Abstract: A power plug for coupling an electrical appliance to an electrical power supply, comprising: a current sensor, configured to measure current supplied through the plug to the electrical appliance; a voltage sensor, configured to measure voltage supplied through the plug to the electrical appliance; a processor configured to determine power consumption data from data relating to the current and voltage measurements made by the current and voltage sensors and monitor the performance of the electrical appliance using the power consumption data; and a transmitter, configured to transmit information relating to the performance of the electrical appliance.

Abstract: A power monitor comprises a current/voltage transformer, an electric energy meter connected in series with the current/voltage transformer, and at least one current regulating element connected between the current/voltage transformer and the electric energy meter. The current/voltage transformer connects the electric energy meter to a load to monitor the electric energy consumed by the load by the electric energy meter. When a current flowing from the current/voltage transformer to the electric energy meter is greater than or equal to a threshold current, the at least one current regulating element reduces the current to less than a rated maximum current of the electric energy meter.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing telecommunications equipment health monitoring and management. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive, from a monitoring sensor(s), one or more characteristics of each of at least one of telecommunications equipment, telecommunications equipment batteries, or battery strings, in some cases via a network maintenance tunnel. The computing system might analyze the monitored one or more characteristics to identify each telecommunications equipment, each telecommunications equipment battery, or each battery string having equipment health issues.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for collecting information related to operation of a breast pump device (1) comprising a pump (31) and a circuit (32) for supplying electric power to the pump (31). The apparatus (10) is accommodated in a power adapter of the device (1) and comprises a detection unit (11) that is configured to detect an electric signal on the circuit (32) of the device (1), a processing unit (12) that is configured to receive the detected electric signal from the detection unit (11) and to process the detected electric signal according to a preset routine in order to generate an information signal representative of information related to use of the device (1), and a transmission unit (13) that is configured to receive the information signal from the processing unit (12) and to transmit the information signal to an external device such as a smartphone (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular data concentrator device for AMI (Advanced Measurement Infrastructure) measurement systems, which is interoperable and has the ability to have the communication protocols of multiple brands of meters embedded and has a fully modular structure, in such a way that one or more communication modules can be integrated, depending on the type of communication of each of the meters to be managed. Thus, the device of the invention allows to manage with the same data concentrator, different brands of meters, whether energy, water or gas, regardless of the communication protocol they use and the communication medium they have, which guarantees to any public utility company that when using this modular device, only a single management software will be required, thus guaranteeing having in a single database format the information of all the managed meters.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing telecommunications equipment health monitoring and management. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive, from a monitoring sensor(s), one or more characteristics of each of at least one of telecommunications equipment, telecommunications equipment batteries, or battery strings, in some cases via a network maintenance tunnel. The computing system might analyze the monitored one or more characteristics to identify each telecommunications equipment, each telecommunications equipment battery, or each battery string having equipment health issues.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for detecting tampering of a fuel dispenser. Power is applied to a valve coil of a fuel dispenser. The valve coil is part of a control valve configured to accomplish a gradated fuel flow of the fuel dispenser. Current flowing through the valve coil is measured in response to the power being applied to the valve coil. The current measurements are compared with predetermined criteria and tampering with the valve coil is determined if the current measurements are sufficiently different than expected.

Abstract: Provided is a utilization-time changing support device including: a household-electrical-appliance power record storage unit storing records of power consumption for each household electrical appliance used in a living space; a power record writing unit receiving information indicating the power consumption of the household electrical appliance from a measuring device that measures the power consumption, and writing, into the household-electrical-appliance power record storage unit, a record of the information as one of the records of the power consumption; a regular use determining unit determining whether or not the household electrical appliance used during a predetermined period is regularly used, based on the records of the power consumption; and a period change possibility determining unit outputting (i) whether or not a utilization period of the household electrical appliance can be changed and (ii) another utilization period as a result of the determination, based on the records of the power consumpti

