Abstract: An automatic meter reading system utilizes repeater technology to access hard to read meters within a fixed network structure. The components of the radio system that are needed for two-way communications are employed without adding significant cost to the meter. Using this approach, each meter in the network has the ability to repeat messages as required.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for metering electrical energy are disclosed in an electronic meter. Such meter includes a first processor for determining electrical energy from voltage and current signals and for generating an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination and a second processor for receiving the energy signal and for generating an indication signal representative of said energy signal. An option connector is connected to the first and second processors, whereby the energy signal is provided to the option connector and a communication connection is provided between the option connector and the second processor. It is preferred for the option connector to be provided power signals such used by the meter in order to power any electronic components which may be connected to the option connector. It is also preferred to provide the option connector with certain operation signals such as a power fail signal, a master reset signal, an end of demand signal, and a KYZ signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supplying power for use in metering electrical energy over a wide range of voltages with a single meter are disclosed. The wide ranging meter includes a processing unit for processing divided input voltage and a current component in order to determine electrical energy metering values. The processing unit is operable in response to supply voltages. A power supply, receives an undivided voltage component and generates supply voltages over the wide dynamic range. It is especially preferred for the power supply to include a transformer having first, second and third windings, wherein the undivided voltage component is provided to the first winding and wherein the second winding defines the output of the power supply. A switching member is connected to the first winding for permitting and preventing the flow of current in response to a control signal. A control member generates the control signal in response to the output of the power supply.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for metering electrical energy are disclosed in an electronic meter. Such meter includes a first processor for determining electrical energy from voltage and current signals and for generating an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination and a second processor for receiving the energy signal and for generating an indication signal representative of said energy signal. An option connector is connected to the first and second processors, whereby the energy signal is provided to the option connector and a communication connection is provided between the option connector and the second processor. It is preferred for the option connector to be provided power signals such used by the meter in order to power any electronic components which may be connected to the option connector. It is also preferred to provide the option connector with certain operation signals such as a power fail signal, a master reset signal, an end of demand signal, and a KYZ signal.

Abstract: A meter and method are described for metering electrical energy. The meter employs a processor having an associated memory for receiving an input of analog voltage and current signals and for processing these signals to generate data representative of electricity measurements and related information. A non-volatile memory is coupled to the processor for storing calibration constants and energy formula associated with various meter forms. At least some of the energy formula and calibration constants are downloaded from the non-volatile memory to the associated memory. The electricity measurements are based on the energy formula and calibration constants downloaded to the associated memory. The method described of metering electrical energy includes: storing energy formula related to various meter forms and associated calibration constants in the non-volatile memory. At least some of the energy formula and associated calibration constants are downloaded to the associated memory of the processor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for metering electrical energy are disclosed in an electronic meter. Such meter includes a first processor for determining electrical energy from voltage and current signals and for generating an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination and a second processor for receiving the energy signal and for generating an indication signal representative of said energy signal. An option connector is connected to the first and second processors, whereby the energy signal is provided to the option connector and a communication connection is provided between the option connector and the second processor. It is preferred for the option connector to be provided power signals such used by the meter in order to power any electronic components which may be connected to the option connector. It is also preferred to provide the option connector with certain operation signals such as a power fail signal, a master reset signal, an end of demand signal, and a KYZ signal.

Abstract: A method is described for metering electrical energy. The method includes sensing each phase of a circuit to generate analog voltage signals and analog current signals associated with each phase. The analog voltage signals and said analog current signals are converted into digital voltage signals and digital current signals, respectively, using time division multiplexing to provide three digital outputs. The digital outputs comprise at least one digital voltage signal and at least one digital current signal associated with the same phase. The digital outputs are processed to generate signals representative of real power, the magnitude of reactive power, and apparent power, wherein the signals representative of the magnitude of reactive power are generated from the signals representative of real power and the signals representative of apparent power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronically displaying metered electrical energy are disclosed. A first processor receives voltage and current signals, determines electrical energy and generates an energy signal representative of the electrical energy determination. A second processor receives the energy signal and generates a display signal representative of electrical energy information. A display receives the display signal and displays the electrical energy information. In a first embodiment, it is preferred for the first processor to determine units of electrical energy and the rate at which the units are determined. The second processor generates a display signal representative of the units and the rate. The second processor may also generate a disk signal representative of an equivalent rate of disk rotation in relation to the rate at which the units are determined and energy flow direction information for display. A converter may also be provided for converting an electrical output signal to light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supplying power for use in metering electrical energy over a wide range of voltages with a single meter are disclosed. The wide ranging meter includes a processing unit for processing divided input voltage and a current component in order to determine electrical energy metering values. The processing unit is operable in response to supply voltages. A power supply, connected to receive the undivided voltage component, generates the supply voltages over the wide dynamic range. It is especially preferred for the power supply to include a transformer having first, second and third windings, wherein the undivided voltage component is provided to the first winding and wherein the second winding defines the output of the power supply. A switching member is connected to the first winding for permitting and preventing the flow of current in response to a control signal. A control member generates the control signal in response to the output of the power supply.

Abstract: A surge protector is provided for a multi-phase watthour meter. The surge protector allows all three phases to be protected using a single resistive block and ground strap. Separate first electrodes are connected to each phase of the circuit and each electrode is disposed adjacent one end of a different hole formed in the meter base. A second electrode is disposed at the opposite end of the holes and forms a tip at each hole, thereby forming separate spark gaps with each of the first electrodes. A resistive block mounted on the outboard side of the meter base is in surface contact with the second electrode and a single ground strap is in contact with the resistive block so as to ground the meter to its socket when arcing occurs in the spark gaps.

Abstract: A mutual inductance differential current transducer employs a toroidal coil mounted coaxially and generally centrally of the length of an alternating current conductor wiht a conductive sheet therebetween surrounding the conductor and of substantially the same length and in insulated relationship from the conductor. The axial length of the coil is less than approximately one-third the length of the conductor, and the toroidal cross-section has a longer leg parallel to the axis of the conductor and a cross-sectional area eliminating the need for external capacitive and magnetic shielding. The coil is wound with an integer number of layers of the same number of turns per layer, the total number of turns being selected to produce a predetermined range of voltage levels of the analog voltage signal output of the coil, produced in response to and representative of the differential current flow through the conductor.