Power Measuring Meter Coupling Part Patents (Class 439/517)
  • Patent number: 7147507
    Abstract: A meter socket base coupling assembly that includes a base bracket having a planar member with a plurality of openings, the base bracket openings defining a retaining device first component, and at least one elongated, non-conductive base member coupled to the base bracket, the non-conductive base member having a body with an upper side and a lower side, the base member body lower side having a plurality of pins extending therefrom, the pins structured to align with, and pass through, the base bracket openings and having a retaining device second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7142412
    Abstract: A socket assembly for mounting an electric meter comprising a plurality of power line connector subassemblies for connecting electric power lines to the socket assembly. Each subassembly comprises a generally U-shaped lug of electrically conductive material defining a saddle for supporting one of the electric power lines, a connector and a screw. The connector comprises a body of electrically conductive material having opposite sides slidably engageable with respective legs of the lug. A horn of electrically conductive material projects from the body for connection to a bypass conductor forming at least part of an electrical path for bypassing the electric meter. The screw is threadable through a screw opening in the connector to a position in which the screw is adapted to contact said power line in the saddle of the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Martin L. Witherbee, Brad A. Criner, Dallas Wayne Kellerman
  • Patent number: 7059896
    Abstract: The configurable adapter uses a relatively few components which allow it to be configured to have different heights to fit different switchboard cases. It includes a bracket designed to hold a particular type of meter or power monitor, with different brackets available to be assembled as a component of the configurable adapter. A new class of electricity revenue meters called a narrow base socket meter is described, and shown. The narrow base socket meter is adapted from a conventional socket meter which has a sufficiently narrow body by trimming its sides, top, and/or bottom, as necessary, to fit within the switchboard adapter, using a bracket which places the meter within the switchboard adapter so that its face can be flush with (or barely stick out from) the face of the switchboard. The adapter can also be used with standard socket base meters, which will stick out of the front of the switchboard panel, as well as with power monitoring devices by using suitable brackets, as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher Howard Matthews
  • Patent number: 7040921
    Abstract: This invention relates to a socket assembly for a meter box. The socket assembly comprises a plurality of power line connectors for connection to electric power lines of an electric power line system and a meter bypass system. Each power line connector comprises a jaw, a jaw support and first and second sockets. The jaw support comprises a base, a jaw mount having spaced apart flanges and a contact arm. The base, jaw mount and contact arm are formed as a one-piece metal structure to provide a joint-free path for flow of electrical current. The first socket is formed between the jaw and jaw mount for receiving an electrical connector of the electric meter. The second socket is formed between the jaw and contact arm for receiving a slide connector of a bypass system. The slide connector is slidable between a meter operating position and a meter bypass position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Dallas W. Kellerman
  • Patent number: 7040920
    Abstract: A connection system for allowing access to a primary power signal flowing through a utility meter. The connection system comprises a collar assembly, an adapter assembly, and adapter electronics. The collar assembly comprises a collar housing adapted to engage the wall box and the meter assembly, a plurality of main terminals, a plurality of secondary terminals. The adapter assembly comprises an adapter housing and a plurality of adapter contacts. The adapter housing is sized and dimensioned to be arranged in an engaged position relative to the collar housing. The adapter contacts engage the secondary contacts when the adapter housing is in the engaged position. The adapter electronics are contained within the adapter housing and are electrically connected to the adapter contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Alpha Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Johnson, Jr., Thanh Le, David A. Barany
  • Patent number: 6997739
    Abstract: A device includes a housing assembly that has a first housing member having an inner periphery defining an opening and a second housing member having an outer periphery. The second housing member is mounted within the opening such that the outer periphery and the inner periphery define a contact slot therebetween. A contact member extends through and away from the contact slot. The contact member is captured in the contact slot by the first and second housing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Vladimir Hoxha
  • Patent number: 6975505
    Abstract: A service entrance includes a post section, a service section, and a neutral bus disposed therebetween. The post section includes a first opening and a second opening, and is adapted to receive an electrical supply wire having a supply power wire and a supply neutral wire. The service section is disposed at the post section, and includes a third opening and a fourth opening, wherein the third opening is juxtaposed the first opening and the fourth opening is juxtaposed the second opening. The neutral bus, having a first end at the post section and a second end at the service section, is disposed passing through the second and fourth openings. The first end of the neutral bus is adapted to electrically connect with the supply neutral wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Randall D. Wise, Steven C. Stenzel
