Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a voltage signal indicative of the voltage being supplied by each phase of a multiphase voltage being supplied to a load. For each phase, a phase to neutral voltage is produced by providing a virtual ground. For each phase, a phase to phase voltage is produced by determining a difference between a pair of phase to neutral voltages. Either the phase to neutral voltages or the phase to phase voltages for each phase are output depending on the configuration of the multiphase voltage being supplied to the load.

Abstract: A three-phase selection energy meter is disclosed. In one embodiment, an energy meter includes a base; a phase A terminal barrel, a phase B terminal barrel and a phase C terminal barrel; and a phase selection member movably engaged with the base, the phase selection member permitting individual selection of each of the phase A terminal barrel, the phase B terminal barrel and the phase C terminal barrel, wherein the individual selection of the one of the phase A terminal barrel, the phase B terminal barrel or the phase C terminal barrel prohibits selection of the other two of the phase A terminal barrel, the phase B terminal barrel and the phase C terminal barrel.

Abstract: A current sensing assembly is provided for sensing the current travelling through a current carrying member of a pad mount distribution transformer in a meter network. A current sensor includes a slot having an open end that receives the current carrying member. The sensor includes a conductive coil disposed adjacent the slot that generates an output signal indicating a sensed current level. A retainer member includes a retainer wall that is configured to be inserted into the open end of the slot so as to define a receptacle that captures the current carrying member therein.

Abstract: A method of measuring a current of a current carrying cable teaches the first step of providing an optical sensor assembly comprising a base unit, and an optical current sensor mounted on the base unit for transmitting a beam of polarized electromagnetic radiation to an optical fiber. A light detector is also provided having a first channel that operably connecting the light detector to an analog to digital converter through a programmable gain amplifier, a second channel that operably connects the light detector directly to the analog to digital converter, and a processor operably connected to the analog to digital converter. The optical sensor assembly is mounted adjacent the current carrying cable, and the fiber optic is operably connected to a light detector. A plurality of factors are then evaluated from rotation information from the light detector, by using the first and second channels for analog to digital conversion operably connected with the processor.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a non-volatile memory and an RF transceiver. The non-volatile memory has a first and a second port, the first port configured to obtain commodity consumption data. The radio frequency (RF) transceiver is configured to receive an RF signal from an external source and obtain energy from the RF signal and provide the energy to a bias voltage input of the non-volatile memory. The RF transceiver is further operable to perform a data transfer operation responsive to the received RF signal, the data transfer operation including a transfer of meter-related data between the non-volatile memory and the RF transceiver using the second port of the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides improved resolution in an analog signal, relative to the resolution of a digital-to-analog converter producing the signal. In one embodiment, a digital electrical power and energy meter varies a digital input to a digital-to-analog converter such that an average of the output of the digital-to-analog converter indicates a value with greater resolution than the instantaneous resolution of the digital-to-analog converter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interconnecting local generation or power monitoring systems to a residential or commercial electric power system so that the connection is made via a direct connection to the power meter socket on the consumer side of the meter. The breaker for the system may be collocated with the interconnection. The system allows for a quick interconnection of the local generation or power monitoring system by inserting an attachment, or shim, underneath the existing standardized meter for simplified power connection, measurement and communications. The attachment may include integrated measurement coils or sensors connected to built-in power management electronics, a control computer, and/or a powerline communications module.

Abstract: A capacitor charging circuit is provided in a utility meter. The utility meter includes a measurement circuit configured to provide consumption data, a memory configured to store the consumption data from the measurement circuit, and a communications device configured to transmit the consumption data to a remote location. The utility meter also includes a power supply configured to supply an unregulated DC voltage and a regulated voltage within the utility meter. The regulated DC voltage is output from a voltage regulator and is provided to the measurement circuit. The unregulated DC voltage is supplied to the communications device. The capacitor charging circuit is configured to charge a capacitor with the unregulated DC voltage when the regulated DC voltage is provided to the charging circuit from the voltage regulator. The capacitor charging circuit may be a supercapacitor charging circuit.

Abstract: An offset compensation scheme using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is disclosed. In some embodiments, a DAC is coupled to a circuit having an undesired current or voltage offset and is configured to at least in part compensate for the undesired current or voltage offset. For example, in some embodiments, the DAC injects current or voltage into the circuit that shifts a current or voltage of the circuit by an amount equal or similar in magnitude but opposite in polarity to a shift in the current or voltage of the circuit caused by the undesired current or voltage offset.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring reactive power which uses a pair of quadrate carriers to add a 90 degree phase shift to a voltage path or a current path in a power meter. The quadrate carriers have the same frequency but are offset in phase from each other by 90 degrees.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed. The printer includes one or more sub-components each having a meter to track energy usage at the sub-component during an event and a controller to receive energy usage data accrued at one or more of the meters during the event.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for evaluating load power consumption utilizing a power meter are provided. A power line signal for a structure associated with a power meter may be measured by the power meter. The power line signal may be decomposed by the power meter into respective power consumption data for a plurality of individual loads powered by the power line signal. The power consumption data for a load included in the plurality of individual loads may be compared by the power meter to expected power consumption data for the load. Based at least in part upon the comparison, the power meter may determine whether the load is operating within one or more desired parameters.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of power supply units to be tested, an electric load, a power meter, a multimeter, and a computer. Each of the plurality of power supply units has an input terminal connected to an AC power source via a switch module and an output terminal capable of outputting a plurality of power rails to an output bus via the switch module. The electric load is connected to the output bus for receiving the plurality of power rails. The power meter is configured for measuring an input power of each of the plurality of power supply units. The multimeter is configured for measuring an output power of each of the plurality of power supply units. The computer configured to calculate a conversion efficiency of each of the plurality of the power supply units.

Abstract: A power monitoring system that reduces the need for external power calculation devices while simplifying the configuration of power meters.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an electrical parameter of a circuit includes a measuring unit, a plurality of connection terminals and a selection switch. The measuring unit measures the electrical parameter. The selection switch selectively causes a conduction between the selection switch and at least one of the plurality of connection terminals.

Abstract: A noise measurement system in a power stabilization network, a variable filter applied to the power stabilization network, and a method for measuring noise in the power stabilization network are provided. A power line communication signal from the power stabilization network is attenuated relative to a particular frequency using a filter in order to allow the power line communication signal to operate within an input range of an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) measurer. A signal from a forbidden frequency band is transmitted to the EMI measurer without any attenuation or influence on a noise floor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an approach that uses a wattmeter to determine hydraulic fluid parameters. In one aspect, a controller uses the electric power measured by the wattmeter to determine the power delivered to hydraulic fluid delivered by a hydraulic pump unit to a hydraulic fluid consuming device and the volumetric flow rate of the hydraulic fluid delivered to the hydraulic fluid consuming device by the hydraulic pump unit.

Abstract: An alternating current (AC) power supply measuring circuit includes a voltage dividing circuit, a measuring integrated circuit (IC), a control board, and a first power rectifying circuit. The voltage dividing circuit receives an AC voltage signal and divides the AC voltage signal to a first voltage dividing signal and a second voltage dividing signal. The measuring IC receives the first and second voltage dividing signals to obtain an AC voltage measuring signal. The control board receives the AC voltage measuring signal and processes the AC voltage measuring signal. The first power rectifying circuit provides a floating ground signal to the voltage dividing circuit.

Abstract: A printing system is provided. A user directs an instruction apparatus to an electronic board in a state where an image of image data to be desirably printed is displayed, and presses a file selection button. While pressing the file selection button, the user directs the instruction apparatus to a printer desirably caused to print, and while directing the instruction apparatus to the printer, the user releases the file selection button. When the print instruction button is pressed while the instruction apparatus being directed to the printer, desired image data is printed from the printer to which the instruction apparatus is directed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting an electronic measuring device inside the housing a pad mount low voltage distribution power transformer are provided. The space inside a transformer enclosure cover contains the power input and output connections and cables. The electronic measuring device includes a surface mounting assembly that is configured to mount the measuring device at multiple locations of the housing.

