Methods of detennining if it is safe to restore service to a gas meter remotely are provided. The method includes determining if any pre-existing conditions are present in the gas meter responsive to issuance of a restore command to restore service from a remote location. The pre-existing conditions indicates that safety test results are unreliable. If it is determined that no pre-existing conditions are present, a valve on the gas meter is opened to fill the gas meter with gas until the gas meter reaches a predefined fill state. It is determined if pressure in the gas meter is stable at the predefined fill state and the valve on the gas meter is closed if the pressure is stabilized. A pressure decay test is performed after the valve on the gas meter is closed. The valve to restore gas flow is opened if the pressure decay test passes.
F17D 3/01 - Dispositions pour la surveillance ou la commande des opérations de fonctionnement pour commander, signaler ou surveiller le transfert d'un produit
F16K 31/00 - Moyens de fonctionnement; Dispositifs de retour à la position de repos
F16K 37/00 - Moyens particuliers portés par ou sur les soupapes ou autres dispositifs d'obturation pour repérer ou enregistrer leur fonctionnement ou pour permettre de donner l'alarme
F17D 1/04 - Systèmes de canalisation pour gaz ou vapeurs pour la distribution du gaz
G01M 3/26 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit
2.
METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR REDUCING INSTABILITY IN THE POWER GRID
A method for identifying report triggering events in a power grid to improve stability in the power grid is provided. Energy flow information in the power grid is measured and report triggering events during a predetermined period of time are identified. The report triggering events include at least a predetermined number of load flow transitions where energy flows back from a load associated with the power grid to the power grid during the predetermined period of time and/or exceeding a threshold of time where an energy flow phase angle between voltage and current remains at or near 90 or 270 degrees indicating pure volt-ampere reactive (VAR) operation during the predetermined period of time. A report associated with each of the identified report triggering events is generated and includes a location indicating where the report triggering event occurred in the power grid. The reports are transmitted.
A system that detects temperature and current events in a power grid is provided. The system includes at least one sensor associated with an electric meter; a plurality of bus bars connected to the electric meter; at least one temperature sensor uniquely associated with each of the plurality of bus bars; and at least one current sensor uniquely associated with each of the plurality of bus bars. The system detects a plurality of temperatures and/or currents and compares the detected plurality of temperatures and/or currents to expected thresholds or threshold ranges for temperatures and/or currents in the system to provide a comparison result and determines if a notification related to temperature and/or current events in the system should be sent based on the comparison result.
G01R 35/04 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe des instruments pour mesurer l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance ou d'une intensité
G01K 3/10 - Thermomètres donnant une indication autre que la valeur instantanée de la température fournissant des valeurs différenciées par rapport au temps, p.ex. réagissant uniquement à une variation rapide de température
4.
METHOD FOR MONITORING STATUS OF A LIGHT FIXTURE AND RELATED MONITORING MODULE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT
Methods for remotely monitoring a status of a light fixture including monitoring sensor data associated with the light fixture; analyzing the monitored sensor data to determine if the light fixture is operating outside expected parameters associated with the light fixture; and altering the status of the light fixture for a finite period of time if it is determined that the light fixture is operating outside expected parameters are provide. Related monitoring modules and computer program products are also provided.
H05B 47/20 - Circuits pour faire fonctionner des sources lumineuses en général, c. à d. où le type de source lumineuse n'est pas important pour la protection
An electrode assembly for an electromagnetic flow meter (1; Fig. 1) is disclosed. The electrode assembly comprises a housing, which may be a flow tube (2; Fig. 1) of the electromagnetic flow meter, having a passage (123) between first and second ends (1241, 1242), an electrode (125) comprising a plug of porous material, for example formed of porous graphite, at least partially disposed within the passage proximate the first end, and an electrically-conductive polymer connector (125) at least partially disposed within the passage and in direct contact with the electrode.
G01F 1/58 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets électriques ou magnétiques par débitmètres électromagnétiques
6.
FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS FOR USE WITH GASKETS IN ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METERS
Systems for reducing leakage at a pressure barrier in a gas meter, are provided including first and second gaskets; a flexible circuit having variable thicknesses, such that a thicker portion of the flexible circuit is provided between the first and second gaskets; and a mounting plate on the flexible circuit, the mounting plate compressing the flexible circuit between the first and second gaskets on a non-pressurized side of the pressure barrier of the gas meter. Related flexible circuits and gas meters are also provided.