  • Patent number: 6947854
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods related to monitoring of energy usage on a power line. In a preferred embodiment, this system comprises (a) an electronic microprocessor-controlled digital electricity metering device coupled to the power line and comprising a non-volatile non-battery-powered data-storage device, wherein the metering device is capable of interval metering and of receiving a data request and transmitting data in response to the request over the power line; and (b) a data collector (preferably, a transponder) coupled to the metering device via the power line. The data collector is preferably capable of (i) receiving data from and transmitting data to the metering device over the power line, (ii) storing data received from the metering device over the power line, and (iii) receiving data from and transmitting data to a remotely located computer (preferably, a billing computer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Quadlogic Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Sayre A. Swarztrauber, Doron Shafrir, Stanley C. Lo, Michael Newsome, Eric Jacobson
  • Patent number: 6945813
    Abstract: This invention relates to a socket assembly for a meter box. The socket assembly comprises a plurality of power line connectors for connection to electric power lines of an electric power line system and a meter bypass system. Each power line connector comprises a jaw, a jaw support and first and second sockets. The jaw support comprises a base, a jaw mount having spaced apart flanges and a contact arm. The base, jaw mount and contact arm are formed as a one-piece metal structure to provide a joint-free path for flow of electrical current. The first socket is formed between the jaw and jaw mount for receiving an electrical connector of the electric meter. The second socket is formed between the jaw and contact arm for receiving a slide connector of a bypass system. The slide connector is slidable between a meter operating position and a meter bypass position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Dallas Wayne Kellerman
  • Patent number: 6921290
    Abstract: This invention relates to a socket assembly for a meter box. The socket assembly comprises a plurality of power line connectors for connection to electric power lines of an electric power line system. The power line connectors are adapted to mate with mating connectors of an electric meter. Each of the power line connectors comprises a jaw, a jaw support, a socket and a current diverter. The jaw support comprises a base and a jaw mount extending up from the base mounting the haw for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. The socket is formed between the jaw and jaw mount for receiving an electrical connector of the electric meter. The current diverter diverts some electric current from the socket along a current path separate from the jaw mount to reduce the amount of current flowing through the jaw mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Dallas Wayne Kellerman
  • 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: 6855005
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: IUSA-Ge, S. de R.L. de C.V.
    Inventor: Victor Franco Acacio
  • Patent number: 6846199
    Abstract: A housing carries an electrical disconnect switch having movable contacts. A cover is mounted on the housing and has an opening allowing access to a control lever of the disconnect switch. Electrical conductors are connected to the disconnect switch within the housing and have a blade terminal portion extending exteriorly of the housing for connection to jaws carried on an electrical component mountable in an electrical watthour meter socket. Degassing ports are formed between the cover and the sidewall of the housing to allow any arcing gasses generated within the interior of the housing to escape from the housing. A handle is mounted centrally on the cover. An ejector handle is movably mounted on the cover and carries an ejector arm to separate the housing from an attached electrical component. A method of removing and remounting a watthour meter in a meter socket is provided, including sequence steps printed on the face of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Robert Groozen
  • Patent number: 6752652
    Abstract: A watthour socket adapter base carries jaw blades for receiving blade terminals on a meter device and connectable to meter socket jaw contacts. Latch member carrier by drive members on an annular ring engage a socket cover to fixedly mount the latch base to the socket cover. Barriers surround each drive member to electrically insulate the drive members from the jaw contacts. Apertures in the base are surrounded by strain relief and lock fingers to accommodate the passage of conductors throgh the base. Conformable discontinuities are formed in the annual ring of the base to conform to different diameter shells attachable to the base. In another aspect, the latch members are pivotally mounted on an outer surface of the base and movable between latching and unlatching positions by rotation of a fastener extendible through the shell and the base and engaged with the latch members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Robinson
  • 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: 6663405
