Abstract: An advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) cartridge includes an AMI cartridge housing having an interior zone, and an AMI module system supported within the interior zone of the AMI cartridge module housing. The AMI module system includes an AMI module and an energy meter interface configured and disposed to detachably connect to an energy meter.

Abstract: An integrated device suspended at a high voltage potential for the metering and protection of a distribution network comprises a measurement current transformer (CT), a protective CT and a voltage sensor. The voltage signal is output from the voltage sensor to an electric energy metering module and first and second electric signal acquiring modules. The current signal acquired by the measurement CT is output to the electric energy metering module. The current signal acquired by the protective CT is output to the first and second electric signal acquiring modules. The electric energy metering module processes the current and voltage signals and sends the processed data to a comprehensive control module. The first and second electric signal acquiring modules send the voltage and current data to the comprehensive control module. The comprehensive control module comprehensively calculates the received data and sends the result to a low voltage terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to detecting energy theft within an energy distribution system and more particularly to systems and methods for detecting energy discrepancies in voltages and/or currents reported by electric meters present in a distribution circuit, without requiring installation of additional hardware at the transformer. Typically, the location of each of at least two meters is determined with respect to a transformer. The line resistances within the distribution circuit are determined starting with a line resistance farthest from the transformer. Estimated line voltages are determined for at least one electric meter using the estimated line resistances, and the estimated voltages are compared to actual voltage readings for the at least one electric meter. The existence of line loss is determined based on this comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining possible theft scenarios at utility meters are described. In some examples, the system receives information that indicates possible tampering of utility meter by a customer of a utility. In some examples, the system uses the information to determine a theft scenario. The system may then use the determined theft scenario as evidence against the customer.

Abstract: An auto-calibrated proximity sensor used with a protected item in a retail display security system includes a metalized surface that cooperatively interacts with a printed circuit board to form a capacitive cell. A microcontroller senses changes in the frequency of the capacitive circuit if the orientation of the metalized surface changes with respect to the printed circuit board.

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.

Abstract: A current sensor for measuring a current supplied to a conductor includes a case which accommodates an electrical parts therein, and a cover attached to the case. A groove part is provided on an outer surface of at least one of the case and the cover to allow the conductor to pass through the groove part. When the cover is attached to the case, the conductor arranged on the groove part is sandwiched between the case and the cover. A width of the groove part becomes narrower toward an interior side thereof.

Abstract: Tampering with an electricity network is detected from an electricity meter by transmitting a probe signal over at least part of the electricity network (12) from a signal source (106a) in the electricity meter (10). A reflected signal produced by reflection of the probe signal in the electricity network (12) is received back. The reflected signal is compared with a reference signal. An alarm signal is generated when said comparing detects a deviation between the reflection signal and the reference signal, in particular when reflections from a new position on the electricity network near the electricity meter are detected.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting theft and status of electrical power. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for detecting theft and status of electrical power. The method can include monitoring switch state of a main circuit breaker, monitoring load-side voltage, monitoring load current, determining one or more conditions associated with power usage based at least in part on one or more of the monitored switch state, the monitored load-side voltage, or the monitored load current and transmitting information representing the one or more determined conditions.

Abstract: An electric power meter collar with external electrical connection points enables expedited connection of distributed energy resources to the customer premises or the electric power grid. The meter collar is installed between an electric meter and the meter socket box that the meter would otherwise plug into at the site of a customer who receives two-phase service from an electrical utility company, and has electrical connection points that are electrically upstream and downstream of the meter. It enables “plug and play” connection of on-site power generation resources since the collar includes both a receptacle for a “plug” from on site power generation and overcurrent protection.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring current drain and reporting power consumption using current transformer with primary windings made of low ohmic alloy, enabling the use of the secondary coil to power the sensing and reporting circuits eliminating the power wasted by AC-DC power adaptors used for the current sensors. The saving is substantial as the current sensors will not drain a current when the AC outlets are disconnected from a load or when the load is switched off. The apparatus using low ohmic alloy is extended to the structuring of terminals, including power pins, power sockets and combinations to provide a low ohmic sensing elements in AC plugs, outlets, adaptors and extension cables with multi outlets, dissipating the heat from the sensing elements by the plugs and the larger metal heat dissipation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device (54) for an actuator having at least one mechanical display element (10, 11) and a variable speed gear unit, particularly a signal gear unit designed as a variable speed gear unit, having at least two gears with differing transmission ratios, wherein there is a mechanical switching arrangement with which the different gears and/or transmission ratios of the variable speed gear unit can be selected and/or switched even when the display device is mounted operationally ready in a housing without intervention into the housing and without opening the housing from outside, and/or wherein the resolution of the display device (54) and/or the movement of the at least one display element (10, 11) on the actuating path to be displayed of a respective actuator and/or a respective armature can be selectively adjusted. The invention furthermore relates to an actuator having a said type of display device (54).