F16J 15/02 - Joints d'étanchéité entre surfaces immobiles entre elles
G01F 1/58 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets électriques ou magnétiques par débitmètres électromagnétiques
Gas meters are provided including a housing and a pressure regulator integrated with the housing, wherein the pressure regulator is configured to adjust pressure of gas flowing through the gas meter responsive to a signal from a remote location or automatically based on a predetermined pressure threshold programmed into the gas meter. Related pressure regulating systems and methods are also provided.
An electricity meter includes a power line interface circuit configured to generate measurements of parameters for at least two electricity transmission paths. The meter also includes a balance determination circuit configured to generate at least one balance metric that indicates a balance between the electricity transmission paths from the generated measurements. The meter further includes a communications circuit configured to transmit balance information to an external recipient responsive to the at least one balance metric.
G01R 22/06 - Dispositions pour la mesure de l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance électrique ou d'un courant, p.ex. compteurs d'électricité par des méthodes électroniques
G01R 21/00 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de la puissance ou du facteur de puissance
G01R 21/06 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de la puissance ou du facteur de puissance par mesure du courant et de la tension
9.
POSITION SENSING MODULES AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS
Position sensing modules associated with a device are provided. The position sensing modules are configured to receive electrical characteristics associated with one or more switches of a device over a predetermined period of time, the one or more switches being configured to connect service to or disconnect service from a customer; calculate a match indicator for each phase of the device including the one or more switches, the match indicator indicating whether an electrical characteristic on a load-side of the device matches a same electrical characteristic on a line-side of the device for each phase of the device; and determine a position of the one or more switches based on the received electrical characteristics and the calculated match indicator for each phase of the device.
G01R 11/24 - Dispositions pour éviter ou indiquer un usage frauduleux
G01D 3/08 - Dispositions pour la mesure prévues pour les objets particuliers indiqués dans les sous-groupes du présent groupe avec dispositions pour protéger l'appareil, p.ex. contre les fonctionnements anormaux, contre les pannes
G01R 11/25 - Dispositifs pour indiquer ou signaler les défauts
G01R 19/25 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de courant ou de tension ou pour en indiquer l'existence ou le signe utilisant une méthode de mesure numérique
G01R 22/06 - Dispositions pour la mesure de l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance électrique ou d'un courant, p.ex. compteurs d'électricité par des méthodes électroniques
G01R 31/327 - Tests d'interrupteurs de circuit, d'interrupteurs ou de disjoncteurs
H02J 3/14 - Circuits pour réseaux principaux ou de distribution, à courant alternatif pour règler la tension dans des réseaux à courant alternatif par changement d'une caractéristique de la charge du réseau par interruption, ou mise en circuit, des charges du réseau, p.ex. charge équilibrée progressivement
H02J 13/00 - Circuits pour pourvoir à l'indication à distance des conditions d'un réseau, p.ex. un enregistrement instantané des conditions d'ouverture ou de fermeture de chaque sectionneur du réseau; Circuits pour pourvoir à la commande à distance des moyens de commutation dans un réseau de distribution d'énergie, p.ex. mise en ou hors circuit de consommateurs de courant par l'utilisation de signaux d'impulsion codés transmis par le réseau
H03K 17/18 - Modifications pour indiquer l'état d'un commutateur
10.
BYPASS DETECTION MODULES AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS
Bypass detection modules associated with a device are provided. The bypass detection module is configured to determine if one of more switches have been opened to remove service from a customer; monitor electrical characteristic associated with both a line side of the device and a load side of the device responsive to determining that one of more of the one or more switches have been opened to remove service from the customer; and determine a state of the device based on the monitored electrical characteristics.
A flow meter system for detecting the flow of a fluid between an inlet and an outlet. A top plate is coupled to the inlet and the outlet and a sensor is configured to detect the fluid flowing therebetween. A main module is coupled between the inlet and the outlet and has a main rotor configured to be rotated by the fluid flowing through the main module. An output shaft is coupled to the main rotor such that rotation of the main rotor causes rotation of the output shaft. A first spacer is removably coupled between the main module and the outlet. The first spacer is rotorless. The top plate defines an opening that receives the output shaft. The first spacer ensures alignment between the output shaft and the opening defined in the top plate. The sensor senses rotation of the output shaft to detect the flow of fluid.