    Abstract: A housing carries an electrical disconnect switch having movable contacts. A cover is mounted on the housing and has an opening allowing access to a control lever of the disconnect switch. Electrical conductors are connected to the disconnect switch within the housing and have a blade terminal portion extending exteriorly of the housing for connection to jaws carried on an electrical component mountable in an electrical watthour meter socket. Degassing ports are formed between the cover and the sidewall of the housing to allow any arcing gasses generated within the interior of the housing to escape from the housing. A handle is mounted centrally on the cover. An ejector handle is movably mounted on the cover and carries an ejector arm to separate the housing from an attached electrical component. A method of removing and remounting a watthour meter in a meter socket is provided, including sequence steps printed on the face of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Robert Goozen
  • 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: 6644989
    Abstract: A light transmissive guide transmits light bidirectionally between a first end disposed interiorly of an electrical power service apparatus housing and a second end visible externally of the housing. The transmitted light by the light guide can be a status light of a device mounted within the housing or light forming part of an optical data communication signal transmitted bidirectionally between light operative and/or responsive devices mounted internally within the housing and similar devices disposed in light communication with the external end of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Robinson
  • Patent number: 6612866
    Abstract: A voltage isolator connector is described for a printed circuit board. The connector includes an end wall; a first side wall extending from the end wall, and a second side wall extending from the end wall. The first and second side walls form an isolator compartment with the end wall, and the end wall and the first and second side walls are configured for attachment to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Warren R. Germer, Patrick J. Horan
  • Patent number: 6592399
    Abstract: A support supports an auxiliary component, like a circuit board, in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In one aspect, access is provided through the socket adapter to an electrical component mounted on the circuit board for external control of the component through the aperture in the socket adapter. The supports also releasably receive flanges on electrical components for direct mounting of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 6589072
    Abstract: A support supports an auxiliary component, like a circuit board, in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In one aspect, slots are formed in posts and receive opposed ends of the circuit board. An end support post having an outwardly projecting, downwardly inclined top surface provides a snap connection of the circuit board to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Publication number: 20030092312
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6520798
    Abstract: A housing carries an electrical disconnect switch having movable contacts. A cover is mounted on the housing and has an opening allowing access to a control lever of the disconnect switch. Electrical conductors are connected to the disconnect switch within the housing and have a blade terminal portion extending exteriorly of the housing for connection to jaws carried on an electrical component mountable in an electrical watthour meter socket. Degassing ports are formed between the cover and the sidewall of the housing to allow any arcing gasses generated within the interior of the housing to escape from the housing. A handle is mounted centrally on the cover. An ejector handle is movably mounted on the cover and carries an ejector arm to separate the housing from an attached electrical component. A method of removing and remounting a watthour meter in a meter socket is provided, including sequence steps printed on the face of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Robert Goozen
  • 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: 6488535
    Abstract: A meter socket mountable in an enclosure and receiving blade terminals of a watthour meter in electrical contact with jaws mounted in the meter socket has an open end with wire guides to allow electrical conductors connected at one end to each of the jaws in the meter socket to exit the housing of the meter socket for connection to a remotely located meter test switch. Each of the conductors may be uniquely color coded for easy connection to the appropriate meter test switch terminal. In one aspect, the meter socket includes front and rear plates which define an internal cavity for receiving the jaw contacts and the conductors. In this aspect, the wire guides are formed on one end of one of the plates for receiving an intermediate portion of at least one conductor therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 6475028
    Abstract: A meter socket mountable in an enclosure and receiving blade terminals of a watthour meter in electrical contact with jaws mounted in the meter socket has an open end allowing electrical conductors connected at one end to each of the jaws in the meter socket to exit the housing of the meter socket for connection to a remotely located meter test switch. The conductors are arranged in a plurality of separate tied bundles. Each of the conductors may be uniquely color coded for easy connection to the appropriate meter test switch terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Publication number: 20020123265