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the removal of a meter cover are provided. For example, a tamper-detect energy meter may include metering circuitry, a processor, a tamper detect switch, and a cover with a switch interface surface. The tamper detect switch may be triggered from an open circuit state to a closed circuit state as the switch interface surface of the cover contacts the tamper detect switch during removal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting tampering associated with a utility meter. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method. The method can include detecting either a rate of change or change in magnitude of a magnetic field associated with a utility meter; based at least in part on the rate of change or the magnitude of the magnetic field, determining that a magnetic event has occurred; upon or after occurrence of the magnetic event, receiving additional utility meter information; based at least in part on the magnetic event and additional utility meter information, determining that meter tampering has occurred; and generating an event indication for transmission to a utility service or for subsequent review by the utility service.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a mechanical switch, a processor device, and a latch circuit. The mechanical switch has a closed position and an open position, and is supported by a meter housing. The mechanical switch is operably coupled to generate a close signal when the mechanical switch is in the closed position. The processor device has a first processor input and a second processor input. The first processor input is operably coupled to receive the close signal. The latch circuit is operably coupled to receive the close signal and generate a latched signal responsive thereto. The latch circuit is configured to latch the latched signal for a predetermined time, the predetermined time corresponding to a wake-up time of the processor device. The latch circuit is operably coupled to provide the latched signal to the second processor input.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device having a terminal assembly for coupling the IED, e.g., a revenue meter, to a meter mounting socket. The assembly includes a housing including a generally planar, rigid base, the base including at least one opening and at least one circuit board having at least one electrically conducting terminal surface mounted thereon, the at least one electrically conducting terminal extending through the at least one opening of the base to mate with at least one matching jaw of a detachable meter mounting device coupled to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having internal power monitoring and data signal generating apparatus, and a system for utilizing such a circuit breaker in a facility having a plurality of tenants served by branch circuits from a plurality of distribution panels. The circuit breaker radiates signals indicative of power consumption of the branch circuit protected thereby, together with a unique address identifier tied to one tenant. Electrical billings are based on summing all signals for each tenant. Changes to branch circuits during tenancy will not disturb correct billings since individual circuit breakers are associated with that tenant using power supplied by each branch circuit. Hence changes to branch circuits may be limited to modify building space locations served by the modified branch circuit, and need not be further modified to maintain correct billing in light of the circuit changes.

Abstract: A method for remotely configuring parameters of GPRS-type communication devices (2, 3) within a communications system in which data are exchanged between said GPRS-type communication devices (2, 3) and a central communications system (1) over a cellular phone network (6). According to the invention, configuration parameters (Pn) are first set and then stored in a configuration instruction queue (10) of said central communications system (1). Upon initiation of a communication using the GPRS protocol from a transmitting GPRS-type communication device (Idm), corresponding configuration parameters, provided that they are stored in queue, are then sent to said transmitting GPRS-type device (Idm) using GPRS protocol. The method is applicable to remote configuration of utility metering data over a GSM type network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing utility device operations. In one aspect, a utility apparatus includes a processing apparatus that manages data processing tasks for the utility apparatus. The utility apparatus also includes a communications apparatus, coupled to the processing apparatus, that is configured to transmit and receive data over a network. A metrology apparatus is coupled to the processing apparatus, the metrology apparatus being configured to measure and provide meter data that includes at least a measure of utilized utility services. A network apparatus is also coupled to the processing apparatus, the network apparatus being configured to coordinate communication between devices that belong to a home area network. A utility identification module interface is coupled to the processing apparatus, the utility identification module having an interface that removably receives a utility identification module.

Abstract: An electronic watt-hour meter; a current transformer operatively coupled to the electronic watt-hour meter; a first shield on a first side of the current transformer; and a second shield on a second side of the current transformer, wherein the second side is substantially parallel to the first side, wherein the first shield and the second shield each include a substantially magnetically permeable and conductive metal.

