Meter Mounting Arrangements Patents (Class 361/664)
  • Patent number: 6975505
    Abstract: A service entrance includes a post section, a service section, and a neutral bus disposed therebetween. The post section includes a first opening and a second opening, and is adapted to receive an electrical supply wire having a supply power wire and a supply neutral wire. The service section is disposed at the post section, and includes a third opening and a fourth opening, wherein the third opening is juxtaposed the first opening and the fourth opening is juxtaposed the second opening. The neutral bus, having a first end at the post section and a second end at the service section, is disposed passing through the second and fourth openings. The first end of the neutral bus is adapted to electrically connect with the supply neutral wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Randall D. Wise, Steven C. Stenzel
  • Patent number: 6958447
    Abstract: An electric meter base bracket apparatus and system. Embodiments include a meter bracket installed between studs of a dwelling or structure having. 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. In dwellings having brick, the meter base is typically set further from the studs due to spacing left between the brick and the studs. As such, the invention further includes an extension that connects directly to the bracket on one side and to the meter base on the other side. An alternative embodiment of the meter base bracket includes a variable size feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Edward Thornton, Mickey Eugene Britain
  • Patent number: 6816360
    Abstract: A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Glen William Brooksby, Daniel David Harrison, Daniel Arthur Staver, Ertugrul Berkcan, Ralph Thomas Hoctor, Wolfgang Daum, Kenneth Brakeley Welles, II
  • Publication number: 20040165340
    Abstract: A preconstruction utility meter (PCM) pedestal providing attachment means for both a gas meter and an electric meter. The device may also provide a situs for telephone and cable connections. The device allows for pre-occupancy use of utilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: M. Scott Wilfong
  • Publication number: 20040066609
    Abstract: A preferred process comprises providing a pre-formed, substantially transparent window for a cover of an electrical-energy meter, and molding the cover from a molten resin that, when solidified, is substantially opaque. Molding the cover from a molten resin comprises causing a portion of the molten resin to contact a periphery of the window and allowing the portion of the molten resin to cool and thereby solidify so that the portion of the molten resin, upon solidifying, is molded over the periphery of the window and thereby seals and secures the window to the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Garry M. Loy, Lars A. Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 6498717
    Abstract: A surface mounted panel adapter for a socket mounted electricity meter allows a socket mounted electricity meter to be installed on a switchboard. The surface mounted panel adapter is designed to attach to the back of a switchboard, and to expose a meter socket which is mounted on the front wall of the surface mounted panel adapter and which is exposed through the front wall of the switchboard. A standard socket mounted electricity meter can be mounted in the meter socket through the opening in the switchboard. Electrical connections to the meter socket are made using at least one terminal strip mounted on the rear wall of the panel adapter, and readily accessible to an installer who is behind the switchboard panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Patent number: 6421230
    Abstract: An adapter for converting a switchboard case for use with a socket mounted electricity meter uses a switchboard cradle which fits into a switchboard case, along with a meter socket which has been adapted so that it will fit into the front opening in the switchboard cradle, and which is mounted to a depth which permits the terminals of a socket meter to be fully engaged therein while the base of the socket meter overlies the front opening in the switchboard case and switchboard cradle. Electrical connections to the meter socket are made to the connection strips on the switchboard cradle, whereby no rewiring of the switchboard case will be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Patent number: 6386790
    Abstract: A one-piece stainless steel rim for mating a meter cover and base and method of making the same is disclosed. The stainless steel mating rim has integral therewith the various attachment tabs, locking lugs and locking tabs for attaching the rim to the cover, locking the rim to the base and insuring a proper fit of the rim with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Thiel, Jimmy L. Watson, Roger D. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6373688
    Abstract: A service entrance barrier for a load center that includes a housing and a service entrance having at least one branch fed main breaker electrically connected to branch feed lines. The service entrance barrier is securable to the load center housing to prevent human contact with electrically energized parts located in the service entrance of the load center. The service entrance barrier includes a main body portion, at least one mounting leg extending from the main body portion, a protection tab extending from said main body portion, and a non-conductive sleeve encompassing the protection tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph G. Nagy, Stephen L. Wuest, Michael J. Fraser, David A. Reid, Javier Larranaga
  • Patent number: 6266233
    Abstract: A single housing containing an electric power meter compartment and a circuit breaker-power receptacle compartment is adapted for use at a temporary construction site employing underground utility cables in a utility secondary cable enclosure. The meter compartment and circuit breaker-power receptacle compartment are disposed in a side-by-side arrangement in the housing which is adapted for secure mounting to a pedestal connected to the underground utility cables. The power circuit breakers and receptacles are protected from the environment by means of an overhanging access door pivotally attached to the power receptacle(s) compartment. The attached plug-type power load cable connections in the housing are also environmentally protected by means of the access door overhang. Disposed in the circuit breaker-power receptacle compartment is a receptacle to provide electric power on a temporary basis such as to a contractor during the construction phase of a housing development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Electrical Materials Co.