Abstract: A current detector includes a plate conductor (4) that is folded in one portion in a longitudinal direction to have two parts parallel to and facing each other having a predetermined width (w1) therebetween, so as to compose a looped current path (2a) in the conductor, and a magneto-electric transducer (2) that is placed between the two parts of the conductor (4; 4a, 4b) so that a magnetic sensing axis is parallel to a width direction of the conductor (4), of which a length (a) in a direction of the magnetic sensing axis is smaller than the width (w1) of the conductor.

Abstract: An improved meter and its operation is described. The meter can be a part of a larger automated meter reading process that allows for remote reading of the meter though power line communication. Using a microcomputer core, the meter processes incoming analog data and can calculate several relevant data values need by utility providers. The meter can also be used to monitor and detect tampering dry connect/voltage free devices, such as gas and water meters, connected to the meter.

Abstract: A power monitoring system configurable to monitor electrical energy sensed by multiple sensors of one or more sensor arrays which may be organized in one of several array arrangements.

Abstract: An electronic device records a first time and then a second time, each when connected to an AC power source. After the electronic device records the first and second times, the electronic device calculates a difference by subtracting the second time from the first and determines a power outage occurred by verifying that the difference is greater than a threshold. After determining that a power outage occurred, the electronic device may display one or more messages regarding the determined power outage either automatically or in response to user input received from the user input device. In some implementations, the first and second time may be part of a sequence of times that the electronic device regularly records at fixed interval of electronic device operation. In other implementations, the first time may be regularly recorded and the second time may be recorded upon the occurrence of an event.

Abstract: The service phase of the electrical connection to a customer endpoint device located within a power distribution system is determined by various techniques. At the feeder level, the system may be programmed to induce momentary power interruptions, thereby causing missed zero crossings at the customer endpoint devices. The pattern of these interruptions is a controlled one, designed specifically to avoid causing noticeable disruption even to sensitive devices, but to be unusual enough that it is statistically unlikely to be naturally occurring. The monitoring of the zero crossing information is used to determine the phase of the service line to the customer endpoint devices.

Abstract: A switch sensor apparatus, an electrical meter, and a method of manufacturing an electrical meter are disclosed herein. A polyphase electrical meter incorporates a number of switch sensor apparatuses that each have a current sensor and a relay arranged relatively perpendicularly to each other and electrically connected via an electrical conductor. The switch sensor apparatuses may be arranged in a compact configuration. In this way, a polyphase meter can provide full service disconnect functionality while remaining sufficiently compact to fit in an ANSI standard housing.

Abstract: Provided is a measurement apparatus that measures power of a modulated signal that is modulated with a carrier signal having a prescribed frequency, comprising an AD converting section that outputs a digital modulated signal obtained by AD converting the modulated signal; a frequency converting section that converts the digital modulated signal into a frequency component signal representing a plurality of signal components at respective frequencies; a correction coefficient output section that outputs, for each frequency, a correction coefficient corresponding to a frequency characteristic of a transmission path on which the modulated signal is transmitted; a correcting section that corrects the signal component of each frequency in the frequency component signal using the correction coefficient of the corresponding frequency; and a power calculating section that calculates the power of the modulated signal based on the signal component of each frequency in the corrected frequency component signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of detecting the configuration of a network having a feeder line with a plurality of feeder meters and distribution transformer meters (DTMs) coupled thereto and with one or more customer meters and/or customer configuration modules coupled to the distribution transformers. The method includes the steps of having each of the feeder meters transmit a uniquely identifiable signal through the feeder line. The DTMs then identifying the phase of each of the uniquely identifiable signals and then transmitting the phase of each of the uniquely identifiable signals to a data collector along with a unique DTM identifier. The connectivity relationship between the feeder meters and distribution transformer meters is then extrapolated by comparing the phase information transmitted by the DTMs.

Abstract: A power meter has a connector block with prongs for plugging the connector block into a wall socket and also has a socket for receiving the plug of a power cord of an electrical device. A display unit is tethered to the connector block such that values associated with energy usage of the electrical device may be shown on the display but remote from the wall socket. The power meter may calculate a cost associated with the energy usage of the device and display the cost information on the remote display.

