Retractable Or Detachable Meter Support Patents (Class 361/666)
  • Patent number: 11860194
    Abstract: One embodiment is a device, which comprises a meter portion having one or more blades, the blades configured to reside within both a premises-side opening and a utility-side opening within a socket, a supply unit connected to the meter portion, a metering unit connected to the supply unit and configured to measure an amount of electricity that passes through the meter portion, and a sensor connected to the meter portion, wherein when the meter portion is placed in the socket, the sensor collects data associated with the placing of the meter portion in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. Scoggins, Vlad Pambucol, Michael Anthony Murphy, Thomas Owen McBride
  • Patent number: 11705837
    Abstract: An electrical power conversion device produces more DC power (wattage) from a lesser amount of AC power. The device utilizes an AC motor that is powered by 120 VAC. The motor drives two (2) permanent magnet alternators (PMA) which produce AC power. This AC power is then rectified by two (2) rectifier modules into DC power. The rectifiers are mounted on a heat sink plate with cooling pegs. The device is mounted in a large metal enclosure complete with disconnect switches, power meters and cooling fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Kenny M. McFerrin
  • Patent number: 8823363
    Abstract: An electricity meter comprising a box defining a terminal block for connection to cables and a removable cover covering the terminal block at least in part, wherein the meter includes fastener means arranged to hold said cover on a front face of the box while uncovering the terminal block and while leaving visible an inside face of the cover including means for explaining its electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS
    Inventor: Patrick Rolland
  • Patent number: 8593792
    Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Patent number: 8227692
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Digital Corporation
    Inventors: Erik Dahlgren, Scott M. Ewen, Joseph F. Ryan, Jose Umana
  • Patent number: 7821776
    Abstract: An electrical meter is provided that includes a cover configured for securement onto a base. The meter includes features that resist meter tampering, and features that provide evidence of meter tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLC
    Inventors: Garry M. Loy, Rodney C. Hemminger
  • Patent number: 7800890
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wayne Alfred Therrien, Rickey James Deluca, Terry Lee Van Olst
  • Patent number: 7683603
    Abstract: A transfer system includes an energy meter, a transfer switch, an automatic disconnect device, and a detector. The energy meter includes an input structured to receive a first power source, and a power output. The transfer switch includes a first input electrically connected to the power output of the energy meter, a second input, an output, and a mechanism structured to transfer one of the first and second inputs to the output of the transfer switch. The automatic disconnect device includes a first input structured to receive a second power source, a second input, an output, and a mechanism structured to electrically connect or disconnect the first input and the output of the automatic disconnect device responsive to the second input. The detector is structured to detect presence of the energy meter and output a corresponding signal to the second input of the automatic disconnect device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd M. Lathrop, Ronald D. Hartzel, David R. Welsh
  • Patent number: 7511451
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald Pierce
  • Patent number: 7400494
    Abstract: A quick change mechanism is provided for a meter socket assembly including a base member structured to be coupled to a meter, a number of electrical bus members extending outwardly from the base member, and at least one electrical connector electrically connectable to a corresponding one of the electrical bus members. The quick change mechanism includes a foundation and a receiving portion disposed generally opposite and distal from the foundation and including a number of apertures. Each aperture receives a corresponding one of the electrical bus members. Resilient protrusions extend outwardly from the receiving portion and are operable between an undeflected position in which the resilient protrusion secures the electrical connector on such electrical bus member, and a deflected position in which the resilient protrusion is deflected away from the electrical connector in order that the electrical connector is removable from such electrical bus member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7265966
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics UK Limited
    Inventor: Neil Frank Dudley
  • Patent number: 6882523
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Turner, Christopher D. Starta
  • Patent number: 6754067
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Turner, Christopher D. Starta
  • Patent number: 6703640
    Abstract: A spring element used in a temporary package for testing semiconductors is provided. The spring element is compressed so as to press the semiconductor, either in the form of a bare semiconductor die or as part of a package, against an interconnect structure. The spring element is configured so that it provides sufficient pressure to keep the contacts on the semiconductor in electrical contact with the interconnect structure. Material is added and/or removed from the spring element so that it has the desired modulus of elasticity. The shape of the spring element may also be varied to change the modulus of elasticity, the spring constant, and the force transfer capabilities of the spring element. The spring element also includes conductive material to increase the thermal and electrical conductivity of the spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hembree, Salman Akram, Derek Gochnour
