Abstract: An adapter is interposed between a standard resource meter and its socket, to provide RF-capabilities. Communications between meter and adapter are effected by optical technology. The adapter has emergency battery back-up capabilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shorting together a plurality of electrical leads. The apparatus includes an electrical conductor that extends between first and second ends and a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The electrical conductor includes a central bight that is disposed between the first and second ends and has a concave contour that defines a portion of the first surface. The electrical conductor also includes first and second bights that have convex contours that define portions of the first surface. The first bight is disposed between the central bight and the first end and the second bight is disposed between the central bight and the second end. The electrical conductor also includes a first and second contact segments that are respectively disposed between the first and second bights and the first and second ends.

Abstract: A module for an electrical distribution system is provided. The module includes a socket board electrically coupled to the electrical distribution system. A plurality of sockets is mounted on the socket board. Each socket defines a port. A sensor is positioned within each port and is electrically coupled to the socket board. The sensors are configured to carry at least one of a primary current and a secondary current. A metering component is electrically coupled to the socket board and configured to measure current carried by the sensors. A communication module is electrically coupled to the metering component and in communication with a monitoring device. The communication module is configured to transmit metering data to the monitoring device.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide apparatuses, methods, and systems that support measuring and conveying energy consumption by an electrical device. An apparatus includes an energy sensor that measures an incremental energy value consumed by an electrical device. Apparatus obtains the incremental energy value, accumulates an energy usage measurement in accordance with the incremental energy value, provides requested information about energy consumption of the electrical device in response to a request from a network controller, and adjusts the energy usage measurement in accordance with the requested information. The total energy consumption may be partitioned into at least one energy component, in which the at least one energy component corresponds to the energy consumption of the electrical device during an associated time interval. A network controller may use the energy consumption information to determine a new set temperature for a thermostat unit that instructs the device control logic.

Abstract: An electrical test lead probe for use with a multi-meter provides for releasable retention in and electrical contact with a terminal of an industrial terminal block. The test lead probe includes a shortened body having an electrically conducting tip that is configured for releasable receipt into a terminal block socket of an industrial terminal block, the terminal block socket housing a terminal of the terminal block. The present terminal block probe, in one form, is permanently attached to a multi-meter test lead. In another form, the present terminal block probe is coupled to a modular multi-meter test lead. In yet another form, the present terminal block probe has a removable head incorporating an electrically conducting tip wherein the body is permanently attached to a multi-meter test lead.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for measuring voltage, current, and power in a power supply. The apparatus consists of a voltage measuring module which measures the peak voltage through an inductor in a switching power supply stage of the power supply for a portion of the switching period. A current measuring module measures the peak current in the switching power supply stage for a portion of the switching period. The measured currents and voltages are proportional to the voltage and current at a point in the power supply where a power measurement is desired. The voltage and current values are multiplied along with a constant to provide an accurate measure of the power at a point in the power supply. The constant generally includes a combination of a calibration constant, an RMS conversion factor, a voltage conversion factor, and a current conversion factor.

Abstract: An instrumentation device having multiple elements includes at least one power supply module, a plurality of test and measurement instruments operatively coupled to the at least one power supply module and a user interface configured to select the at least one power supply module and to select at least one of the plurality of test and measurement instruments to provide power supply functionality and test and measurement functionality.

Abstract: A multimeter comprises a case having a circuit board located therein. The circuit board has a top side and a bottom side. A shield arrangement is configured to cover at least a portion of the top side and the bottom side of the circuit board. The shield arrangement includes a top shield part adjacent to the top side of the circuit board and a bottom shield part adjacent to the bottom side of the circuit board. The shield arrangement also includes a connecting structure by which the top shield part is interconnected with the bottom shield part. The connecting structure preferably forms at least one hinge configured such that the top shield part and the bottom shield part can be moved between open and closed configurations. Often, a plurality of hinges will be provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring voltage are disclosed, including: a plurality of circuit points, a first bus configured to electrically couple to a voltage measurement device, a first set of switches configured to selectively electrically couple a first subset of the circuit points to the first bus, at least one other bus configured to electrically couple to at least one of: the voltage measurement device and another voltage measurement device, and at least one other set of switches configured to selectively electrically couple at least one other subset of the circuit points to the other bus.

