Abstract: The present disclosure envisages a heat-absorbing-and-dissipating jacket (80) for a terminal (100) of an electrical device (1000). The jacket has a body (81) configured to at least partially contour walls of the housing (10) of the terminal (100) and the jacket is made of a heat-absorbing-and-dissipating material. The body (81) of the jacket has a lower portion (86) extending operatively below the housing (10) of the terminal (100). The body (81) of the jacket also has an upper portion (88) extending operatively above the housing (10) of the terminal (100). The jacket (80) of the present disclosure is a cost-effective means which allows maximum heat absorption and dissipation from an enclosed electrical device and can be incorporated in an existing design of an electrical device.

Abstract: A system for detecting electricity theft with an integrity checks analysis includes a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display information related to a flow of electricity within a power distribution system and a controller in communication with the GUI. The controller is configured to receive electrical readings taken by a plurality of electricity meters and examine the electrical readings of the plurality of electricity meters for electricity theft indicators. The controller is also configured to determine a probability that electricity is being stolen at each of the plurality of electricity meters according to any electricity theft indicators affiliated therewith and output each probability to the GUI for display.

Abstract: A power device suited for being assembled in a chassis and connected with a plug is provided. The power device includes a housing, and a receptacle, a spring clamp, a position limiting element disposed on the housing. The plug is removably connected to the receptacle. The spring clamp has a moving end. The position limiting element is located between the spring clamp and the receptacle. The position limiting element and the moving end of the spring clamp are linked together to move between a first position and a second position relative to the housing. When the plug connects to the receptacle, the position limiting element is interfered with the plug and the spring clamp simultaneously so that the spring clamp is constrained at the first position.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods, devices and computer program products for tamper detection in a meter. One aspect of the method includes using a magnetic field strength sensor to continuously detect magnetic field strength proximate to a meter. In one aspect, the magnetic field strength sensor produces an analog voltage signal proportional to the detected magnetic field strength. The analog voltage signal of the sensor is continuously converted to a digital voltage signal. The digital voltage signal is stored in a memory at timed intervals, and the digital voltage signal is monitored for an aberration that indicates tampering of the meter. If tampering is detected, then an alarm is triggered to indicate the tampering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a clamping member that fits over a wall of a meter box and a lock housing that locks to the clamping member after a box cover has been installed thereby securing the cover to the box. Further embodiments relate to a clamp member and a lock housing wherein the clamping member generally comprises a clamp, clamp actuating member, and fastening shelf, and wherein the clamp actuating member may comprise a lever or threaded member to attach the clamping member to a wall of a meter box base. The box cover is secured to the meter box base when the clamping member is secured to the wall and used in combination with the lock housing and a locking shaft.

Abstract: Tamper secure circuitry including a first printed circuit board having mounted thereon circuit components and a slotted anti-tamper grid containing printed circuit board mounted onto the first printed circuit board defining at least one slot and arranged to overlie at least some of the circuit components, which are located in a volume defined by the at least one slot and the first printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a clamping member that fits over a wall of a meter box and a lock housing that locks to the clamping member after a box cover has been installed thereby securing the cover to the box. Further embodiments relate to a clamping member and a lock housing wherein the clamping member generally comprises a clamp, clamp actuating member, and fastening shelf, and wherein the clamp actuating member may comprise a lever or threaded member to attach the clamping member to a wall of a meter box base. The box cover is secured to the meter box base when the clamping member is secured to the wall and used in combination with the lock housing and a locking shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and circuits for detecting and recording timestamps for multiple events (222/322, 224/324) using a single input pin (252, 352) on a real time clock (RTC) (250, 350). Signals associated with each of the events are modulated to create a multiple level composite signal (240). The RTC includes a multiple signal level detection circuit to distinguish from among the various signal levels so that each event can be separately flagged and timestamped. For example, the opening of two or more covers (112, 114) on the housing (110) of an electronic device (100) can be monitored, distinguished, and separately flagged using a single RTC input port.

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: A sensor system for protecting products and technology from reverse engineering by detecting attempts to probe electronic circuitry includes a sensor electrically linked to electronic circuitry. The sensor detects interaction of probe devices with the electronic circuitry for the purpose of reverse engineering the electronic circuitry. The sensor includes an exciter and an impedance counter linked to the exciter. A count rate of the impedance counter is a function of the impedance of the electronic circuitry due to the fact that oscillation frequency generated by the exciter is also a function of the impedance of the electronic circuitry. The sensor also includes an impedance register storing the binary count value from the impedance counter, wherein after the impedance counter data is transferred into the impedance register, the data is referred to as impedance data.

Abstract: A secure circuit board assembly is provided. The secure circuit board assembly comprises: a control board including a cryptographic processor; a spacer portion mounted on the control board; and a lid mounted on the spacer portion. The control board, the spacer portion, and the lid collectively provide a secure enclosed chamber in which the cryptographic processor is mounted. The spacer portion provides protection against side-on attacks against the cryptographic processor.