G01F 1/11 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en utilisant des aubes tournantes avec admission axiale avec accouplement mécanique au dispositif indicateur
G01F 15/14 - Revêtements, p.ex. avec un matériau spécial
An ultrasonic meter configured to operate in multiple classes is provided including a flowtube having an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end, opposite the first end; and first and second face to face transducers, the first transducer being positioned at the first end of the flowtube and the second transducer being positioned at the second end of the flowtube, wherein the first and second face to face transducers are positioned in line with flow through the ultrasonic meter. Related flowtubes are also provided herein.
A vortex generator for use in a flowtube of a meter is provided. The vortex generator includes a plurality of raised elements on an inner surface of a flowtube. The plurality of raised elements are positioned on the inner surface of the flowtube upstream of a widening of the flowtube. The presence of the plurality of raised elements improves boundary layer adherence. Related systems and meters are provided.
G01F 15/00 - MESURE DES VOLUMES, DES DÉBITS VOLUMÉTRIQUES, DES DÉBITS MASSIQUES OU DU NIVEAU DES LIQUIDES; COMPTAGE VOLUMÉTRIQUE - Détails des appareils des groupes ou accessoires pour ces derniers, dans la mesure où de tels accessoires ou détails ne sont pas adaptés à ces types particuliers d'appareils, p.ex. pour l'indication à distance
Methods for allocating bandwidth in a central cloud-based system are provided including receiving a request for a subscription for information stored in the central cloud-based system from a third-party customer and allocating one or more partitions in a queue to the third-party customer. The one or more partitions each have corresponding threads and a number of the one or more partitions is determined by an estimated amount of traffic associated with the requested subscription for the third-party customer. Information is provided meeting terms of the subscription to the third-party customer using the allocated one or more partitions in the queue and the corresponding threads. At least one of the receiving, allocating and providing is implemented by at least one processor. Related devices and computer program products are also provided.
A gas regulating and control system is provided that is configured to be received at a gas regulator installed at a remote location for remotely controlling the gas flow, the system including a gas control module including a plurality of sensors associated with the gas regulator, the plurality of sensors configured to sense a corresponding plurality of parameters associated with the gas regulator. The gas control module is configured to automatically turn off the gas to the gas regulator when one or more of the corresponding plurality sensed parameters is determined to be outside an acceptable range for the sensed parameter.
A system (with corresponding method and computer program product) for monitoring flow conditions for a utility provider. The system has a register having a processor capable of monitoring a flow of fluid flowing through a utility line and a communication device having a) a wake-up circuit in communication with the register via at least one communication port and b) a processor programmed and configured to communicate with the register and broadcast information from the communication device. The processor of the register is programmed and configured to supply a signal on the communication port whenever the register has communication data for broadcast to the utility provider. The wake-up circuit of the communication device checks the communication port to ascertain if the signal is present.
G01M 3/24 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par détection de la présence du fluide à l'emplacement de la fuite en utilisant des vibrations infrasonores, sonores ou ultrasonores
17.
CUT WIRE DETECTION SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT
A system (with corresponding a method and computer program product) for sensing wire tampering of a utility service. The system comprises a flow meter configured to produce output pulses indicative of a flow through the utility service, a switching-element receiving the pulses from the flow meter, a diode in parallel with the switching-element, and a processor for recording the flow, and having a first wire and a second wire electrically connected to the switching-element and the diode. The processor is configured to apply a forward voltage to the diode, detect a response at the diode during the application of the forward voltage to the diode, and based on a comparison of a magnitude of the response to at least two of three different electrical states, determine if the detected response is indicative of a) a short between the first wire and the second wire, b) a cut in either of the first wire and the second wire, or c) an untampered wire condition.
G01R 11/24 - Dispositions pour éviter ou indiquer un usage frauduleux
G01R 11/00 - Dispositions électromécaniques pour la mesure de l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance ou d'un courant électriques, p.ex. de la consommation
G01R 11/02 - Dispositions électromécaniques pour la mesure de l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance ou d'un courant électriques, p.ex. de la consommation - Détails structurels
G01R 22/00 - Dispositions pour la mesure de l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance électrique ou d'un courant, p.ex. compteurs d'électricité
G01R 22/06 - Dispositions pour la mesure de l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance électrique ou d'un courant, p.ex. compteurs d'électricité par des méthodes électroniques
A system for battery gravitation-orientation detection. The system has a battery, an accelerometer fixed relative to the battery or optionally fixed relative to a battery housing, a processor programmed to: receive one or more signals from the accelerometer, compute a gravity direction from the one or more signals, and determine if battery or the battery housing is in a sub-optimum orientation for battery life based on the gravity direction and a relative alignment of the gravity direction to the battery or the battery housing.
