Abstract: An external wire coupler is attachable to a housing of an electrical service apparatus mountable in a watthour meter socket by a slide-in or snap-in connection. An access control member is carried within the coupler for controlling access through the coupler to the interior of the socket adapter. A cover may be releasibly attached to an open end of the coupler to close access to the interior of the coupler.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly adjustably couples enclosures, such as a meter breaker panelboard and a load distribution panelboard, in a back-to-back configuration within a structure, such as a wall. The adjustment assembly includes a first end member at or about the top end of one of the enclosures, a second end member at or about the bottom end of the other enclosure, and at least one fastener coupling the end members together. A number of elongated apertures in at least one of the end members, such as slots and arcuate apertures, provide translational and pivotal adjustment, respectively. The fastener, which may comprise bolts and wingnuts to enable such adjustment without requiring separate tools, extends from one enclosure through at least one of the elongated apertures in the end member of the other enclosure in order to couple the enclosures together while enabling adjustment of one enclosure with respect to the other.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a liquid crystal display having a length, a width and a thickness. The arrangement further includes an integrally formed housing having a display receptacle, the display receptacle including retention members operable to retain the liquid crystal display in length, width and thickness dimensions. The arrangement also includes a flexible conductor device operably connected between the liquid crystal display and a circuit board.

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 modular housing for enclosing an electrical meter or metering type instrument is adapted for housing one of a plurality of modular type electrical meter or metering instruments, including instruments with or without a readable display. The housing includes at least one open end for receiving an instrument or instrument components and an interchangeable closure member for closing the open end. The closure member has a first connection means for inter-engagement with the open end of the housing and second connection means for mounting the instrument to a surface such as a wall or a connector rail, preferably a DIN rail. The housing may be used for surface, panel and rail mounted instruments of the same type.

Abstract: A revenue meter includes electronics for measuring the delivery of electrical energy from an energy supplier to a consumer through an electric circuit, a display and a cover. The electronics includes at least transducers, an analog to digital converter and logic. A meter cover encloses the revenue meter. Communications of data to and from the revenue meter may be done via a fiber optic communications link.

Abstract: A preconstruction utility meter (PCM) pedestal providing attachment means for both a gas meter and an electric meter. The device may also provide a situs for telephone and cable connections. The device allows for pre-occupancy use of utilities.

Abstract: A preferred method for electrically connecting a first and a second component includes inserting a wire pin through a through hole formed in the first component so that a first portion of the wire pin is located within the through hole and a second portion of the wire pin is located within a retaining feature formed at least in part by the second component. The preferred method also includes moving one of the first and the second components in relation to the other of the first and the second components so that the wire pin resiliently deflects thereby establishing a first contact force between the first portion of the wire and the first component, and a second contact force between the second portion of the wire and the second component.

Abstract: A safety replacement window for an overall watthour meter enclosure includes a window covering a window aperture of a cover of the enclosure. Mounting clips integrally carried on the cover snap into and fix the window in the cover aperture. In another aspect, the cover is formed of a one-piece molded member having at least a transparent portion overlaying a watthour meter mounted on a plate to which the cover is mounted.

Abstract: A water pit transponder assembly includes a housing with multiple sections including top, main and bottom sections snap latched together connected to a water meter. A circuit board transponder in the housing includes a controller, a transmitter, a receiver and tamper detection software connected to antennas. An encoder is connected to the water meter, and batteries provide power to operate the assembly. The transponder sends and receives at different frequencies through different antennas and is protected from environmental corrosion by being encapsulated in a get inside the housing.

Abstract: An instrument system includes an instrument assembly having at least one fitting projecting therefrom. The instrument system further includes at least a first housing member including at least one alignment member located therein. The alignment member preferably includes at least one sloped surface which slopes toward at least one seating adapted to seat the at least one fitting of the instrument assembly. The instrument system further includes a second housing member which forms an explosion-proof enclosure with the first housing member to enclose the instrument assembly. The second housing member preferably forms an explosion-proof enclosure with the first housing member via cooperating threading. The instrument assembly can, for example, include electrical components for a combustible gas sensor.