Abstract: An electric power cord includes a first plug adapted for connecting to a power source, a second plug adapted for connecting to an electric device, an electric cable, at least one sensor arranged on the electric cable, an meter chip arranged on the electric cable, and a display module arranged on the electric cable. The electric cable electrically connects the first plug and second plug. The at least one sensor collects electric characteristic analog signals of the electric cable. The meter chip receives and converts the analog signals to digital signals. The display module receives the digital signals and displays measured electrical characteristics of the electric device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an additional option function to existing functionality of a meter device configured for measuring parameters of energy is provided. The meter device is coupled with an option device for exchanging data between the meter and the option devices along at least one data path, including exchanging initialization data provided by the option device between the meter device and the option device, wherein the initialization data is useable by the meter device for configuring the meter device to be in condition to operate with the option device. The data exchanged between the meter device and the option devices are processed by at least one processor. Upon the coupling of the devices and the exchanging of the initialization data, the meter device is operated with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device.

Abstract: A polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus having sets of outputs for each phase of power and monitors for each phase of power disposed in the housing. Each monitor provides a visible display of current for an associated phase of power and an audible alarm for each phase of power if the current exceeds a predetermined value or falls below a predetermined value. In three-phase wye power systems, the apparatus preferaby includes a neutral line monitor, including a neutral line current display and audio alarm, for the neutral line of the wye power circuit. The apparatus preferably is lightweight, elongated, portable, and mountable to the side of an electronic equipment rack. It may also include additional power monitoring systems such as network power monitoring tools for remotely monitoring the apparatus.

Abstract: A digital panel meter includes a light-emitting diode (LED) display that is sufficiently bright to be easily read in direct sunlight. The digital panel meter also includes an ambient light-sensing circuit which automatically and continuously adjusts the brightness of the LED display in order to provide adequate readability in ambient light conditions ranging from full sunlight to total darkness.

Abstract: A polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus having sets of outputs for each phase of power and monitors for each phase of power disposed in the housing. Each monitor provides a visible display of current for an associated phase of power and an audible alarm for each phase of power if the current exceeds a predetermined value or falls below a predetermined value. In three-phase wye power systems, the apparatus preferably includes a neutral line monitor, including a neutral line current display and audio alarm, for the neutral line of the wye power circuit. The apparatus preferably is lightweight, elongated, portable, and mountable to the side of an electronic equipment rack. It may also include additional power monitoring systems such as network power monitoring tools for remotely monitoring the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing virtual switching in an electrical panel meter. The virtual switching enables the meter to be upgraded or downgraded through a switching signal, by activating or deactivating the metering functions that are to be performed in the meter. Accordingly, when the upgrade or downgrade is necessary, the meter does not have to be replaced.

Abstract: A remote display is provided for use with a portable meter, such as a portable meter used for obtaining electrical measurements. The remote display can optionally be mounted to an extremity of a user for displaying information obtained by the portable meter within an operating area of a user. The user may position leads that are coupled to the portable meter to obtain a measurement of an electrical apparatus, without having to look away, as the remote display may be positioned on the user's hand. Controls may also be located on the remote display, on a lead and/or on the portable meter for control of the display mode of the remote display and/or various operations of the portable meter.

Abstract: A digital kick meter measures capacitive kick between two conductors and ground of a cable. The digital kick meter includes a resistance measuring circuit connectable to two of the conductors to provide a signal indicative of a capacitance between the two conductors. A filter is coupled to the resistance measuring circuit to filter a signal provided by the resistance measuring circuit, thereby producing a kick signal. Processing circuitry is coupled to the filter, and a graphical user interface (GUI) is coupled to the processing circuitry to display data related to the kick signal. The GUI may include an active bar graph dynamically displaying the kick signal on a graduated scale and retaining a peak value of the kick signal on the graduated scale.

Abstract: An Electrical Die Sorting (EDS) process system for testing semiconductor chips comprises a probe station, a power supply unit configured in the probe station, and a voltage apparatus for measuring voltages of the power supply. The voltage apparatus comprises a measuring unit connected with voltage check terminals and a common ground terminal of the power supply unit, for measuring voltages between each of the voltage check terminals and the common ground terminal simultaneously; and a plurality of display units electrically connected with the measuring unit, for monitoring voltages of the respective voltage check terminals in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an additional option function to existing functionality of a meter device configured for measuring parameters of energy is provided. The meter device is coupled with an option device for exchanging data between the coupled devices along at least one data path, including exchanging initialization data provided by the option device between the meter device and the option device, wherein the initialization data is useable by the meter device for configuring at least one of the meter device and the option device to be in condition to operate with the other of the meter device and the option device. The exchanged data is processed. Upon the coupling of the devices and the exchanging of the initialization data, the meter device is operated with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device.