Methods include establishing a transport layer security connection between the client and a server that provides the web service, identifying at least one cryptographic key for communication with the web service in the connection, closing the connection and communicating between the client and the web service using a web service token that is signed and encrypted according to the identified at least one cryptographic key. Communicating between the client and the web service u/sing a web service token may not require creation of a new transport layer security connection. Further embodiments provide a computer configured to perform operations as described above and computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform operations as described above.
G06F 21/33 - Authentification de l’utilisateur par certificats
H04L 9/14 - Dispositions pour les communications secrètes ou protégées; Protocoles réseaux de sécurité utilisant plusieurs clés ou algorithmes
H04L 9/28 - Dispositions pour les communications secrètes ou protégées; Protocoles réseaux de sécurité utilisant un algorithme de chiffrement particulier
H04L 9/30 - Clé publique, c. à d. l'algorithme de chiffrement étant impossible à inverser par ordinateur et les clés de chiffrement des utilisateurs n'exigeant pas le secret
20.
METHODS, CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING SENSOR PACKAGES USING WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER DERIVED FROM ROTATING MEMBERS
A method of charging an energy storage device can be provided by wirelessly coupling to a rotating member contained in a housing using a coil attached to an exterior of the housing and charging an energy storage device using a current induced in the coil.
H02J 50/90 - Circuits ou systèmes pour l'alimentation ou la distribution sans fil d'énergie électrique mettant en œuvre la détection ou l'optimisation de la position, p.ex. de l'alignement
21.
FOLDED, THREE DIMENSIONAL (3D) ANTENNAS AND RELATED DEVICES
A folded antenna is provided including an antenna having a fold therein. The fold in the antenna divides the antenna into first and second radiating portions. The first radiating portion of the folded antenna is planar and the second radiating portion has a window therein. The first and second radiating portions of the folded antenna are coupled at the fold in the antenna having a predetermined angle therebetween. Related antenna systems and meters are also provided.
System and methods for determining loading on supply lines of a three-phase power distribution system. Load meters are connected to the supply lines to receive power. A feeder meter is connected to a supply line designated the reference supply line having a known reference phase. A device generates a timing pulse received by the load meters and the feeder meter. The load meters and feeder meter each determine a respective time delay and feeder meter delay from receiving the timing pulse until a landmark value of the power received. The feeder meter delay corresponds to the reference phase. Each load meter and feeder meter includes a transmission device to transmit the time delay or feeder meter delay. An end server receives the time delays and feeder meter delay and assigns each load meter to a phase by comparing the time delay for a load meter to the feeder meter delay.
H02J 3/00 - Circuits pour réseaux principaux ou de distribution, à courant alternatif
G01R 25/00 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de l'angle de phase entre une tension et un courant ou entre des tensions ou des courants
H02J 13/00 - Circuits pour pourvoir à l'indication à distance des conditions d'un réseau, p.ex. un enregistrement instantané des conditions d'ouverture ou de fermeture de chaque sectionneur du réseau; Circuits pour pourvoir à la commande à distance des moyens de commutation dans un réseau de distribution d'énergie, p.ex. mise en ou hors circuit de consommateurs de courant par l'utilisation de signaux d'impulsion codés transmis par le réseau
23.
METHOD TO DETECT OPERATIONAL STATE OF REMOTE DISCONNECT LATCHING RELAY
A method and system for monitoring a state of a relay switch. The method applies a voltage signal to a solenoid of the relay switch for actuation of the relay switch, monitors over time current flowing through the solenoid after application of the voltage signal, and calculates a back-emf voltage impressed on the solenoid based on an inflection in the current occurring as a plunger of the relay switch moves. The system includes a voltage source, at least one solenoid solenoid having a plunger, a switch connected to the plunger, and a controller configured to data log the voltage applied to the solenoid and the current flowing through the solenoid upon application of the voltage.
H01H 47/00 - Circuits autres que ceux appropriés à une application particulière du relais et prévue pour obtenir une caractéristique de fonctionnement donnée ou pour assurer un courant d'excitation donné
24.
METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR IDENTIFYING ENDPOINTS IN A NETWORK
Methods for identifying in range endpoints in a network are provided. The methods includes providing a map including endpoints in the network, the endpoints including target endpoints, out of range endpoints and non-out of range endpoints; positioning a grid over the map including the endpoints in the network, the grid including a plurality of subsections each having a defined radius, locating a target endpoint on the map and in one of the subsections of the grid; and identifying a plurality of endpoints within subsections of the grid within a defined range of the target endpoint.
A system (with corresponding methods) for responding to an electrical meter alarm. The system utilizes a processor at a meter or at a utility, and an alarm chronical encoded in memory of the processor. The alarm chronical includes an alarm level correlating to a degree of risk associated with a state of the meter, a time stamp including a date and a time of when the alarm level triggered, a meter identification, and performance data of the meter.
G01R 22/06 - Dispositions pour la mesure de l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance électrique ou d'un courant, p.ex. compteurs d'électricité par des méthodes électroniques
G01R 31/08 - Localisation de défauts dans les câbles, les lignes de transmission ou les réseaux
G08B 17/06 - Déclenchement électrique de l'alarme, p.ex. utilisant un interrupteur actionné thermiquement
26.
MULTI-ELEMENT BENDING TRANSDUCERS AND RELATED METHODS AND DEVICES
Bending mode transducers are provided including a substrate made of a high density material, the substrate having a first surface and a second surface, opposite the first surface. A piezoelectric layer is provided on the first surface of the substrate and at least one patterned electrode is provided on the piezoelectric layer. A mounting block is on the at least one patterned electrode at least one electrical contact point is provided on the first surface of the substrate remote from the at least one patterned electrode. Related devices and methods are also provided.
G10K 11/00 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour transmettre, conduire ou diriger le son en général; Procédés ou dispositifs de protection contre le bruit ou les autres ondes acoustiques ou pour amortir ceux-ci, en général
Ultrasonic devices include a transducer having a piezoelectric element therein that may operate as an acoustic signal receiving surface and/or an acoustic signal generating surface. At least one acoustic matching layer is provided on the piezoelectric element. This at least one acoustic matching layer may be configured as a composite of N acoustic matching layers, with a first of the N acoustic matching layers contacting the primary surface of the piezoelectric element. This first acoustic matching layer may have an acoustic impedance equivalent to ZL1, where N is a positive integer greater than zero. In some embodiments of the invention, the magnitude of ZL1 may be defined as: 0.75 ((Zp)N+1(Zg))1/(N+2) = ZL1 = 1.25 ((Zp)N+1(Zg))1/(N+2), where Zp is the acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric element (e.g., lead zirconate titanate (PZT)) and Zg is the acoustic impedance of a compatible gas.
B06B 1/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par effet piézo-électrique ou par électrostriction
H04B 11/00 - Systèmes de transmission utilisant des ondes ultrasonores, sonores ou infrasonores
G10K 11/02 - Impédances acoustiques mécaniques; Adaptation d'impédance, p.ex. au moyen de pavillons; Résonateurs acoustiques
28.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUBNETWORK HYDRAULIC MODELING
A system for managing a distribution network, the system including a network hydraulic model and an automated meter infrastructure (AMI) providing AMI data from consumption meters. The system includes subnetworks within the distribution network, nodes interconnecting the subnetworks, and boundary devices connected to the nodes. Each boundary device includes a flow meter and a pressure sensor that sense a flow and a pressure of the distribution network at the nodes at a given time step. A subnetwork hydraulic model is generated for each subnetwork from the network hydraulic model. A processing module determines a first comparison for the given time interval between the AMI data from the consumption meters within a given subnetwork, the flow and the pressure at the nodes bordering the given subnetwork, and the subnetwork hydraulic model for the given subnetwork. The distribution network is managed based at least in part on the first comparison.