Abstract: A double fluke security sealing ring for use in polyphase and single phase watt-hour meter includes a series of elements such as, a ring-type circular band made of stainless steel that has, at one end, annular rims folded at 90° along itself and two slotted flanges also folded at 90° forming the double fluke, and at the other end, two parallel and equidistant slots. It is not possible to revert the hooking action and effect once the sealing wire is installed due to the reduced internal space within the two flange slots. Therefore, the security sealing ring is red-flagged when the security sealing ring has been violated with the intention of manually moving the record pointers in order to alter the meter consumption lecture.

Abstract: A utility distribution pedestal for marine and recreational vehicles can be entirely separated and removed from its base without disturbing the service connections. Pedestals with different selections of receptacles can be quickly exchanged to change the service provided by any given pedestal location. Individual receptacle panels in the pedestal offering different combinations of receptacles can easily be added or exchanged after initial installation as utility needs change or for maintenance without any screw terminal wire removal. A metering system using four current transformers is controlled by an integrated mechanical jumper for switching the system into single or two phase configurations for one or two user readouts or a three-phase configuration for a one user readout. No pedestal disassembly or assembly is required to change these configurations. Remote monitoring for wireless metering and electromechanical counters may also be employed.

Abstract: A presently-preferred embodiment of an electrical-energy meter comprises a base adapted to be mounted on a supporting surface, a current sensor assembly comprising a plurality of contact blades extending through the base and adapted to electrically contact a conductor of electrical energy, and a current transformer mechanically coupled to the base and electrically coupled to the contact blades. The electrical-energy meter further comprises a circuit board assembly comprising a main circuit board electrically coupled to the current transformer and the contact blades. The electrical-energy meter also comprises a circuit-board support member comprising a rim portion fixedly coupled to the base, and a first bracket adjoining the rim portion. The first bracket has a first and a second leg each extending away from the rim portion and the base and each being adapted to securely engage the main circuit board.

Abstract: A low cost and easy to assemble communicating utility meter provides selectable measurement, calibration, display, and communications means so as to be re-configurable based on several factors including; harmonic content of the power signal measured, LCD display alternatives, time of use measurements, bandpass filter settings, power quality measurements, PLC communications alternatives, radio frequency communications alternatives, optical communications alternatives, and hard wire communications alternatives.

Abstract: An instrument system includes an instrument assembly having at least one fitting projecting therefrom. The instrument system further includes at least a first housing member including at least one alignment member located therein. The alignment member preferably includes at least one sloped surface which slopes toward at least one seating adapted to seat the at least one fitting of the instrument assembly. The instrument system further includes a second housing member which forms an explosion-proof enclosure with the first housing member to enclose the instrument assembly. The second housing member preferably forms an explosion-proof enclosure with the first housing member via cooperating threading. The instrument assembly can, for example, include electrical components for a combustible gas sensor.

Abstract: A revenue meter includes electronics for measuring the delivery of electrical energy from an energy supplier to a consumer through an electric circuit. A meter cover encloses the revenue meter. A keypad is located on the meter cover, and connects to the revenue meter to access the revenue meter without requiring removal of the meter cover.

Abstract: An instrument system includes an instrument assembly having at least one fitting projecting therefrom. The instrument system further includes at least a first housing member including at least one alignment member located therein. The alignment member preferably includes at least one sloped surface which slopes toward at least one seating adapted to seat the at least one fitting of the instrument assembly. The instrument system further includes a second housing member which forms an explosion-proof enclosure with the first housing member to enclose the instrument assembly. The second housing member preferably forms an explosion-proof enclosure with the first housing member via cooperating threading. The instrument assembly can, for example, include electrical components for a combustible gas sensor.

Abstract: A preferred process comprises providing a pre-formed, substantially transparent window for a cover of an electrical-energy meter, and molding the cover from a molten resin that, when solidified, is substantially opaque. Molding the cover from a molten resin comprises causing a portion of the molten resin to contact a periphery of the window and allowing the portion of the molten resin to cool and thereby solidify so that the portion of the molten resin, upon solidifying, is molded over the periphery of the window and thereby seals and secures the window to the cover.

