Testing And Calibrating Electric Meters (e.g., Watt-hour Meters) Patents (Class 324/74)
  • Patent number: 8482908
    Abstract: A sealed electronic meter register with no moving parts and no bottom wall or bottom cover includes a casing of plastic with an open bottom. A viewing window is snap fitted into a top wall of the casing. A gasket is placed on top of an electronic numerical display and under the viewing window. The display is placed on top of a frame that is positioned face down into the casing. An electronic circuit board with the processing circuitry of the device is attached to the bottom of the frame. A polyurethane compound sealing material is deposited though a hole in the circuit board and onto the backside of the display. An epoxy-resin sealant is then deposited from the bottom of the housing to seal over everything in the housing to protect the components and provide an exposed bottom surface for the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Schwartz, Eric Metzger, John A. Olson, Ronald D. Benson, Eric Tabaska
  • Publication number: 20130134961
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing power detection includes a squarer module and a calibration module that is coupled to the squarer module, where the squarer module includes a first squarer and a second squarer. The first squarer is arranged to convert an input signal of the squarer module into a first squarer output signal. In addition, the second squarer is arranged to output a second squarer output signal while a predetermined voltage level is input into an input terminal of the second squarer. Additionally, the calibration module is arranged to compare a difference between the first squarer output signal and the second squarer output signal with a reference signal to generate a comparison signal, and to compensate the difference according to the comparison signal, so as to perform a calibration on the apparatus. A method for performing power detection is also provided, and can be performed by utilizing the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Zhiming Deng
  • Patent number: 8446143
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a self-calibration circuit may solve the problem that arises in high performance oscilloscopes and in particular, RF oscilloscopes, of internally providing a precision calibration signal without degrading the bandwidth, flatness of the frequency response, and input return loss of the oscilloscope. The self-calibration circuit may be configured to implement an impedance transformation technique where active and passive circuit elements with carefully chosen values are configured in an impedance converter. During self-calibration, switching elements comprised in the self-calibration circuit may be toggled to create a servo loop comprising an amplifier within the circuit, with an attenuator and resistive component acting as feedback elements. The circuit may hence become an impedance gyrator and behave as a precision source with an impedance matching the input impedance of the load circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Whittington, Zaher G. Harb
  • Publication number: 20130119972
    Abstract: Some embodiments can concern a method of using an electrical sensor device. The method can include: determining a first current measurement of a first current in an electrical power infrastructure and a first phase angle measurement of the first current; determining that a first load is coupled to the electrical power infrastructure; while the first load is coupled to the electrical power infrastructure, determining a second current measurement of a second current in the electrical power infrastructure and a second phase angle measurement of the second current; and using a Kalman filter to determine one or more first calibration coefficients for the electrical sensor device at least in part using the first current measurement, the second current measurement, the first phase angle, and the second phase angle. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130088213
    Abstract: A current switch that can be reset when it is not powered automatically calibrates itself when the circuit monitored by the current switch is energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: VERIS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: David PIERSON
  • Publication number: 20120319674
    Abstract: Calibration of a non-contact current sensor provides improved accuracy for measuring current conducted through a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire. In a calibration mode, a predetermined current is injected through a voltage sensing conductor integrated in the non-contact current sensor. The magnitude of the magnetic field is measured using a sensing element of the non-contact current sensor. Then, when operating in measurement mode, a current conducted in a wire passing through the non-contact current sensor is determined by correcting the output of the non-contact current sensor using the result of the measurement made in the calibration mode. The voltage sensing conductor is used to provide an indication of the magnitude and/or the phase of the electrostatic potential on the wire. The calibration current may be a DC current, and calibration may be performed while the conductor is carrying an AC current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, Sani R. Nassif
  • Publication number: 20120319675
    Abstract: Calibration of a non-contact voltage sensor provides improved accuracy for measuring voltage on a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire. In a calibration mode, a predetermined voltage is imposed on a first voltage sensing conductor integrated in the non-contact voltage sensor, while a voltage on a second voltage sensing conductor is measured using a circuit of predetermined input impedance. The capacitance between the wire and each of the voltage sensing conductors may be the same, so that in measurement mode, when the first and second voltage sensing conductors are coupled together, the effective series capacitance provided in combination with the predetermined input impedance is four times as great. The results of the voltage measurement made in the calibration mode can thereby be used to adjust subsequent voltage measurements made in measurement mode with the first and second voltage sensing conductors combined in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, Sani R. Nassif