G01M 3/28 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit pour soupapes
G06Q 50/06 - Fourniture d'électricité, de gaz ou d'eau
E03B 7/00 - Canalisations principales ou réseaux de distribution
29.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODEL-BASED LEAK DETECTION OF A PIPE NETWORK
A method, apparatus, and system for improved accuracy of leak detection while reducing the effort required by the utility in a distribution network divided into zones having upstream and downstream locations. An upstream pressure sensor detects the pressure at the upstream location and a downstream pressure sensor detects the pressure at the downstream location. A lookup table is used to determine an expected pressure at each downstream location corresponding to no leak being present based on a range of hypothetical upstream pressures at each corresponding upstream location and consumption data from consumption meters. The expected pressure and detected downstream pressure at each downstream location are compared to determine if the calculated discrepancy exceeds a threshold. If the discrepancy exceeds the threshold, a leak location lookup table containing a set of potential leak locations based on a range of hypothetical discrepancies is used to determine a set of probable leak locations.
G01M 3/28 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit pour soupapes
G06Q 50/06 - Fourniture d'électricité, de gaz ou d'eau
E03B 7/00 - Canalisations principales ou réseaux de distribution
30.
INDUCTIVE FLOW METER INCLUDING EXTENDED MAGNETIC POLE PIECES
A magnetic flow meter includes a -magnetic flow transducer positioned to sense the flow of water through the flow meter. The magnetic flow transducer includes first and second electrodes positioned on opposite sides of a measuring channel. First and second magnetic pole pieces are positioned on opposite sides of the measuring channel and orthogonal to the first and second electrodes. The magnetic pole piece includes extending tab portions that are located adjacent to the first and second electrodes on opposite sides of the first and second electrodes. The extended tabs formed on each of the first and second magnetic pole pieces reduce the induced voltage within the electrodes to increase the accuracy of the measurement taken by the magnetic flow transducer.
G01F 1/58 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets électriques ou magnétiques par débitmètres électromagnétiques
31.
PIPE COUPLING HAVING DOUBLE-THREADED TIGHTENING FASTENER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
A pipe coupling (10) for coupling adjacent pipe ends (E1, E2) of a pair of pipes (P1, P2) includes a sleeve (12), a sealing gasket (18) operatively coupled with the sleeve (12) adjacent an open end (22) of the sleeve (12), and a clamping element (24) for compressing the sleeve (12) or the sealing gasket (18) into tightened engagement with one of the pipe ends (E1, E2). The clamping element (24) includes two bolt flanges (52a, 52b) nominally spaced apart by a gap and a double threaded fastening bolt (26) with two external threaded portions (62, 64), which engage with two corresponding fastening nuts (28, 30) having right-hand thread and left-hand thread, respectively. Accordingly, when the fastening bolt (26) is rotated, both of the fastening nuts (28, 30) move towards or away from one another, thereby rapidly moving the bolt flanges (52a, 52b) to shrink the gap and compress the clamping element (24) or to expand the gap. As such, less time and labor are required to operate the pipe coupling (10) in the field.
F16L 21/02 - Raccords avec manchon ou douille avec segments d'étanchéité élastiques entre le tuyau et le manchon ou entre le tuyau et la douille, p.ex. avec des segments roulants ou autres segments profilés préfabriqués
32.
METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR INITIALIZING A METER READING DEVICE
A method of initializing a meter reading device that communicates a current meter value of a meter to a central metering facility includes capturing, by a camera, an optical image of the meter that displays meter information and determining an initial meter value from the meter information in the optical image of the meter. The method further includes initializing the meter reading device using the initial meter value.
G01D 4/04 - Mécanismes de remise à zéro, p.ex. pour les parties indicatrices
G01D 5/39 - Moyens mécaniques pour le transfert de la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible; Moyens pour convertir la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible en une autre variable, lorsque la forme ou la nature de l'organe sensible n'imposent pas un moyen de conversion déterminé; Transducteurs non spécialement adaptés à une variable particulière utilisant des moyens optiques, c. à d. utilisant de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette explorant une indication visible de la valeur mesurée et reproduisant cette indication en un lieu éloigné, p.ex. sur l'écran d'un tube cathodique
A cathodic protection system that is able to monitor the operational status of a plurality of test points and rectifiers. The cathodic protection system includes a plurality of test point monitors that are associated with test points and a plurality of rectifier controllers that are associated with the rectifiers located along a utility pipeline. The test point monitors are battery powered while the rectifier controllers may be utility line powered. Each of the test point monitors and rectifier controllers communicates with a base station utilizing a wireless communication technique. The base station communicates with a back end server that operates to accumulate data and visually present the data to an operator on a display associated with cathodic protection software application. The software application allows the operator to monitor the beam of the system and address alerts generated by any of the test points or monitored rectifiers.