Abstract: An instrument system includes an instrument assembly having at least one fitting projecting therefrom. The instrument system further includes at least a first housing member including at least one alignment member located therein. The alignment member preferably includes at least one sloped surface which slopes toward at least one seating adapted to seat the at least one fitting of the instrument assembly. The instrument system further includes a second housing member which forms an explosion-proof enclosure with the first housing member to enclose the instrument assembly. The second housing member preferably forms an explosion-proof enclosure with the first housing member via cooperating threading. The instrument assembly can, for example, include electrical components for a combustible gas sensor.

Abstract: A safety replacement window for an overall watthour meter enclosure includes a window covering a window aperture of a cover of the enclosure. Mounting clips integrally carried on the cover snap into and fix the window in the cover aperture. In another aspect, the cover is formed of a one-piece molded member having at least a transparent portion overlaying a watthour meter mounted on a plate to which the cover is mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for radio utility meter reading processing of data acquisition for use with an automatic billing system involves a utility meter transmitter antenna system installed at or near ground level. An RF utility meter communication apparatus transmits utility meter data to a remote utility meter data collection unit from an underground pit box. The pit box includes a utility meter and has a generally ground level pit lid with an opening therethrough. An antenna element has an upper member extending at least partly through such pit lid opening. A depending base of the antenna element extends from the upper element and passes through the pit lid opening into the underground pit box. The depending antenna element is capacitively coupled or provided with some other form of non-mechanical coupling to the output of an RF transmitter also included within the pit box.

Abstract: A metering assembly includes an FT-21 kWh analog meter enclosure having an opening and carrying a plurality of stabs. A frame includes four sides, with the bottom side carrying a plurality of electrical terminals. The stabs electrically engage the frame terminals. A mechanism secures the frame within the enclosure opening. A display module includes a display port and a metering display driven from the display port. A monitoring module includes a monitoring unit, a display port driven by the monitoring unit, and a module enclosure having four sides. The monitoring module top side is mounted to the frame top side. The monitoring module bottom side has a plurality of electrical connections to the frame bottom side electrical terminals. The monitoring module display port is electrically connected to the display module display port. A mechanism mounts the display module to the frame offset from the monitoring module front side.

Abstract: A distribution board enabling a watt-hour meter mounted thereon to be easily replaced without interrupting the supply of primary electric power to a consumer's house is disclosed. The distribution board includes a socket terminal block having a plurality of socket terminal connectors, each having a pair of wire-connector terminals and a plug-connector terminal extending from the conjunction portion between the pair of wire-connector terminals, and a power-converting plug having a plurality of plug terminals to be connected to the plug-connector terminals of the socket terminal connectors and connected to each other by plug-connecting wires. Primary electric power from drop wires is directly transmitted to indoor power wires when the power-converting plug is coupled to the socket terminal block to cause the plug terminals to be connected to the plug-connector terminals.

Abstract: A rack suitable for housing connections of cables in a telecommunications or data communications network includes a plurality of cable guides (2) and a plurality of cable guide mountings (3) at each of which the cable guides are capable of being mounted. The cable guides (2) are detachably mountable and are able to be detached and attached without the use of tools. A cable retaining portion (14) is provided at the free end of a cable guide.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) is disclosed for managing, measuring and controlling the distribution of electric power. The IED includes an enclosure. The enclosure houses electrical circuitry and a transformer that includes windings. A resin is set within the enclosure. The resin electrically isolates the windings of the transformer from analog circuitry. A central processing unit is housed within the enclosure. The central processing unit is coupled to the analog circuitry and operative to calculate at least one power management function. At least one of a display and a communications interface is housed within the enclosure and coupled to the central processing unit.

Abstract: An electrically conductive lug for use with a meter socket for a watt-hour meter, which permits the meter to have integral line and load buses. The lug provides an electrical connection between the meter socket and each wire, and it provides mechanical support for the wire. Because the lug serves as both a supporting and a conducting device, the invention eliminates the need for separate wire connectors, bussing, molded insulative bus supports and/or additional connecting lugs. Therefore, the numerous parts previously susceptible to damage or failure under normal operation loads, were eliminated, making construction of the meter assembly more efficient.

