Meter Mounting Arrangements Patents (Class 361/664)
  • Patent number: 11209500
    Abstract: A non-intrusive power quality sensor for to provide a simple solution for monitoring the quality of the power behind the meter. 80% of the quality issues happen behind the meter. Current power quality monitoring solutions are intrusive: they require the intervention of an electrical qualified person. The non-intrusive power quality sensor generally includes a device that can be plugged into a regular power outlet and acts as a power quality sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Maarten Van Laere
  • Patent number: 9246332
    Abstract: A device and method for enabling an home energy management (HEM) system to work with a home power generator to run the home in a “survival mode” when the home has lost power from the main utility feed. The HEM controls the operation of the main appliances/loads to enable the homeowner to have basic functionality (hot water, lights, heat, cooking & preserving food) of their home, all while ensuring the max draw on the home does not exceed the output rating of the generator thereby allowing the use of a smaller generator while still providing functionality similar to larger generators resulting in energy and cost savings to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jay Andrew Broniak, Michael Thomas Beyerle, Joseph Mark Brian, David C. Bingham
  • Patent number: 9197049
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a bracket and electrical assembly including such bracket for mounting or securing to a concrete masonry unit (CMU).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cablofil, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy William Petak, Jeffrey Steven Shaw, Willie Franklin Fowler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150105930
    Abstract: An overhead infrastructure platform includes at least one horizontal support member configured to be positioned over equipment racks contained in a data center. The overhead infrastructure platform includes a module network formed by the interconnection, through a module interconnection bus, of a controller module, at least one power module and at least one I/O module. Each power module and each input/output module is physically attached to the horizontal support member proximate an equipment rack to which the module is electrically coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Bryan Sparrowhawk, Jeffrey P. Seefried
  • Patent number: 8927861
    Abstract: A meter box cover including a first portion that engages an inner surface of an opening in a lid of a meter box to prevent the passage of the cover through the opening and a second portion that extends through the opening and beyond an outermost surface of the opening in the lid of the meter box. The meter cover blocks substantially an entirety of the opening and the second portion prevents the cover from being displaced within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Inner-Tite Corp.
    Inventors: John C. Mahaney, Anthony J. Agbay, Lee Holovnia
  • Patent number: 8837118
    Abstract: A combined current transformer and metering system is described, having a securable case, two or more current transformers each having a core and secondary windings connected to a secondary circuit, wherein the transformers are mounted within the case. A wiring harness connects the secondary windings of the transformers with shorting current switches for short circuiting the secondary current circuit, and voltage switches for disconnecting a voltage, wherein both sets of switches are mounted on the case. A process of manufacturing the system is described, wherein the transformer cores are positioned within the case, the wiring is connected between the transformer cores and attachment hardware on an upper deck of the case, and insulation medium is inserted within the case. A base plate is described, having rails to hold the system and having a tab at one end, and apertures for a rod positionable between rails at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth William McGrail
  • Patent number: 8791833
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of housings for an automatic meter reading device permit the automatic meter reading device to be mounted on a meter such as a water meter, or on a wall remote from the meter. A removable portion of the housing can be separated from a body of the housing when the housing is used to mount the automatic meter reading device on the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Borleske, Rodney C. Hemminger, Robert T. Mason, Jr., Robert S. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8760854
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a gateway node having a housing, a bracket mounted relay and wireless communication capabilities. The gateway node is connected to a pad mount transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Florida Power and Light Company
    Inventors: Gary Wayne Sterkel, George Alexander Pantouris, Alfred F. Arias
  • Patent number: 8697989
    Abstract: A meter box cover including a first portion that engages an inner surface of an opening in a lid of a meter box to prevent the passage of the cover through the opening and a second portion that extends through the opening and beyond an outermost surface of the opening in the lid of the meter box. The meter cover blocks substantially an entirety of the opening and the second portion prevents the cover from being displaced within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Inner-Tite Corp.