  • Publication number: 20120313618
    Abstract: Calibrating test equipment may include: aligning timing of a first group of channels in the test equipment; aligning timing of a second group of channels in the test equipment, with the second group of channels being different from the first group of channels; determining a misalignment in timing between a first channel and a second channel, with the first channel being from the first group of channels, and the second channel being from the second group of channels; and compensating, for the misalignment, channels in at least one of the first group or the second group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley A Phillips
  • Patent number: 8332175
    Abstract: An oscilloscope probe calibrating system for a single terminal probe and a differential probe includes an oscilloscope, a main branch module, a sub-branch module, and a resistor. The oscilloscope includes multiple inputs for receiving signals from the single terminal probe and the differential probe, an output for outputting an original calibration signal, and a display module displaying the waveforms of the original calibration signal and the signals from the single terminal probe and the differential probe. The main branch module converts the original calibration signals to a number of first calibration signals. The sub-branch module converts the first calibration signals to a number of second calibration signals. The sub-branch module includes a single terminal sub-branch module and a differential sub-branch module coupled to the main branch module. One end of the resistor is connected between the main branch module and the differential sub-branch module, and the other end is grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui Li
  • Publication number: 20120310557
    Abstract: A power and energy meter self configures the pulse weight and pulse duration for pulse communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: VERIS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Bowman, Aaron Parker
  • Publication number: 20120299575
    Abstract: A load regulation circuit used for calibrating a voltage drop tester includes a voltage control switch, a first resistor group, a power control switch and a second resistor group electrically connected to the first resistor group through the power control switch. When the voltage control switch is switched on to different positions, the first resistor group provides different loads and load voltages for the voltage drop tester. When the power control switch is turned on or off, the first resistor group and the second resistor group provide corresponding loads and load powers for the voltage drop tester to calibrate and correct operating parameter of the voltage drop tester. The load regulation circuit can simulate and replace different electronic device to calibrate the voltage drop tester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: XIAO-LIAN HE
  • Publication number: 20120299574
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a connector and a connecting apparatus. The connector includes a first pin and a shell surrounding the first pin. The shell is insulated from the first pin. The connecting apparatus includes a main body, a second pin, and a third pin. The main body is connected to a bottom of the shell of the connector. First ends of the second and third pins extend through the main body, to be electrically connected to the first pin and the shell, respectively. Second ends of the second and third pins are exposed through a bottom of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHUANG-WEI TSENG, CHI-MIN WANG, CHIH-YU YEH, CHIA-MING YEH
  • Patent number: 8310224
    Abstract: Embodiments of circuits, devices, and methods related to calibration circuits are disclosed. In various embodiments, a calibration circuit may be used for calibrating a power detector circuit. In various other embodiments, a calibration circuit may be used for calibrating a resistor module. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Kiran Karnik
  • Patent number: 8248059
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Elster Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: David Michael Cooper
  • Patent number: 8235747
    Abstract: The Invention relates to the field of power factor correction in general. Specifically, the Invention comprises a device for insertion between the power meter of an electrical utility supply and the load which is further comprised of an electrical capacitance that is sized by the method of the Invention to improve the electrical power factor of the system as measured at the meter. The benefits of the Invention include increased power factor, lower power consumption, lower energy costs, and ease of installation due to its novel plug-in packaging approach wherein a utility meter adapter embodiment of the present invention containing power factor correcting circuit capacitor(s) plugs between a utility meter and its meter socket. The device of the invention installs between the power meter and power meter receptacle without requiring significant effort or time for installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Bruce Fish
  • Publication number: 20120098518
    Abstract: A detection apparatus (102) connected to a device in a residence and an electricity meter (100) indicating an amount of electric power consumed by the device in the residence, the detection apparatus (102) including: a reception unit (1021) which receives the amount of electric power from the electricity meter (100); a collection unit (1024) which collects usage status of the device; a device information holding unit (1027) which holds device information including the usage status of the device and electric power consumption of the device corresponding to the usage status; and a determination unit (1025) which determines whether or not the electricity meter (100) is tampered, by comparing an estimated electric power consumption amount with the amount of electric power received by the reception unit (1021), the estimated electric power consumption amount being estimated from the usage status of the device by using the device information, in which the determination unit (1025) determines that the electricity me
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Unagami, Masao Nonaka, Yuichi Futa, Hideki Matsushima, Natsume Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20120007580
