Abstract: An electronic demand register performs rolling demand metering in which a demand interval is divided into N subintervals. At the end of each subinterval, the demand data from the just-completed subinterval is summed with the demand in the most-recent N-1 contiguous subintervals to derive an interval demand. In the event of a power outage, the existing value of maximum demand, and a number representing the time remaining in the subinterval interrupted by the power outage, as well as programmed constants, are stored in non-volatile memory for safekeeping during the power outage. After power is restored, the stored values are used to preset a maximum demand storage to the saved value of maximum demand and to preset a subinterval timing down counter to the value it had upon the detection of an impending power outage. A logic circuit freezes accumulation of demand data for a grace period following power restoration to avoid detection of an artificially high demand from synchronized starting loads.

Abstract: An electronic register for an electric meter includes a non-volatile storage into which data is written upon the detection of an impending power outage. A sufficient quantity of electric energy is normally stored in a capacitor to continue operation of the electronic register for a long enough period of time to complete the writing of data to the non-volatile storage. In order to prevent writing of the data to non-volatile storage in the presence of noise or momentary power outages, when the voltage in the capacitor decays to a point which indicates an impending power outage, a timer is started. If the voltage is not restored before the end of the timing cycle of the timer, then the data is written to the non-volatile storage. If the voltage is restored before the end of the timing cycle, then writing of the data to the non-volatile storage is prevented.

Abstract: An electronic demand register includes a processor for calculating a demand in a demand subinterval. At the end of each demand subinterval, the calculated demand is summed with the demand in the preceding N-1 subintervals to derive an interval demand over N contiguous subintervals. The interval demand is compared to a previously recorded maximum demand and, if the interval demand exceeds the maximum demand, its value is substituted for the maximum demand for use in subsequent comparisons. The processor employs volatile memory. A non-volatile memory is provided for storing the billing data and programmed constants in the event of an impending power outage. A power monitor detects the possibility of an impending power outage and, operating on stored energy, both enables and powers the transfer of data to the non-volatile memory. When power is resumed, the power monitor enables resetting the processor and retransferring the data from the non-volatile to the volatile memory for resumption of demand metering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a meter cover (housing) mounted receptacle and detachable magnetic coupler incorporating optical communication devices for electronically communicating with electronic circuitry housed within the meter cover.

Abstract: A time of day demand metering system is disclosed for registering the amount of electrical energy consumed during the one demand interval of maximum electrical energy consumption out of a plurality of demand intervals. Means is provided to engage the register of a time of day meter only during those demand intervals when the amount of electrical energy being consumed is in excess of the one previous demand interval of maximum electrical energy consumption.

Abstract: In a power system, a time-of-day demand meter of the type having a programmable control circuit for generating a control signal at prescribed intervals to enable a demand logic circuit to control the engagement of a demand register of the meter includes apparatus responsive to the control signal to generate an end of interval signal to disengage the demand register at a specified time as selected by the apparatus to control the length of demand intervals during which the consumption of electrical energy is measured.

Abstract: An electronic time-of-day metering system is disclosed for measuring electrical power by at least two different mechanical recording devices depending on the time-of-day and time of week in which the electrical power is being consumed. A conventional kilowatt hour meter includes a set of decade gear driven dials which register the kilowatt hours consumed on a continuous basis. At least one other set of decade gear driven dials is provided for registering the consumption of kilowatt hours during preselected peak power usage intervals. A single MOS integrated circuit controls the operation of the alternate set of decade gear driven dials. This circuit utilizes as its time base the 60 Hz line voltage derived from the energy distribution system being metered. A clock circuit generates timing signals for a clock control circuit which includes a circulatory memory which is preprogrammed to contain the times at which one or more alternate sets of dials are to be actuated.

Abstract: A portable programmer is disclosed for programming and testing a multiple rate meter such as an electronic time-of-day meter system. The portable programmer includes a quartz crystal controlled seven-day clock. A time comparator is driven in synchronism with a signal which drives the clock in the time-of-day meter. When the time of the time comparator is equal to that of the programmer's timer, a compare signal is generated to switch the time in the meter to its standard time base. A programmable read-only memory in the portable programmer stores a plurality of different programs, each of which can be selectively read into the time-of-day meter. The output of the programmable read-only memory is read out and compared with the time generated by the time comparator.

Abstract: An electronic time-of-day metering system is disclosed for measuring electrical power by at least two different mechanical recording devices depending on the time-of-day and time of week in which the electrical power is being consumed. A conventional kilowatt hour meter includes a set of decade gear driven dials which register the kilowatt hours consumed on a continuous basis. At least one other set of decade gear driven dials is provided for registering the consumption of kilowatt hours during preselected peak power usage intervals. A single MOS integrated circuit controls the operation of the alternate set of decade gear driven dials. This circuit utilizes as its time base the 60 Hz line voltage derived from the energy distribution system being metered. A clock circuit generates timing signals for a clock control circuit which includes a circulatory memory which is preprogrammed to contain the times at which one or more alternate sets of dials are to be actuated.