A fire hydrant water meter having a flow restricting device that creates back pressure to restrict the flow of water through the fire hydrant water meter. The flow restricting device includes a plurality of flexible vanes that combine to define a variable orifice. As the flow of water through the meter increases, the individual flexible vanes move away from each other to expand the size of the flow orifice. The flow restricting device provides a source of back pressure to water flowing through the meter to restrict the flow rate of water and thus protect the metering device contained within the fire hydrant water meter.
G01F 15/00 - MESURE DES VOLUMES, DES DÉBITS VOLUMÉTRIQUES, DES DÉBITS MASSIQUES OU DU NIVEAU DES LIQUIDES; COMPTAGE VOLUMÉTRIQUE - Détails des appareils des groupes ou accessoires pour ces derniers, dans la mesure où de tels accessoires ou détails ne sont pas adaptés à ces types particuliers d'appareils, p.ex. pour l'indication à distance
E03B 9/02 - Prises d'eau; Agencement des clapets dans les prises d'eau; Clés pour prises d'eau
35.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING ELECTRICITY METER FAILURE
A method and apparatus that monitors and controls the operation of an electricity meter and prevents a failure of and/or damage to the electricity meter. A potential failure condition of an electrical connection between an electricity meter and a meter socket in an electrical line that provides power from a power supply to an electrical load through the electricity meter, is detected. A correction time may be determined based on a temperature in the vicinity of the electrical connection and a current through the electrical connection. The correction time indicates an amount of time that is available before a predicted failure of the electrical connection will occur. The method determines whether the electricity meter is in an imminent failure condition based on the correction time or the information used to detect the potential failure condition of the electrical connection.
A pipe coupling for coupling adjacent ends of a pair of pipes includes a sleeve, a split-ring gland positioned around one of the ends of the sleeve, and an annular gasket positioned within the split-ring gland and configured to be compressed by the split-ring gland for sealing one pipe end to the sleeve. The split-ring gland includes two partially circular gland members with spaced ends defining a gap, which is spanned by an armor positioned in the gap to provide a generally closed annular periphery about the gasket. The armor includes a corrugated portion engaging the gasket during compression. The gasket includes a pressure assist slot configured to receive pressurized fluid leaking from the pipes and a plurality of cross grooves ensuring continued fluid communication with the pressure assist slot. The gasket also includes ribs engaging the split-ring gland and the armor to reduce or eliminate added lubrication necessary.
F16L 21/06 - Raccords avec manchon ou douille avec manchon ou segment fractionné bridé autour des extrémités du tuyau
F16L 19/07 - Raccords dans lesquels les surfaces d'étanchéité sont maintenues en contact par un organe, p.ex. un écrou à oreilles vissé dans, ou vissé sur une des parties du raccord dans lesquels le serrage radial est obtenu par une action de coincement entre les extrémités non déformées du tuyau conçus pour les raccordements à douille ou à manchon
F16L 23/08 - Raccords à brides les brides étant raccordées par des organes tendus dans le plan radial raccordées par broche et écrou fileté disposés tangentiellement
37.
METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MEASURING CURRENT IN AN ELECTRIC METER
A method and system for measuring the current flowing through an electric meter. The electric meter includes a reactive sensor positioned in series with a bus bar contained in the meter. The reactive sensor includes an inductor and the voltage across the inductance is measured. A control unit contained in the electric meter calculates the current based on the detected voltage and the value of the inductor. The value of the inductor is determined by passing a reference current through the inductor at a known frequency, such as 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and the voltage drop across the inductor is measured. Once the value of the inductor is determined, the value is stored in the control unit.
G01R 19/00 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de courant ou de tension ou pour en indiquer l'existence ou le signe
G01R 19/25 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de courant ou de tension ou pour en indiquer l'existence ou le signe utilisant une méthode de mesure numérique
G01R 27/26 - Mesure de l'inductance ou de la capacitance; Mesure du facteur de qualité, p.ex. en utilisant la méthode par résonance; Mesure de facteur de pertes; Mesure des constantes diélectriques
The invention relates to plastic housings which can be subjected to internal pressure and comprise a housing upper part (10), a housing lower part (20) and a closure (30) which connects both parts to one another. At the connecting point, the housing upper part (10) and the housing lower part (20) have a plurality of comb-like retaining columns (11, 21) which are shaped in a complementary manner with respect to one another such that the housing parts (10, 20) can be plugged together. The retaining columns (11, 21) are oriented in the direction in which the tensile force between the housing upper part (10) and the housing lower part (20) is oriented when the housing is subjected to internal pressure. Retaining grooves (13, 23; 16, 25, 26) which are oriented transversely to the effective direction of the tensile force are formed in two opposite surfaces of the retaining columns (11, 21) in each case. Retaining bodies (32; 35, 36) which at least partially touch the areas formed by the retaining grooves (13, 23) and thus establish the connection can be introduced into the retaining grooves (13, 23).