    Abstract: A first envelope detector circuit and a second envelope detector circuit are the same in circuit configuration, where the former detects an input high frequency signal, and the latter generates a reference voltage for power level detection. A detector detects an output voltage of a selector configured to select an output of the first envelope detector circuit with reference to an output voltage of a selector configured to select an output of the second envelope detector circuit. A controller controls an input selector to determine and store control values for the two selectors during input of a high frequency reference signal generated by a high frequency reference signal generating unit, and controls the two selectors by using the stored control values when an actual high frequency signal is input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Ryangsu KIM
  • Publication number: 20120001617
    Abstract: A system for accurate measurement and monitoring of AC or DC electrical current flowing through electrical conductors includes one or more current sensors, a receiver, and one or more calibration signal generators (“CSG's”) that can be plugged into outlets or otherwise coupled to the conductors so as to add automated, time-varying calibration signals to the conductors, such as current pulses or pulse patterns. The sensors are placed on a circuit breaker panel, around a cable, or otherwise near the conductors. The receiver distinguishes the calibration signals by their timing, pulse patterns, frequencies, or other time-varying features, uses their known amplitudes to calibrate the sensitivity of each sensor to each conductor, and determines the current flowing in each conductor. Among other applications, the invention can monitor building current usage, CO and data center power usage and distribution, and power line current leakage, and can calibrate invasive and/or non-invasive current sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Brett S. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20110309820
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a health of a metering system are provided. The metering system includes a meter base including a meter bus couplable between an electrical source and an electrical load, a plurality of sensors configured to determine electrical characteristics of electrical power in the meter bus, and a processor configured to execute at least one code segment. The code segments instruct the processor to determine revenue parameters for the metering system, determine at least one fault of a plurality of possible faults associated with the operation of the metering system using outputs from the plurality of sensors, the determination of the revenue parameters, and a processing fault generated by the processor, determine a severity level of each of the at least one faults, and determine a single value for a health of the metering system using the determined at least one fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Satish Sharadrao Khanke, Thrishul Patil
  • Patent number: 8081426
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing access to calibration controls includes a primary cover including a connection device, an access opening and a first through hole. The primary cover is configured to exclude access to an underlying area. The access opening is located on the primary cover to permit access to the underlying area when securing the primary cover. A shield is configured to fit over the primary cover and prevent access to the access opening. The shield includes a latch portion configured to latch on a first end portion of the primary cover and a second through hole located at a second end portion and corresponding to the first through hole of the primary cover. A security mechanism is configured to be received in the first and second through holes such that the security mechanism shows signs of tampering when unauthorized access to the underlying area is attempted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Archer, Jennifer Nuckolls, Timothy Allen Dyer, Norbert Lindner
  • Publication number: 20110298462
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved acquisition of magnetic field data for magnetic ranging while drilling are provided. In one embodiment, such a system may include a borehole assembly and data processing circuitry. The borehole assembly may include an electric current driving tool configured to cause a current to flow across a drill collar of the borehole assembly and an internal magnetometer disposed within the drill collar and between the insulated gap and an end of the borehole assembly, which may be configured to measure magnetic field signals that penetrate the drill collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Clark, Mark E. Flaum, Jan Morley, Jaideva Goswami, Miguel F. Pabon
  • Patent number: 8072348
    Abstract: A system for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of electricity meters comprises a central server AMM in bi-directional communication with a plurality of concentrators. To each concentrator, a set of electricity meters is connected, such that bi-directional communication between each meter and its associated concentrator is possible. The intelligence of the system is distributed between the central server, the concentrators and the electricity meters. To this end, each meter comprises at least a first processor, a first data memory and a first program memory for bi-directional communication with the associated concentrator. The first data memory serves to at least temporarily store and/or transmit the data which have already undergone a first processing by the first processor. Each of the concentrators comprises a second processor, a second program memory and a second data memory as well as means for a bi-directional communication with a central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Enel Distribuzione S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Rogai
  • Publication number: 20110254536
