Abstract: A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an electrical power meter and method of operating the same, where the meter has electronic components (e.g., a power supply and a voltage sensing circuit) and receives alternating current (AC) voltage from an electrical power line. The inventive meter includes a power supply that converting the AC voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage for powering the electronic components. Also, the AC voltage provides an electrical reference potential for the electronic components. The inventive meter further includes a DC power source (e.g., a diode and/or a resistor in series connection) in a parallel circuit configuration with the AC voltage. The DC power source provides a DC bias voltage to the AC voltage. The AC voltage may create a relatively small voltage across the diode device.

Abstract: A fixed-frequency switching regulator having a noise injection circuit. Noise is injected into the feedback loop of the switching regulator to modify the switching waveform to reduce individual frequency harmonics of the resultant Fourier Series. The reduced frequency harmonics allow the switching regulator to achieve reduced conducted emissions.

Abstract: A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.

Abstract: A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.

Abstract: An electronic meter that is capable of handling an analog cellular phone or radio modem under the meter cover provides significant improvements in the thermal management and power handling that is associated with a circuit switched wireless device. The electronic meter comprises a power supply capable of delivering the transmitter power plus the associated losses due to transmitter efficiency. It is desirable to deliver the high power over a wide range of AC input voltages (typically from about 90 to 530 VAC). The meter packaging allows the power supply and the analog cellular modem to operate in an enclosed metering package without exceeding the operating temperatures of the electronic components. The packaging adapts to increased steady state (idle) conditions as well as increased transmit conditions.

Abstract: The auto-restart characteristic of a controller is prevented. A circuit comprises a voltage control loop, a control winding, an optical isolator component, and a diode biasing network. In the case of a power outage, the current from the voltage control loop begins to drop, resulting in the optical isolator component coming out of conduction. The optical isolator component coming out of conduction cuts off current to the control input of the controller. The removal of current causes the control winding voltage to drop, removing current from the diode biasing network, resulting in the removal of a bias voltage from the control pin of the controller. This removal results in the drop of the received voltage at the control pin, such that the received voltage is never in the trigger range of the auto-restart characteristic. Consequently, on reapplication of power, the controller achieves normal startup time.

Abstract: A preferred method for electrically connecting a first and a second component includes inserting a wire pin through a through hole formed in the first component so that a first portion of the wire pin is located within the through hole and a second portion of the wire pin is located within a retaining feature formed at least in part by the second component. The preferred method also includes moving one of the first and the second components in relation to the other of the first and the second components so that the wire pin resiliently deflects thereby establishing a first contact force between the first portion of the wire and the first component, and a second contact force between the second portion of the wire and the second component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver. The transceiver includes a microcontroller; a transmitter having a voltage controlled oscillator, a direct digital synthesizer, and a power amplifier; and a receiver having an amplifier, a mixer, an IF amplifier, a demodulator, and a data slicer. When transmitting, the transmitter communicates a preamble over a predetermined number of preamble channels, and thereafter communicate groups of data bytes that each comprise a subset of the data message over a predetermined sequence of data channels. When receiving, the receiver investigates the predetermined number of preamble channels to search for the preamble, each of the predetermined number of preamble channels being associated with a predetermined number of data channels in each sequence of data channels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver. The transceiver includes a microcontroller; a transmitter having a voltage controlled oscillator, a direct digital synthesizer, and a power amplifier; and a receiver having an amplifier, a mixer, an IF amplifier, a demodulator, and a data slicer. When transmitting, the transmitter communicates a preamble over a predetermined number of preamble channels, and thereafter communicate groups of data bytes that each comprise a subset of the data message over a predetermined sequence of data channels. When receiving, the receiver investigates the predetermined number of preamble channels to search for the preamble and tests the received bits to insure that the preamble and a start frame delimiter have been properly received to synchronize the receiver with the transmitter.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system is provided. The system includes a host server interfaced to a plurality of nodes where each node communicates with a number of utility meters. The system selects a group of noninterfering nodes and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, to the host server. The system also has a number of gateways that communicate with a plurality of nodes, grouped to form sets of noninterfering gateways. In this embodiment, the system selects a set of noninterfering gateways and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, through the gateways to the host server. A method for using an outbound RF channel to automatically read meters is also provided.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system is provided. The system includes a host server interfaced to a plurality of nodes where each node communicates with a number of utility meters. The system selects a group of noninterfering nodes and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, to the host server. The system also has a number of gateways that communicate with a plurality of nodes, grouped to form sets of noninterfering gateways. In this embodiment, the system selects a set of noninterfering gateways and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, through the gateways to the host server. A method for using an outbound RF channel to automatically read meters is also provided.