F16B 3/00 - Assemblages du type par clavette; Clavettes
F16B 1/00 - Dispositifs pour assembler des éléments structuraux ou parties de machines ou bien pour empêcher tout mouvement relatif entre eux
F16B 7/00 - Assemblages de barres ou assemblages de tubes, p.ex. de section non circulaire, y compris les assemblages élastiques
F16J 10/00 - Cylindres de moteurs ou d'appareils analogues; Particularités des corps creux en général, p.ex. des corps cylindriques
F16L 37/14 - Raccords par insertion d'un élément entre surfaces à unir, p.ex. par un bout de fil, une goupille, une chaîne
F16L 47/00 - Raccordements ou autres accessoires de raccordement spécialement adaptés pour être en matières plastiques ou pour être utilisés avec des tuyaux en matières plastiques
G01F 15/14 - Revêtements, p.ex. avec un matériau spécial
At least one electrical contactor is provided that includes a fixed contact and a movable contact. The fixed contact includes a center leg (36) and first and second arms (42,44) that extend in opposite direc-tions from the center leg. The movable contact associated with each fixed contact includes first and second blades (62, 64) positioned on opposite sides of the center leg. The first and second blades extend parallel to the center leg of the fixed contact such that when current flows through the electrical contactor, the current flow creates a force to push the first and second blades into the first and second arms of the fixed contact. The electrical contactor includes an actuating arrangement having a pair of cam members. The movement of the cam members causes pegs (70) on each of the first and second blades to travel within the cam channel (102, 100), thus opening and closing the contactor arrangement.
H01H 1/54 - Moyens pour accroître la pression de contact, empêcher la vibration des contacts, maintenir ensemble les contacts après l'entrée en contact, ou pour ramener les contacts à la position d'ouverture par force magnétique
A magnetic latching actuator operable to control the movement of at least a first contact and second contact between a closed position in which the contacts physically engage each other and an open position in which the contacts are spaced from each other. The magnetic latching actuator includes first and second stationary permanent magnets oriented such that the first magnetic field created by the first magnet and the second magnetic field created by the second magnet are in opposite directions. An actuation coil surrounds both the first and second magnets. Current is supplied to the actuation coil in a first direction to create a first magnetic field or a second direction to create a second actuation magnetic field opposite the first actuation magnetic field. A yoke is movable relative to the first and second magnets to cause the first and second contacts to move between the open and closed positions.
H01H 36/00 - Interrupteurs actionnés par la variation du champ magnétique ou champ électrique, p.ex. par le changement de la position relative d'un aimant et d'un interrupteur, par écran
A system and method for communicating energy or water consumption related information from a plurality of RF enabled peripheral devices in a home, such as utility meters, thermostats, appliances and load controllers. The system includes a home gateway that enables wireless RF peripheral devices in a home to communicate to a WAN network, such as the internet. The home gateway contains a RF multi-band software defined radio that is fully programmable and configurable so that it is capable of emulating, transmitting, and receiving any of a plurality of RF protocols over multiple RF channels. The home gateway supports commonly used interfaces for communicating to the public WAN network. The system also supports future peripherals that do not exist today due to the flexibility of the home gateway.
A system for detecting, at a remote location, a deterioration in an electrical connection, such as an electrical meter socket connection, includes at least one deterioration sensing device that includes an apparatus for detecting, at a remote location, a deterioration in an electrical connection; at least one fixed or portable receiving communication device, each configured to receive temperature information from the at least one deterioration sensing device and to transmit the temperature information via a communication network; and a back end connected to the communication network and configured to receive temperature information from the at least one fixed or portable sensing communication device. Upon exceeding a predetermined condition, the back-end may forward an alarm warning to a utility.
G01R 35/04 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe des instruments pour mesurer l'intégrale dans le temps d'une puissance ou d'une intensité
brevets