Abstract: This invention is intended to reduce the cost by displaying the load information of a plurality of circuits with a single display device and transferring one of the two communication units in the measuring instruments from the measuring instruments to the display device to acquire the load information of a plurality of circuits. The display device and the measuring instruments are separated from each other, and the display device includes a plurality of communications units connectable with a plurality of devices, while each of many measuring instruments includes a single communication unit.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing virtual switching in an electrical panel meter. The virtual switching enables the meter to be upgraded or downgraded through a switching signal, by activating or deactivating the metering functions that are to be performed in the meter. Accordingly, when the upgrade or downgrade is necessary, the meter does not have to be replaced.

Abstract: A preferred method for electrically connecting a first and a second component includes inserting a wire pin through a through hole formed in the first component so that a first portion of the wire pin is located within the through hole and a second portion of the wire pin is located within a retaining feature formed at least in part by the second component. The preferred method also includes moving one of the first and the second components in relation to the other of the first and the second components so that the wire pin resiliently deflects thereby establishing a first contact force between the first portion of the wire and the first component, and a second contact force between the second portion of the wire and the second component.

Abstract: An oscilloscope adapter for a portable electronic device includes a hardware interface connector and a computer program memory. The memory stores computer program instructions that direct the electronic device to collect data representative of a signal from an external source and display the data as a waveform comprising individual data values as a function of time. The user may select one or more of the scales of the graph. The adapter also may include one or more of a model waveform database, a collected waveform database, an application-specific database, and a language database.

Abstract: An integrated circuit signal isolator includes a magnetic field sensor in a first metal layer formed over a semiconductor substrate. A first dielectric layer is formed over the first metal layer, and an input coil in a second metal layer is formed over the first dielectric layer. Additionally, a second dielectric layer is formed over the second metal layer, and a feedback coil in a third metal layer is formed over the second dielectric layer. The feedback coil is coupled to an output of the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: An electrical circuit tester for allowing a user to efficiently test electrical fixtures and switches. The electrical circuit tester includes a housing that has a plurality of prongs that extend from the housing. The prongs are adapted for engaging an electrical outlet of a building. A plurality of lights is coupled to the housing. The lights are lit in a pattern indicating a state of the electrical outlet. A speaker is coupled to the housing. The speaker is for creating an audible tone when the prongs engage the electrical outlet.

Abstract: An electrical run test instrument having a connection to a device under test includes a line voltage input, a high voltage input, and a high voltage switching matrix that enables selective connections between the device under test and line voltage or high voltage inputs using the same test set-up. The high voltage input may be interconnected with a safety compliance test instrument, permitting both run tests and line tests to be performed in succession using the same basic connection to the device under test.

Abstract: The present invention provides a current sensor for an electrical device. The sensor includes a housing, a conductor routed through the housing, an array of current transducers coupled to the conductor, and a current level signal generated by the current transducers. The conductor is adapted to be connected in a current path of the electrical device. Each of the current transducers has an output lead. The current level signal is provided on said output leads. The output leads are electrically connected to a printed circuit board. An external connector is electrically connected to the printed circuit board through a cable. A plurality of shields are used adjacent to the current transducers. The array of current transducers can be a single layer array, a multiple layer array, or a planar array.

Abstract: A simplified user interface for an electronic test and measurement device comprises an arrangement of a segmented LCD device and a plurality of keys used to implement a softkey system, in combination with a single AMPs input connector and a rotary selector having only a single position for each basic kind of parameter to be measured. The segmented LCD device includes, at each location adjacent to a key, a plurality of segments representing a vertically-arranged list of functions to be controlled. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing of the electronic test and measurement device is fabricated to have finger-like projections overlaying a portion of the LCD screen for creating the appearance of the continuation of displayed LCD softkey separation lines.

Abstract: Moving magnet indicating instruments in which a damping fluid migration barrier projects from the inside of one wall of the bobbin coil and another damping fluid migration barrier projects from the face of the rotor which confronts that wall. Certain fluids have a tendency to migrate, or “creep,” over surfaces they contact. The fluid migration barriers of the present invention prevent unwanted migration of fluid out of a cavity by providing a sharp peak over which the fluid cannot creep.

Abstract: Rather than using the viscosity of dampening oil to establish the speed at which the movement of an air core instrument gauge moves, the speed is defined by programming speed data into memory of a microprocessor that controls the movement. When the microprocessor receives an input signal commanding the movement to move, it develops an output signal for operating the movement that is based both on the input signal and on the stored speed signal. The stored speed signal is used by the microprocessor as weight for a software filter used in development of the output signal.