Abstract: An improved inner component board arrangement and corresponding assembly for an electric utility meter is disclosed The enhanced structure offers comprehensive stability and protection of circuit boards and corresponding electronic components within an integrated meter assembly. The arrangement generally includes at least two printed circuit boards housed in a casing structure. Various projections extend from the casing structure to effectively position and secure the printed circuit boards within an overall component assembly, Specific projections employed for positioning the circuit boards include tapered locator pins and respective mating holes as well as key projections that interconnect with slots located in selected circuit boards. Snaps project from casing components to securely constrain the circuit boards within the component assembly. Established orientation of various components and projections significantly facilitates the meter assembly process.

Abstract: An integrated structure that offers improved casing for an electric utility meter is disclosed. The improved structure uses a minimum number of parts required for proper functionality of a meter casing, and excludes the use of screws, clips or other additional parts that make meter disassembly a tedious procedure. The meter casing generally includes a baseplate, at least two inner covers for housing and protecting electronic components for an electric utility meter, an outer cover, and pluralities of projections extending from the covers for interconnection of casing components and stabilization of the integrated casing structure. The various electronic components of the meter generally include electronic circuit boards and current transformers. The various projections enable snap-fit connections between the baseplate and an inner cover, between inner covers, and between inner covers and an outer cover.

Abstract: “ELECTRIC METER BOX HEAT SHIELD” This simple new way to protect and improve the preformance, extend the usful life of an existing electrical meter box. Consumers can install with out any electrical training. It gives consumers a wepon to help fight high electric costs and costly repairs when installed on a meter box that is in normal operating condition. simply slip the shield oved the meter glass to provide shade on the enclosure there by reducing tempture of the enclosure.

Abstract: A safety shield for an electrical service apparatus is in the form of an enclosure surrounding in the apparatus jaw contacts. Latch members formed on the shield releasibly engage apertures in the apparatus housing to mount the shield in the housing. The latch members are configured to fill the apertures in the housing to prevent disengagement of the shield from the housing during removal of a watthour meter from the housing. In one aspect, the shield is provided with wire wrap members for winding up lengths of excess cables and conductors extending from a watthour meter. The wire wrap members include a pair of arms arranged about the periphery of the shield or spaced flanges on opposite sides of the shield. The wire wrap members also include a flange having an end extending over an aperture in the shield which acts as a strain relief for a conductor extending through the shield.

Abstract: An automatic meter reader module is provided that is adapted to be retrofitted or installed in a new or existing utility meter. The module includes a printed circuit board (PCB) on which is mounted on-board circuitry and detection equipment configured to detect utility consumption metered by the utility meter. A transmission device operatively coupled to the PCB is configured to transmit data indicative of utility usage. The PCB is configured to mount within an inner cavity of the utility meter.

Abstract: A meter/breaker arrangement having separate covers for the meter side and breaker side. The meter side includes as an extension thereof a rain gutter which underlaps a flange on the breaker cover to provide a rain-proof or water-proof enclosure when both covers are disposed securely on the enclosure. In addition, a locking arrangement is provided so that the breaker cover can be removed without allowing access to the meter region. Alternatively, both the meter cover and breaker cover can be removed. A flexible, partially non-electrically conductive, security member is provided for separating the meter side from the breaker side.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a hand truck and a releasably attachable unit including an electric meter, a circuit breaker panel box and an electrical receptable which may be electrically coupled. The hand truck has a rectangular frame connected to a handle means for controlling its movement at the top end and at the other end a base plate that projects forwardly and a pair of braces that extend rearwardly from the frame. The pair of braces provide housing for a wheel assembly comprising heavy duty wheels on an axle. The braces and wheel assembly allow for facilitating movement over rough terrain and stairways. The apparatus includes a lockbar for security and to prevent movement.