    Inventor: Lee Holovnia
  • Patent number: 8593792
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Patent number: 8570716
    Abstract: An electrical meter box contains an electrical circuit that connects to a consumption meter. The box has a removable front panel, a rear wall having punch-outs for wire access to the inside of the box and four side walls. A flange surrounds the outside of the four side walls of the box and is disposed behind the front panel a predetermined distance. The flange has holes for mounting the box to a structure. The flange can be taped to the structure or placed underneath a vapor barrier for moisture integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Tim Ward
  • Patent number: 8547686
    Abstract: An electrical watthour meter socket includes a first sub-enclosure receiving high voltage components and a second sub-enclosure receiving lower voltage components. The first and second sub-enclosures are electrically isolated from each other access control components to allow independent access to lower voltage components in the second sub-enclosure without the use of personal protective equipment required for exposure to components carrying high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Meter Devices Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Pruehs, Jeffrey J. Hanft
  • Publication number: 20130063872
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Wayne Alfred Therrien, Douglas Scott Crow
  • Patent number: 8379376
    Abstract: Electronic components of an energy meter are mounted in an encapsulated compartment within a sealed outer enclosure of the meter. The encapsulated compartment is advantageously positioned to form air channels between the encapsulated compartment and the sealed outer enclosure to deliver thermal air circulation there-between to promote sufficient heat transfer through an outer skin of the sealed outer enclosure for maintaining acceptable thermal conditions for the encapsulated electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chandrashekhar Sadashiv Nehete, Sandeep Yograj Nemade
  • Publication number: 20130033799
    Abstract: An electrical meter box contains an electrical circuit that connects to a consumption meter. The box has a removable front panel, a rear wall having punch-outs for wire access to the inside of the box and four side walls. A flange surrounds the outside of the four side walls of the box and is disposed behind the front panel a predetermined distance. The flange has holes for mounting the box to a structure. The flange can be taped to the structure or placed underneath a vapor barrier for moisture integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: TIM WARD
  • Publication number: 20120314341
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a gateway node having a housing, a bracket mounted relay and wireless communication capabilities. The gateway node is connected to a pad mount transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Florida Power & Light Company
    Inventors: Gary Wayne Sterkel, George Alexander Pantouris, Alfred F. Arias
  • Patent number: 8227692
    Abstract: A system for enclosing an instrument, module or other assembly in an explosion-proof housing. The system includes an upper housing portion that includes a first threaded portion and, optionally, a transparent window portion; a lower housing portion that has a second threaded portion that is structured and arranged to cooperate with the first threaded portion to provide a tight, air- and water-tight fit; and an inner mounting assembly for supporting an instrument, module, electrical circuit, electrical device, display device, or other assembly. In pertinent part, the lower housing portion includes integrated bosses that provide horizontal surfaces for supporting the inner mounting assembly and for releasably attaching the inner mounting assembly to the lower housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Digital Corporation
    Inventors: Erik Dahlgren, Scott M. Ewen, Joseph F. Ryan, Jose Umana
  • Patent number: 8116071
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Patent number: 8116072
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical power meter, is disclosed. The electrical power meter includes a housing for containing electrical circuitry therein, the housing including at least one of voltage and current inputs, the housing including passages extending entirely therethrough, wherein the passages are configured to receive a CT lead therethrough, and wherein the CT leads are not electrically connected to the electrical circuitry therein; and a face plate operatively supported on a surface of the housing, wherein the face plate includes at least one of displays, indicators and buttons. It is envisioned that the through passages are located along a side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech
    Inventors: Erran Kagan, Tibor Banhegyesi, Avi Cohen
  • Publication number: 20110255215
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for securing a box cover to a watt-hour meter box base. In certain embodiments, the apparatus consists of a unitary member incorporating a plurality of flange members adapted for securing at least a portion of a top of a watthour meter box lid to a portion of a top front flange of a watthour meter box base. In various other embodiments, the unitary member consists of a unitary member adapted to engage a portion of a meter box lid. In various other embodiments, the member includes integrated opposed tension-receiving members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Tyler Dean Todd, II, John Edward Stachowiak, JR.
