Abstract: An anti-tamper device for a utility meter, in particular for an enclosure thereof, providing a guideway for a sealing element, wherein in a sealed state of the utility meter, at least a section of the sealing element extends along the guideway. Furthermore, an enclosure for a utility meter comprising a socket configured for receiving an anti-tamper device, as well as a utility meter comprising an anti-tamper device, and/or an enclosure. The guideway is provided with a predetermined breaking zone configured to break when the sealing element exerts a predefined breaking force onto the anti-tamper device.

Abstract: An LED lighting fixture including a side access door and a compartment for housing electrical components required for operation of the LED fixture. The side access door secured to the compartment by a hinge structure, such that the side door is retained when in an open position.

Abstract: Managing electrical power usage in a power distribution system. Power usage data indicative of electrical current flow through electrical outlets in the system are collected and displayed for a user. The user may select an outlet and issue a command to control current flow through that outlet. Environmental data may also be collected and displayed. Outlets in different Cabinet Power Distribution Units (CDUs) in different locations may be clustered for reporting and control. A database structure provides a “system” table for data descriptive of the system, a “tower” table for data descriptive of outlets and other elements in the system, an “infeed” table for data descriptive of input electrical power, and an “outlet” table for data descriptive of electrical power flowing through the outlets.

Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.

Abstract: A signal processing method of a baler system includes the steps of receiving a signal, determining a steady state level and relating the steady state level to a characteristic of a forming bale. A signal is received from at least one sensor associated with a bale chamber of the baler system and a steady state level is determined from the signal. The steady state level of the signal is related to a characteristic of the forming bale in the bale chamber.

Abstract: An exemplary storage arrangement can be provided, which can include a first section and a second section. The first section can be moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration and can have at least one slot. The second section can be coupled to the first section and comprising at least one protrusion configured and dimensioned to mate with the slot(s) to facilitate movement of the first section. In the exemplary storage arrangement, the space formed by the first and second sections can receive a portable transportation arrangement, and at least one of the first section or the second section can be coupled to a configuration provided at or near a patient. Alternatively or in addition, the exemplary storage arrangement can include a locking mechanism which can be configured to secure at least one portion of the first section to the second section.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed for installing a radio frequency transmitter assembly (30) in position for radio transmission and reception when connected to a water meter register (26, 40) that is situated below ground level, the kit comprising: a base member (22) for extending substantially horizontally from the meter register (26, 40); a transmitter assembly (30) having a transmitter body (32) for attachment to the base member (22) with the transmitter body in an upright position; an electrical cable (17) connected at one end to the meter register (26, 40) and connected at an opposite end to the transmitter assembly (30). The kit provides a product that can be installed in any one of three different configurations.

Abstract: A testing apparatus and method of extending the life of a testing apparatus may comprise a chassis including a case having a testing module receptacle receiving a plurality of testing modules comprising at least one processor module and a plurality of test modules, each having the same physical footprint, including respective racking mechanisms and inter-module interface connectors; and a backplane with connectors connecting with a respective inter-module connector, and bus-work interconnecting the respective modules through the inter-module interface connectors and the backplane connectors. The backplane may comprise a battery and display connector. The chassis may comprise a display mounting receptacle configured to receive a display unit having a display connector configured to interface with the backplane display connector. A battery receptacle may receive a battery unit, such as a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Provided is a meter box, a meter box cover and methods and apparatuses related to meter boxes and meter box covers. The meter box and meter box cover may include features which allow the meter box and meter box cover to be secured to each other and may be manufactured from materials which allow automated reading of a meter positioned within an enclosed meter box using wireless signal transmission methods.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a gateway node having a housing, a bracket mounted relay and wireless communication capabilities. The gateway node is connected to a pad mount transformer.

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

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device having a terminal assembly for coupling the IED, e.g., a revenue meter, to a meter mounting socket. The assembly includes a housing including a generally planar, rigid base, the base including at least one opening and at least one circuit board having at least one electrically conducting terminal surface mounted thereon, the at least one electrically conducting terminal extending through the at least one opening of the base to mate with at least one matching jaw of a detachable meter mounting device coupled to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A system includes a utility meter with a first conductive member and a circuit board coupled to the first conductive member at a first joint. The first joint is disposed along a first elongated strip portion of the circuit board. The first elongated strip portion is configured to flex relative to a main portion of the circuit board in response to thermal expansion or thermal contraction of the first conductive member or a component coupled to the first conductive member.

Abstract: An electrical meter box contains an electrical circuit that connects to a consumption meter. The box has a removable front panel, a rear wall having punch-outs for wire access to the inside of the box and four side walls. A flange surrounds the outside of the four side walls of the box and is disposed behind the front panel a predetermined distance. The flange has holes for mounting the box to a structure. The flange can be taped to the structure or placed underneath a vapor barrier for moisture integrity.