Abstract: A power monitoring system that reduces the need for transient voltage suppressors while using current transformers on an associated support operating using a current mode.

Abstract: Delivered power detection for power amplifiers (PAs) and related systems and methods are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments and techniques provide a delivered power indication for systems using PAs, including such systems for cellular telephone applications, allow power detection circuitry to be integrated on the same integrated circuit die as the PA, and provide power detection circuitry with output signals at baseband frequencies. In one embodiment, the delivered power detection circuitry includes output voltage level detection circuitry and output current level detection circuitry that provide current signals to multiplier circuitry, which in turn provides current output signals proportional to the actual delivered power to the load as represented by the incident power to the load reduced by the reflected power.

Abstract: A metering device for metering energy delivered to customers over electrical wires from a power distribution cabinet. The metering device has a plurality of current transformers, each capable of receiving one of the electrical wires and connections for the line voltages which drive the wires. The current transformers are arranged for physical correspondence to the power outputs of the power distribution cabinet. Circuitry connected to the current transformers and line voltage connections meter the energy over the electrical wires.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for integrating directly within an electricity meter components corresponding to a high current switch. Line and load terminals forming a portion of the high current switch also correspond to line and load terminals configured for insertion into an electricity meter socket. Plural pairs of spring elements are connected at one end thereof to the meter load terminal while the opposite ends of the spring elements carry contacts configured to cooperate with matching contacts on a conductive support. The conductive support is coupled to the line terminal by a further conductive bar that is configured to support a flux-concentrating core for measurement of current flow through the high current switch. The present subject matter has to do with integrating a service disconnect switch directly into the base of a meter so as to provide a dual functionality component.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device for monitoring and determining an amount of electrical power usage by a consumer, or end user, and for providing broadband Internet access to the consumer. The intelligent electronic device includes at least one sensor coupled to an electric circuit configured for measuring at least one power parameter of the electrical circuit and generating at least one analog signal indicative of the at least one power parameter; at least one digital to analog converter coupled to the at least one sensor configured for receiving the at least one analog signal and converting the at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal; a processor configured for receiving the at least one digital signal and calculating energy consumption in the electrical circuit; and a gateway configured for receiving data transmissions imposed on the electrical circuit and for demodulating the imposed data transmission for providing data communications.

Abstract: An energy distribution system (2) is provided having a metering box (6) having a housing portion (14) and a cover (16), the cover being lockable to the metering box. An energy meter (32) is provided in the metering box with a first connector (34) extending to a wall (20) of the metering box with a connectable portion of the connector extending through an opening (26). Incoming or outgoing cables to or from the power source can be connected to the connector (34), and the connectors (34,36) are lockable to each other where the disconnection of the connectors can only be made by opening the metering box cover (16) and disconnecting the connectors from the inside of the metering box.

Abstract: An integral electronic revenue meter system diagnostics package including a microprocessor, storage memory, preselect series of system diagnostic tests, and recording any results which exceed predefined programmable thresholds, and display means for displaying error and/or diagnostic messages identifying selected diagnostic data and/or errors discovered in the meter tests during a predefined period is included as part of an electricity revenue meter of the type used for collecting metering data for a utility which uses such data for billing purposes. The system automatically senses the type of electrical service in which the revenue meter is installed when the revenue meter is installed in a socket at the customer's premises.

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 embodiment of a voltage-measuring circuit includes: a first resistor connected to a first measurement node; a second resistor connected to the first resistor and a second measurement node; a configuration switch configured to, in response to a control signal, selectively interconnect the first and second resistors, during enable and disable phases of the control signal respectively, into and out of either a parallel or a series configuration; and a control and measurement circuit configured to provide the control signal, receive a first measurement voltage from the first and second measurement nodes during the enable phase, and receive a second measurement voltage from the first and second measurement nodes during the disable phase.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of determining the dissipated power of an electronic switch. According to the invention it is proposed that the instantaneous value of a physical quantity is detected, a value correlated with the instantaneous value is polled from a first memory, the two values are processed together in a predetermined manner and the result of the processing operation is outputted.