    Abstract: A support supports an auxiliary component, like a circuit board, in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In one aspect, slots are formed in posts and receive opposed ends of the circuit board. An end support post having an outwardly projecting, downwardly inclined top surface provides a snap connection of the circuit board to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 6443761
    Abstract: A support receives an auxiliary component, like a circuit board, in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In one aspect, the support includes legs carrying conductive elements formed on the circuit board and extending through apertures in the base of the housing for electrical connection external of the socket adapter. In another aspect, a circuit board is provided with contacts along one edge which form spring jaws for receiving a terminal. A conductive tab on the circuit board resiliently completes an electrical circuit between a contact in the housing and a circuit or electrical component on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 6428350
    Abstract: A support supports an auxiliary component, like a circuit board, in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In another aspect, a circuit board is provided with contacts along one edge which form spring jaws for receiving a terminal. A conductive tab on the circuit board resiliently completes an electrical circuit between a contact in the housing and a circuit or electrical component on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • 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: 6409537
    Abstract: A support supports a circuit board in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In one aspect, slots are formed in posts and receive opposed ends of the circuit board. An end support post having an outwardly projecting, downwardly inclined top surface provides a snap connection of the circuit board to the housing. Alternately, the support includes legs carrying conductive elements formed on the circuit board and extending through apertures in the base of the housing for electrical connection external of the socket adapter. In another aspect, a circuit board is provided with contacts along one edge which form spring jaws for receiving a terminal. A conductive tab on the circuit board resiliently completes an electrical circuit between a contact in the housing and a circuit or electrical component on the circuit board. The supports also releasably receive flanges on electrical components for direct mounting of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 6386790
    Abstract: A one-piece stainless steel rim for mating a meter cover and base and method of making the same is disclosed. The stainless steel mating rim has integral therewith the various attachment tabs, locking lugs and locking tabs for attaching the rim to the cover, locking the rim to the base and insuring a proper fit of the rim with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. Thiel, Jimmy L. Watson, Roger D. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6384350
    Abstract: A test switch apparatus for an electrical device includes identical modules each carrying at least one switch thereon and terminals coupled to the switch and receiving electrical conductors. Complimentary interconnecting members are formed on each base and opposed barrier walls of each module for releasably interconnecting two modules in a side-by-side arrangement. Lock elements are optionally formed on each module for locking two adjacent switch modules together, preferably after the two modules are substantially joined by the interconnected members. End pieces are interconnected by interconnecting members to endmost modules. A cover is releaseably attachable to the end pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Meter Devices Company
    Inventors: John T. Shincovich, Thomas J. Archer
  • Publication number: 20020037664
    Abstract: A support receives an auxiliary component, like a circuit board, in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In one aspect, the support includes legs carrying conductive elements formed on the circuit board and extending through apertures in the base of the housing for electrical connection external of the socket adapter. In another aspect, a circuit board is provided with contacts along one edge which form spring jaws for receiving a terminal. A conductive tab on the circuit board resiliently completes an electrical circuit between a contact in the housing and a circuit or electrical component on the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen B. Pruehs
  • Publication number: 20020034893
    Abstract: A support supports an auxiliary component, like a circuit board, in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In one aspect, access is provided through the socket adapter to an electrical component mounted on the circuit board for external control of the component through the aperture in the socket adapter. The supports also releasably receive flanges on electrical components for direct mounting of the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 6325666
    Abstract: A safety shield for a watthour meter socket adapter in the form of an enclosure surrounding the jaw blades of the socket adapter. Latch means are formed on the housing and the enclosure for releasibly mounting the enclosure in the housing in a snap-in connection. A plurality of legs project from the enclosure and are releasibly engagable through apertures in the housing. Alternately, spring fingers extend inward from surge ground conductors to engage recesses in the safety shield to fixedly mount the safety shield in the socket adapter. A coupler receives a separate jaw contact and a separate blade terminal in a unitary construction while isolating the jaw contact from the blade terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs, Karl R. Loehr