Abstract: An electricity meter comprises a single current sensor with a toroidal coil that has an inner bore extending substantially through the sensor. The meter also has two current conductors that form one of a pair of line-side blades of the meter. The electricity meter also has a disconnect switch with a pair of moveable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts. One of the pairs contacts is electrically connected to the current conductors. The other pair forms a respective load-side blade of the meter. One current conductor passes through the inner bore of the current sensor in a first direction relative to its line-side blade and the other current conductor passes through the inner bore of the current sensor in a substantially opposite direction relative to its line-side blade so that current passing through the conductors passes through the inner bore of the current sensor in a same direction.

Abstract: An electrical watthour meter socket includes a first sub-enclosure receiving high voltage components and a second sub-enclosure receiving lower voltage components. The first and second sub-enclosures are electrically isolated from each other access control components to allow independent access to lower voltage components in the second sub-enclosure without the use of personal protective equipment required for exposure to components carrying high voltage.

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.

Abstract: Load monitoring nodes and apparatuses are disclosed. According to an aspect, apparatus for load monitoring at a power measurement input may include a load monitoring node configured to capture load data at a power measurement input of an electrical outlet. The node may communicate the captured load data to a network communications device. The apparatus may also include a frame configured to hold the load monitoring node. Further, the apparatus may include an attachment mechanism configured to attach the frame to the electrical outlet.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to enable consumers to intelligently manage their consumption of energy. In one embodiment, waveform data is collected for a plurality of appliances which may be found in a residential or commercial setting using a plurality of multi-port outlet monitoring devices. The collected waveform data is processed and analyzed to obtain power consumption profiles that indicate power consumption on a per-appliance and/or per-outlet basis and/or per user basis.

Abstract: A utility meter cover and complementary base are disclosed, the cover including a window section and a shroud. The shroud is for covering a complementary portion of a meter base, and includes: a radially extending base portion; an axial extension extending from the base portion, the axial extension for obstructing access to the complementary portion of the meter base; and a key member extending axially from the base portion, the key member having a bidirectional tab for engaging a slot in the complementary portion of the meter base.

Abstract: An electrical meter box contains an electrical circuit that connects to a consumption meter. The box has a removable front panel, a rear wall having punch-outs for wire access to the inside of the box and four side walls. A flange surrounds the outside of the four side walls of the box and is disposed behind the front panel a predetermined distance. The flange has holes for mounting the box to a structure. The flange can be taped to the structure or placed underneath a vapor barrier for moisture integrity.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing components in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) energy meters. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for accessing electrical meter components, the method includes providing an energy meter enclosure having one or more service accessible compartments operable for housing AMI components, manipulating one or more compartment covers associated with the one or more service accessible compartments, installing one or more AMI components in the one or more service accessible compartments, and closing the one or more compartment covers. The energy meter enclosure protects the AMI components from at least one external element.

Abstract: A utility meter assembly that provides a tamper proof seal for a utility meter is disclosed. The utility meter assembly according to embodiments of this invention includes a base plate adapted for mounting a utility meter thereon, a cover configured to rotationally interlock with the base plate, and a tamper indicator linking the base plate and the cover in the interlocked position. The tamper indicator is configured to indicate tampering in response to a tamper condition, including the cover being rotated with respect to the base, away from the interlocked position, or the tamper indicator being removed to unlink the base plate and the cover. The assembly further ensures that the cover cannot be partially pried off the base plate without at least a portion of the cover or the base plate being structurally deformed.

Abstract: A system for enclosing an instrument, module or other assembly in an explosion-proof housing. The system includes an upper housing portion that includes a first threaded portion and, optionally, a transparent window portion; a lower housing portion that has a second threaded portion that is structured and arranged to cooperate with the first threaded portion to provide a tight, air- and water-tight fit; and an inner mounting assembly for supporting an instrument, module, electrical circuit, electrical device, display device, or other assembly. In pertinent part, the lower housing portion includes integrated bosses that provide horizontal surfaces for supporting the inner mounting assembly and for releasably attaching the inner mounting assembly to the lower housing portion.

Abstract: An advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) cartridge includes an AMI cartridge housing having an interior zone, and an AMI module system supported within the interior zone of the AMI cartridge module housing. The AMI module system includes an AMI module and an energy meter interface configured and disposed to detachably connect to an energy meter.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing components in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) energy meters. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for accessing electrical meter components, the method includes providing an energy meter enclosure having one or more service accessible compartments operable for housing AMI components, manipulating one or more compartment covers associated with the one or more service accessible compartments, installing one or more AMI components in the one or more service accessible compartments, and closing the one or more compartment covers. The energy meter enclosure protects the AMI components from at least one external element.