    Abstract: A calibration substrate having at least one calibration standard with at least two electrical connection points, each for one measurement gate of a vector network analyzer. At least one electrical connection point is formed of at least one calibration standard having a switch, wherein the switch has a first electrical contact electrically connected to an electrical connection point of the calibration standard, a second electrical contact designed for electrically connecting to a measurement gate of the vector network analyzer, and a third electrical contact, wherein the switch is designed such that an electrical contact is established either between the first and third electrical contact or between the first and second electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Zelder, Bernd Geck
  • Patent number: 8041528
    Abstract: An arrangement for calibrating a vector network analyzer (VNA) is substantially secure against operating errors and offers cost-effective calibration by connecting calibration components. Each calibration component includes a transponder and a non-volatile memory which contains, as non-changeable data, at least the type of the component and an individual identification number and, as changeable data, at least the number of calibration processes performed with this calibration component. The VNA includes a wireless interface for reading at least the non-changeable data of a respective calibration component and for incrementing the stored number of the calibration processes performed with this calibration component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Spinner GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Grassl, Anton Lindner, Reimer Nagel, Michael Lege
  • Publication number: 20110212648
    Abstract: The Invention relates to the field of power factor correction in general. Specifically, the Invention comprises a device for insertion between the power meter of an electrical utility supply and the load which is further comprised of an electrical capacitance that is sized by the method of the Invention to improve the electrical power factor of the system as measured at the meter. The benefits of the Invention include increased power factor, lower power consumption, lower energy costs, and ease of installation due to its novel plug-in packaging approach wherein a utility meter adapter embodiment of the present invention containing power factor correcting circuit capacitor(s) plugs between a utility meter and its meter socket. The device of the invention installs between the power meter and power meter receptacle without requiring significant effort or time for installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Bruce Fish
  • Publication number: 20110187345
    Abstract: Embodiments of circuits, devices, and methods related to calibration circuits are disclosed. In various embodiments, a calibration circuit may be used for calibrating a power detector circuit. In various other embodiments, a calibration circuit may be used for calibrating a resistor module. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: TRIQUINT SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventor: Kiran Karnik
  • Patent number: 7973673
    Abstract: An automated meter reader module can be operably connected to an existing utility meter to provide an endpoint for use in an automated meter reader system. The automated meter reader module can utilize an index attachment drive mechanism to electronically and mechanically monitor consumption of a utility such as water, gas, or electricity. The index attachment of the existing utility meter is attached so that it does not physically impede reception or transmission of radio frequency communications by a patch antenna integrated into a printed circuit board located inside the automated meter reader module. A gasket around the edge of the housing sealingly interfaces with the existing utility meter and a multi-faced cover that allows the registered dials located on the index attached to be viewed from a plurality of vantage points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kent Payne, Wayne Andrew Lien
  • Publication number: 20110133721
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing a malfunction in an abnormal voltage detecting apparatus, which includes breaking an electrical connection between a secondary battery (100) and an abnormal voltage detecting apparatus (40, 31) and connecting the abnormal voltage detecting apparatus to a direct current voltage generating portion (20) that is different from the secondary battery (100), applying direct current voltage that has a predetermined voltage value that is outside of a normal voltage range to the abnormal voltage detecting apparatus (40) using the direct current voltage generating portion, and determining that there is a malfunction in the abnormal voltage detecting apparatus if the abnormal voltage detecting apparatus does not determine that the voltage is abnormal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Tsujiko, Tomitaro Hara, Takuichi Arai, Yohei Shindo, Takeshi Abe, Daisuke Teramoto, Keiko Wasada, Sachie Yuasa
  • Patent number: 7940199
    Abstract: A method for calibrating at least one analog-to-digital converting circuits includes: during a wafer level probe testing or a chip level testing, inputting at least one calibration signal into the analog-to-digital converting circuit to generate at least one digital signal; and calibrating gain or offset of the analog-to-digital converting circuit according to at least the digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Chen, Chen-Yu Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7908108
    Abstract: A circuit testing apparatus for testing a device under test is disclosed. The device under test comprises a first output end and second output end for generating a first output signal and a second output signal, respectively. The circuit testing apparatus determines a test result for the device under test according to the first output signal and the second output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Princeton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Yung Teng, Li-Jieu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7830134
    Abstract: An improved power sensor having an input connector connected to an input port having a center pin and a ground side; an amplifier; first and second detectors; and a thermal stabilization system, including a thermal mass disposed between the ground side of the input connection and the detectors, a ground plane for holding the temperature of thermally sensitive components constant to within 2 degrees C., and a thermal impedance disposed between the center pin of the input port, preferably including a splitter and at least one DC capacitor, and a temperature sensor disposed on the ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ladybug Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Richard R. Hawkins, Jon R. Sigler