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: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: A high security microcontroller (such as in a point of sale terminal) includes tamper control circuitry for detecting vulnerability conditions: a write to program memory before the sensitive financial information has been erased, a tamper detect condition, the enabling of a debugger, a power-up condition, an illegal temperature condition, an illegal supply voltage condition, an oscillator fail condition, and a battery removal condition. If the tamper control circuitry detects a vulnerability condition, then the memory where the sensitive financial information could be stored is erased before boot loader operation or debugger operation can be enabled. Upon power-up if a valid image is detected in program memory, then the boot loader is not executed and secure memory is not erased but rather the image is executed. The tamper control circuitry is a hardware state machine that is outside control of user-loaded software and is outside control of the debugger.

Abstract: A control unit is described for technical installations, devices and/or machines having a microprocessor, a programmable memory and a housing enclosing the microprocessor and programmable memory. Data lines lead out of the housing for connection with an external device for writing data to the programmable memory. The control unit is enclosed in the housing such that the operability of the control unit is at least partly destroyed when the housing is opened. The control unit furthermore has a check device that checks for authorization a write access by which data are written to the programmable memory over the data line, and causes the data to be written to the programmable memory only in case of a successful check of authorization.

Abstract: An improved radio frequency transparent utility meter cover for an automatic meter reading (AMR) system. The cover is manufactured from a strong and chemically inert polyolefin or polypropylene copolymer and includes a non-corroding lock to secure the cover to the meter box frame. The underside of the cover includes a plurality of ribs that lend strength and rigidity to the cover while increasing mounting points for meter unit interface devices.

Abstract: A locking bracket and a lock housing wherein the locking bracket generally comprises a clamping member and a fastening lever that attaches to a wall of a meter box base. The lock housing generally comprises a unitary member with a perpendicular flange. The meter box lid is secured to the meter box base when the locking bracket is secured to the side wall and used in combination with the lock housing and a locking shaft.

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: 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.

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: 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: Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.

Abstract: A lock ring for use in mounting a watthour meter, meter socket enclosure cover or a watthour meter socket adapter to each other. The lock ring includes a ring member and a housing carried on the first and second ends of the ring member. The housing may be separate housings carried on the first and second ends of the ring member. A lock is insertable into mated first and second housing members in one of a plurality of variably selectable positions that vary the circumference of the ring member to accommodate varied circumferences of watthour meters, meter socket adapters and meter socket enclosure cover mounting rings. Finger grips are formed on the housing members to facilitate closure of the housing. A plurality of axially spaced grooves are formed in one of the members for receiving lock members carried by the lock.

Abstract: A high security microcontroller (such as in a point of sale terminal) includes tamper control circuitry for detecting vulnerability conditions: a write to program memory before the sensitive financial information has been erased, a tamper detect condition, the enabling of a debugger, a power-up condition, an illegal temperature condition, an illegal supply voltage condition, an oscillator fail condition, and a battery removal condition. If the tamper control circuitry detects a vulnerability condition, then the memory where the sensitive financial information could be stored is erased before boot loader operation or debugger operation can be enabled. Upon power-up if a valid image is detected in program memory, then the boot loader is not executed and secure memory is not erased but rather the image is executed. The tamper control circuitry is a hardware state machine that is outside control of user-loaded software and is outside control of the debugger.

Abstract: An electrical enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure increases the number of electrical outlets available to a user.

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: Systems and methods for determining possible theft scenarios at utility meters are described. In some examples, the system receives information that indicates possible tampering of utility meter by a customer of a utility. In some examples, the system uses the information to determine a theft scenario. The system may then use the determined theft scenario as evidence against the customer.

Abstract: The integrated circuit has a circuit with information that is protected by a covering shielding level. A network with a large number of nodes is formed in the shielding level. Some of the nodes are linked to a comparator for a nominal-actual comparison. The comparator checks for a characteristic output current from each node. Errors on the characteristic output current lead to a change in the information which is stored in the circuit, so that the latter is protected against manipulation or analysis.

Abstract: A conductive heat sink is electrically interposed between a fuse and a switching apparatus within a watertight case of a network protector. The heat sink is advantageously configured to conduct current between the switching apparatus and the fuse. During operation, the skin effect causes the electricity conducted by the heat sink to flow primarily through the outer regions of the heat sink, thereby resulting in the generation of heat at the outer regions of the heat sink due to electrical resistance. The heat sink includes a core from which a plurality of fins extend. The fins conduct and convect heat away from the outer regions of the heat sink, which reduces the temperature thereof and correspondingly increases the conductivity of the outer regions of the heat sink.

