Abstract: A magnetically coupled communications port includes a switch for providing an enable signal upon coupling of a detachable magnetic coupler assembly to a fixed coupler assembly. The switch is magnetically activated and is positioned on the fixed coupler assembly in proximity to one end of a cylindrical slug of a magnetically conductive material. The opposite end of the cylindrical slug is positioned co-planar with an external face portion of the fixed coupler assembly. When the detachable magnetic coupler assembly mates with the fixed coupler assembly, contacting the face portion and the co-planar surface of the cylindrical slug, magnetic flux from the detachable magnetic coupler is concentrated through the slug causing the magnetically activated switch to switch from an inactivated position to an activated position.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled communication port includes a push-button switch operable by depressing a plunger slidably mounted in a detachable coupler assembly for providing an enable signal upon coupling of the detachable coupler assembly to a fixed coupler assembly. The plunger is depressed by engagement therewith of a face portion of the fixed coupler assembly upon the magnetic attachment of the detachable coupler assembly with the fixed coupler assembly.

Abstract: An improved solid state semiconductor electronic combined watthour and watt meter circuit providing both analog and digital outputs and having automatic error correction comprising first and second input transformers for developing first and second signals proportional respectively to the voltage and current being supplied from a source of electrical energy to a consumer. The first and second signals are supplied to a multiplier circuit for developing pulse-width-modulated and amplitude modulated product output signals representative of instantaneous watts. This product signal is supplied to a summing analog-to-pulse rate circuit for developing an output pulse train wherein each output pulse represents a predetermined quantized amount of energy and which is used to reverse polarity of the multiplier switches to accomplish automatic error correction.

Abstract: A programmable time-of-use metering system is disclosed for metering electrical energy consumption at multiple rates depending on the time of day, time of week and time of year in which the energy is being consumed. A method for registering total energy consumed by a metered system as well as energy consumed during preselected time intervals is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic wattmeter in the form of an electronic watt-transducer circuit requiring a minimum number of components that can be fabricated by monolithic semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing techniques and which provides a direct current output signal that is proportional to watts. The electronic watt transducer circuit comprises a first transformer for developing a first voltage related signal proportional to the input voltage to be measured and a second current transformer for developing a second current related signal proportional to the input current to be measured. A pulse width modulator is connected to receive the first voltage related signal and an input repetitive sampling signal for producing repetitive pulse width modulated output pulses having instantaneous pulse width proportional to the corresponding instantaneous amplitude of the first voltage related signal.

Abstract: A meter terminal unit, for acquiring information and transmitting the acquired information to a central reading and control unit over utility power transmission lines, includes a transmitter portion for synthesizing and modulating carrier waveforms, the frequencies of which are selectable by command data contained in frequency rotation and address fields of a command received from the central reading and control unit. The meter terminal unit receives and decodes the command and adds, in modulo form, the contents of the frequency rotation field to the contents of a portion of the address field to obtain a resultant sum which uniquely identifies the selected waveform. This sum is used to access a portion of a read only memory (ROM) having the selected waveform stored therein in digital data form. The selected waveform is reconstructed by outputting the digital data from the ROM to a digital to analog converter.

Abstract: A combination meter, meter box and frangible seal for deterring unauthorized access to the meter and visually indicating, when the seal is broken, at least an unauthorized attempt has been made to access the meter.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a member of ferromagnetic ferrite material having anistropic magneto-resistive properties wherein the resistivity characteristics of the ferrite member vary in response to variations in strength of a magnetic field applied longitudinally with respect to a selected longitudinal axis of the ferrite member. A magnetic field is impressed across the ferrite member with the magnetic lines of flux extending along the longitudinal axis of the ferrite member which exhibits variable magneto-resistive properties. A flow of electric current through the ferrite member along a current path that extends in the same direction or opposite to the direction of the magnetic lines of flux and changes in the value of the electric current flow through the ferrite member are measured as an indication of the value of a physical phenomena being sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A remote automatic utility reading system includes a reading control center for transmitting commands to and receiving measurement data from remote terminal units via a command responsive control unit. The control unit is characterized by a computer having a stored program of subroutines, one of which is an interrupt subroutine. The interrupt subroutine is periodically entered as commands are received by the control unit from the reading control center and directs entry into other ones of the subroutines for execution thereof to effect the simultaneous interlacing of the commands and measurement data being transferred between the reading control center and the remote terminal units.

