An electricity meter may include a plurality of current terminals and a temperature sensing circuit. The circuit has a first set of thermocouple junctions having a first observed polarity and a second set of thermocouple junctions having a second observed polarity that is opposite of the first observed polarity. Each of the first set and the second set are disposed adjacent to a respective current terminal so as to measure relative temperature changes at the respective current terminal Each of the first set and the second set are connected to each other in series such that when each of the current terminals are at the same temperature, the temperature sensing circuit has a net voltage of zero. Alternatively, when one or more of the terminals has a temperature that is different from the other terminals, the temperature sensing circuit has a net voltage that is greater or less than zero.
G01K 1/14 - Supports; Dispositifs de fixation; Dispositions pour le montage de thermomètres en des endroits particuliers
G01K 3/14 - Thermomètres donnant une indication autre que la valeur instantanée de la température fournissant des valeurs différenciées par rapport à l'espace
G01K 7/04 - Mesure de la température basée sur l'utilisation d'éléments électriques ou magnétiques directement sensibles à la chaleur utilisant des éléments thermo-électriques, p.ex. des thermocouples l'objet à mesurer ne formant pas l'un des matériaux thermo-électriques
G01R 21/00 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de la puissance ou du facteur de puissance
3.
Synchronous frequency hopping spread spectrum communications
Synchronous FHSS networks operating within mesh networks typically require a certain amount of network traffic to maintain time as well as for executing other functions, such as registration and neighbor discovery. The concepts presented in this disclosure provide a mesh network with enhanced communication capabilities without adding significant hardware or firmware costs to nodes within the network. The disclosed concept of using acquisition channels (frequencies) integrated within FHSS pseudo-random sequences speeds network responses to conditions like outage and restoration. Assignment of unique hop sequences by hop level or at time of manufacture can guarantee minimal network contention while minimizing system network traffic.
H04B 1/7156 - Dispositions pour la synchronisation des séquences
H04W 84/18 - Réseaux auto-organisés, p.ex. réseaux ad hoc ou réseaux de détection
H04B 7/26 - Systèmes de transmission radio, c. à d. utilisant un champ de rayonnement pour communication entre plusieurs postes dont au moins un est mobile
H04H 20/16 - Dispositions de radiodiffusion ou de distribution répétée d'informations identiques
H04B 1/713 - Techniques d'étalement de spectre utilisant des sauts de fréquence
4.
Synchronous frequency hopping spread spectrum method for mesh networks
Synchronous FHSS networks operating within mesh networks typically require a certain amount of network traffic to maintain time as well as for executing other functions, such as registration and neighbor discovery. The concepts presented in this disclosure provide a mesh network with enhanced communication capabilities without adding significant hardware or firmware costs to nodes within the network. The disclosed concept of using acquisition channels (frequencies) integrated within FHSS pseudo-random sequences speeds network responses to conditions like outage and restoration. Assignment of unique hop sequences by hop level or at time of manufacture can guarantee minimal network contention while minimizing system network traffic.
Techniques are disclosed herein for improved power meter disconnect switch operation, which may include opening and/or closing of the disconnect switch. In particular, for reasons such as reduction of electromechanical stress on the disconnect switch, the disconnect switch may be operated based, at least in part, on a voltage at the load side of the disconnect switch. For example, in some cases, the disconnect switch may be opened slightly before a zero crossover of a waveform corresponding to the load side voltage. As another example, in some cases, the disconnect switch may be closed slightly before or slightly after a zero crossover of a waveform corresponding to the load side voltage.
G06F 1/26 - Alimentation en énergie électrique, p.ex. régulation à cet effet
H02J 4/00 - Circuits pour réseaux principaux ou de distribution, la nature alternative ou continue du courant n'étant pas précisée
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
G01R 35/00 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe
G01R 21/06 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de la puissance ou du facteur de puissance par mesure du courant et de la tension
G01R 21/133 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de la puissance ou du facteur de puissance en utilisant des techniques numériques
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
Techniques are disclosed herein for improved power meter disconnect switch operation, which may include opening and/or closing of the disconnect switch. In particular, for reasons such as reduction of electromechanical stress on the disconnect switch, the disconnect switch may be operated based, at least in part, on a voltage at the load side of the disconnect switch. For example, in some cases, the disconnect switch may be opened slightly before a zero crossover of a waveform corresponding to the load side voltage. As another example, in some cases, the disconnect switch may be closed slightly before or slightly after a zero crossover of a waveform corresponding to the load side voltage.
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
G06Q 50/06 - Fourniture d'électricité, de gaz ou d'eau
An improved electricity meter antenna configuration is disclosed herein. An electricity meter may include, for example, a radio, a first printed circuit board element, a second printed circuit board element and a flexible printed circuit element. The first printed circuit board element may be, for example, a main printed circuit board to which one or more electrical components are attached. The flexible printed circuit element may include at least a portion of an antenna element that is connected to the radio. In some cases, the second printed circuit board element may serve to shield the antenna element on the flexible printed circuit element from noise generated by electrical components on the first printed circuit board element. In some cases, an electrical connection path between the antenna element and the radio may be configured such that it does not include any coaxial cabling.
