and second test currents and is further configured to cause interruption of the closed circuit upon sensing the asymmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin Avery Freer, Stephan P. Iannce, Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Patent number: 10107842
    Abstract: There is provided an energy consumption meter device comprising including a processor arranged to receive input data from the sampling unit. The processor calculates at a calculation step [n] an energy contribution value using ?E using a sampled voltage value and a sampled current value. The processor will calculate an energy value E[n] using a reminder value which was calculated at a previous calculation step [n?1]. The processor will then calculate a relative delay Td? using the threshold value, the reminder value and the energy value, and generate an output pulse at an output time tpulse which is delayed for the relative delay Td? with respect to the calculation time step[n]. By delaying the output pulse with a value which is a closest proximity of Td, the cycle-by-cycle jitter is less or equal to the clock frequency of the timer tclk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Mienkina, Radomir Kozub, Ludek Slosarcik, Lukas Vaculik
  • Patent number: 10056203
    Abstract: A multimeter has a protection mechanism of charging. A measuring body includes a shell and a knob-turning set, and the shell has a charging socket. A control module is disposed in the shell and includes a circuit board and a connector electrically connected with the circuit board. The connector is disposed corresponding to the charging socket, and the circuit board is electrically connected with the knob-turning set and selectively actuated through a rotation of the knob-turning set. A charging unit is disposed in the shell and electrically connected with the connector. A stopper moves with the knob-turning set together. An external plug is inserted with the connector via the charging socket, and the stopper is actuated so that the knob-turning set will not to be rotated. Thus, it ensures the multimeter cannot perform a measurement when it is charging for avoiding danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: BRYMEN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Po-Chao Tan
  • Patent number: 9913166
    Abstract: A method and system for optimizing and keeping operational a wireless link layered network in which a system control and modifying message (SCMM) is elicited from nodes receiving information packets and based upon whether the node originating the SCMM is from a link layer level which is equal to or less than the link layer level eliciting the SCMM, rerouting or adjusting future transmissions can be effected or items like a less current time at a receiving node and a most recent utilization rate of a receiving node can be adjusted, recorded or set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: AES Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Sherman, James P. Bastable, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9863999
    Abstract: A circuit for inspecting a semiconductor device includes: the semiconductor device that is an object to be inspected and includes a diode; a protection element that is connected in series with the semiconductor device and includes a protection diode having higher breakdown resistance than the diode; a switch that includes a switching element connected in series with the semiconductor device and the protection element; and a coil that provides a loop path together with the semiconductor device and the protection element when the switching element is turned off. Even when the semiconductor device including the diode is broken, an inspection device is restricted from being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori Miyata, Takafumi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 9797935
    Abstract: An electronic electricity meter (102) for monitoring electrical power consumption due to a plurality of loads, comprising electric power sensor (506A, 506, 502, 504, 508) configured to register, optionally in a substantially real-time fashion, data indicative of aggregate power demand (202) of a number of loads coupled to a common electrical power source, such as one or more phases of a polyphase system, load tracker (506B, 506, 502, 504) configured to detect the effect of individual loads on the basis of distinctive load patterns in said data, wherein the tracker is configured to utilize a distinctive load pattern detected in said data as at least a basis for a reference pattern (304, 306, 308) for subsequent detections (304a, 306a, 308a) of the effect of the same load in the data, accuracy analyzer (506C, 506, 502, 504) configured to, on the basis of comparisons of subsequent detections with the corresponding references, determine (312, 314, 316) whether the comparisons relating to at least two, preferably
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: LANDIS+GYR OY, LANDIS+GYR AG
    Inventors: Risto Airaksinen, Ari Koskinen
  • Patent number: 9778296
    Abstract: A method for obtaining plug combination of detecting apparatus, a method for obtaining power line topology and an electronic apparatus using the same are provided. The method for obtaining plug combination of detecting apparatus includes the following steps: retrieving a first amount of at least one detecting apparatus and a second amount of at least one socket; generating plug combinations between the at least one detecting apparatus and the at least one socket; calculating a total socket relationship value according to the second amount; setting specific plug times and a specific socket relationship value of a specific plug combination according to the first amount; and finding a candidate plug combination among reference plug combinations according to the specific socket relationship value, the total socket relationship value and a distance between the specific plug combination and each of the reference plug combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Wen-Hsin Chang, Yung-Chi Chen, Shiao-Li Tsao