Abstract: An A-base utility meter cover assembly is described. The meter cover assembly is fabricated of a thermoplastic injection molding material, such as polycarbonate, and includes a base cover covered by a terminal cover. In one embodiment, the base cover includes a terminal block cavity for receiving a utility meter terminal block, and two locking tabs and a snap portion which engage openings through the terminal cover when the base cover and terminal cover are in an assembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, a dam and deflectors on the terminal cover are aligned with ribs on the base to form a continuous barrier against water flow into the terminal block cavity. The configuration of the locking tabs and snap portion also protect against tampering with meter electronics by preventing removal of the terminal cover.

Abstract: A computer microprocessor has a housing portion with a recess formed in a top side wall thereof, and a die portion inset within the recess. Operating heat from the die is removed by heat dissipation apparatus which automatically adapts to variations in the microprocessor bond line thickness and includes a sheet metal EMI shield wall overlying the microprocessor and having a condensing end portion of a thermosyphoning heat pipe secured to its bottom side, with an evaporating end portion of the heat pipe overlying the die recess and being resiliently deflectable toward a phase change thermal pad mounted on the top side of the die and inset into the housing die recess. A laterally Enlarged heat sink section is integrally formed on the evaporating end portion and has a flat bottom side and an arcuate top side.

Abstract: A utility meter cover apparatus is provided for protecting an existing utility meter casing from vandalism. The cover apparatus includes a generally tubular base adapted to be received over an end wall of the casing and permanently fixed to the casing by an adhesive or the like. The base includes an end opening that provides access to the end wall of the casing and to the window and any hardware mounted in the end wall. A cover is sized for receipt on the base over the end opening, and is movable relative to the base between a closed position covering the end opening and an open position exposing the end opening. A lock assembly is connected between the base and the cover, and is shiftable between a locked position in which the cover cannot be moved from the closed position and an unlocked position in which the cover can be moved to the open position to allow access to the end face of the meter casing.

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: 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: Magnetic shields for plastic molded electricity meter frames are positioned to substantially block external magnetic fields from adversely affecting operation of meter components. The shield can be utilized with either electromechanical or electronic energy meters. In an electromechanical watthour meter which employs an aluminum disk driven to rotate through a magnetic field produced by a retarding magnet, the meter frame includes an integrally formed retarding magnet shield and an integrally formed bearing shield. The shields are coextensive with the frame, and extend from an inner periphery of the frame toward the retarding magnet and the bearing, respectively. The shields are formed of a magnetically permeable powder, such as a ferrite powder mixed with the plastic material from which the meter frame is molded. The shields divert externally applied fields away from the magnetically sensitive components of the meter without adversely affecting meter accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the confidentiality and security of sensitive data which has been encrypted as it is being processed in data communications systems. The apparatus uses a metallic plate which covers the encryption circuitry and a memory in which the encryption key is stored and includes circuitry which erases the stored encryption key when an attempt is made to remove the protective cover. The metallic plate is formed into top and bottom cover plates for the top side and bottom side respectively of a printed circuit board which are secured together with a screw. An integrated circuit, which is located within the top and bottom cover plates stores the encryption key, an erase circuit and a switch which changes position when the screw is rotated causing a signal to be generated by the erase circuit which erases the encryption key stored in the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An enclosure for a circuit breaker includes a housing sized to support at least one circuit breaker and to permit electrical connections to be made to the circuit breaker. A housing cover or lid is movable between an open position in which the circuit breaker is accessible and a closed position in which access to the electrical connections of the circuit breaker is prevented. An actuating bar is mounted slidably to the lid, and includes a switch-engaging formation for engaging the operating lever of the circuit breaker. The actuating bar includes a switch-engaging formation for engaging the operating lever of the circuit breaker and is operable to move the operating lever between the first, active position and a second, inactive position. An interlocking formation in the form of a waisted portion defined in the bar is adapted to prevent opening of the cover when the switch operating lever is in the first position and to allow opening of the cover when the operating lever is in the second position.

Abstract: A single unit enclosure containing an electric power meter compartment and a power receptacles compartment for use on a temporary construction site employing either underground or overhead utility cables. The meter compartment is located under the power receptacles compartment and is protected from the environment by means of the overhang provided by the access door attached to the power receptacles compartment. The incoming power cables to the enclosure are also protected by means of the access door overhang.

Abstract: A single unit enclosure containing an electric power meter compartment and a power receptacles compartment is adapted for use on a temporary construction site employing underground utility cables. The meter compartment is located under the power receptacles compartment and is protected from the environment by means of the overhang provided by the access door attached to the power receptacles compartment. The incoming power cables to the enclosure are also protected by means of the access door overhang.

Abstract: A tubular body is mounted against a wall of a dwelling and surrounding a distribution box and a portion of incoming cables which terminate within the distribution box. A cover closes the tubular body and switches detect when there is an attempt to remove the body from the wall and when the cover is removed.