Abstract: Tampering with an electricity network is detected from an electricity meter by transmitting a probe signal over at least part of the electricity network (12) from a signal source (106a) in the electricity meter (10). A reflected signal produced by reflection of the probe signal in the electricity network (12) is received back. The reflected signal is compared with a reference signal. An alarm signal is generated when said comparing detects a deviation between the reflection signal and the reference signal, in particular when reflections from a new position on the electricity network near the electricity meter are detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting that a removable antenna is electrically connected to a communication device are disclosed. An exemplary detection device includes a visual indicator component and a data indicator component. The visual indicator component electrically connects to an RF antenna connector of the communication device. The visual indicator component generates a visual indicator in response to the RF antenna connector being connected to the removable antenna. The RF antenna connector being connected to the removable antenna provides electrical paths through the visual indicator component and through the data indicator component from at least one voltage source to ground. The data indicator component electrically connects to the RF antenna connector. The data indicator component generates a data indicator in response to the RF antenna connector being connected to the removable antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting tampering associated with a utility meter. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method. The method can include detecting either a rate of change or change in magnitude of a magnetic field associated with a utility meter; based at least in part on the rate of change or the magnitude of the magnetic field, determining that a magnetic event has occurred; upon or after occurrence of the magnetic event, receiving additional utility meter information; based at least in part on the magnetic event and additional utility meter information, determining that meter tampering has occurred; and generating an event indication for transmission to a utility service or for subsequent review by the utility service.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing utility device operations. In one aspect, a utility apparatus includes a processing apparatus that manages data processing tasks for the utility apparatus. The utility apparatus also includes a communications apparatus, coupled to the processing apparatus, that is configured to transmit and receive data over a network. A metrology apparatus is coupled to the processing apparatus, the metrology apparatus being configured to measure and provide meter data that includes at least a measure of utilized utility services. A network apparatus is also coupled to the processing apparatus, the network apparatus being configured to coordinate communication between devices that belong to a home area network. A utility identification module interface is coupled to the processing apparatus, the utility identification module having an interface that removably receives a utility identification module.

Abstract: This invention is a system and process for determining and verifying the voracity of data gathered for use in recording and tracking vehicle usage. The device operates to verify and detect events that may affect data integrity by sensing a condition indicative of faulty data acquisition or of corruption of data integrity. Data evidencing potential problems are encoded and included with normal data uploaded to a central server. The central server compares the encoded entries against criteria that have been determined to indicate potential data inconsistencies.

Abstract: A power supervising system, network and method, the system comprising a domestic unit and at least one auxiliary unit, said domestic unit comprising: digital power meter; data reading, storage and processing means; tampering preventing means: display means; alarm means and communication means for communicating with said at least one auxiliary unit or with a control center of a power supplier; said at least one auxiliary unit comprising: an encasement; breach sensing means; digital power reading and data storage means; communication means for communicating with said domestic unit or said control center of said power supplier.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.

Abstract: A home appliance and a signal output method thereof are disclosed. The home appliance outputs product information in the form of a sound signal, which is transmitted to a service center at a remote site over a communication network so that the service center can readily check the state of the home appliance. A digital signal including product information of the home appliance is converted into a sound signal based on a plurality of frequency signals. Therefore, a larger amount of data can be rapidly transmitted for a fault diagnosis, so as to improve fault diagnosis accuracy.

Abstract: A portable energy monitoring point includes at least one power plug receptacle, each power plug receptacle operably coupled to a separate integral power sensor circuit. Each integral power sensor circuit is configured to determine an electrical current drawn by an electrical load connected to the corresponding at least one power plug receptacle. An integral digital communications circuit is configured to wirelessly transmit to a remote device a power consumption for each of the at least one power plug receptacles. The power consumption is derived from the electrical current drawn by the electrical load connected to the corresponding at least one power plug receptacle.

Abstract: A power management device includes: a calculating unit that calculates the number of parking allowed days of a vehicle, based on information about the battery state and information about the current to be consumed by the vehicle while the vehicle is parked; an obtaining unit that obtains a response indicating the number of parking days from the user in reply to a notification of the number of parking allowed days; and a control unit that causes a notifying unit to notify the user of the number of parking allowed days calculated by the calculating unit, and prohibits an engine stop until the charge amount of the battery reaches the necessary charge amount through a charging operation, when a determining unit determines that the battery needs to be charged in accordance with the number of parking allowed days and the number of parking days obtained by the obtaining unit.