Abstract: An electricity meter capable of minimizing a risk of data destruction in case of lightning or surge that involves improperly high voltage is provided. The electricity meter includes a measurement part, an operation part, and an insulation part. The measurement part includes a detection unit to detect electricity consumption of an objective system and a transmission unit to wirelessly transmit data representative of the detected electricity consumption. The operation part includes a reception unit to receive the wirelessly transmitted data and an operation unit to process the received data into data representative of electric energy consumed by the objective system. The insulation part electrically insulates the measurement part and operation part from each other.

Abstract: A kilowatt-hour meter with remote environment detect and control is provided. Besides calculating and display a quantity of used electricity through the kilowatt-hour meter, the kilowatt-hour meter with remote environment detect and control can also perform remote data collection and environment detect and control through an Ethernet. A plurality of the kilowatt-hour meters with remote environment detect and control can be connected through network connection, so as to detect and control situations related to safety of using electricity such as over current warning, environment state, access control, etc., for prompt processing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a capability to perform automatic switching between a primary and secondary power source and primary source metering in the same meter enclosure.

Abstract: A method of state estimation is provided, including: (a) acquiring a plurality of positive sequence voltage and current phasor measurements; (b) designating a reference positive sequence voltage phasor measurement from the acquired phasor measurements; (c) correcting the acquired phasor measurements to account for the reference phasor measurement; (d) calculating complex power having a real component and an imaginary component, using the corrected positive sequence voltage and current phasor measurement; (e) using the real component of said complex power as a calculated mega-watt and the imaginary component of the complex power as a calculated mega-volt-ampere; and (f) using the mega-watt and mega volt-ampere calculations in a state estimation algorithm.

Abstract: A lamp includes a generator that generates electricity. A battery stores the generated electricity. A light source produces light from the stored electricity. A metering device tallies an operating parameter indicative of the amount of electrical energy consumed by the lamp.

Abstract: A current detector includes a plate conductor (4) that is folded in one portion in a longitudinal direction to have two parts parallel to and facing each other having a predetermined width (w1) therebetween, so as to compose a looped current path (2a) in the conductor, and a magneto-electric transducer (2) that is placed between the two parts of the conductor (4; 4a, 4b) so that a magnetic sensing axis is parallel to a width direction of the conductor (4), of which a length (a) in a direction of the magnetic sensing axis is smaller than the width (w1) of the conductor.

Abstract: A modular energy meter, containing at least a power line access module, the power line access module containing at least a phase line access portion having an input end and an output end, and a zero line access portion having an input end and an output end, and at least one modular energy metering device each having a phase line input end, a zero line input end, and a phase line output end. The input end of the phase line access portion is connected to a phase line of a power line. The input end of the zero line access portion is connected to a zero line of the power line. The modular energy metering device operates to measure energy values output from a phase line output end and a zero line output end of the power line. The output end of the phase line access portion is connected to the phase line input end of the modular energy metering device. The phase line output end of the modular energy metering device is connected to a phase line output line.

Abstract: A meter device for checking the measurements of an electrical meter, such as that used by electrical utilities is provided. The meter device has a base with electrical phase conductors arranged to couple with a meter socket. A housing is attached to the base. Electrical connectors are arranged on the end of the phase conductors within the housing. The electrical connectors are arranged to couple with an electrical meter. One or more lead conductors is also provided. Each lead conductor has a first end coupled to the electrical connector and a second end coupled to the associated phase conductor. Each lead conductor includes a middle portion arranged outside of the housing.

Abstract: A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing.

Abstract: An energy measurement by an electric meter is determined by a method, comprising the steps of: determining a normalization constant (K) representative of a unit of measured energy for each pulse generated by said electric meter; receiving a pulse by said electric meter; and generating an energy measurement by applying said normalization constant to said received pulse.

Abstract: A method for generating an energy pulse representative of a unit of consumed energy is disclosed, comprising the steps of: receiving a first energy measurement; receiving a second energy measurement; and if the second energy is greater than or equal to an energy threshold, generating an energy measurement pulse as a function of said first energy measurement, said second energy measurement, and said energy threshold.