Abstract: In a communication system, a line protocol format with a variable bit rate and low bit overhead provides for the high integrity, synchronous exchange of digital signal information between master and slave processing units, with master processing unit controlling the line protocol.

Abstract: A programmable data processor or controller serving as the main control in a control system contains an executive program for controlling the transfer of information between the processor and system equipment, updating that information during on-line control of the equipment and modifying the executive program to change operating parameters of the system while the data processor is controlling the system equipment. Modification of the executive program and displaying of system parameters related to the executive program and the system equipment is accomplished through the use of an operator's console which communicates with the data processor and system equipment as a result of operator intervention.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading and control system for communicating with remote terminal points includes a reading control center which selectively communicates with a meter terminal unit at each terminal point by way of a section control unit, each section control unit serving several meter terminal units. The section control unit is responsive to various commands issued by the reading control center to selectively route the commands to specified meter terminal units or groups of meter terminal units to direct the meter terminal units to selectively carry out a meter reading operation, a load control operation, a user alert operation or transfer of previously stored meter data or switch status data from the meter terminal units to the reading control center in accordance with functions specified by the various commands.

Abstract: An automatic gain control system and method, utilizing a digital logic attenuator and control in a communication receiver, operates linearly over a wide dynamic range in the amplitude of input signals applied to the receiver to eliminate distortion and frequency intermodulation products inherent in single channel and multi-channel frequency multiplex communication systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a replaceable battery comprised of a unitary structure having a chamber therein for receiving a battery and a resilient retaining means cooperating in the chamber with the battery provides a structure for easily replacing a battery. The apparatus is particularly adaptable to a programmable electrical watthour meter where a battery and programming connector in the watthour meter must be accessed through an access port in a housing of the watthour meter to replace the battery and service the watthour meter.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing the magnitude of an AC signal applied to the circuit includes control means for reversing the polarity of the AC signal to thereby generate an output signal which is proportional in amplitude to the magnitude of the AC signal and which has a phase, with respect to the phase of the AC signal, determined by the control means. The control means also provides the capability of generating output pulses from the circuit which have an amplitude proportional to the magnitude of the AC signal and a pulse-width-spacing proportional to the duty cycle of a pulsating control signal applied to the control means.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing automatic compensation of direct current magnetization of a current transformer in an alternating current watthour meter utilizing a magnetic field sensor and electronic circuitry to keep the transformer operating in its linear region when a DC component is superimposed on an AC current being provided to the transformer.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in an automatic meter reading system for displaying meter encoder generated dial readings and detecting errors in response to information contained in the encoder meter dial readings. Errors are detected through interdial checking by comparing the angular positions of adjacent dial drive gears. When the angular positions of adjacent gears are not in the proper mechanical, or angular relationship an error is recorded.

Abstract: A self-contained meter register optical encoder including electronic signal generation, surge protection and power supply circuitry is remotely readable to supply timing and data signals to an external device when energized from an external power source.

Abstract: A watt hour meter installation is described which is of the type including an input transformer having an input winding for connection to an alternating current power supply line, an output winding for connection to a watt hour meter for measuring alternating current power being consumed and a bore on which the input and output windings are wound. The core is of the type which is susceptible to DC magnetization by a DC component superimposed on the alternating current being measured. In order to overcome the effect of the DC component on the magnetization characteristics of the input transformer, automatic compensation circuitry is provided which includes a sensor coupled to sense the current flowing through the input winding and for deriving a sensed output signal proportional to the sensed current and which includes both AC and DC components of the input current.

Abstract: A watthour meter installation of the type including an input current transformer having an input winding for connection to an AC power supply line, an output winding for connection to a watthour meter for measuring AC power being consumed and a core on which the input and output windings are wound and which is susceptible to DC magnetization by a DC component superimposed on the AC being measured. In order to overcome the effect of the DC component on the magnetization characteristics of the input transformer, automatic compensation circuitry is provided which includes a sensor coupled to sense the current flowing through the input winding and for deriving a sensed output signal proportional to the sensed current which includes both AC and DC components of the input current.