  • Patent number: 7683605
    Abstract: A panel meter including an energy test pulse device that enables the panel meter to be used for revenue applications and eliminates the need for two separate meters, one for panel indication, and the other for energy and revenue applications. The electrical panel meter including at least one sensor configured for measuring an electrical parameter; at least one analog-to-digital converter coupled to the at least one sensor for converting the measured electrical parameter to a digital signal; a display for continuously displaying at least one electrical parameter; a processor configured to receive the digital signal and calculate an amount of energy consumed; and a test pulse circuit configured to receive the calculated amount and generate a plurality of pulses equal to the calculated amount, wherein each of the plurality of pulses is equal to a predetermined amount of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech
    Inventors: Erran Kagan, Tibor Banhegyesi
  • Patent number: 7683603
    Abstract: A transfer system includes an energy meter, a transfer switch, an automatic disconnect device, and a detector. The energy meter includes an input structured to receive a first power source, and a power output. The transfer switch includes a first input electrically connected to the power output of the energy meter, a second input, an output, and a mechanism structured to transfer one of the first and second inputs to the output of the transfer switch. The automatic disconnect device includes a first input structured to receive a second power source, a second input, an output, and a mechanism structured to electrically connect or disconnect the first input and the output of the automatic disconnect device responsive to the second input. The detector is structured to detect presence of the energy meter and output a corresponding signal to the second input of the automatic disconnect device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. Lathrop, Ronald D. Hartzel, David R. Welsh
  • Patent number: 7667567
    Abstract: A voltage divider for high precision voltage measurement has one or more pair of potentiometers. The wipers of each pair of potentiometers are ganged so that the sum of their resistances relative to a first end of the respective potentiometer is a constant. An output potentiometer or a pair of resistors provide an output for measuring the output voltage. The resolution of the voltage divider is the product of the resolution of each potentiometer pair and the output potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald Alfred Saracco
  • Publication number: 20090322310
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a self-calibration circuit may solve the problem that arises in high performance oscilloscopes and in particular, RF oscilloscopes, of internally providing a precision calibration signal without degrading the bandwidth, flatness of the frequency response, and input return loss of the oscilloscope. The self-calibration circuit may be configured to implement an impedance transformation technique where active and passive circuit elements with carefully chosen values are configured in an impedance converter. During self-calibration, switching elements comprised in the self-calibration circuit may be toggled to create a servo loop comprising an amplifier within the circuit, with an attenuator and resistive component acting as feedback elements. The circuit may hence become an impedance gyrator and behave as a precision source with an impedance matching the input impedance of the load circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Whittington, Zaher G. Harb
  • Patent number: 7623043
    Abstract: A module for an electrical distribution system is provided. The module includes a socket board electrically coupled to the electrical distribution system. A plurality of sockets is mounted on the socket board. Each socket defines a port. A sensor is positioned within each port and is electrically coupled to the socket board. The sensors are configured to carry at least one of a primary current and a secondary current. A metering component is electrically coupled to the socket board and configured to measure current carried by the sensors. A communication module is electrically coupled to the metering component and in communication with a monitoring device. The communication module is configured to transmit metering data to the monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nadeem I. Mizra, Michael Coleman, Lawrence A. Sollecito, Jeffrey G. Mazereeuw
  • Publication number: 20090243586
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an apparatus for testing a protective, measuring or metering device as a constituent part of a high or medium voltage installation, more specifically of a utility protective relay, of a generator protective device, of a current meter and so on in a high or medium voltage installation, a combined terminal and pole block (1) located in the input field of the high or medium voltage installation being connected in the protective field to the protective, measuring or metering device, said terminal and pole block (1) comprising several terminal and pole segments (2) disposed behind each other, each terminal and pole segment (2) comprising on its upper side a pole opening (5) for receiving the pole blade (7) of a plug (8), each terminal and pole segment (2) having a cable clamping apparatus (27; 31) on either side thereof, said cable clamping apparatus (27; 31) being accessible through an opening (22a) for the cable disposed in the side wall of the terminal and pole segment (2)
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Hubert Ostmeier
  • Patent number: 7535333
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a the contact resistance (Rs) of the wiper of a sensor for a variable quantity, with a potentiometer (2), in which the position of the center tap (3) determines the value of the quantity, is improved in such a way that, first, when the sensor is used in an automatic control circuit, no control deviations occur and, second, the contact resistance of the wiper can be monitored with precision. This is achieved by the cyclic switching-on of a load (RLast), so that the contact resistance (Rs) of the wiper can be determined on the basis of the change in the voltage divider ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Samson AG