Abstract: An electronic meter tamper detection system and method for sensing the removal of an electricity meter from a meter socket and generating a tamper signal when such removal is detected. The tamper detection circuit includes a control unit having an energy storage device that is charged during normal operation of the electricity meter. When power is interrupted to the electricity meter, the control unit applies a charging voltage to a voltage regulating device within the electricity meter. The voltage regulating device can be charged only when the electricity meter is installed within the meter socket. After applying the charging voltage to the voltage regulating device, the control unit senses whether the voltage regulating device has been charged. If the voltage regulating device has not been charged, the control unit indicates that the meter has been removed from the meter socket.

Abstract: A tamper alarm circuit for detecting a tampered condition of a utility meter is disclosed. The tamper alarm circuit has a transducer coupled to an amplification circuit which is coupled to a detection circuit, the detection circuit generating an alarm condition when the detection circuit determines that a voltage signal generated by the transducer and amplified by the amplification circuit has reached a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide apparatuses, methods, and systems that support measuring and conveying energy consumption by an electrical device. An apparatus includes an energy sensor that measures an incremental energy value consumed by an electrical device. Apparatus obtains the incremental energy value, accumulates an energy usage measurement in accordance with the incremental energy value, provides requested information about energy consumption of the electrical device in response to a request from a network controller, and adjusts the energy usage measurement in accordance with the requested information. The total energy consumption may be partitioned into at least one energy component, in which the at least one energy component corresponds to the energy consumption of the electrical device during an associated time interval. A network controller may use the energy consumption information to determine a new set temperature for a thermostat unit that instructs the device control logic.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for use in an electrical utility meter that includes a metering unit, a service disconnect circuit, and a housing assembly. The service disconnect circuit has a connected state that operably couples utility power lines to a load, and a disconnected state and as armed state that operably decouples the utility power lines from the load. The housing assembly is disposed over the metering unit and the service disconnect circuit, and has at least one electronic indicator visible to an outside of the housing assembly. The electronic indicator is operable to provide a visual signal representative of the service disconnect circuit in the armed state. The housing further includes an externally accessible actuator operably connected to the service disconnect circuit to change the service disconnect switch from the armed state to the connected state.

Abstract: An improved structure of meter, comprising a casing, a circuit board provided in the casing and having a connecting unit for connecting to an external machine, a central processor provided on the circuit board for transmitting the signals among individual unit and machine, a display unit for displaying the condition of the external machine, a correcting memory unit for detecting and memorizing the signals from various machines, a driving control unit for saving the variations in signals from various machines, a monitoring unit for presetting an alarm value and producing an alarm signal, a wireless transmitting unit for receiving the signals transmitted from the wireless controller, and an illuminating unit connected to the central processor for corresponding to both ends of the meter ring and the display unit. With the above arrangement, the meter of the present invention can be adapted to various kinds of machines and instruments.

Abstract: In a sensor network system, a communications network connects a set of sensors to a server collectively managing the set of sensors. First, the sensor-managing server acquires remaining drive times of batteries in the sensors, and specifies a target remaining drive time. The server then controls the operation of the sensors so that the remaining drive times of the batteries in the sensors are substantially equal to the target remaining drive time. This reduces the maintenance workload for a system manager, especially, in the recharging of the sensor batteries.

Abstract: A tamper detection arrangement in a meter having a service disconnect switch employs a voltage sense circuit that requires only a single connection to digital processing circuitry for the feeder lines of typical residential service. In one embodiment, the voltage sense circuit includes an isolation device that electrically isolates the processing device from the line voltages. The voltage sense circuit senses a voltage on the feeder lines and is operable to generate a voltage detection signal having a characteristic representative of whether line voltage from the electrical power lines is present on the feeder lines.

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.