  • Patent number: 7855871
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a load center. More particularly, the invention encompasses a generator ready load center (GRLC). The present invention is also directed to a novel generator ready load center (GRLC) that operates as a standard load center but is ready to accommodate an automatic transfer switch (ATS) for a standby generator, or a manual transfer switch (MTS) for a portable generator. Further the generator ready load center provides an automatic and manual transfer between primary and secondary power sources. The generator ready load center solves the problem of dangerous back-feeding between the primary power source and the secondary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Hudgins, Jr., Brian Rusch, Kris Robinson, Jon Pickens, Carey Harnois, James Washburn
  • Patent number: 7821776
    Abstract: An electrical meter is provided that includes a cover configured for securement onto a base. The meter includes features that resist meter tampering, and features that provide evidence of meter tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLC
    Inventors: Garry M. Loy, Rodney C. Hemminger
  • Patent number: 7807924
    Abstract: A power post includes of a vertically disposed post member having a lower end which is embedded in the ground and which has one or more of the following mounted in the front portion thereof: an electrical receptacle, a water-proof speaker, and/or an Ethernet receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: David T. Wurzer
  • Patent number: 7800890
    Abstract: A meter cover is provided and includes an opaque portion, including an outer perimeter section to perimetrically fit around a meter, a sidewall extending axially from the perimeter section toward a frontal region and a shield disposed at a portion of a sidewall edge at the frontal region and a transparent portion having an edge, which is shiplap joint bonded with a remaining portion of the sidewall edge and edges of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wayne Alfred Therrien, Rickey James Deluca, Terry Lee Van Olst
  • Patent number: 7796375
    Abstract: A basepan assembly for hook-on attachment onto a metering device is provided including a basepan support having at least two insert latches disposed at a first end and a side flange disposed at a second opposite end. A basepan body is provided being insertable onto said basepan support and including an inside wall configured to be attachable to a barrier of the metering device, as well as an outside wall, a bus stab chamber, and a hold-down insert configured to be attachable to the basepan body, the hold-down insert further having a side barrier. A top load stab having a first end affixable to the hold-down insert is provided and a bottom load stab insertable within said bus stab chamber is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Fan Zhang
  • Patent number: 7728224
    Abstract: A cable mounting structure for a telecommunications cable distribution pedestal is provided. The structure has back to back compartments and a universal mounting plate. The structure also includes protection and organization features. The structure is field convertible, reconfigurable and upgradeable. A method for field converting a telecommunications cable distribution pedestal is also given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome A. Maloney, Eduardo Leon, Simon Shen-Meng Chen, George Wakileh
  • Publication number: 20100128418
    Abstract: An electrical watthour meter socket includes a first sub-enclosure receiving high voltage components and a second sub-enclosure receiving lower voltage components. The first and second sub-enclosures are electrically isolated from each other access control components to allow independent access to lower voltage components in the second sub-enclosure without the use of personal protective equipment required for exposure to components carrying high voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: METER DEVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Allen Pruehs, Jeffrey Hanft
  • Patent number: 7715176
    Abstract: A power monitoring system for monitoring characteristics of power transmitted through one or more power lines comprises a meter base and multiple option modules. The meter base includes a processor and associated circuitry for processing signals derived from sensors coupled to said power lines and producing output signals representing selected characteristics of the power transmitted through the power lines, and a housing containing the processor and the associated circuitry and having a first surface adapted to be mounted on a DIN rail, and a second surface containing multiple connectors for receiving multiple modules and electrically connecting the modules to the processor and the associated circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Marcelo A. Perez, E. Avery Ashby, Jon A. Bickel, Larry E. Curtis, James F. Clark
  • Patent number: 7656649
    Abstract: An electric meter comprises an electronics housing and a meter base. The electronics housing defines a front panel and includes a first plurality of option board guides. A main meter board is disposed substantially parallel to the front panel. The meter base defines a rear panel of the electric meter. The meter base includes a plurality of housing guides for receiving the electronics housing and a second plurality of option board guides disposed substantially perpendicularly to the rear panel. The second plurality of option board guides are adapted to receive an option board and to position the option board substantially perpendicularly to the main meter board of the electronics housing during assembly of the electronics housing to the meter base. The housing guides in combination with the first and second pluralities of option board guides enable blind assembly of the electronics housing to the meter base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLC
    Inventors: Garry M. Loy, Robert T. Mason, Jr., Rodney C. Hemminger, Robert Fuller
  • Patent number: 7619878
    Abstract: An improved radio frequency transparent utility meter cover for an automatic meter reading (AMR) system. The cover is manufactured from a strong and chemically inert polyolefin or polypropylene copolymer and includes a non-corroding lock to secure the cover to the meter box frame. The underside of the cover includes a plurality of ribs that lend strength and rigidity to the cover while increasing mounting points for meter unit interface devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nicor, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Cook
  • Patent number: 7616433
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical power meter, is disclosed. The electrical power meter includes a housing for containing electrical circuitry therein, the housing including at least one of voltage and current inputs, the housing including passages extending entirely therethrough, wherein the passages are configured to receive a CT lead therethrough, and wherein the CT leads are not electrically connected to the electrical circuitry therein; and a face plate operatively supported on a surface of the housing, wherein the face plate includes at least one of displays, indicators and buttons. It is envisioned that the through passages are located along a side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech
    Inventors: Erran Kagan, Tibor Banhegyesi, Avi Cohen
  • Patent number: 7599173
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system comprising an enclosure structure configured to restrict access to an electrical meter. The system can comprise a meter cover configured to cover and/or restrict access to the meter. One of the meter cover and the enclosure structure can comprise an opposing pair of prongs. Each of the prongs can be configured to be received by a corresponding dogleg slot from a pair of dogleg slots. Each of the prongs, when engaged with the corresponding dogleg slot, can be configured to restrain motion of the meter cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Zhang, James Tirrell
  • Publication number: 20090059480
    Abstract: A one-piece power meter socket to circuit breaker connection structure includes an elongated trunk section connecting a lower spade section with a forwardly offset connection plate at an upper end. The connection plate is joined to the trunk section by an angled extension section. The connection plate has an aperture to receive a fastener to connect it and a meter jaw to a meter jaw base. The spade section includes a pair of laterally spaced, forwardly projection breaker receiving spades for reception in a receptacle of a circuit beaker. The connection structures are used in pairs with an insulating circuit breaker base to connect load-side meter jaws of a power meter socket to spade receptacles of a plug-in type of circuit breaker. The one-piece connection structure is formed of a sheet of metal having a thickness equal to the thickness specified for the spades engaged by the circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: John V. Siglock, Shawn J. Glasgow
  • Patent number: 7479029
    Abstract: A modular meter socket is releasably mountable in a housing. Support clips are disposed in the housing by fixing a mounting plate carrying the clips in the enclosure. A mounting panel fixedly carries the meter socket and is attached to the clips without the use of tools operative fasteners or additional fasteners. Alternately, a meter socket and a bypass device are unitarily mounted on a mounting panel for attachment to the clips in the housing. The meter socket and the bypass device may be mounted on separate panels, each attached to the clips in the housing without additional fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Meter Devices Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman D. Cook, Christopher D. Napier, Robert B. Embly, Darrell Robinson
  • Patent number: 7471516
    Abstract: An utility meter is provided. The meter includes a base and a first barrier operably associated with the base. The base and the first barrier define a first compartment between the base and the first barrier. The meter also includes a heat generating component positioned in the first compartment and operably associated with the base. The meter also includes a second barrier extending from the base. The second barrier and the first barrier define a second compartment between the second barrier and the first barrier. The meter further includes an arrangement for moving heat connected to the heat generating component and extending from the first compartment to the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Voisine
  • Publication number: 20080266761
    Abstract: A lock ring for use in mounting a watthour meter, meter socket enclosure cover or a watthour meter socket adapter to each other. The lock ring includes a ring member and a housing carried on the first and second ends of the ring member. The housing may be separate housings carried on the first and second ends of the ring member. A lock is insertable into mated first and second housing members in one of a plurality of variably selectable positions that vary the circumference of the ring member to accommodate varied circumferences of watthour meters, meter socket adapters and meter socket enclosure cover mounting rings. Finger grips are formed on the housing members to facilitate closure of the housing. A plurality of axially spaced grooves are formed in one of the members for receiving lock members carried by the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: EKSTROM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Darrell Robinson