Abstract: A utility meter cover and complementary base are disclosed, the cover including a window section and a shroud. The shroud is for covering a complementary portion of a meter base, and includes: a radially extending base portion; an axial extension extending from the base portion, the axial extension for obstructing access to the complementary portion of the meter base; and a key member extending axially from the base portion, the key member having a bidirectional tab for engaging a slot in the complementary portion of the meter base.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring current drain and reporting power consumption using current transformer with primary windings made of low ohmic alloy, enabling the use of the secondary coil to power the sensing and reporting circuits eliminating the power wasted by AC-DC power adaptors used for the current sensors. The saving is substantial as the current sensors will not drain a current when the AC outlets are disconnected from a load or when the load is switched off. The apparatus using low ohmic alloy is extended to the structuring of terminals, including power pins, power sockets and combinations to provide a low ohmic sensing elements in AC plugs, outlets, adaptors and extension cables with multi outlets, dissipating the heat from the sensing elements by the plugs and the larger metal heat dissipation.

Abstract: A tool for configuring a branch current monitor facilitates mapping the connections of branch circuits to voltage sources in a power distribution panel.

Abstract: An end barrier that may be retroactively attached to a test switch is shown. End barrier includes extending caps to cover screws which are used to fasten the test switch to a utility box.

Abstract: To provide a measurement device which allows long-term accurate measurement of voltage without adversely affecting a device under test, by ensuring a predetermined level of resistance to ESD and reducing leakage current. A measurement device includes a probe needle for contacting a device under test, a first FET for detecting voltage of the device under test, and a protection circuit for protecting the first FET from static electricity. The protection circuit includes a second FET having an oxide semiconductor film as a channel formation region.

Abstract: A method of controllably disconnecting a utility power service from a load includes generating in a metrology circuit of a meter metering information regarding electrical power provided to the load from the utility power service. The meter includes a service switch having a controller to controllably interrupt a connection between the utility power service and the load. The method also includes connecting an energy storage device to the controller responsive to a service disconnect command. The method further includes connecting at least a portion of the metrology circuit to the energy storage device and disconnecting a meter power supply from the portion of the metrology circuit responsive to a power interruption detection signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and circuits for detecting and recording timestamps for multiple events (222/322, 224/324) using a single input pin (252, 352) on a real time clock (RTC) (250, 350). Signals associated with each of the events are modulated to create a multiple level composite signal (240). The RTC includes a multiple signal level detection circuit to distinguish from among the various signal levels so that each event can be separately flagged and timestamped. For example, the opening of two or more covers (112, 114) on the housing (110) of an electronic device (100) can be monitored, distinguished, and separately flagged using a single RTC input port.

Abstract: A power meter having fault tolerance enhances the monitoring of electrical power by increasing the reliability of data output by the power meter having fault tolerance. The power meter having fault tolerance may enhance the monitoring process by transitioning from a faulty power monitoring device to a non-faulty power monitoring device without losing or corrupting power management data.

Abstract: In one aspect, a modular meter disconnect relay is described. One embodiment of the relay is comprised of a base; a solenoid situated within the base, wherein the base maintains a portion of the solenoid stationary and allows a plunger of the solenoid to move within the base; a shuttle, wherein the shuttle is operably connected to and moved by the plunger of the solenoid and wherein the shuttle can be moved within the base; and, one or more disconnect switches that are opened or closed by movement of the shuttle, wherein the solenoid comprises a solenoid body, a spring and a magnet, wherein the spring is used to provide additional force to the plunger when moving out of the solenoid body and the magnet is used to latch the plunger when the plunger is forced to within close proximity of the magnet within the solenoid body.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of metering electricity that includes calculating a first accumulated in-phase current indicative of a non-voltage component of energy flow to one or more customer premises during a period of time by a distribution transformer meter (DTM) coupled to a distribution transformer (DT) and calculating second accumulated in-phase current (AIPC) indicative of a non-voltage component of energy flow during a period of time by a feeder current meter coupled to a feeder line. The method further includes transmitting the first AIPC and the second AIPC to a data collecting computing device and comparing the first AIPC with the second AIPC to determine if electricity theft has occurred.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the removal of a meter cover are provided. For example, a tamper-detect energy meter may include metering circuitry, a processor, a tamper detect switch, and a cover with a switch interface surface. The tamper detect switch may be triggered from an open circuit state to a closed circuit state as the switch interface surface of the cover contacts the tamper detect switch during removal.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for detecting tampering with an electronic utility meter. In one embodiment, aspects of the invention include an electronic utility meter, comprising a metering circuit enclosed within a cover; a switch chain including at least one reed switch operatively coupled to the metering circuit, and positioned around an inner circumference of the cover; and a sensor enclosed within the cover, coupled to the switch chain, the sensor sensing the at least one three reed switch closing in response to a user interaction with the electronic utility meter.