    Inventors: Stefan Flentge, Fausto Crespo Vidal
  • Patent number: 7511468
    Abstract: A portable harmonics measurement instrument performs in-situ self-calibration of its current transducers and their associated measurement channels and of its voltage probes and their associated measurement channels. In-situ self-calibration is performed immediately before making a measurement on the alternating current power distribution grid. In-situ self-calibration is performed by means of a built-in voltage reference source and a built-in current reference source, which generate highly-accurate voltage and current calibration waveforms with harmonic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander McEachern, Matthew Muh
  • Patent number: 7508190
    Abstract: A panel meter including an energy test pulse device that enables the panel meter to be used for revenue applications and eliminates the need for two separate meters, one for panel indication, and the other for energy and revenue applications. The electrical panel meter including at least one sensor configured for measuring an electrical parameter; at least one analog-to-digital converter coupled to the at least one sensor for converting the measured electrical parameter to a digital signal; a display for continuously displaying at least one electrical parameter; a processor configured to receive the digital signal and calculate an amount of energy consumed; and a test pulse circuit configured to receive the calculated amount and generate a plurality of pulses equal to the calculated amount, wherein each of the plurality of pulses is equal to a predetermined amount of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech.
    Inventors: Erran Kagan, Tibor Banhegyesi
  • Patent number: 7466118
    Abstract: An electric current measurement device includes a housing defining first and second open ends sealed by first and second sealing means, respectively; a first optical fibre received in an aperture in the first sealing means and in optical communication with a first optical lens in the housing; a first polarisation filter in the housing in optical communication with the first lens; a magneto-optical rod within the housing in optical communication with the first polarisation filter; a second polarisation filter in the housing in optical communication with the rod; and a second optical lens in the housing in optical communication with the second polarisation filter. The second sealing means has an aperture for receiving a second optical fibre fixed to the second lens. First and second lids, attachable to the first and second housing ends, respectively, include apertures for receiving the first and second optical fibres, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Powersense A/S
    Inventor: Lars Nørgaard Bjørn
  • Patent number: 7412338
    Abstract: An energy measurement system including a radio frequency (“RF”) device powered by a solar panel. The RF device comprising a wireless communication port operative to transmit and receive communication over a wireless network of additional RF devices. The energy measurement system able to transmit energy parameters of the RF device over the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Power Measurement Ltd.
    Inventors: Arthur B. Wynans, Daniel Alan Cumming, Michael E. Teachman, Eric K. Haight, Daniel N. Loewen, Martin A. Hancock, Colin N. Gunn
  • Patent number: 7398168
    Abstract: A conductor configuration and a power flow of an electric power transmission line set is determined at a location along the line set, and positions in a substantially planar area that is transverse to the line set are determined where a predetermined change in the power flow results in a maximum change in the magnetic field at the positions. A system for monitoring power flow includes a plurality of magnetic field monitors placed at the selected positions, and a central processing facility for communicating the power flow to an end user. A method for monitoring power flow includes selecting positions for placement of a plurality of magnetic field monitors, placing the monitors, determining a power flow, and communicating the power flow to an end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Genscape Intangible Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Sterling Lapinski, Deirdre Alphenaar, Stephen Deese
  • Publication number: 20080084199
    Abstract: An improved power sensor having an input connector connected to an input port having a center pin and a ground side; an amplifier; first and second detectors; and a thermal stabilization system, including a thermal mass disposed between the ground side of the input connection and the detectors, a ground plane for holding the temperature of thermally sensitive components constant to within 2 degrees C., and a thermal impedance disposed between the center pin of the input port, preferably including a splitter and at least one DC capacitor, and a temperature sensor disposed on the ground plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Richard R. Hawkins, Jon R. Sigler
  • Patent number: 7342507
    Abstract: Power quality detection, monitoring, reporting, recording and communication in a revenue accuracy electrical power meter is disclosed. Transient events are detected by monitoring the wave shape of the electrical power and comparing deviations to a known threshold. Sags and Swells are detected by computing root mean square value over a rolling window and comparing the computed value with a known threshold. Harmonic frequencies and symmetrical components are quantified by a known algorithm and compared with a known threshold. Incoming waveforms are stored to memory. All recorded and computed data is moved to non-volatile storage via direct memory access transfer in the event that a power quality event jeopardizes the operating power of the meter. Further, the meter provides a power supply utilizing high and low capacitive storage banks to supply sufficient energy to survive short duration power quality events which jeopardize the meter's operating power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Power Measurement Ltd.