Abstract: The instantaneous power consumption of an appliance is used to determine the status of the appliance, from which further actions may be taken. This invention is premised on the observation that most appliances have a characteristic power consumption pattern that can be used to determine the state of operation of the appliance. An electric coffee pot, for example, consumes high power substantially continuously during the brewing state, then reduces its power level, or power duration, or both, while keeping the pot warm, then terminates its power consumption when it is turned off. In like manner, the power consumption patterns of other appliances, such as toasters, washing machines, dryers, and so on may also be used to determine the state of each appliance. The communicated state may be used by a home-automation system to effect a variety of actions, including notifying the user, terminating the available power to the appliance, initiating an action by another appliance, and so on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a tamper event in an electrical power metering apparatus having power distribution and power service conductors connected to jaw contacts in a socket housing, the jaw contacts receiving blade terminals of an electrical service meter apparatus. A tamper event signature is detected based on a time relationship between separation of the ground circuit between the electrical power metering apparatus and the socket and the separation of at least one of the power distribution and power service blade terminals from the socket jaw contacts due to removal of the electrical service apparatus from the socket.

Abstract: System and method for detecting an unauthorized movement of a communications or meter device, such as a meter that monitors and communicates a measure of use of energy or some other metered quantity (electrical, gas, water, etc.), to prevent meter tampering or removal. A bolt, screw, nail or other attachment mechanism, used to attach the device to a selected stationary or movable object, is provided with a permanent magnet having a selected magnetic field direction that can be transverse to, a selected attachment mechanism direction (e.g., transverse to a bolt shaft direction). A field-activated magnetic switch, such as a reed switch or a Hall effect switch, having a selected switch direction is located near the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A tamper detection arrangement in a meter having a service disconnect switch employs a voltage sense circuit that requires only a single connection to digital processing circuitry for the feeder lines of typical residential service. In one embodiment, the voltage sense circuit includes an isolation device that electrically isolates the processing device from the line voltages. The voltage sense circuit senses a voltage on the feeder lines and is operable to generate a voltage detection signal having a characteristic representative of whether line voltage from the electrical power lines is present on the feeder lines.

Abstract: A power management architecture for an electrical power distribution system, or portion thereof, is disclosed. The architecture includes multiple intelligent electronic devices (“IED's”) distributed throughout the power distribution system to manage the flow and consumption of power from the system. The IED's are linked via a network to back-end servers. Power management application software and/or hardware components operate on the IED's and the back-end servers and inter-operate via the network to implement a power management application. The communications between the IED's and the back-end servers are facilitated through network security devices such as firewalls.

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The electric meter retrofits into existing meter sockets and is available for new meter installations for both single phase and three phase electric power connections. The meter utilizes an all electronic design including a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The electric meter utilizes a modular design which allows the interface modules to be changed depending upon the desired communication network interface. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a two-way 900 MHz spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node.

Abstract: A wide-area remote telemetry system which monitors and controls remote devices by means of a information control system. The system uses a plurality of sensor interface modules which constantly monitor devices for triggering events. The sensor interface modules transmit information to at least one data collection module which gathers, process, stores and transmits information to a host system via standard external communication systems. The host module receives, records, processes, and transmits information to the network. The information may then be transmitted to customers or may be accessed by customers as desired.

Abstract: An electric meter tamper detection system for sensing removal of an electric meter from a corresponding meter socket and for generating a tamper signal is disclosed. In this system, the tamper signal is relayed to a headend when the electric meter—connected in series with and monitoring current flour through at least one conductor—has been removed from the meter socket. At least one resistor is electrically connected to the line-side of the conductor. A light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the resistor and to the load-side of the conductor. A transistor receives the tamper signal from the light emitting diode when the electric meter is removed from the meter socket. A microprocessor is coupled to the transistor, receives the tamper signal from the transistor, and relays the tamper signal to said headend. Thus, the headend is immediately notified if and when the electric meter is removed from its meter socket.

Abstract: A network of fixed RF transmitter modules, an RF repeater module and an RF collector module are located within a multi-unit facility for collecting water usage data from a plurality of water meters associated with the units within the facility and for uploading to a central billing center. Each water meter is coupled to a single RF transmitter module. Each RF transmitter module reads the water meter multiple times per day and transmits the data over a 418 MHZ carrier. One of a plurality of transceivers coupled to the RF repeater module receives the data and directs it to a storage medium in the RF repeater module. The RF repeater module temporarily holds the data and then repeats it on the RF carrier. The RF collector module receives the data through a transceiver coupled thereto. The data is stored in a storage medium of the RF collector module for retrieval by the central billing center.