Abstract: A machine readable unit for meter devices of the type presenting a changeable, readable indicia proportional to a changeable input thereto, to include electric rate meters, gas meters, water meters, and other data registers, includes an assembly for displaying alphanumeric indicia in a machine readable format and an assembly for changing the displayed indicia responsive to input to the meter device.

Abstract: Moving magnet indicating instruments in which a damping fluid migration barrier projects from the inside of one wall of the bobbin coil and another damping fluid migration barrier projects from the face of the rotor which confronts that wall.

Abstract: A computer-based meter provides a real time graphic display indicative of the operating point, in terms of watt and var flow, of a generator in relation to the capability curve of the generator. Data representative of the capability curve of the generator is stored in memory, processed by a computer and then displayed on the face of the meter. Data representative of watt and var flow is likewise stored and processed and displayed to indicate the operating point of the generator in relation to its capability curve. The meter is software driven so that it can be easily tailored to any generator by merely changing the program stored on a memory chip.

Abstract: A digital, DC voltage meter device utilized for metering electric power on a locomotive system. This invention will eliminate the need to use a hand held meter to perform these functions. The meter is permanently built into the Voltage test panel, replacing test receptacles with a large 7/10' LED display that can be read day or night. It is designed to operate in temperatures from -32 degrees Fahrenheit to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. A three position spring loaded switch returning to the off position is used to operate the meter. The present invention is a custom DC voltage meter that is capable of measuring two voltage ranges on a locomotive system; 0-1500 Volts ("V") for main generator voltage can be measured when the switch is in the top position; and 0-75 millivolts ("mV") for load test shunt millivoltage can be measured when the switch is in the bottom position. The meter is also capable of displaying the Dynamic Braking Voltage when the locomotive's dynamic brake is engaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for testing and/or measuring electric magnitudes, in particular voltages and/or resistances. The instrument consists of two handle parts (10, 12), which are connected by a flexible cable (14), and which each have a contact point (16, 18). In addition to the contact point (16, 18), the handle parts (10, 12) each have a receptacle for the contact point (18, 16) of the other handle part (12, 10). The handle parts (10, 12) can be plugged together in such a way that their contact points (16, 18) each are pluggable into the receptacle of the other handle part (12, 10) nonparallel with the contact point (18, 16) of such other handle part. The contact point (16) and the receptacle of the one handle part (10) are arranged in a down-folding point part (22), so that the instrument, in the plugged-together condition, can be folded together for convenient, safe and space-saving storage.

Abstract: A dual meter mounting plate member carrying an ammeter and a voltmeter, the plate member having therein recesses to receive the voltmeter and the ammeter, the plate member being removably attached to within a battery charging casing, the ammeter being connected to the charging circuit and the voltmeter having terminals across the battery to be charged to indicate the state of charge.

Abstract: A compact, hand-held electrical line tester includes a normally-open relay switch which is closed by connection of its relay portion to a line of a predetermined voltage level, and a piezoelectric tone generator, connected in series with the relay switch and a battery, which emits an audible sound to indicate that the tested line is electrified with the predetermined voltage level. The tester circuit can include a plurality of relay switches and/or tone generators for emitting different sounds in response to different line voltages, so that the user can determine the line voltage(s) without having to check a light indicator or read a dial.

Abstract: A flat, modular measuring circuit having two connecting terminals for one phase of load current and a current sensor connected thereto. The two connecting terminals are arranged one above the other on one of the end faces of the module. This configuration leads to a significant reduction in the meter width and to a reduction in the production costs, since these modules can also be cost effectively produced in increased quantity and used for multi-phase meters.

Abstract: A moving magnet type indicating instrument comprising a moving magnet type instrument, a counter mechanism, a drive unit, and a frame body produced of a synthetic resin. The magnet type indicating instrument includes a magnet mounted in bobbins produced of the synthetic resin, a needle shaft fixed to the magnet, and a coil wound at an angle on the bobbins. The bobbins are housed in a magnetic shield case and the coil is electrically connected to terminals provided on the bobbins. The counter mechanism, including a total counter and reset counter having a zero-resetting device, is mounted on the frame body. The drive unit comprises a case including a step motor for driving the counter mechanism and a groove of gears, and is fixed to the frame body. Terminals for the moving magnet type indicating instrument and the drive unit are inserted and connected to the connectors provided on a printed-circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a circuit processes the power signal emitted from an RF power sensor (SK) of a radio telephone to create a detector voltage which is proportional to the power level of the radio telephone transmitter. The circuit comprises a transistor (Q2) acting as an active rectifier, which in the ascending part of the positive half cycle of the power signal charges a capacitor (C3). During the descending part of the power signal the capacitor starts to discharge with a time constant which is remarkably greater than the cycle length of the power signal. The transistor is biassed by means of a transistor (Q1) so that it is conductive even at the lowest power levels.