  • Patent number: 7435902
    Abstract: An electric meter base bracket apparatus and system. Embodiments include a meter bracket installed between studs of a dwelling or structure. The bracket includes several holes to install the bracket to the studs as well as feed-through holes for wiring to the dwelling. Bolts are included on the bracket to attach directly to the meter base. A hole can be cut through the siding so that the meter base and the bracket can connect. An alternative embodiment of the meter base bracket includes a pair of L-brackets that can be co-arranged to form an upper bracket and an additional pair of L-brackets arranged generally parallel to the first pair forming a lower bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Edward Thornton, Mickey Eugene Britain
  • Patent number: 7400494
    Abstract: A quick change mechanism is provided for a meter socket assembly including a base member structured to be coupled to a meter, a number of electrical bus members extending outwardly from the base member, and at least one electrical connector electrically connectable to a corresponding one of the electrical bus members. The quick change mechanism includes a foundation and a receiving portion disposed generally opposite and distal from the foundation and including a number of apertures. Each aperture receives a corresponding one of the electrical bus members. Resilient protrusions extend outwardly from the receiving portion and are operable between an undeflected position in which the resilient protrusion secures the electrical connector on such electrical bus member, and a deflected position in which the resilient protrusion is deflected away from the electrical connector in order that the electrical connector is removable from such electrical bus member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7400495
    Abstract: A meter center includes three feeder bus bars, three supply bus bars, each supply bus bar being electrically connected to a corresponding feeder bus bar, and a number of meter socket assemblies. Each meter socket assembly includes two bus jumpers, each bus jumper including a first end and a second end, the second end of a first bus jumper being selectively electrically connected to a first supply bus bar, the second end of a different second bus jumper being selectively electrically connected to a different second supply bus bar, two load bus bars, insulative support members coupled to a number of the supply bus bars, the insulative support members including a first end coupled to the bus jumpers and an opposite second end supporting the load bus bars, and a meter socket including terminals electrically connected to the first ends of the bus jumpers and to the load bus bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Ranta, Paul D. Seff, Duvin N Tapia Silva, Gerardo R. Chavarria Milánes, Maria C. Chaves Vallejo, Henry Martinez Gallo
  • Patent number: 7397652
    Abstract: An exemplary device for providing electric service is disclosed. The exemplary device includes a housing, and a meter receptacle having a supply side an a load side. The meter receptacle can connect between a power source at the supply side and a facility at the load side, and can receive an electric load device. A switch connects to the meter receptacle and has a construction power position in which is disconnects the electrical connection between the facility and the power source, and a permanent power position in which it connects the facility and the power source. The device has one or more outlets that can connect to the power source at least when the switch is in the construction power position. The device also has a switch position indicator that can indicate whether the switch is in the construction power position or the permanent power position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda Gail Kincaid Price, Max Hartwell Beasley, III, Alfred L. Mayfield
  • Patent number: 7327558
    Abstract: An improved electrical equipment enclosure includes an electrical enclosure, electrical equipment in said electrical enclosure, said electrical equipment including one or more devices requiring a network connection to devices outside of said enclosure, and a network port mounted to said enclosure and accessible from externally of said enclosure and operatively coupled with said equipment requiring a network connection inside of said enclosure, for connecting said equipment with equipment outside of said enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Kennedy, Gary B. Pollard, James F. Clark
  • Patent number: 7314205
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system that can comprise one or more brackets adapted to be coupled to a panel. The bracket can define a collar adapted to slideably couple the panel to a pole. The bracket can be adapted to restrain rotational motion of the panel about a longitudinal axis of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon David Pickens, Arthur Kevin Shumate
  • Patent number: 7315442
    Abstract: An external wire coupler is attachable to a housing of an electrical service apparatus mountable in a watthour meter socket by a slide-in or snap-in connection. An access control member is carried within the coupler for controlling access through the coupler to the interior of the socket adapter. A cover may be releasibly attached to an open end of the coupler to close access to the interior of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Robinson