Abstract: A chassis for a residential utility meter reading unit includes individual chambers including a transmitter chamber containing a printed circuit board, an indexing unit chamber containing the mechanism for operating dials that rotated in response to use of the utility product to indicate the magnitude of consumption, and a battery chamber releasably connected to the chassis and adapted to complete an electrical connection between batteries and circuit board as the third chamber moves relative to the chassis. A transparent cover overlaps a slot formed in the chassis and a leg extending from the battery chamber moveable in the slot. Rails on the chassis block movement of sliders on the battery pack away from the chassis to prevent disengagement of the battery chamber from the chassis unless the cover and its attachment screws are first removed.

Abstract: A portable, reusable apparatus for providing temporary electrical service. The apparatus includes a support structure with at least one service line, a meter base, and a breaker box secured thereto. One or more electrical receptacles may also be secured to the support structure. The apparatus may be configured to alternately connect to overhead and underground power supplies. A remote power supply apparatus is also disclosed. The remote power supply apparatus includes an electrical cord that is connectable to temporary electrical service. Systems that include these apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A single housing containing an electric power meter compartment and a circuit breaker-power receptacle compartment is adapted for use at a temporary construction site employing underground utility cables in a utility secondary cable enclosure. The meter compartment and circuit breaker-power receptacle compartment are disposed in a side-by-side arrangement in the housing which is adapted for secure mounting to a pedestal connected to the underground utility cables. The power circuit breakers and receptacles are protected from the environment by means of an overhanging access door pivotally attached to the power receptacle(s) compartment. The attached plug-type power load cable connections in the housing are also environmentally protected by means of the access door overhang. Disposed in the circuit breaker-power receptacle compartment is a receptacle to provide electric power on a temporary basis such as to a contractor during the construction phase of a housing development.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing temporary electrical service. The apparatus includes a support structure having at least one service line, a meter base, and a breaker box secured thereto. One or more electrical receptacles can also be secured to the support structure. The support structure can be a trailer so as to facilitate the ready transport of the apparatus. The apparatus can also include a temporary service pole securable to the support structure, with a first service line for connecting to an overhead power supply extending through the service pole to a transfer switch. A second service line that can be connected to an underground power supply also connects to the transfer switch. The transfer switch can be positioned to permit electricity to flow from one of the service lines into the meter base, then into the breaker box. From the breaker box, electricity can flow into the electrical receptacles to facilitate the use of electrical equipment. Methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electrical equipment is housed in a cabinet and is protected against hurricane-force calamities by covering the electrical equipment with an inner door system inside the cabinet, and by closing an opening of the cabinet with an environmental door system, and overlaying that environmental door system with a calamity-proof door system that may be used as an on-site temporary roof for installation and service personnel in an upturned position, and that constitutes a protection against hurricane-force calamities in a closed position on the shut environmental door system.

Abstract: A power transfer device adapted for interconnection with the electrical system of a building includes a cabinet, a set of switches mounted to the cabinet, and a first set of wires for connecting the switches to an electrical distribution panel associated with the building electrical system. The power transfer device includes a terminal compartment associated with the cabinet, a set of power input terminals located within the terminal compartment, and a cover removably connected to the cabinet for alternatively preventing and permitting access to the terminal compartment. The cover is provided with an optional power input and meter arrangement adapted to be interconnected with the power input terminals for selectively supplying and measuring levels of power provided from a source of auxiliary power connected to the power input terminals.

Abstract: A gauge assembly is provided including a terminal carrier including a base portion, a head portion extending from a first side of the base portion, and a plurality of legs extending from a second side of the base portion. The head portion includes a twist lock locking element disposed on a side thereof. A bobbin and coil assembly is supported by the terminal carrier. The bobbin and coil assembly rotatably supports a spindle and magnet. A plurality of electrical terminals extend through the base portion of the terminal carrier and terminate at one end into a bent contact portion adjacent to the head portion which engage electrical contact pads disposed on the printed circuit board. The electrical terminals have a second end electrically connected to a coil of the bobbin and coil assembly.

