Testing And Calibrating Electric Meters (e.g., Watt-hour Meters) Patents (Class 324/74)
-
Patent number: 8482908Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.Inventors: Dennis W. Schwartz, Eric Metzger, John A. Olson, Ronald D. Benson, Eric Tabaska
-
Publication number: 20130134961Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventor: Zhiming Deng
-
Patent number: 8446143Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: National Instruments CorporationInventors: Mark Whittington, Zaher G. Harb
-
Publication number: 20130119972Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2013Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: BELKIN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
-
Publication number: 20130088213Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: VERIS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: David PIERSON
-
Publication number: 20120319674Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, Sani R. Nassif
-
Publication number: 20120319675Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, Sani R. Nassif
-
Publication number: 20120313618Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: Teradyne, Inc.Inventor: Bradley A Phillips
-
Patent number: 8332175Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hui Li
-
Publication number: 20120310557Abstract: A power and energy meter self configures the pulse weight and pulse duration for pulse communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: VERIS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Marc Bowman, Aaron Parker
-
Publication number: 20120299575Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventor: XIAO-LIAN HE
-
Publication number: 20120299574Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: CHUANG-WEI TSENG, CHI-MIN WANG, CHIH-YU YEH, CHIA-MING YEH
-
Patent number: 8310224Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.Inventor: Kiran Karnik
-
Patent number: 8248059Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Elster Solutions, LLCInventor: David Michael Cooper
-
Patent number: 8235747Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: Steven Bruce Fish
-
Publication number: 20120098518Abstract: 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 meType: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuji Unagami, Masao Nonaka, Yuichi Futa, Hideki Matsushima, Natsume Matsuzaki
-
Publication number: 20120007580Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Ryangsu KIM
-
Publication number: 20120001617Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventor: Brett S. Reynolds
-
Publication number: 20110309820Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: Satish Sharadrao Khanke, Thrishul Patil
-
Patent number: 8081426Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Terry Archer, Jennifer Nuckolls, Timothy Allen Dyer, Norbert Lindner
-
Publication number: 20110298462Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Brian Clark, Mark E. Flaum, Jan Morley, Jaideva Goswami, Miguel F. Pabon
-
Patent number: 8072348Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Enel Distribuzione S.p.A.Inventor: Sergio Rogai
-
Publication number: 20110254536Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: ROSENBERGER HOCHFREQUENZTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Thomas Zelder, Bernd Geck
-
Patent number: 8041528Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Spinner GmbHInventors: Martin Grassl, Anton Lindner, Reimer Nagel, Michael Lege
-
Publication number: 20110212648Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Steven Bruce Fish
-
Publication number: 20110187345Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: TRIQUINT SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.Inventor: Kiran Karnik
-
Patent number: 7973673Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Itron, Inc.Inventors: Robert Kent Payne, Wayne Andrew Lien
-
Publication number: 20110133721Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akira Tsujiko, Tomitaro Hara, Takuichi Arai, Yohei Shindo, Takeshi Abe, Daisuke Teramoto, Keiko Wasada, Sachie Yuasa
-
Patent number: 7940199Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Mediatek Inc.Inventors: Chien-Ming Chen, Chen-Yu Hsiao
-
Patent number: 7908108Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Princeton Technology CorporationInventors: Cheng-Yung Teng, Li-Jieu Hsu
-
Patent number: 7830134Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Ladybug Technologies LLCInventors: Richard R. Hawkins, Jon R. Sigler
-
Patent number: 7683605Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge TechInventors: Erran Kagan, Tibor Banhegyesi
-
Patent number: 7683603Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Todd M. Lathrop, Ronald D. Hartzel, David R. Welsh
-
Patent number: 7667567Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventor: Ronald Alfred Saracco
-
Publication number: 20090322310Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Mark Whittington, Zaher G. Harb
-
Patent number: 7623043Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nadeem I. Mizra, Michael Coleman, Lawrence A. Sollecito, Jeffrey G. Mazereeuw
-
Publication number: 20090243586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventor: Hubert Ostmeier
-
Patent number: 7535333Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Samson AGInventors: Stefan Flentge, Fausto Crespo Vidal
-
Patent number: 7511468Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventors: Alexander McEachern, Matthew Muh
-
Patent number: 7508190Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Electro Industries/Gauge Tech.Inventors: Erran Kagan, Tibor Banhegyesi
-
Patent number: 7466118Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Powersense A/SInventor: Lars Nørgaard Bjørn
-
Patent number: 7412338Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: 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: 7398168Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Genscape Intangible Holding, Inc.Inventors: Sterling Lapinski, Deirdre Alphenaar, Stephen Deese
-
Publication number: 20080084199Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Richard R. Hawkins, Jon R. Sigler
-
Patent number: 7342507Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Power Measurement Ltd.Inventors: Rene T. Jonker, Piotr B. Przydatek, Colin N. Gunn, Michael E. Teachman, Constantine A. Antoniou
-
Patent number: 7304467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventor: Ladislav Grno
-
Patent number: 7271735Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Enel Distribuzione S.p.A.Inventor: Sergio Rogai
-
Patent number: 7239125Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLCInventors: Rodney C. Hemminger, Mark L. Munday
-
Patent number: 7236897Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventor: Guljeet S. Gandhi
-
Patent number: RE40889Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Inventors: David C. Carlson, Jason M. Thurmond, Jeffrey J. Farago, Kenneth L. McMahon, Thomas J. Seifert, Robert C. Ditmore, Avery D. Long