H01Q 1/24 - Supports; Moyens de montage par association structurale avec d'autres équipements ou objets avec appareil récepteur
H01Q 1/22 - Supports; Moyens de montage par association structurale avec d'autres équipements ou objets
H01Q 1/52 - Moyens pour réduire le couplage entre les antennes; Moyens pour réduire le couplage entre une antenne et une autre structure
H01Q 1/38 - Forme structurale pour éléments rayonnants, p.ex. cône, spirale, parapluie formés par une couche conductrice sur un support isolant
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
9.
Using load-side voltage and an auxiliary switch to confirm the close or open status of a meter disconnect switch
The invention relates to a method and system for secure confirmation of the status of a metering disconnect switch. By utilizing both a mechanical auxiliary switch and the reading of a load-side voltage immediately after a switch operation, a nearly certain decision can be achieved that the state of the relay is accurately known. This invention will prevent a motorized or solenoid driven switch operator from achieving a close or open state of the switch that otherwise could be uncertain.
G01R 7/00 - Appareils capables de convertir plusieurs courants ou tensions en un seul déplacement mécanique
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
10.
SYNCHRONOUS FREQUENCY HOPPING SPREAD SPECTRUM COMMUNICATIONS
Synchronous FHSS networks operating within mesh networks typically require a certain amount of network traffic to maintain time as well as for executing other functions, such as registration and neighbor discovery. The concepts presented in this disclosure provide a mesh network with enhanced communication capabilities without adding significant hardware or firmware costs to nodes within the network. The disclosed concept of using acquisition channels (frequencies) integrated within FHSS pseudo-random sequences speeds network responses to conditions like outage and restoration. Assignment of unique hop sequences by hop level or at time of manufacture can guarantee minimal network contention while minimizing system network traffic.
When a poor meter to socket connection occurs, there is the potential for arcing to develop which can result in a hot socket and a fire. Disclosed herein are methods for a meter to detect the occurrence of an arc condition in the socket by analyzing the RF noise on the channels of the communication spectrum used by the meter to communicate within its metering system. For example, by keeping a record of the normal background noise and looking for a broadband increase in the noise on all channels, arc detection can be achieved. Meter quantities such as temperature, current, voltage, and harmonic content may also be used in a standalone manner or in combination with broadband RF noise to detect an arc condition. A disconnect switch within the meter can be opened to remove the arc fault.
G01R 31/04 - Essai de connexions, p.ex. de fiches de prises de courant ou de raccords non déconnectables
G01R 31/02 - Essai des appareils, des lignes ou des composants électriques pour y déceler la présence de courts-circuits, de discontinuités, de fuites ou de connexions incorrectes de lignes
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 31/12 - Test de la rigidité diélectrique ou de la tension disruptive
When a poor meter to socket connection occurs, there is the potential for arcing to develop which can result in a hot socket and a fire. Disclosed herein are methods for a meter to detect the occurrence of an arc condition in the socket by analyzing the RF noise on the channels of the communication spectrum used by the meter to communicate within its metering system. For example, by keeping a record of the normal background noise and looking for a broadband increase in the noise on all channels, arc detection can be achieved. Meter quantities such as temperature, current, voltage, and harmonic content may also be used in a standalone manner or in combination with broadband RF noise to detect an arc condition. A disconnect switch within the meter can be opened to remove the arc fault.
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
H04W 84/18 - Réseaux auto-organisés, p.ex. réseaux ad hoc ou réseaux de détection
G08C 17/02 - Dispositions pour transmettre des signaux caractérisées par l'utilisation d'une voie électrique sans fil utilisant une voie radio
H02B 1/03 - TABLEAUX, POSTES DE TRANSFORMATION OU DISPOSITIONS DE COMMUTATION POUR L'ALIMENTATION OU LA DISTRIBUTION D'ÉNERGIE ÉLECTRIQUE - Détails de postes de transformation ou de dispositions de commutation - Parties constitutives ou accessoires pour compteurs d'énergie
13.
Wireless network communication nodes with opt out capability
Techniques are disclosed herein for providing wireless network communication nodes with opt-out capabilities. Such capabilities may, for example, allow particular customers to opt out of a typical full-scale communication mode such that their associated equipment operates at least temporarily in a limited communication mode. The limited communication mode may limit customer exposure to emissions resulting from RF communications near their homes or other areas, which may be attractive to customers such as those with health or other emission-related concerns.
H04L 12/911 - Contrôle d’admission au réseau et allocation de ressources, p.ex. allocation de bande passante ou renégociation en cours de communication
14.
Techniques for clock recovery in a mobile information collection network following a power outage
Clock reference data may be recovered or updated in networks that include line-powered devices and other devices susceptible to power outages. For example, for a mobile information collection network, one or more devices with extended clock holdover may be strategically deployed throughout the mobile information collection network to provide reference clock data. As another example, battery-powered devices may be woken up in order to provide clock reference data to other devices. Alternatively or additionally, the battery-powered devices may be configured to periodically broadcast their clock reference data to other devices.
