Abstract: A multi-master serial bus that connects multiple utility monitoring devices with multiple remote electronic display units. The display units include an I2C microprocessor with an integrated LCD controller for controlling an LCD display and a set of buttons for changing what is displayed on the LCD display. They also include an I/O to I2C driver for sending button key presses to the remote monitoring device, which communicates the requested data to be displayed back to the display unit via the multi-master serial bus. Each remote electronic display unit has a unique address assigned to it, and when a user input is detected on the I2C bus by the utility monitoring device, the controller in the utility monitoring device sends monitored data to the detected address for display on the remote electronic display unit.

Abstract: A power monitoring device in a power utility system having an interactive display that allows an end user of the power monitoring device to communicate voice and optionally video data over the Internet protocol with a support operator at a remote system. The interactive display includes an input panel for accepting user inputs, and a video display for displaying power-related data monitored by the power monitoring device. The power-related data is communicated over a communications medium, such as Ethernet, to the remote system for diagnostics, troubleshooting, setup and configuration, and the like. The input panel features one-touch voice and optionally video communication with a support operator by an end user standing in front of the interactive display. The remote system can also download firmware or software upgrades to the power monitoring device via the communications medium according to the Internet protocol.

Abstract: A load estimation algorithm for automatically estimating power consumed by each branch load connected to circuit breakers in a power distribution panel (PDP) without requiring individual current sensing at each branch. The load, estimation algorithm can be operated in a manual mode, remote manual mode, or an agile mode. In manual mode, the user turns off individual circuit breakers in an ordered sequence, and the load estimation algorithm calculates the difference in the power consumption when all loads are connected versus when one load is disconnected to estimate the power consumption of the disconnected load. In the remote manual mode, the circuit breakers are remotely operable, so that load estimation algorithm controls their states through software. In agile mode, the algorithm continuously attempts to estimate power consumption of each load connected to the PDP by comparing present load estimates with previous load estimate and flagging any discrepancies.

Abstract: A load estimation algorithm for automatically estimating power consumed by each branch load connected to circuit breakers in a power distribution panel (PDP) without requiring individual current sensing at each branch. The load, estimation algorithm can be operated in a manual mode, remote manual mode, or an agile mode. In manual mode, the user turns off individual circuit breakers in an ordered sequence, and the load estimation algorithm calculates the difference in the power consumption when all loads are connected versus when one load is disconnected to estimate the power consumption of the disconnected load. In the remote manual mode, the circuit breakers are remotely operable, so that load estimation algorithm controls their states through software. In agile mode, the algorithm continuously attempts to estimate power consumption of each load connected to the PDP by comparing present load estimates with previous load estimate and flagging any discrepancies.

Abstract: A multi-master serial bus that connects multiple utility monitoring devices with multiple remote electronic display units. The display units include an I2C microprocessor with an integrated LCD controller for controlling an LCD display and a set of buttons for changing what is displayed on the LCD display. They also include an I/O to I2C driver for sending button key presses to the remote monitoring device, which communicates the requested data to be displayed back to the display unit via the multi-master serial bus. Each remote electronic display unit has a unique address assigned to it, and when a user input is detected on the I2C bus by the utility monitoring device, the controller in the utility monitoring device sends monitored data to the detected address for display on the remote electronic display unit.

Abstract: A power monitoring device in a power utility system having an interactive display that allows an end user of the power monitoring device to communicate voice and optionally video data over the Internet protocol with a support operator at a remote system. The interactive display includes an input panel for accepting user inputs, and a video display for displaying power-related data monitored by the power monitoring device. The power-related data is communicated over a communications medium, such as Ethernet, to the remote system for diagnostics, troubleshooting, setup and configuration, and the like. The input panel features one-touch voice and optionally video communication with a support operator by an end user standing in front of the interactive display. The remote system can also download firmware or software upgrades to the power monitoring device via the communications medium according to the Internet protocol.

Abstract: A remote metering display is used for displaying power-related information generated by a power meter linked to the display. The remote metering display comprises a display screen, a plurality of user interface buttons for navigating through menu options depicted on the display screen, and a motion sensor for activating the display screen in response to detection of a person's presence within a predetermined distance of the motion sensor.

Abstract: A metering module for use in a power circuit monitoring system including a circuit monitor having a processor for processing data related to power signals, said metering module comprising at least one sensor for sensing a predetermined property of a power signal and for producing a corresponding sensor signal, and a modular metering circuit for producing data corresponding to said sensor signal for input into said circuit monitor, wherein said metering module is selectively detachable and replaceable relative to said circuit monitor to permit one or more of testing, calibration and repair of said metering module thereby minimizing any interruption in operation of said circuit monitor.

Abstract: An impulsive transient detection and data acquisition coprocessor for use with a power monitoring device having a processor for performing data sampling and reporting at a given rate. The coprocessor has a processor, an interface for accessing data from the processor, a plurality of channels for monitoring for transients, and at least two independent, switchable memory banks for simultaneous real-time storage and analyses of an incoming transient data stream.

Abstract: An impulsive transient detection and data acquisition coprocessor for use with a power monitoring device having a processor for performing data sampling and reporting at a given rate. The coprocessor has a processor, an interface for accessing data from the processor, a plurality of channels for monitoring for transients, and at least two independent, switchable memory banks for simultaneous real-time storage and analyses of an incoming transient data stream.

Abstract: A remote metering display is used for displaying power-related information generated by a power meter linked to the display. The remote metering display comprises a display screen, a plurality of user interface buttons for navigating through menu options depicted on the display screen, and a motion sensor for activating the display screen in response to detection of a person's presence within a predetermined distance of the motion sensor.

Abstract: A metering module for use in a power circuit monitoring system including a circuit monitor having a processor for processing data related to power signals, said metering module comprising at least one sensor for sensing a predetermined property of a power signal and for producing a corresponding sensor signal, and a modular metering circuit for producing data corresponding to said sensor signal for input into said circuit monitor, wherein said metering module is selectively detachable and replaceable relative to said circuit monitor to permit one or more of testing, calibration and repair of said metering module thereby mimimizing any interruption in operation of said circuit monitor.