Abstract: Introduced is a utility meter data collection device for the collection of metered data when primary power to the utility meter is unavailable. In one embodiment the device includes (1) a back-up battery configured to provide power to communicate metered data when primary power to a utility meter is unavailable; (2) a communication apparatus with a detector for detecting an interrogation signal; and (3) a micro-processor, coupled to the back-up battery and the communication apparatus, to determine if the interrogation signal is detected and, if detected, switching to an active mode to communicate the metered data.

Abstract: For use with an electric meter chassis having a dielectric housing protruding therefrom, a wireless communication device that permits information to be communicated to and from the electric meter and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of: (1) a communication circuit within the chassis coupled to electric meter circuitry, and (2) an antenna element within the dielectric housing, the antenna element coupled to the communication circuit.

Abstract: For use with an electric meter chassis having a dielectric housing protruding therefrom, a wireless communication device that permits information to be communicated to and from the electric meter and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the device is comprised of: (1) a communication circuit within the chassis coupled to electric meter circuitry, and (2) an antenna element within the dielectric housing, the antenna element coupled to the communication circuit.

Abstract: For use with an electric meter chassis having a dielectric housing protruding therefrom, an antenna for allowing electric meter circuitry within the chassis to communicate wirelessly through the dielectric housing and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the antenna includes: (1) antenna elements, located within the dielectric housing and adapted to transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation and (2) a balance circuit, coupled to the antenna elements to cause the antenna elements to act as an antenna and couplable to an unbalanced output port of a wireless communication circuit, that balances an impedance of the unbalanced output port thereby to balance the antenna.

Abstract: For use with an electric meter chassis having a dielectric housing protruding therefrom, an antenna for allowing electric meter circuitry within the chassis to communicate wirelessly through the dielectric housing and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the antenna includes: (1) antenna elements, located within the dielectric housing and adapted to transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation and (2) a balance circuit, coupled to the antenna elements to cause the antenna elements to act as an antenna and couplable to an unbalanced output port of a wireless communication circuit, that balances an impedance of the unbalanced output port thereby to balance the antenna.

Abstract: A digital power meter achieves enhanced accuracies through the utilization of a sequence of meter stage improvements. Such improvements include the utilization of a digital phase shift based cycle phase realignment following the scaling function of the meter. The cycle phase corrected signals are digitized utilizing a sampling procedure wherein two samples of both current and voltage are taken within a precisely defined sampling interval. These samples are improved by the application thereto of a truncation correction and are averaged prior to being combined to provide quantity signals such as watt, VAR, volt, amperes, and the like. By developing subinterval transfer of components of these quantities to an overflow register, errors otherwise occurring at this stage of metering are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for metering polyphase power sources in which cycles for each phase are sampled at each degree and converted to a binary representation of amplitude. Sampling commences with a zero cross-over and a first digital conversion provides range data for developing scaling factors which are retained in memory and for providing a selective gain for amplifying. The scaling factor and the range data then are multipled to develop a digital representation of the sample amplitude which may have as many as 21 significant bits plus a sign bit. These expanded data valuations for current and voltage then are selectively multiplied for each degree sampled to develop data available for generation of 12 electrical parameter outputs. Generally, six of these outputs will be elected by the user. Volt amperes are computed with respect to the zero cross-over events for both voltage and current samples, while quantities such as Q and var are developed by selective delayed multiplication of the unit degree samples.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting meter data in serial form by IR emissions to a remote, hand-held communicator having a front-end detector circuit including a photodiode responding to the meter data and dissipating a d.c. term occasioned by indirect ambient illumination of the photodiode in the IR region. Corresponding control communication from the communicator to the meter is provided by IR emissions directed from an emitter of narrow beam angle to a wider angle receiving photodiode mounted with the meter at a location shielding it from direct sun illumination emanating above a horizontal plane extending from the immediate region of the photoresponsive receiver. Higher data transmission rates of 19.2 Kbaud are available in conjunction with an FSK transmission approach employing two channels.

Abstract: Metering apparatus which employs a structure conforming to long accepted industrial standards but which is adapted to meet the requirements for highly versatile solid-state meter circuits having a multitude of outputs both in terms of electrical signals and visual display. The meter structure is provided an EMF and RF barrier coupled to through the interconnection of the meter cover to neutral reference. Further, a key actuated switching input is provided through the cover face of the meter with the use of a pattern of contact surfaces positioned on the inner surface of the face. These surfaces cooperate with spring biased contacts arranged to achieve proper contact with them when the meter cover is rotated into its latched orientation. A separate terminal block is provided which is coupled through a multi-lead connector to the meter circuit and which provides discrete individual terminal outputs readily wired by utility personnel trained in the use of older mechanical metering systems.

Abstract: An assembly for monitoring or metering a plurality of electrical energy and power parameters wherein six current and six voltage stepped down transformers are associated with a drawout cradle in conjunction with a series of functional printed board circuit to achieve a conservation of components and a high degree of compactness in packaging. Accessibility for calibration and similar maintenance procedures is provided at the panel front of the apparatus and simple access to test outputs is provided at the front thereof. A connection plug arrangement is used to provide make before break switching with monitored power paths and for the purpose of providing additional calibration inputs at the forward portion of the assembly without resort to involved housing removal procedures. In one embodiment, a summing circuit is used in conjunction with Q and watt multiplier circuits to provide an analog var output in conjunction with pulse characterized watthour and Qhour outputs.

Abstract: A power transducer of a variety utilizing time division multiplication and wherein the output of a time division converter is directed to an N position digital circuit such as a shift register or random access memory driven by an incrementing or clock input of predetermined frequency. The pulse train input is replicated at the digital circuit and directed to a parameter responsive switching circuit for carrying out actuation thereof following which filtering is provided to derive a product characterized output.

Abstract: A power transducer of a variety utilizing time division multiplication and configured under a principle of operation incorporating an integrator stage. Phase adjustment for the transducer is provided by a network which is coupled with the non-inverting input of the integration stage. In one embodiment, this network may be present as an R-C network.