Abstract: An electric appliance housing, especially for a consumption meter, includes a base part and a closure part which are each molded in one piece from synthetic material and which can be secured by a lead seal, in a closed position. The closure part can be snap-fixed to the base part. The base part passes through the closure part with a lead-seal carrier which is molded on in one piece and which carries an eyelet in its projecting region as a passage for a lead-seal wire.

Abstract: A light leakage preventing structure of a combination meter includes: a plurality of scale plates being arranged so that their edges face each other with a gap being provided therebetween; and a light shielding member to be mounted to rear surfaces of facing portions of the edges. In the structure: the edges of the facing portions of the scale plates are formed into a flat plate shape; and the light shielding member has a dark space opened towards the facing portions.

Abstract: An improved assembly (10) for housing electronics for remote reading to meter reading data in a subsurface enclosure (11) includes a first inner enclosure (40) of metal for housing the receiver/transmitter circuitry (90), a second inner enclosure (69, 86) for housing a battery (65) and an outer enclosure (24) of plastic which encloses both of the inner enclosures.

Abstract: An electricity meter which, in one embodiment, includes a microcomputer coupled to both a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an optical port. The LCD includes an on board controller and an LCD random access memory (RAM), and in accordance with the present invention, the microcomputer is programmed to communicate the contents of the LCD RAM to the optical port during selected times of meter operation. Generally, and in an exemplary embodiment, when the LCD RAM data is updated by the microcomputer during meter operation, the microcomputer communicates such updated data to the optical port. In one specific implementation, a user selectable flag may be set to 1 or 0. If the user sets the flag to 0, then the communications feature is not enabled. If the flag is set to 1, then the communications feature is enabled. In operation, and upon receipt of a display quantity command, the microcomputer writes data to the LCD RAM. The microcomputer then checks whether the communications feature is selected (i.e.

Abstract: A meter transmission unit for transmitting a signal indicative of utility usage at a utility meter which is adapted for use with a pit set utility meter located in a pit having a cover and an opening therein for supporting the meter transmission unit and a method of installing the meter transmission unit. The meter transmission unit includes a tubular housing having a detachable flange at one end thereof for supporting the meter transmission unit on the pit cover and includes an annular collar having vertical adjustment means extending through the annular collar for engaging with the bottom of the pit cover to pull the flange tightly toward the top surface of the pit cover.

Abstract: A cabinet for housing first and second pieces of electrical equipment and having a first compartment adjacent a second compartment for housing the respective first and second pieces of electrical equipment. The cabinet has a first cover member overlying at least a portion of the first compartment and a second cover member overlying at least a portion of the second compartment and defining a seam therebetween. The cabinet also has a barrier positioned between the first and second compartments and extending generally transverse to the cover members. The barrier includes a wall and a drip channel, where the drip channel is integrally formed with the wall and extends longitudinally adjacent the seam to resist penetration of water into the cabinet.

Abstract: A modular electrical service riser includes an elongated conduit that is extended into a raised operating position and retracted into a transport position. The elongated conduit is substantially linear so as to avoid bending the cables in the conduit. The riser includes a novel meter fitting/disconnect that allows the riser to be used with overhead or underground utility company power lines or an overhead or underground customer subfeed. When the riser is used with a utility company power line, the meter is used. When the riser is used with a customer subfeed, the meter is bypassed. The riser can be moved from site to site without incurring extensive hardware and labor costs at each site because it can be used with four different types of power sources.

Abstract: An electrical energy meter is provided with snap fit interlocking parts that eliminate the need for screws or fasteners. The current sensor, located within the meter, has a plurality of current conductors and a notched blade attached to each current conductor that functions as an interlocking component to the meter base without the need for additional fasteners. A circuit board used by the meter is attached to a plurality of integral posts projecting from the base and the periphery of the circuit board has a pair of spaced notches for connection to the ends of a radial communications antenna without the requirement for additional hardware.

Abstract: An improved assembly (10) for housing electronics for remote reading to meter reading data in a subsurface enclosure (11) includes a first inner enclosure (40) of metal for housing the receiver/transmitter circuitry (90), a second inner enclosure (69, 86) for housing a battery (65) and an outer enclosure (24) of plastic which encloses both of the inner enclosures.