  • Publication number: 20010021605
    Abstract: An arrangement for providing a connection between an electric utility meter socket plug disposed on a first side of a utility meter base and a second side of the utility meter base. The arrangement includes a contact blade having a first leg and a second leg connected at a first end. The first end is configured to be received in the electric utility meter socket. The first leg has a first barb disposed thereon, and the first leg and the second leg extend from the first end in a substantially adjacent manner so as to define a slot therebetween. The arrangement also includes a utility meter base having a receptacle defined therein. The receptacle has a first contact wall, a second contact wall, and a first retention shoulder. The contact blade is secured to the utility meter base when a portion of the contact blade is inserted into the receptacle and the first barb engages the first retention shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventor: Charles Bolam
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010000768
    Abstract: A support supports a circuit board in a non-interferingly manner with electrical contacts in a watthour meter socket adapter housing. In one aspect, slots are formed in posts and receive opposed ends of the circuit board. An end support post having an outwardly projecting, downwardly inclined top surface provides a snap connection of the circuit board to the housing. Alternately, the support includes legs carrying conductive elements formed on the circuit board and extending through apertures in the base of the housing for electrical connection external of the socket adapter. In another aspect, a circuit board is provided with contacts along one edge which form spring jaws for receiving a terminal. A conductive tab on the circuit board resiliently completes an electrical circuit between a contact in the housing and a circuit or electrical component on the circuit board. The supports also releasably receive flanges on electrical components for direct mounting of the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 6200158
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an enclosure to a watthour meter socket adapter includes a mounting strap lockingly encircleable about a side wall of the socket adapter and the enclosure connected to the strap for positioning exteriorly adjacent the side wall of the socket adapter. The interior of the enclosure is disposed in communication with the interior of the socket adapter through aligned apertures in the enclosure, socket adapter and strap for the passage of an electrical conductor therethrough. A releasable lock is carried on the strap for releasably locking the ends of the strap about the side wall of the socket adapter. In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a receiver having a first portion attached to the strap and a second wall portion. The enclosure is mounted in the receiver. Fasteners extend through the enclosure into the second wall portion for securing the enclosure on the wall portion. A removable cover is optionally provided on the enclosure to enable separate access to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Robinson
  • Patent number: 6168460
    Abstract: A terminal block configured to be used with self contained and transformer rated electricity meters includes at least one first cavity having at least one rib. The terminal block also includes a top having a plurality of current terminal extension members and a plurality of potential terminal extension members. A back of the terminal block includes at least one slot in communication with at least one second cavity. The second cavity is also in communication with at least one opening. The self contained meters utilize a terminal block assembly that includes the terminal block, a plurality of current terminals, a plurality of test link springs, and a plurality of actuator screws. The test link spring is positioned, at least partially, within the test link spring cavity and is configured to connect a potential wire to one of the current terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph Horan, Wayne Alfrede Therrien
  • 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: 6102754
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a bus bar contact having a body with two mating ends. One of the mating ends has a tab contact portion. The other of the mating ends having a receptacle contact portion. The receptacle contact portion has a plurality of resilient fingers for providing an electrical interface. The resilient fingers are stamped and formed from the body member wherein adjacent resilient fingers are sheared from each other thereby removing no material from between the adjacent resilient fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Harry Milton Capper, Brian Frank Jacobeen, James William Robertson
  • Patent number: 6104586
    Abstract: A circuit breaker switch apparatus pluggable into a watthour meter socket includes at least one set of line and load contact terminals and a power disconnect for completing an electrical circuit between at least one line terminal and one load terminal. The power disconnect switch is responsive to a trigger signal to switch switchable contacts to an open position and maintains the switchable contacts in the open position as long as the trigger signal is present. The power disconnect switch is mountable in the socket adapter housing by a snap-in connection. Load jaw contacts are mounted on rigid bus bars which are connectable to the power disconnect switch by a snap-in connection. An insulating shield surrounds the line and load jaw contacts and conductors while providing apertures to allow the insertion of watthour meter blade terminals therethrough into contact with the jaw contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell Robinson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6074246