Abstract: A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a frequency hopping spread spectrum transceiver. The transceiver includes a microcontroller; a transmitter having a voltage controlled oscillator, a direct digital synthesizer, and a power amplifier; and a receiver having an amplifier, a mixer, an IF amplifier, a demodulator, and a data slicer. When transmitting, the transmitter communicates a preamble over a predetermined number of preamble channels, and thereafter communicate groups of data bytes that each comprise a subset of the data message over a predetermined sequence of data channels. When receiving, the receiver investigates the predetermined number of preamble channels to search for the preamble and tests the received bits to insure that the preamble and a start frame delimiter have been properly received to synchronize the receiver with the transmitter.

Abstract: A method for determining the DC current flowing through an AC power meter. The internal impedance of the distribution transformer is first sensed, then the DC voltage in the AC voltage waveform is measured and finally the measured DC voltage is converted to DC current.

Abstract: A method for determining the DC current flowing through an AC power meter. The internal impedance of the distribution transformer is first sensed, then the DC voltage in the AC voltage waveform is measured and finally the measured DC voltage is converted to DC current.

Abstract: The CEBUS protocol is employed in an automatic meter reading (AMR) fixed network RF system while maintaining commonality and compliance with other CEBUS equipment. The AMR system comprises a plurality of utility meters, each meter comprising a radio frequency (RF) module for transmitting and receiving RF CEBUS message packets in accordance with a prescribed CEBUS protocol, wherein the CEBUS message packets contain embedded AMR message packets in accordance with a prescribed AMR protocol. In addition, the system includes a node(s) for accessing data stored by any one or a group of the utility meters via RF communications using the CEBUS protocol.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system is provided. The system includes a host server interfaced to a plurality of nodes where each node communicates with a number of utility meters. The system selects a group of noninterfering nodes and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, to the host server. The system also has a number of gateways that communicate with a plurality of nodes, grouped to form sets of noninterfering gateways. In this embodiment, the system selects a set of noninterfering gateways and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, through the gateways to the host server. A method for using an outbound RF channel to automatically read meters is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting tampering with an electrical energy meter comprising a disconnect switch, interposed into feeder lines that deliver electrical energy from a voltage source to an electrical load, which switches between an open circuit in which electrical energy is not supplied to the electrical load and a closed circuit in which electrical energy is supplied to the electrical load, a load-side voltage sensor, which provides voltage signals indicative of load-side voltage, and a microprocessor that determines whether a tamper conditions exists by determining whether the disconnect switch is open or closed, determining whether a load-side voltage is present, and, if the disconnect switch is open and a load-side voltage is present, indicating that a tamper condition exists. The tamper detection apparatus preferably includes a communications module, connected to the microprocessor, for providing a two-way communications interface to a remote location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing communications between electrical and electronic devices utilizing existing power signal distribution networks are disclosed. In such methods and apparatus the transmitting and receiving components of such devices are coupled between line and ground. Such coupling is achieved utilizing a coupler, a first frequency reactive device, such as a drain coil or inductor, connected in series with neutral and a second frequency reactive device, such as a capacitor connected between neutral ground. For use with existing electronic equipment, an adaptor for coupling the communications signal to a power signal distribution network is also disclosed. Since, line and neutral paths may sometimes be mis-wired, the apparatus and methods also disclose the use of a switch for enabling the coupling of a communication signal when a power signal is sensed on the line path.