Abstract: Method and apparatus facilitate improved sensing of tampering of an electrically powered device, such as an electric watt-hour meter installed at a residence for metering the amount of electric energy consumed at the residence. The detected tampering involves an effort to remove the electric meter from its power socket, to interrupt the metering of electric energy consumption, or to otherwise gain access for diverting electric energy. Removal of the electric meter from its power socket interrupts power to the meter. The method and apparatus senses motion of the meter and sets a “Tamper Flag” in a non-volatile memory. The “Tamper Flag” is saved (i.e., is not cleared from the non-volatile memory) if loss of power to the meter occurs within a predetermined period of time. The “Tamper Flag” is cleared if there is no loss of power to the meter within the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An electric meter tamper detection system for sensing removal of an electric meter from a corresponding meter socket and for generating a tamper signal is disclosed. In this system, the tamper signal is relayed to a headend when the electric meter--connected in series with and monitoring current flow through at least one conductor--has been removed from the meter socket. At least one resistor is electrically connected to the line-side of the conductor. A light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the resistor and to the load-side of the conductor. A transistor receives the tamper signal from the light emitting diode when the electric meter is removed from the meter socket. A microprocessor is coupled to the transistor, receives the tamper signal from the transistor, and relays the tamper signal to said headend. Thus, the headend is immediately notified if and when the electric meter is removed from its meter socket.

Abstract: This infrastructure computer and program uses information supplied by sensors to calculate the operational characteristics of back up systems located at central offices during times of crisis such as the loss of commercial power, or some other natural or man-made disaster. The sensors transmit the battery float voltage, power requirements, temperature of critical telecommunication equipment components, average telecommunication equipment temperature, and the amount of fuel available for backup generators provides data to an infrastructure management computer program. The computer program accesses databases containing known information such as the power curves for the backup generators, and battery discharge curves for the battery string. The infrastructure management computer program calculates the battery hour reserve, the fuel hour reserve, and thermal reserves to more accurately predict the operational status of the central office for improved disaster planning.

Abstract: Apparatus to detect tampering with a totalizing device on a fuel dispenser with a totalizing device acting to keep a running total of fuel dispensed from the fuel dispenser and including an electric circuit containing at least one coil that will emit a magnetic pulse responsive to a condition consistent with proper totalizer operation, the apparatus including an arrangement for sensing the presence of the magnetic pulse and generating a signal responsive thereto and an arrangement for causing an alarm responsive to absence of the magnetic pulse.

Abstract: A device for detecting meter opening, the meter including at least a first structural element and a second structural element that are in a given position relative to each other when the meter is closed, said device comprising: a moving member connected to the first element and organized to take up a stable state or an unstable state as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other; holding means connected at least to the second element and co-operating with the moving member as a function of the displacement of one of the structural elements relative to the other, so as to hold said moving member in its unstable state and so as to enable it to go to its stable state; and detection means suitable for determining the state of the moving member and for emitting an opening signal when the moving member is in a predetermined state.

Abstract: The audible alarm system of the present invention incorporates an alarm condition indicator that is designed to detect an alarm condition within the AED. The audible alarm system further incorporates an audible alarm circuit that is connected to the alarm condition indicator and is designed to produce an audible alarm. The audible alarm circuit is initially activated by the alarm condition indicator and then operates independently of the alarm condition after the initial activation.

Abstract: A system of multiple remote meter interfaces (RMI)s and multiple base stations. Each base station concentrates meter reading information received from several RMIs and passes the concentrated information up through a wide area network to a central office. Each RMI may be field installed to communicate with only one base station. Each base station maintains an identification (ID) list having its own base station ID and the RMI IDs for the RMIs with which the base station is enabled to communicate. To install or reinstall a particular RMI without communicating with the central office, a field installer tool operated by a field installation or repair person establishes communication with the base station using the base station ID, then directs the base station to add the RMI ID for the particular RMI to the ID list.