    Inventors: Rene T. Jonker, Piotr B. Przydatek, Colin N. Gunn, Michael E. Teachman, Constantine A. Antoniou
  • Patent number: 7304467
    Abstract: Circuit arrangement for simultaneous testing of electricity meters with interconnected current and voltage circuits comprising plurality of said meters having all voltage terminals associated with the same phase connected parallel to respective voltage source and each of the current terminal pairs of the meters connected to the output of individual zero flux current transducer (ZFCT). The inputs (IW) of the zero flux current transducer, the outputs of which are associated with the same phase of individual meters, are connected in series to a respective current source (I). The zero flux current transducer consists of an input winding (IW), an output winding (OW), a sense winding (SW), a drive winding (DW), a sense core (SC), a drive core (DC) and an amplifier (A). The drive winding comprises the drive core only and the input, output and sense windings comprise both sense core and drive core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Ladislav Grno
  • Patent number: 7271735
    Abstract: A system for the remote acquisition of data and for the remote control of electricity meters comprises a central server AMM in bi-directional communication with a plurality of concentrators. To each concentrator, a set of electricity meters is connected, such that bi-directional communication between each meter and its associated concentrator is possible. The intelligence of the system is distributed between the central server, the concentrators and the electricity meters. To this end, each meter comprises at least a first processor, a first data memory and a first program memory for bi-directional communication with the associated concentrator. The first data memory serves to at least temporarily store and/or transmit the data which have already undergone a first processing by the first processor. Each of the concentrators comprises a second processor, a second program memory and a second data memory as well as means for a bi-directional communication with a central server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Enel Distribuzione S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Rogai
  • Patent number: 7239125
    Abstract: An electronic energy meter senses input voltage and current signals and processes the input voltage and current signals to generate measurements of multiple types of power. The meter comprises a processing system for selecting one of the multiple types of power and defining the same as the selected type of power. The processing system also generates a pulsed test signal representative of a magnitude of a measurement of the selected type of power for testing the operation of the meter. The meter further comprises a communications interface coupled to the processing system for transmitting the pulsed test signal from the meter and for receiving signals from sources external to the meter. Selection of one of the multiple types of power can be achieved by the meter receiving, via the communications interface and from a source external to the meter, a communications command identifying a selected one of the various types of power. The communications interface may comprise an optical communications port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLC
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hemminger, Mark L. Munday
  • Patent number: 7236897
    Abstract: A group metering method (and system) for monitoring electrical energy consumption by a plurality of proximate users replaces multiple individual user-meters by a single electronic meter. A single computational engine computes consumed energy values by the users and deploys a single subsection set (display, real time clock, and non-volatile memory) which can be located on a PCB. The system, usable for single or three phase, may be located out of reach from the users to make it tamper proof. Individual ADCs obtain electrical current values (through current transformers,) of power consumed by individual users and cooperate with a single DSP to compute energy consumption by individual users, readable on a common display in round robin fashion. Differences between the sum of energy values consumed by the users and a consolidated energy reading beyond a known threshold are reported as possible user-tampering. Asynchronous communication ports communicate with display units and AMR modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Guljeet S. Gandhi
  • Patent number: RE40889
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: David C. Carlson, Jason M. Thurmond, Jeffrey J. Farago, Kenneth L. McMahon, Thomas J. Seifert, Robert C. Ditmore, Avery D. Long