    Inventor: Timothy M. O'Regan
  • Patent number: 6259596
    Abstract: A surface mounted panel adapter for a socket mounted electricity meter allows a socket mounted electricity meter to be installed on a switchboard. The surface mounted panel adapter is designed to attach to the back of a switchboard, and to expose a meter socket which is mounted on the rear wall of the surface mounted panel adapter through the front wall of the switchboard. A standard socket mounted electricity meter can be mounted in the meter socket through the opening in the switchboard. Electrical connections to the meter socket can be either on the rear of the panel adapter, or on the bottom of the panel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Patent number: 6186842
    Abstract: A method and arrangement are disclosed for attaching one or more electrical bayonet-type blades to a circuit board. The arrangement comprises a circuit board with at least one opening adapted to receive one blade. A solder pad disposed on at least one surface of board surrounds the opening. A plurality of vias surround the opening. The vias are disposed such that they pass through the solder pad. Solder is applied around the electrically conducting bayonet on one surface of the circuit board, through the vias, and around the electrically conducting bayonet of the surface of the circuit board opposite to the solder pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Power Measurement Ltd.
    Inventors: Markus F. Hirschbold, Peter C. Cowan
  • Patent number: 6163449
    Abstract: A power transfer device adapted for interconnection with the electrical system of a building includes a cabinet, a set of switches mounted to the cabinet, and a first set of wires for connecting the switches to an electrical distribution panel associated with the building electrical system. The power transfer device includes a terminal compartment associated with the cabinet, a set of power input terminals located within the terminal compartment, and a cover removably connected to the cabinet for alternatively preventing and permitting access to the terminal compartment. The cover is provided with an optional power input and meter arrangement adapted to be interconnected with the power input terminals for selectively supplying and measuring levels of power provided from a source of auxiliary power connected to the power input terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 6140579
    Abstract: An electric appliance housing, especially for a consumption meter, includes a base part and a closure part which are each molded in one piece from synthetic material and which can be secured by a lead seal, in a closed position. The closure part can be snap-fixed to the base part. The base part passes through the closure part with a lead-seal carrier which is molded on in one piece and which carries an eyelet in its projecting region as a passage for a lead-seal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Niedermann, Johann Regn, Markus Roth
  • Patent number: 6104601
    Abstract: A panel adapter for a socket meter allows a socket mounted electricity meter to be installed in a switchboard. The adapter is designed to attach to the back of the front of a switchboard, and it is substantially in the shape of a rectangular cube having a front wall and a rear wall. A meter socket is mounted to its rear wall, and the front wall has an opening which may have a diameter which is substantially the same as the front of the meter, or, alternatively, which is larger so as to enable a meter to be mounted in its socket through the opening. If the opening is larger than the meter, the adapter may, optionally, include a removable face plate to fill the space left by the larger opening. Embodiments of the panel adapter include data connectors on the rear wall, and adjustable length legs to allow for the installation of meters having differing lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Patent number: 6054930
    Abstract: A device for detecting meter opening, the meter including at least a first structural element and a second structural element that are in a given position relative to each other when the meter is closed, said device comprising: a moving member connected to the first element and organized to take up a stable state or an unstable state as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other; holding means connected at least to the second element and co-operating with the moving member as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other, so as to hold said moving member in its unstable state and so as to enable it to go to its stable state; and detection means suitable for determining the state of the moving member and for emitting an opening signal when the moving member is in a predetermined state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Guillon
  • Patent number: 5982611
    Abstract: Angle members forming the vertically extending supply buses in a meter center have arcuate offsets so that flanges on the ends of horizontally extending tenant buses form tenant stab contacts which are vertically aligned with supply stab contacts on straight sections of the outwardly projecting flanges of the supply bus angle members. Meter socket assemblies have double ended fastenerless meter jaws one pair of which plug onto the supply bus stab contacts and another pair of which plug onto the tenant bus stab contacts, and into which the meters are plugged. The double ended fastenerless meter jaws are fabricated from a pair of elongated flat members having end sections bent back on and diverging from straight center sections, and terminal sections which extend toward each other from the end sections and converge slightly toward the center sections. Spring clips clamp the terminal sections of the pair of elongated members in compliant confronting relationship to form the double ended fastenerless meter jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James Monroe Campbell, Scot Eugene Remmert, Larry Joe Simpkins, Edward Hugh Lechleiter, Glen Clark Naugle