Abstract: A power meter assembly for enclosure within an electrical wiring raceway comprises a power meter affixed to a mounting plate. The mounting plate is of an arbitrary width down the length of the raceway. The mounting plate includes tabs for attachment to the raceway, facing away from the user, towards the raceway opening. The power meter provides typical electrical power information for viewing by a user, and may include buttons or other mechanisms to enable the user to select a desired data presentation.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical power meter, is disclosed. The electrical power meter includes a housing for containing electrical circuitry therein, the housing including at least one of voltage and current inputs, the housing including passages extending entirely therethrough, wherein the passages are configured to receive a CT lead therethrough, and wherein the CT leads are not electrically connected to the electrical circuitry therein; and a face plate operatively supported on a surface of the housing, wherein the face plate includes at least one of displays, indicators and buttons. It is envisioned that the through passages are located along a side of the housing.

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.

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.

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

Abstract: A meter cover is provided and includes an opaque portion, including an outer perimeter section to perimetrically fit around a meter, a sidewall extending axially from the perimeter section toward a frontal region and a shield disposed at a portion of a sidewall edge at the frontal region and a transparent portion having an edge, which is shiplap joint bonded with a remaining portion of the sidewall edge and edges of the shield.

Abstract: A basepan assembly for hook-on attachment onto a metering device is provided including a basepan support having at least two insert latches disposed at a first end and a side flange disposed at a second opposite end. A basepan body is provided being insertable onto said basepan support and including an inside wall configured to be attachable to a barrier of the metering device, as well as an outside wall, a bus stab chamber, and a hold-down insert configured to be attachable to the basepan body, the hold-down insert further having a side barrier. A top load stab having a first end affixable to the hold-down insert is provided and a bottom load stab insertable within said bus stab chamber is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enclosure for housing transmitter components of an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system electrically associated with a utility meter disposed in a substantially non-RF transparent location. The enclosure comprises a first section mechanically associated with a second section where the first section is disposed outside the non-RF transparent location, and said second section extends from said first section to a point within said non-RF transparent location. The first section may house an antenna and a transmitter while the second section may house a power source electrically associated with said transmitter.

Abstract: A power monitoring system for monitoring characteristics of power transmitted through one or more power lines comprises a meter base and multiple option modules. The meter base includes a processor and associated circuitry for processing signals derived from sensors coupled to said power lines and producing output signals representing selected characteristics of the power transmitted through the power lines, and a housing containing the processor and the associated circuitry and having a first surface adapted to be mounted on a DIN rail, and a second surface containing multiple connectors for receiving multiple modules and electrically connecting the modules to the processor and the associated circuitry.

Abstract: An embedded antenna for facilitating wireless transmission of utility meter data is disclosed, where in one embodiment an RF antenna is a part of the faceplate of the utility meter. In another embodiment the utility meter faceplate is a single-layer or a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with the RF antenna printed on any desired layer. Such faceplates may be labeled to be viewable from outside of the meter housing and/or have openings to accommodate visual access to an output display of the meter consumption information.

Abstract: An electric meter comprises an electronics housing and a meter base. The electronics housing defines a front panel and includes a first plurality of option board guides. A main meter board is disposed substantially parallel to the front panel. The meter base defines a rear panel of the electric meter. The meter base includes a plurality of housing guides for receiving the electronics housing and a second plurality of option board guides disposed substantially perpendicularly to the rear panel. The second plurality of option board guides are adapted to receive an option board and to position the option board substantially perpendicularly to the main meter board of the electronics housing during assembly of the electronics housing to the meter base. The housing guides in combination with the first and second pluralities of option board guides enable blind assembly of the electronics housing to the meter base.

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

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical power meter, is disclosed. The electrical power meter includes a housing for containing electrical circuitry therein, the housing including at least one of voltage and current inputs, the housing including passages extending entirely therethrough, wherein the passages are configured to receive a CT lead therethrough, and wherein the CT leads are not electrically connected to the electrical circuitry therein; and a face plate operatively supported on a surface of the housing, wherein the face plate includes at least one of displays, indicators and buttons. It is envisioned that the through passages are located along a side of the housing.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system comprising an enclosure structure configured to restrict access to an electrical meter. The system can comprise a meter cover configured to cover and/or restrict access to the meter. One of the meter cover and the enclosure structure can comprise an opposing pair of prongs. Each of the prongs can be configured to be received by a corresponding dogleg slot from a pair of dogleg slots. Each of the prongs, when engaged with the corresponding dogleg slot, can be configured to restrain motion of the meter cover.