  • Patent number: 9778311
    Abstract: The semiconductor inspection apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first detecting unit capable of being electrically connected to a source electrode of a field effect transistor to be evaluated, the first detecting unit used for detecting voltage, a first diode including a first anode electrode and a first cathode electrode, the first cathode electrode capable of being electrically connected to a drain electrode of the field effect transistor, a second detecting unit electrically connected to the first anode electrode, the second detecting unit used for detecting voltage, a first resistance element of which a first end is electrically connected to the first anode electrode, and a first electric power source electrically connected to a second end of the first resistance element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Kentaro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 9671467
    Abstract: An electric power meter capable of monitoring a contact status of a latch relay, comprises: a latch relay having a pair of primary coils and a secondary contact, the secondary contact operable to a closed position or an open position, the primary coils configured to provide a magnetic force to open or close the secondary contact; and a meter controller configured to determine that the latch relay is in a closed position when the input voltage of the primary coils is substantially equal to the output voltage of the secondary contact with a predetermined allowable error range, and configured to determine that the latch relay is in an open position when the output voltage of the secondary contact has not been input, even if the input voltage of the primary coils has been input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyung Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 9658254
    Abstract: A method of detecting a magnetic coupling in a meter includes obtaining in an electricity meter information representative of power consumption as measured within the meter of a plurality of lines of an electrical service. The method also includes obtaining from a magnetic sensor information representative of a magnetic field within an electricity meter. A processing circuit then determines whether a first condition exists wherein the magnetic field exceeds a first threshold and the information representative of the power consumption indicates a load imbalance on the plurality of lines such that the load imbalance exceeds an imbalance threshold. The method further includes performing a processing step responsive to a determination that the first condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.
    Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9641382
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a first device in a network detects a power restoration event subsequent to a power outage event. Power is restored to the first device during the power restoration event. The first device synchronizes a channel hopping schedule to the detected power restoration event. The first device communicates with a neighboring device of the first device using the channel hopping schedule synchronized to the detected power restoration event. The neighboring device uses a corresponding channel hopping schedule to communicate with the first device that is also synchronized to the power restoration event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Hui, Wei Hong, Jean-Philippe Vasseur
  • Patent number: 9555212
    Abstract: An anesthesia system for providing a breathing gas enriched with anesthetic has an anesthesia apparatus (2) and at least one anesthetic dispensing device (3), which is detachably coupled with the anesthesia apparatus. A fluid connection (7, 8, 9) is provided between the anesthesia apparatus and the dispensing device, which is designed to send anesthetic from the dispensing device into the anesthesia apparatus. At least one optical interface is provided between the anesthesia apparatus and the dispensing device. At least one display device is provided in the dispensing device. The optical interface has at least one light source (10), which is provided in the anesthesia apparatus, and at least one fiber optic light guide (20), which is provided in the anesthetic dispensing device (3). The light fed by the light source (10) into the fiber optic light guide is sent to the display device to directly or indirectly light the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Sönke Faber, Wolfgang Falb, Michael Heidschmidt, Sven Heyer, Thomas Lutter, Cornelia Marx, Martin Meyer, Sven Pasdzior, Klaus Radomski, Hartmut Stark
  • Patent number: 9519035
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in an electricity meter includes a sensor and a processing circuit. The sensor is supported directly or indirectly by a meter housing. The sensor is configured to measure a magnetic field in proximity to a current sensor of the electricity meter. The sensor is also configured to generate a measurement signal representative of, at least in part, a magnitude of the magnetic field. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive first information representative of the measurement signal. The processing circuit is configured to obtain a first value representative of the magnetic field based on the first information, and determine a first adjustment value responsive to a determination that the first value exceeds the first threshold value. The processing circuit is further configured to generate energy consumption information based at least in part on the first adjustment value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.
    Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9424742
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are directed to a meter alert system that provides surveillance of meters and other components of a utility system. The meter alert system obtains, via a user interface, specification of one or more meter conditions among a list of meter conditions. The meter alert system generates a rule for a utility metering device according to the meter conditions, wherein the rule is associated with a utility metering device identifier of the utility metering device. The meter system executes the rule, wherein an execution of the rule generates an alert in response to at least one of the first meter condition being satisfied or the second meter condition being satisfied. The meter alert system transmits a notification message in response to the alert being generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Cory Solomon, Gregory Ray Floyd
  • Patent number: 9415730
    Abstract: A power distribution module for a vehicle includes an insulating housing including a component grid, the component grid defining a plurality of circuit protection footprints, the housing further including at least one connector mount or terminal mating location; a printed circuit board (“PCB”) located within the housing and beneath the component grid, the PCB holding a plurality of fuse mounting terminals and at least one connector mounting terminal, the PCB including a plurality of conducting traces connecting the fuse mounting terminals to the at least one connector mounting terminal; and a cover that threadingly engages the housing, the threading engagement leading to a locking of the cover to the housing that tends to prevent the cover from loosening from the housing when the vehicle is being driven, the locking of the cover able to be overcome by a person so that the cover can be unthreaded readily from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: LITTLEFUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Juergen Scheele, Julio Cesar Urrea, Kerri Michelle Hood
  • Patent number: 9318892
    Abstract: A surge arrester includes at least one resistor element and a cage in which the at least one resistor element is disposed. The cage includes an upper holder, a lower holder and at least three insulating rods, which are each held at one respective rod end thereof by the upper holder and at the other respective rod end thereof by the lower holder. The upper holder and the lower holder are configured in such a way that they each enable at least two different positions for at least one of the insulating rods, relative to the two holders, and the at least one insulating rod can be positioned differently relative to the two holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ingo Gottschalk, Erhard Pippert, Dirk Springborn, Markus Sulitze
  • Patent number: 9268972
    Abstract: A tamper detector has tamper detection logic connected to tamper detection ports through a tamper detection interface. A real-time clock (RTC) provides a clock signal and has a battery. A processor is powered by an external power supply in a powered operational mode and has a power-off mode. In a wake-up configuration, a wake-up signal on a specific I/O port awakens the external power supply from the power-off mode to supply power to the RTC and the tamper detection interface when power from the battery is unavailable. The tamper detection ports continue to function despite removal or discharge of the battery without ESD concerns. The specific I/O port optionally may be configured for passive tamper detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Siddi Jai Prakash, Kumar Abhishek, Prashant Bhargava, Michael A. Stockinger
  • Patent number: 9258627
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for locating utility metering devices. Utility metering devices are those that are lost or stolen and that are facilitating unauthorized utility service access. Many AMI and/or AMR deployments lack the ability to remotely deactivate a meter. Accordingly, embodiments of this disclosure can generate a zone of interest in which an unauthorized utility metering device is located, and the unauthorized utility metering device can be subsequently located within the zone of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold Cory Solomon
  • Patent number: 9197062
    Abstract: Electricity service may be safely remotely connected to a site by a network computing device, such as an electricity meter, even when the network computing device is not accessible at the site. The network computing device may include a service switch capable of connecting electricity service to a site, a communication module capable of receiving commands to connect or disconnect electricity service, and a safety mechanism to monitor a circuit internal to the site and to prevent the service switch from connecting electricity service to the site while a potentially unsafe condition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Lancaster