  • Patent number: 5966010
    Abstract: An electrical energy meter is provided with snap fit interlocking parts that eliminate the need for screws or fasteners. The current sensor, located within the meter, has a plurality of current conductors and a notched blade attached to each current conductor that functions as an interlocking component to the meter base without the need for additional fasteners. A circuit board used by the meter is attached to a plurality of integral posts projecting from the base and the periphery of the circuit board has a pair of spaced notches for connection to the ends of a radial communications antenna without the requirement for additional hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: ABB Power T&D Company Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Melvin Loy, Rodney C. Hemminger, Russell C. Broome, Mark L. Munday
  • Patent number: 5936834
    Abstract: A meter stack wherein each single phase meter base in the meter stack can be selectively connected in the field to any one of the A-B, A-C or B-C phase combinations of the vertical three phase bus bars in the meter stack by moving only the meter base line connectors. The vertical bus bars of the meter stack lie in a common plane and are equally spaced apart from one another. The vertical center line of each meter base in the meter stack coincides with the center line of the center vertical bus bar of the meter stack. Each of the two line side terminals of each meter base is associated with one of the outside vertical bus bars, and is located approximately half way between it's associated outside vertical bus bar and the center bus bar. A generally "Z" shaped line connector attached to each of the line terminals can be easily rotated between its associated outside bus bar and the center bus bar, thus easily allowing a change in the A-B, A-C or B-C phase combinations of each meter base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Polston, Larry E. Ward, Alfonso H. Loya
  • Patent number: 5761027
    Abstract: A load center has an enclosure provided with a back wall and a swingable access door, a bus panel secured within the enclosure and a plurality of circuit breakers mounted to the bus panel for switching power between an electrical utility and an auxiliary power source. The load center includes an input receptacle for receiving a plug connector of the auxiliary power source and transferring auxiliary power to the bus panel and the circuit breakers. A pair of watt meters are connected to the input receptacle for monitoring the power transferred from the auxiliary power source. A mounting framework incorporates the input receptacle and the watt meters within the enclosure on the back wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Reliance Time Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 5638256
    Abstract: The present invention provides an overhead/underground combination service entrance device having a common enclosure that is divided by a center barrier into a first section for housing a watt-hour meter socket and a second section for housing a panel board containing a number of circuit breakers. The top panel of the common enclosure has a hole bringing electrical conductors into the first section from top of the common enclosure. A rain cap made from a suitable material is securely placed on the top panel. The rain cap has a hole therein that lies above the hole in the top panel so as to provide access to the first section from the outside. A hub closure plate is attached on the rain cap to cover sealingly cover the hole in the top panel. Means are provided for mounting the combination service entrance device on a flat surface and on vertical poles for temporary use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Square D. Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Leach, Kenneth L. Uhlman, Larry D. Polston, James P. Mills, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5615080
    Abstract: A meter module includes a meter panel in which meters and indication lamps are mounted, a centralized control circuit board in which control circuits for car electric devices including the meters and indication lamps are installed, an electric junction box for distribution of power, input and output signals and for integration of earth lines, and a module case. The electric junction box is formed by setting a bus-bar circuit board and an insulator cover in the module case. The centralized control circuit board and the meter panel are fixed over the electric junction box, whereby the meter panel, the centralized control circuit board and the electric junction box are intensively incorporated. The above arrangement simplifies electric wiring in the instrument panel portion of car and facilitates assembling of the electric devices such as the meter panel. A wiring harness protector includes a protector main body for protecting a wiring harness therein and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Keizo Nishitani, Yoshiaki Nakayama, Minoru Kubota, Keiichi Ozaki
  • Patent number: 5377074
    Abstract: An improved meter mounting pedestal for use in providing underground utility service, particularly electric service to a building construction site after a foundation has been constructed but before the building has been erected. The pedestal comprises a vertical post of planar configuration having a rolled side edge along one side and a flange along a portion of the side opposite the rolled side edge. A flat steel upper plate having a rolled side edge is secured near the upper end of the post with the rolled side edge of the plate being adjacent to and in an overlapping relationship with a rolled side edge of the post. A second plate is secured to the post near the lower end thereof and is mounted to the outside face of the building foundation. A foundation anchor strap is adjustably secured to the post between ends thereof are in mounted to an appropriate surface of the building foundation or floor joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Jerry D. Byrd