  • Patent number: 6677742
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter having a base configured to be mounted to a structure and a component module adapted to be releasably secured to the base inhibits unauthorized removal of the component module from the base. The arrangement includes a mounting fastener assembly disposed on the component module and a closure element. The mounting fastener assembly has an access opening configured to receive a mounting fastener and a mounting opening configured to allow a portion of the mounting fastener to extend therethrough and into the base. The mounting fastener includes a portion configured to be retained by the base. The closure element is pivotally attached to the component module and is movable into a first position wherein the closure element restricts the access opening and into a second position wherein the access opening is accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Voisine, Ronald C. Tate
  • Patent number: 6663422
    Abstract: A coupler for use in a watthour meter socket adapter mechanically connects a jaw contact and a blade terminal. External conductors are separately attachable to the jaw contact and the blade terminal in one aspect. In another aspect, the coupler is an electrical fuse fixed between the jaw contact and the blade terminal. In another aspect, the coupler isolates the jaw contact from the blade terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 6614219
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Charles Dadian
  • Patent number: 6498717
    Abstract: A surface mounted panel adapter for a socket mounted electricity meter allows a socket mounted electricity meter to be installed on a switchboard. The surface mounted panel adapter is designed to attach to the back of a switchboard, and to expose a meter socket which is mounted on the front wall of the surface mounted panel adapter and which is exposed through the front wall of the switchboard. A standard socket mounted electricity meter can be mounted in the meter socket through the opening in the switchboard. Electrical connections to the meter socket are made using at least one terminal strip mounted on the rear wall of the panel adapter, and readily accessible to an installer who is behind the switchboard panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Patent number: 6421230
    Abstract: An adapter for converting a switchboard case for use with a socket mounted electricity meter uses a switchboard cradle which fits into a switchboard case, along with a meter socket which has been adapted so that it will fit into the front opening in the switchboard cradle, and which is mounted to a depth which permits the terminals of a socket meter to be fully engaged therein while the base of the socket meter overlies the front opening in the switchboard case and switchboard cradle. Electrical connections to the meter socket are made to the connection strips on the switchboard cradle, whereby no rewiring of the switchboard case will be required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Patent number: 6259596
    Abstract: A surface mounted panel adapter for a socket mounted electricity meter allows a socket mounted electricity meter to be installed on a switchboard. The surface mounted panel adapter is designed to attach to the back of a switchboard, and to expose a meter socket which is mounted on the rear wall of the surface mounted panel adapter through the front wall of the switchboard. A standard socket mounted electricity meter can be mounted in the meter socket through the opening in the switchboard. Electrical connections to the meter socket can be either on the rear of the panel adapter, or on the bottom of the panel adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Patent number: 6152764
    Abstract: A watthour meter socket adapter has a housing formed of a base and unitary annular sidewall projecting from the base. Jaw blades are mounted in apertures in the base. In one embodiment, a spring clip is movably disposable in an aperture formed in each jaw blade to define a meter blade terminal receiving slot therebetween. In another embodiment, the spring clip is fixed to the jaw blade by a single mechanical fastener. Complimentary locator members are formed on the jaw portion and the spring clip for non-movably locating the spring clip relative to the jaw blade. A tab projects from the jaw blade for non-movably fixing the jaw blade relative to the base of the socket adapter. Flanges formed on the base fixedly engage the tab. The jaw blade may be formed of a single unitary jaw contact and blade terminal or a discrete jaw member and blade member. U-shaped support members are formed on the base for engaging opposite side edges of the blade members for non-movably fixing the blade terminal relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs, Karl R. Loehr
  • Patent number: 6104601
    Abstract: A panel adapter for a socket meter allows a socket mounted electricity meter to be installed in a switchboard. The adapter is designed to attach to the back of the front of a switchboard, and it is substantially in the shape of a rectangular cube having a front wall and a rear wall. A meter socket is mounted to its rear wall, and the front wall has an opening which may have a diameter which is substantially the same as the front of the meter, or, alternatively, which is larger so as to enable a meter to be mounted in its socket through the opening. If the opening is larger than the meter, the adapter may, optionally, include a removable face plate to fill the space left by the larger opening. Embodiments of the panel adapter include data connectors on the rear wall, and adjustable length legs to allow for the installation of meters having differing lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews