Abstract: A utility meter comprises a measurement circuit configured to measure consumption data, a memory configured to store meter data including the consumption data, and a receiver configured to receive a priority message from a source external to the utility meter. A meter display on the meter comprises a plurality of display segments. The meter display is configured to display the meter data according to a standard meter display routine. The meter display is further configured to display the priority message on at least a first portion of the plurality of display segments such that meter data normally displayed during the standard meter display routine is not displayed on the first portion of the plurality of display segments. A meter controller is configured to determine whether the standard meter display routine should be interrupted or overridden in order to display the remote message.

Abstract: A utility meter comprises a measurement circuit configured to measure consumption data, a memory configured to store meter data including the consumption data, and a receiver configured to receive a priority message from a source external to the utility meter. A meter display on the meter comprises a plurality of display segments. The meter display is configured to display the meter data according to a standard meter display routine. The meter display is further configured to display the priority message on at least a first portion of the plurality of display segments such that meter data normally displayed during the standard meter display routine is not displayed on the first portion of the plurality of display segments. A meter controller is configured to determine whether the standard meter display routine should be interrupted or overridden in order to display the remote message.

Abstract: A method of associating chronological time with energy consumption includes a step of storing in a utility meter a plurality of energy consumption values, each energy consumption value corresponding to a time interval of a first type. The method also includes obtaining from a source external to the utility meter chronological time information regarding at least one of the plurality of energy consumption values. The method further includes associating each of the energy consumption values with a time interval of the second type, each time interval of the second type associated with at least one chronological time value.

Abstract: A utility meter comprises a measurement circuit configured to measure commodity consumption and provide consumption data. A memory in the meter is configured to store meter data including the consumption data. The memory includes a plurality of memory segments, each of the plurality of memory segments protected by a different password. The meter further comprises a receiver configured to receive a memory request and an associated password from a source external to the utility meter. A controller in the meter is configured to grant or deny the memory request depending upon the associated password received from the source external to the utility meter.

Abstract: A method of associating chronological time with energy consumption includes a step of storing in a utility meter a plurality of energy consumption values, each energy consumption value corresponding to a time interval of a first type. The method also includes obtaining from a source external to the utility meter chronological time information regarding at least one of the plurality of energy consumption values. The method further includes associating each of the energy consumption values with a time interval of the second type, each time interval of the second type associated with at least one chronological time value.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a utility meter housing that contains or supports a first sensor, a second sensor, and a processing circuit. The first sensor is configured to measure a first parameter, the first parameter relating to an environmental condition within the meter housing. The second sensor is configured to measure a second parameter. The processing circuit is operably connected to the first sensor and to the second sensor, and is configured to record information relating to one or more events, each event corresponding to a detection of an out of range condition by each of the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a temperature sensor, a memory device, a communication circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive information representative of temperature measurements from the temperature sensor. The processing circuit is configured to store first temperature information associated with a first time period in a first data record in the memory device, the first temperature information derived from one or more of the temperature measurements. The processing circuit is further configured to store subsequent temperature information associated with corresponding subsequent time periods in corresponding other data records in the memory device. The processing circuit is also configure to periodically cause the communication circuit to communicate information representative of the first temperature information and the subsequent temperature information to an external device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the connection of a customer to a plurality of utilities includes a utility meter housing, a measurement device, and a control circuit. The measurement device is supported by the housing and is operable to measure a consumed commodity. The control circuit is also supported by the housing and is configured to provide control signals to a plurality of connection devices. Each of the plurality of connection devices is operable to selectively connect and disconnect the customer to one of the plurality of utilities responsive to the control signals.

Abstract: An electricity meter performs a self-calibration operation. According to an exemplary embodiment, the meter includes a measurement circuit for generating power information representative of measured power. A controller is operably coupled to the measurement circuit and includes an input for receiving reference standard information. The controller compares the power information generated by the measurement circuit to the reference standard information and generates a compensation signal in dependence upon the comparison. The compensation signal is used to calibrate the measurement circuit. Preferably, the meter is capable of being electrically connected to, and calibrated concurrently with at least one other meter.

Abstract: An electricity meter performs a self-calibration operation. According to an exemplary embodiment, the meter includes a measurement circuit for generating power information representative of measured power. A controller is operably coupled to the measurement circuit and includes an input for receiving reference standard information. The controller compares the power information generated by the measurement circuit to the reference standard information and generates a compensation signal in dependence upon the comparison. The compensation signal is used to calibrate the measurement circuit. Preferably, the meter is capable of being electrically connected to, and calibrated concurrently with at least one other meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the connection of a customer to a plurality of utilities includes a utility meter housing, a measurement device, and a control circuit The measurement device is supported by the housing and is operable to measure a consumed commodity The control circuit is also supported by the housing and is configured to provide control signals to a plurality of connection devices. Each of the plurality of connection devices is operable to selectively connect and disconnect the customer to one of the plurality of utilities responsive to said control signals.

Abstract: An electrical utility meter includes measurement error diagnostic capabilities with intelligent communication capabilities. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes an electrical utility meter for measuring energy consumption by a load. The electrical utility meter includes, sensor circuitry, a conversion circuit, a communication circuit, and a controller. The sensor circuitry connects to a meter socket. The meter socket connects to a plurality of power lines that, in turn, connect the load to a source of electrical power. The source of electrical power provides power to the load in a plurality of phases. The sensor circuitry generates voltage and current measurement signals representative of the voltage and current waveforms on the plurality of power lines.