  • Patent number: 7286339
    Abstract: An underground combination service entrance apparatus for temporary and permanent service comprising two enclosures. A utility enclosure contains a meter socket and the second enclosure contains a breaker panel. The breaker panel on the customer side and the meter on the utility side meet NEC requirements and the local utility company regulations. An optional section in the utility enclosure provides a raceway space for routing wiring. Knockout holes are provided on the utility enclosure for installation of a hub for running wires to and from the service apparatus. The enclosures can be semi-flushed mounted. The two enclosures are isolated from each other, fastened together, and mounted on a wall. A removable hood is provided to weatherproof the customer enclosure for temporary use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: William C. Baca
  • Patent number: 7274553
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a liquid crystal display having a length, a width and a thickness. The arrangement further includes an integrally formed housing having a display receptacle, the display receptacle including retention members operable to retain the liquid crystal display in length, width and thickness dimensions. The arrangement also includes a flexible conductor device operably connected between the liquid crystal display and a circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Tate, Paul Meyers
  • Patent number: 7265966
    Abstract: A modular housing for enclosing an electrical meter or metering type instrument is adapted for housing one of a plurality of modular type electrical meter or metering instruments, including instruments with or without a readable display. The housing includes at least one open end for receiving an instrument or instrument components and an interchangeable closure member for closing the open end. The closure member has a first connection means for inter-engagement with the open end of the housing and second connection means for mounting the instrument to a surface such as a wall or a connector rail, preferably a DIN rail. The housing may be used for surface, panel and rail mounted instruments of the same type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics UK Limited
    Inventor: Neil Frank Dudley
  • Patent number: 7239502
    Abstract: A multi-phase multiple meter socket assembly is for a meter center including a plurality of meters. The meter socket assembly includes meter sockets each receiving one of said meters, feeder buses, supply buses, and a plurality of phase connectors. Each of the supply buses has at least one section, and each phase connector electrically interconnects a corresponding one of the at least one section of each of the supply buses with a corresponding one of the feeder buses. At least one of the supply buses is divided in order to include as the at least one section, first and second sections, the first section being in electrical communication with a first one of the feeder buses and the second section being in electrical communication with a second one of the feeder buses. In this manner, the meters are provided with a plurality of phase configurations within the same cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul D. Seff, Serle K. Cupp, Marc E. Schoonover, James M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7134195
    Abstract: A method of production of a multilayer circuit board comprised of a multilayer structure circuit formed by a plurality of interconnect layers and insulation layers stacked together and a semiconductor chip included therein, including the steps of placing a semiconductor chip having a polished back surface, with its active surface facing downward, on an already formed lower interconnect layer and forming an insulation layer over the layer on which the semiconductor chip has been placed, the method further including the step of treating the polished back surface of the semiconductor chip to improve its bondability with the insulation layer before the step for formation of the insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Indutries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Sunohara, Kei Murayama, Mitsutoshi Higashi
  • Patent number: 7098400
    Abstract: A durable, pre-formed, and standardized mounting bracket is provided for mounting electrical meter boxes and other switching devices to a service pole or to a flat surface. An embodiment is configured to fit around a service pole and to be attached to the pole by screws or bolts through lag bolt holes in the sides of the bracket. Another embodiment fits against a flat surface such as a wall and is attached there by screws or bolts through lag bolt holes in a flat plate. Both types have meter mounting socket holes for mounting to the holes in the back of meter boxes with bolts, washers, and nuts. Different sizes of mounting brackets are provided for meters of different sizes. The bracket is manufactured of durable material such as metal for outdoor use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Mack B. King, Frances S. King
  • Patent number: 7027310
    Abstract: An apparatus for permitting both base and flush mounting a device to a surface is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a case housing a device and a frame. The frame is configured to attach to the case in both a base mounting and flush mounting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventor: Joseph L. Schneider