Abstract: A device for preventing electrical shorting between positive and negative terminals of a wiring harness includes a clip securable to conductors of the harness, a wall extending from the clip to be positioned between first and second terminals of the conductors when the clip, and a shield attached to the clip and movable between a first position wherein it blocks contact between a tool and the first terminal while allowing contact between the tool and the second terminal, and a second position wherein it blocks contact between the tool and the second terminal while allowing contact between the tool and the first terminal.

Abstract: A tamper sensing system mounted with respect to a protected structure so as to have corresponding stress changes occur therein in response to selected kinds of tamperings with said protected structure comprising a first pair of stress affected magnetoresistive memory devices each capable of having a magnetic material layer therein established in a selected one of a pair of alternative magnetization states if in a first kind of stress condition and of being established in a single magnetization state if in an alternative second kind of stress condition, and the magnetic material layer in each having a magnetization in a first direction in one of the pair of alternative magnetization states and in a second direction in that remaining one of the pair of magnetization states.

Abstract: An electronic utility meter including a metering circuit; a switch operatively coupled to the metering circuit for switching the metering circuit between different states; a cover enclosing the metering circuit and switch; a sensor enclosed within the cover coupled to the switch, the sensor configured to change a state of the switch in response to a user interaction with the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodologies for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: An electronic watt-hour meter; a current transformer operatively coupled to the electronic watt-hour meter; a first shield on a first side of the current transformer; and a second shield on a second side of the current transformer, wherein the second side is substantially parallel to the first side, wherein the first shield and the second shield each include a substantially magnetically permeable and conductive metal.

Abstract: The energy meter for measuring the amount of electrical energy consumed includes an electrical display (11) for displaying energy information corresponding to the electrical energy consumed. The display (11) is configured to change the energy information displayed by means of energy supplied by an energy source. It is configured such that when the energy supplied by the power source is interrupted the energy information displayed remains visible.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a switch, a processing circuit, and a magnetic element. The switch is supported on a first meter structure. The switch has at least a first and second state. The switch is configured to transition from a first state to a second state responsive to a detected magnetic field of a first polarity, and to transition from a second state to a first state responsive to a detected magnetic field of a second polarity. The processing circuit is operably coupled to determine whether the switch is in the first state or the second state. The magnetic element is supported on a second meter structure configured to be physically connected to the first meter structure, the magnetic element positioned such that removal of the second meter structure from the first meter structure causes the magnetic element to expose the switch to a magnetic field of the first polarity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to detecting energy theft within an energy distribution system and more particularly to systems and methods for detecting energy discrepancies in voltages and/or currents reported by electric meters present in a distribution circuit, without requiring installation of additional hardware at the transformer. Typically, the location of each of at least two meters is determined with respect to a transformer. The line resistances within the distribution circuit are determined starting with a line resistance farthest from the transformer. Estimated line voltages are determined for at least one electric meter using the estimated line resistances, and the estimated voltages are compared to actual voltage readings for the at least one electric meter. The existence of line loss is determined based on this comparison.

Abstract: Techniques for optimization of redundancy and throughput in an automated meter data collection system using a wireless network are disclosed herein. The wireless network comprises a central node, a plurality of bi-directional nodes, and a plurality of transmit-only meters. Each of the bi-directional nodes is in bi-directional wireless communication with the central node and has a wireless communication path to the central node that is either a direct path or an indirect path through one or more intermediate bi-directional nodes serving as relay nodes. The transmit-only meters wirelessly transmit meter data that is then relayed by one or more bi-directional nodes to the central node. Each of the bi-directional nodes is assigned one or more authorized transmit-only meters, and each of the bi-directional nodes is configured to relay meter data only from its authorized transmit-only meters, thereby providing an optimum level of redundancy and throughput in the network.

