Abstract: A fault detection system of a utility meter for measuring electrical energy consumed by a load includes at least one current transformer, a temperature sensor, and a processor. The at least one current transformer is configured to generate a current measurement signal based on a current provided to the load. The temperature sensor is configured to generate a temperature signal based on a detected temperature of the utility meter. The processor is operably connected to the at least one current transformer and to the temperature sensor. The processor is configured to generate a phase angle value corresponding to a phase angle of the current measurement signal. The processor is further configured to generate a fault signal responsive to the temperature signal indicating that the detected temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature value and the phase angle value indicating detection of a leading current.

Abstract: An electricity meter includes a disconnect switch connected to a service transformer, a line-side sense circuit, a load-side sense circuit, and a measurement and control circuit. The disconnect switch is configured to receive a phase voltage and an anti-phase voltage from the service transformer. The line-side sense circuit includes a first sense circuit configured to detect the phase voltage delivered to the electricity meter and a second sense circuit configured to detect the anti-phase voltage delivered to the electricity meter, the first sense circuit and the second sense circuit are each connected to a floating reference node. The load-side sense circuit is configured to detect the existence of a phase load and an anti-phase load at a service entrance.

Abstract: A fault detection system of a utility meter for measuring electrical energy consumed by a load includes at least one current transformer, a temperature sensor, and a processor. The at least one current transformer is configured to generate a current measurement signal based on a current provided to the load. The temperature sensor is configured to generate a temperature signal based on a detected temperature of the utility meter. The processor is operably connected to the at least one current transformer and to the temperature sensor. The processor is configured to generate a phase angle value corresponding to a phase angle of the current measurement signal. The processor is further configured to generate a fault signal responsive to the temperature signal indicating that the detected temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature value and the phase angle value indicating detection of a leading current.

Abstract: An electricity meter includes a disconnect switch connected to a service transformer, a line-side sense circuit, a load-side sense circuit, and a measurement and control circuit. The disconnect switch is configured to receive a phase voltage and an anti-phase voltage from the service transformer. The line-side sense circuit includes a first sense circuit configured to detect the phase voltage delivered to the electricity meter and a second sense circuit configured to detect the anti-phase voltage delivered to the electricity meter, the first sense circuit and the second sense circuit are each connected to a floating reference node. The load-side sense circuit is configured to detect the existence of a phase load and an anti-phase load at a service entrance.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a transformer, a voltage source, a sensor, and a processor. The transformer includes a primary winding, a first secondary winding, and a second secondary winding. The voltage source is operably connected to generate a voltage signal and to provide the voltage signal to the first secondary winding. The generated voltage signal has a corresponding current formed at least in part by an impedance defined in part by a permeability of the transformer. The sensor is operably connected to generate a permeability signal indicative of the corresponding current. The processor is operably connected to the sensor and is configured to generate a hot socket detection signal responsive to the permeability signal indicating that the permeability of the transformer has fallen below a threshold value.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter comprises a transformer, a voltage source, a sensor, and a processor. The transformer includes a primary winding, a first secondary winding, and a second secondary winding. The voltage source is operably connected to generate a voltage signal and to provide the voltage signal to the first secondary winding. The generated voltage signal has a corresponding current formed at least in part by an impedance defined in part by a permeability of the transformer. The sensor is operably connected to generate a permeability signal indicative of the corresponding current. The processor is operably connected to the sensor and is configured to generate a hot socket detection signal responsive to the permeability signal indicating that the permeability of the transformer has fallen below a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a transformer. A controller generates a switching signal and supplies the switching signal to a solid state switch in circuit with a test load of known magnitude, switching the solid state switch to place the test load in circuit with the transformer. A signal through or across the transformer is then measured. Methods and apparatus for testing a transformer comprise the controller and solid state switch placing a series of test loads of different known magnitudes in circuit with the transformer from the lowest magnitude to the highest, from the highest to the lowest, or both. Additionally, a test load array comprises a plurality of power resistors, a heat sink for accommodating the plurality of power resistors, and a material providing electrical insulation of the power resistors from the heat sink and thermal conductivity between the power resistors and the heat sink.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a transformer. A controller generates a switching signal and supplies the switching signal to a solid state switch in circuit with a test load of known magnitude, switching the solid state switch to place the test load in circuit with the transformer. A signal through or across the transformer is then measured. Methods and apparatus for testing a transformer comprise the controller and solid state switch placing a series of test loads of different known magnitudes in circuit with the transformer from the lowest magnitude to the highest, from the highest to the lowest, or both. Additionally, a test load array comprises a plurality of power resistors, a heat sink for accommodating the plurality of power resistors, and a material providing electrical insulation of the power resistors from the heat sink and thermal conductivity between the power resistors and the heat sink.

Abstract: Methods and structures for placing sensing and driver assemblies in a middle ear of a patient are disclosed. Methods and structures according to various embodiments of the invention provide minimally invasive techniques and devices that facilitate placement of sensing/driver assemblies in a middle ear using a trans-canal implantation technique. Certain embodiments include placement of a longitudinal body through the ear canal for mounting in the middle ear, and for supporting a sensing/driving assembly subsequently coupled thereto.

Abstract: Methods and structures for placing sensing and driver assemblies in a middle ear of a patient are disclosed. Methods and structures according to various embodiments of the invention provide minimally invasive techniques and devices that facilitate placement of sensing/driver assemblies in a middle ear using a trans-canal implantation technique. Certain embodiments include placement of a longitudinal body through the ear canal for mounting in the middle ear, and for supporting a sensing/driving assembly subsequently coupled thereto.