Abstract: A solid state speed indicator for railroad locomotives is provided with a plurality of indications in addition to speed. These include an acceleration indicator and an overspeed indicator. In addition, the speed indicator is provided with a dual range speed function having at least one particular use in drag operations. A variation of the solid state speed indicator is a retrofit design that replaces the meter movement in existing speed indicator equipment with a solid state display.

Abstract: A test lead socket indicating device is used for a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM) having a select input which is operable to set the VOM in a voltage, current or resistance measuring mode, a common input socket, a voltage socket, a resistance socket and a current socket. The test lead socket indicating device includes an indicator unit provided on the VOM and having a voltage indicator lamp disposed adjacent to the voltage socket, a current indicator lamp disposed adjacent to the current socket and a resistance indicator lamp disposed adjacent to the resistance socket. A counter unit has an input terminal connected to the select input. The counter unit has a digital signal output which is incremented each time the select input is operated. A decoder unit receives the digital signal output from the counter unit. The decoder unit activates one of the voltage, current and resistance indicator lamps according to the digital signal output.

Abstract: A multimeter with variable color digital display indicates measured values in a digital format and in a variable color. The multimeter includes a color control circuit for controlling the color of the digital display in accordance with the measurement quantity, method, unit, mode, function, range, location, modifier, control, limits, and the like. A color converter circuit is disclosed for converting analog voltage to variable color.

Abstract: A scale is disclosed for a measuring instrument in which a plurality of display elements, specifically liquid crystal display elements which are energizable to a visible condition or an enhanced visible condition selectively to provide a linear scale or a logarithmic scale. The scale is divided into decades which specifically have twelve display elements of which ten are selectively energizable to provide the linear scale and then to provide the logarithmic scale.

Abstract: A modular versatile electronic energy meter is provided with current voltage and register modules which may be selected and readily interconnected along with a selected output circuit board and including a plurality of features which may be customized late in the manufacturing cycle or after manufacture, including jumpers adapted to be selectively cut and attachable switch restrictors. Reduction and standarization of components and uncomplex interconnections are provided, along with apparatus to assure proper assembly and testing of the modular meter.

Abstract: A wide dynamic range radio-frequency power sensor having a low-power sensor portion and a high-power sensor portion is described. Both sensing portions are connected to an input signal at the same time without the use of a signal splitter. In the preferred embodiment, a single radio-frequency load serves both sensor portions. Each sensor portion has its own output terminal. The low-power sensor portion includes a pair of diodes. The high-power sensor portion (which includes the radio-frequency load) may include a pair of diodes preceded by an attenuator, or a pair of thermocouples.

Abstract: A combination indicator apparatus including an indicator assembly having plural analog indicators of the same type for independently indicating different information, plural driver circuits of the same type for independently driving the analog indicators; and a single controller containing a CPU and an instruction set, which controller may be disposed remote from the indicator assembly, for receiving various sensor information and transmitting various drive data to the driver circuits in time sharing data transmission mode, to independently indicate various information through the analog indicators.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a microprocessor controller programmed for performing any of a plurality of mathematical functions on a measured value of a parameter under test. The measuring device is provided with two displays, for displaying to a user both the parameter value and its mathematical function. Annunciators are provided to identify the displayed function of the parameter. Thus, together with the measured parameter value, offset, scaling, peak-to-peak values, or the uncertainty of a reading may be displayed, as well as statistical functions of the measurement, including an average, standard deviation, median or mode of the parameter under test. The methematical function display is updated concurrently with the display of the measured parameter value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fixing an instantaneous measured value performs the steps of creating measured values as a mean value of a set number of individual measurements, recording sequential measured values after initialization in a cycle determined by a flow control, checking with a control device if a new measured value exceeds a base value and if the difference between the two latest measured values lies within a given limit range, before fixing the respective new measured value, and checking with the control device if the difference between the individual values resulting from the latest two individual measurements lies within the given limit range and if a fixing of the last measured value and/or individual value takes place when the differences between the mean values and the differences between the individual values lie in the respective given limit range.

Abstract: A digital panel meter adapted for replacement of a standard analog panel meter and designed to selectively receive different ranges of input signals such as AC or DC input signals. The meter circuitry employs an analog-to-digital converter having multiple digits, an input circuit including a range circuit, an operational amplifier and filter circuitry. A relay is tripped for signaling the attaining of a trip point. An audible alarm is provided that may be enabled or disabled and that may be operated in either continuous or short term modes.