    Abstract: A meter extender mount unit which is positioned between the ordinarily supplied electrical meter and the utility, meter mounting socket. The extender mount provides a male, push-in connection to the existing utility socket mount and the meter is received into female connectors on the opposite side thereof with a capture ring positively locking the meter to the extender mount. The frontal closure panel of the utility socket is designed to captured the extender without requiring a capture ring. A quick connect is provided directly on the extender mount for delivery of power to the meter socket from a remote. A control unit is provided between the generator and utility socket which insure activation of the generator following loss of power from the utility, insures generator shut off upon restoration of utility company power to prevent feedback of power to the utility line and allows or periodic testing of the generator to insure its operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Electro Industries Inc
    Inventors: William J. Seefeldt, Larry R. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 6059605
    Abstract: A watthour meter socket adapter has front and rear housings which encompassingly surround jaw contacts, electrical conductors and terminals. Apertures in the front housing allow insertion of a meter blade terminal into the jaw contacts. The jaw contacts include a spring clip having a recess sized for slidably receiving one side of a conductor to dispose the conductor for direct contact with a meter blade terminal. At least two conductors overlay each other and are separated by an insulating pad. The terminals include a collar having a recess for partially receiving one side of a circular conductor or in the case of a rectangular bus bar conductor, a bore is offset to one side edge of the terminal collar for receiving a lower portion of the bus bar. The upper portion of the end of the conductor is folded over to form a flange overlaying a bottom portion of a first bore in the terminal collar and engages an external conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs, Karl R. Loehr
  • Patent number: 6015314
    Abstract: An adapter provides full single phase electrical service when there is a partial electrical service failure to one of the line contacts of the watt-hour meter socket. The adapter includes a housing, wherein at least two line apertures are formed through the housing. A line electrical conductor is removably inserted through one of the line apertures to correspond to the live line contact of the meter socket. The line electrical conductor has a first end configured for being connected to the line contact of the watt-hour meter socket and a second end configured for being connected of contact of the watt-hour meter. At least two load apertures are formed through the housing. At least two load electrical conductors are each inserted through the load apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Colsolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. Benfante
  • Patent number: 5997347
    Abstract: A jaw blade contact for a watthour meter socket adapter includes a terminal with a blade end and an opposed jaw contact end. A spring clip is fixedly mounted on the terminal and has a jaw contact end opposed from the jaw contact end of the terminal for receiving a blade terminal of a meter there-between. Angled arms carried on the spring clip releasibly engage the base of the socket adapter housing to mount the jaw blade contact on the housing in a snap-on connection. In another embodiment, a spring clip engages apertures in a jaw contact formed of two folded over portions to mount the jaw contact in the housing. The housing has a mounting flange with a frangible portion conformable to different sized socket cover openings. An arcuate surge ground conductor is mounted on the housing sidewall by an integral bendable member which is movable from an in-line position to a mounting position extendable through an aperture in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Karl R. Loehr, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 5980311
    Abstract: Angle members forming the vertically extending supply buses in a meter center have arcuate offsets so that flanges on the ends of horizontally extending tenant buses form tenant stab contacts which are vertically aligned with supply stab contacts on straight sections of the outwardly projecting flanges of the supply bus angle members. Meter socket assemblies have double ended fastenerless meter jaws one pair of which plug onto the supply bus stab contacts and another pair of which plug onto the tenant bus stab contacts, and into which the meters are plugged. The double ended fastenerless meter jaws are fabricated from a pair of elongated flat members having end sections bent back on and diverging from straight center sections, and terminal sections which extend toward each other from the end sections and converge slightly toward the center sections. Spring clips clamp the terminal sections of the pair of elongated members in compliant confronting relationship to form the double ended fastenerless meter jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James Monroe Campbell, Scot Eugene Remmert, Larry Joe Simpkins, Edward Hugh Lechleiter, Glen Clark Naugle