Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a tamper event in an electrical power metering apparatus having power distribution and power service conductors connected to jaw contacts in a socket housing, the jaw contacts receiving blade terminals of an electrical service meter apparatus. A tamper event signature is detected based on a time relationship between separation of the ground circuit between the electrical power metering apparatus and the socket and the separation of at least one of the power distribution and power service blade terminals from the socket jaw contacts due to removal of the electrical service apparatus from the socket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a tamper event in an electrical power metering apparatus having power distribution and power service conductors connected to jaw contacts in a socket housing, the jaw contacts receiving blade terminals of an electrical service meter apparatus. A tamper event signature is detected based on a time relationship between separation of the ground circuit between the electrical power metering apparatus and the socket and the separation of at least one of the power distribution and power service blade terminals from the socket jaw contacts due to removal of the electrical service apparatus from the socket.

Abstract: A communication protocol and network is provided for an electrical energy measurement apparatus in the form of automatic meter readers mounted at individual use sites for disposing each reader in data communication with a remote central site. Communication is established using Internet TCP/IP protocol. Each automatic meter reader apparatus is connected by a communication network with an Internet service provider which handles data communication between each automatic meter reader apparatus and the central site through the Internet.

Abstract: A test switch apparatus for an electrical device includes identical modules each carrying at least one switch thereon and terminals coupled to the switch and receiving electrical conductors. Complimentary interconnecting members are formed on each base and opposed barrier walls of each module for releasably interconnecting two modules in a side-by-side arrangement. Lock elements are optionally formed on each module for locking two adjacent switch modules together, preferably after the two modules are substantially joined by the interconnected members. End pieces are interconnected by interconnecting members to endmost modules. A cover is releaseably attachable to the end pieces.

Abstract: A apparatus for providing onsite programming of an automatic meter reader apparatus via an infrared transceiver mounted within the housing of the apparatus and communicating with an internal processor. A portable infrared transceiver and processor establishes data communication with the processor in the automatic meter reader housing in Internet TCP/IP data communication protocol. A disconnect switch mounted in the housing is responsive to signals communicated through the infrared transceiver or from the central site for controlling the connection and disconnection of electric power to the use site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method measures the instantaneous voltage and/or current supplied to a utility customer. A controller detects a voltage excursion beyond one of a maximum and a minimum voltages. The controller also determines the total time of a detected voltage excursion and calculates the total energy supplied to the customer during each out-of-specification voltage excursion. The controller is capable of reporting a voltage excursion to a remote site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing uninterrupted telephone communication at a telephone customer site having an electrical energy monitoring apparatus connected to the customer site power distribution network. The method and apparatus monitor the voltage on the telephone network ring conductor to detect a voltage rise indicative of an incoming telephone call and determine whether or not the incoming telephone call is a normal telephone call or a data communication signal which is routed to the electric energy monitoring apparatus. A processor monitors the telephone network ring circuit to detect a voltage drop during data communication and, upon detecting a voltage drop, immediately switches communication to the customer telephone allowing normal operation of the customer telephone. Any data communication between the monitoring apparatus and a remote communication site is terminated and subsequently reinstituted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring electric power consumed at a use site includes voltage and current sensors on each site conductor which are sampled at a sample interval to generate sampled voltage and current signals. The voltage and current signals are converted to digital values which are used to directly calculate power consumption values. The digital voltage and current magnitude values are stored in a memory either prior to or subsequent to the power consumption calculations.

Abstract: Instantaneous current and voltage values are digitized at each of a plurality of electrical utility customer sites and integrated by a processor to calculate electrical power consumed at each customer site. A communication interface couples the processor at each customer site to a central processor in a central utility site to communicate the power consumed values of each customer site to the central utility site. In a preferred embodiment, the automatic meter reader apparatus is mounted in an electrical watthour meter socket adapter which plugs into a watthour meter socket at each customer site. Telephone modem circuitry mounted in the socket adapter connects to telephone lines to communicate calculated power values from each customer site to the central utility site.

Abstract: A hardened metallic ring is mounted over the exterior sidewall of the shell portion of a watthour meter socket adapter. The ring has overlapped ends which are welded together to form a circular ring with a diameter approximate the diameter of the shell. In another embodiment, a radially outward flange is formed on one annular edge of the ring to cover a peripheral edge flange of the base of the socket adapter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a safety cover assembly for a meter socket having a plurality of electrically-energizable contacts adapted to receive the rearwardly-projecting contact blades or terminals of various types of electrical meters including those used for measuring both commerical and residential power consumption. The socket normally has a substantial number of electrical contact elements in suitable spaced-apart alignment to receive the projecting contact terminals of various types of meters to energize one or more electrical circuits within the meter to determine both the accuracy and efficiency of the meter. The cover assembly is preferably formed of transparent plastic insulating material having high dielectric constant including an outer apertured cover plate to provide an essentially dead front to the meter socket when energized, both when a meter is mounted in and demounted from the meter socket.

Abstract: A cover for an electric meter socket has a planar base and a plurality of blades extending from one surface of the base for releasable engagement with the jaw terminals in the meter socket. Ribs are connected between the base and the blades to support the blades from sideways movement. One rib on at least one and, preferably, all of the blades has an extendable height so as to contact a jaw terminal in the meter socket when the cover is mounted in the meter socket to prevent deflection and movement of the cover with respect to the meter socket.

Abstract: A watthour meter socket adapter includes a housing with electrical contacts which receive the terminals of a watthour meter and terminals which are insertable into the contacts of an electrical watthour meter socket. First and second seal connectors sealingly connect the adapter housing to the socket and a watthour meter to the adapter housing to control access to the socket, adapter and watthour meter. The interface connection includes an electrical connector mounted in an enclosure and connected to the contacts in the adapter housing to provide electrical power to an external interface. A third seal is connected and attached to the enclosure to control access to the electrical connections housed therein. In one embodiment, the enclosure is separate from and mounted on the adapter housing. In another embodiment, the enclosure is in the form of a sleeve mounted internally within the adapter housing with an open end allowing connection to an external electrical device.