Abstract: A quantum generator and related devices of energy extraction and conversion based upon the interaction of light and matter using a constructive arrangement of at least two metallic reservoirs with high ratios between the surface area and the mass of metal from which the metallic reservoirs are formed. The at least two metallic reservoirs are submitted to tension and compression states creating thermo potentials on the free electron gas. In one embodiment, a quantum capacitor is formed by at least two porous plates between pairs of batteries that are submitted to tension and compression states.

Abstract: An electric meter comprises an electronics housing and a meter base. The electronics housing defines a front panel and includes a first plurality of option board guides. A main meter board is disposed substantially parallel to the front panel. The meter base defines a rear panel of the electric meter. The meter base includes a plurality of housing guides for receiving the electronics housing and a second plurality of option board guides disposed substantially perpendicularly to the rear panel. The second plurality of option board guides are adapted to receive an option board and to position the option board substantially perpendicularly to the main meter board of the electronics housing during assembly of the electronics housing to the meter base. The housing guides in combination with the first and second pluralities of option board guides enable blind assembly of the electronics housing to the meter base.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical power meter, is disclosed. The electrical power meter includes a housing for containing electrical circuitry therein, the housing including at least one of voltage and current inputs, the housing including passages extending entirely therethrough, wherein the passages are configured to receive a CT lead therethrough, and wherein the CT leads are not electrically connected to the electrical circuitry therein; and a face plate operatively supported on a surface of the housing, wherein the face plate includes at least one of displays, indicators and buttons. It is envisioned that the through passages are located along a side of the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for securing a box cover to a watt-hour meter box base. In certain embodiments, the apparatus consists of a unitary member incorporating a plurality of flange members adapted for securing at least a portion of a top of a watthour meter box lid to a portion of a top front flange of a watthour meter box base. In various other embodiments, the unitary member consists of a unitary member adapted to engage a portion of a meter box lid. In various other embodiments, the member includes integrated opposed tension-receiving members.

Abstract: The electrical energy source includes a portable enclosure that houses at least one battery pack, at least one battery charger, at least one AC inverter and, optionally, a regeneration device that can power the battery charger. Operation of batteries, AC inverters and regeneration unit is coordinated by a control circuit. During operations under a load, the batteries supply an input to AC inverters which in turn provide voltage regulated AC power to the load. When the batteries have discharged to a predetermined level, the load is removed from the AC inverters, and a dedicated on-board inverter is used to power the regeneration unit which recharges the batteries. Once the batteries have been recharged, the AC inverters are again made available to the load.

Abstract: An utility meter is provided. The meter includes a base and a first barrier operably associated with the base. The base and the first barrier define a first compartment between the base and the first barrier. The meter also includes a heat generating component positioned in the first compartment and operably associated with the base. The meter also includes a second barrier extending from the base. The second barrier and the first barrier define a second compartment between the second barrier and the first barrier. The meter further includes an arrangement for moving heat connected to the heat generating component and extending from the first compartment to the second compartment.

Abstract: A system enables power output from a power pedestal. The system includes a number of power pedestals, a card reader structured to receive credit or debit card information from a credit or debit card, and a first interface to another system structured to approve a transaction based upon the credit or debit card information. A processor cooperates with the card reader and the first interface to initiate and receive approval of the transaction from the other system. A user interface device cooperates with the processor to input a time duration to power one of the number of power pedestals responsive to the received approval. A second interface to the number of power pedestals cooperates with the processor and is structured to enable power output from such one of the number of power pedestals for the inputted time duration.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical power meter, is disclosed. The electrical power meter includes a housing for containing electrical circuitry therein, the housing including at least one of voltage and current inputs, the housing including passages extending entirely therethrough, wherein the passages are configured to receive a CT lead therethrough, and wherein the CT leads are not electrically connected to the electrical circuitry therein; and a face plate operatively supported on a surface of the housing, wherein the face plate includes at least one of displays, indicators and buttons. It is envisioned that the through passages are located along a side of the housing.

Abstract: A heat sink or heat transfer device particularly for integrated circuits, uses a phase change working fluid in a cyclic flow path having at least one evaporator that serves multiple heat sources. The evaporator can be an integral vessel made of thermally conductive material to which the multiple heat sources are coupled, preferably at evaporation points that are placed on opposite sides of a fluid reservoir for the liquid phase of the working fluid that feeds the evaporation points via capillary flow through a picking material.

Abstract: An electrical panel box which includes a cavity defined by a back face, two opposing side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall and a front face extending beyond the periphery of the side walls and top and bottom walls for securing the electrical panel box in a wall, the front face being fitted with mounting brackets on either its top edge or its bottom edge or both, the mounting bracket having secured thereto an access plate which allows the electrician access to the region directly above the top wall of the housing or the below the bottom wall of the housing so as to permit snaking of additional electrical conduit, cable or wires without having concern for contacting the main electrical conduit into the house thus causing a short or a flash and possible injury to the electrician.