Abstract: A system for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of electricity meters comprises a central server AMM in bi-directional communication with a plurality of concentrators. To each concentrator, a set of electricity meters is connected, such that bi-directional communication between each meter and its associated concentrator is possible. The intelligence of the system is distributed between the central server, the concentrators and the electricity meters. To this end, each meter comprises at least a first processor, a first data memory and a first program memory for bi-directional communication with the associated concentrator. The first data memory serves to at least temporarily store and/or transmit the data which have already undergone a first processing by the first processor. Each of the concentrators comprises a second processor, a second program memory and a second data memory as well as means for a bi-directional communication with a central server.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, devices, and methods for detecting the occurrence of consumer abuse events in electronic devices. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more sensors coupled to an abuse detection sub-system for detecting the occurrence of an abuse event, wherein upon detecting an abuse event, a record of the abuse event is stored by the abuse detection sub-system. The system further provides a communication interface configured to provide a first mode of diagnostic communication and a second mode of non-diagnostic communication through a common input/output port. When using a diagnostic device, the diagnostic mode of communication may be enabled, thus allowing the diagnostic device to access consumer abuse event data stored by the abuse detection sub-system.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: An energy distribution system (2) is provided having a metering box (6) having a housing portion (14) and a cover (16), the cover being lockable to the metering box. An energy meter (32) is provided in the metering box with a first connector (34) extending to a wall (20) of the metering box with a connectable portion of the connector extending through an opening (26). Incoming or outgoing cables to or from the power source can be connected to the connector (34), and the connectors (34,36) are lockable to each other where the disconnection of the connectors can only be made by opening the metering box cover (16) and disconnecting the connectors from the inside of the metering box.

Abstract: A method for detecting electricity theft in an electricity meter is provided. The method includes determining a first power outage at the meter and determining whether load energy is flowing through the meter after power has been restored to the meter after the first power outage. The method also includes determining a second power outage at the meter, wherein the second power outage occurs after the first power outage, and determining whether load energy is flowing through the meter after power has been restored to the meter after the second power outage. The method also includes outputting an indication of a potential electricity theft based on the determinations of whether no load energy was flowing through the meter after the first power outage and whether load energy was flowing through the meter after the second power outage.

Abstract: A circuit tests the health of a ground-neutral transformer within a ground fault circuit interrupter. This test can include testing both the ground-to-neutral detection circuitry and the differential current detection circuitry. The test circuit provides a conductive path through the respective cores of a differential transformer and the ground-neutral transformer of the GFCI device. A closed loop induces current from the differential transformer, which creates a current imbalance through the differential transformer. In a properly working device, the circuit breaker will trip, confirming the health of the ground-neutral transformer portion of the GFCI.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an apparatus for testing a protective, measuring or metering device as a constituent part of a high or medium voltage installation, more specifically of a utility protective relay, of a generator protective device, of a current meter and so on in a high or medium voltage installation, a combined terminal and pole block (1) located in the input field of the high or medium voltage installation being connected in the protective field to the protective, measuring or metering device, said terminal and pole block (1) comprising several terminal and pole segments (2) disposed behind each other, each terminal and pole segment (2) comprising on its upper side a pole opening (5) for receiving the pole blade (7) of a plug (8), each terminal and pole segment (2) having a cable clamping apparatus (27; 31) on either side thereof, said cable clamping apparatus (27; 31) being accessible through an opening (22a) for the cable disposed in the side wall of the terminal and pole segment (2)

Abstract: A power meter for measuring power consumption and detecting the presence of an unsafe line condition is disclosed. The power meter has a service disconnect switch, which is interposed between load contacts and source contacts, the disconnect switch interrupts the flow of power from the source contacts to the load contacts when the disconnect switch is in an open position. The power meter also has a processor coupled to a two input signal processing circuit. The two input signal processing circuit receives a first and second voltage signal from the load contacts. The two input signal processing circuit converts the first and second voltage signal into a first and second voltage value. The processor computes the power consumption using the first and second voltage values in combination with current values.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an unsafe line condition at a power metering device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining if a disconnect switch is in the open position, and measuring a first voltage at a first load contact. The method measures a second voltage at a second load contact and determines if the first voltage is greater than a first voltage threshold or less than a second voltage threshold. The method further determines if the second voltage is greater than the first voltage threshold or less than the second voltage threshold. The method indicates that an unsafe condition exists if either the first voltage is greater than the first voltage threshold, or first voltage is less than the second voltage threshold or the second voltage is greater than the first voltage threshold or the second voltage is less than the second voltage threshold, when the disconnect switch is in the open position.