Abstract: A sensor assembly and method of forming the sensor assembly for sensing count and tamper, where the count is related to an energy field having a gradient along an axis of sensitivity and where the tamper is related to a static energy field and where the energy comprising the static energy field is the same type as the energy comprising the energy field having a gradient, includes an energy gradient detector that has at least a first sensor spaced apart from and communicably coupled to a second sensor along the axis of sensitivity. A static energy detector that has at least a first shielded sensor, the shielded sensor being substantially shielded from the energy field having a gradient and from the static energy field. A second unshielded sensor is communicably coupled to the shielded sensor. The invention further includes a method of detecting a spatially varying magnetic field.

Abstract: A modular meter based utility gateway enclosure which resides between a power meter and a meter socket of a residence or other building supports multiple interchangeable local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) interface cards. As a result, multiple LAN and WAN media are simultaneously and interchangeably supported by simply changing interface cards inserted into the slots of the enclosure. The modular meter based utility gateway enclosure includes a WAN card slot for accepting a WAN interface card, multiple LAN card slots for respectively accepting LAN interface cards, and a data bus for enabling communication between the WAN interface card and the LAN interface cards inserted into the WAN and LAN card slots respectively. The modular meter based utility gateway enclosure may also support one or more interdiction cards, and may further include a tamper proof mechanism to prevent unauthorized tampering with the enclosure.

Abstract: A sensor for counting rotations of a Ferraris disk in an electricity meter. The disk has a light reflecting surface carrying a broad stripe marking. The sensor comprises two IR LEDs spaced at either side of an intermediate photo-transistor adapted to receive light reflected from the disk from both LEDs. The LEDs are spaced in the direction of rotation by at least the width of the stripe. As the stripe passes across the detector, the output signal generated has characteristic shoulders on its falling and rising edges. By detecting this characteristic pattern and checking that the LEDs which contribute to the signal at the shoulder point are in the correct sequence for the normal direction of rotation, it is possible to detect false counts caused by jitter, tampering or changes in ambient light level.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating utility usage information at a utility usage location to a utility usage registering device includes a utility usage registering module adapted to be located at a utility usage location to provide a first signal indicative of the utility usage information, a transmitter responsive to said first signal for periodically transmitting at a pseudo-random transmission intervals, a second signal indicative of utility usage, a receiver located remote from the utility usage location for receiving the second signal, and a utility usage registering device associated with the receiver for storing the second signal indicative of utility usage information. A tamper detector is provided to detect the occurrence of a tamper event and generates a tamper signal which is directed to the utility usage registering module. The tamper signal is indexed upon the tamper detector sensing the occurrence of each tamper event.

Abstract: A wide area communications network communicating data from a plurality of network service modules through a plurality of remote cell nodes and intermediate data terminals to a central data terminal. The wide area communications network collects network data generated by a plurality of physical devices such as gas, water or electricity meters, located within a geographical area. The wide area communications network is a layered network having a hierarchical communications topology. The central data terminal controls network operation. Intelligence exists at all layers of the network, thereby easing the workload of the central data terminal. The intelligence attributed to each module is a function of the application of that module.

Abstract: A device for detecting tampering of a utility meter includes sensors to detect a positional displacement of the meter and loss of power to the meter. On sensing a positional displacement of the meter, indicative of an attempt to remove the meter, a timer is activated to enable sensing a power loss to the meter. In response to detection of a power loss during the time period defined by the timer, an indication is stored in a nonvolatile memory of the tamper event. In response to loss of power with or without a detection of tampering, required parameters including utility consumption data are stored in nonvolatile memory. Remote access to and data retrieval from the nonvolatile memory and system are provided over telephone lines, power lines, or a radio frequency circuit.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for indication and prevention of tampering with an electricity meter having control circuitry for automatic remote reading. The control circuitry, provided externally of the meter in a base or base extension, to which the meter is connected, is also used for tamper detection. Embodiments of the invention include use of optical sensing, voltage detection and proximity detection. Ambient light sensing may be performed to detect separation of the meter from the external receptacle. Reflected light to a reflective surface of the meter is sensed to determine if the meter is properly engaged. Presence of a meter connection plug element may be sensed either optically or by position responsive switch. Voltage of the utility supply and meter user output may be monitored to determine tampering.

Abstract: An electronic type watthour measuring apparatus equipped with an automatic measuring-error correcting circuit.