G08C 25/00 - Dispositions pour prévenir ou corriger les erreurs; Dispositions de contrôle
H04Q 9/00 - Dispositions dans les systèmes de commande à distance ou de télémétrie pour appeler sélectivement une sous-station à partir d'une station principale, sous-station dans laquelle un appareil recherché est choisi pour appliquer un signal de commande ou
15.
Collection system with a hybrid node performing both fixed network and mobile communications
A mobile interrogator can be used in a system for hybrid employment of fixed network and mobile network communications. The system includes communication nodes. At least some of the communication nodes operate in a fixed network mode using one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. At least some other of the communication nodes operate in a mobile mode in which they transmit meter data to a mobile device using one or more mobile communication protocols. The mobile device is configured to communicate with the mobile mode communication nodes using the one or more mobile communication protocols and to communicate with the fixed network mode communication nodes using the one or more fixed wireless network communication protocols. As a result, the performance of both fixed and mobile networks can be improved. A hybrid system can be realized that provides a utility company with advantages of both fixed and mobile networks.
A digital Radio Frequency (RF) receiver may exhibit image frequencies and these image frequencies may be mathematically related to the intermediate frequency (IF) that is utilized for transmission and reception. In accordance with an embodiment, channel switching may be performed to identify an appropriate receive frequency in the presence of image frequencies on other channels. In accordance with another embodiment, data on a receive channel is evaluated to determine whether the data is inverted, and then appropriate correction may be performed on subsequently received data.
A bistable relay may include a pair of contact arms. Each contact arm is configured to have a first end and a second end, such that, when the relay is in the closed position, current flows from the first end to the second ends of each of the contact arms, and when the relay is in an open position, current does not flow from the first ends to the second ends of the contact arms. The relay further includes a motor, a pair of springs, a pair of cams driven by the motor, and a linearly actuating member configured to move the contact arms from the first configuration to the second configuration, the member including a cam follower surface.
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
H01H 3/40 - Mécanismes-moteurs, c. à d. pour transmettre la force motrice aux contacts utilisant la friction ou des appareillages dentés ou à vis écrou
A metering device may be configured to communicate with other devices on a plurality of metering communication networks, such as an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network. For example, a metering end device may be programmed or reconfigured via an AMI network. A metering end device may receive, via the AMI network, a program recipe comprising one or more configuration parameters. The program recipe may be specific to the end device and formatted according to a generic program table of the end device. The end device may decrypt and validate the program recipe. The end device may implement the decrypted program recipe to configure the end device with the one or more configuration parameters.
Methods, systems and metering devices are provided for performing synchronous communication in a frequency hopping communication system without the use of expensive clock circuitry and/or significant amounts of data traffic on the communication system.
A wireless mesh network, method, and processor-readable storage medium for operating a network are disclosed. In particular, methods are disclosed for operating a wireless mesh network to increase the number of frequency channels used by the system without needing to increase the preamble length. According to various embodiments, a wireless mesh network divides the ISM spectrum into two types of channels: acquisition channels and data channels. An acquisition channel is used to transmit a preamble of a communication packet. One or more data channels are used to transmit a data portion of the communication packet.
An external signal sensor uses a single sensing circuit to detect a DC voltage or an AC voltage or a contact closure. The circuit can sense different isolated signals with relatively low power consumption. According to various embodiments, an isolation transformer has a primary winding that is fed by an oscillator signal. A secondary winding of the isolation transformer is open when no contact closure or AC or DC voltage is present, but is closed when a contact closure is present or when an AC or DC voltage is present. When the secondary winding is open, a status signal at an output of the sensing circuit has a logical high value. When the secondary winding is closed, the status signal has a logical low value. In this way, the same sensing circuit can be used to detect either a contact closure or an AC or DC voltage.
G01R 19/00 - Dispositions pour procéder aux mesures de courant ou de tension ou pour en indiquer l'existence ou le signe
G01R 31/02 - Essai des appareils, des lignes ou des composants électriques pour y déceler la présence de courts-circuits, de discontinuités, de fuites ou de connexions incorrectes de lignes
G01R 19/145 - Indication de l'existence d'un courant ou d'une tension
G01R 19/155 - Indication de l'existence d'une tension
A metering device may be configured to communicate with other devices in an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system. For example, a metering device may be configured to communicate with a collection device. To enable such communications, a collection device may send a wake-up-tone and/or a request message to a metering device. Based on the request message, a metering device may send data to the collection device. Metering communication networks may be mobile and/or fixed. For example, a mobile collection device may use a wireless signal to interrogate a metering device to retrieve data from the metering device.
H04W 52/24 - Commande de puissance d'émission [TPC Transmission power control] le TPC étant effectué selon des paramètres spécifiques utilisant le rapport signal sur parasite [SIR Signal to Interference Ratio] ou d'autres paramètres de trajet sans fil
H04Q 9/00 - Dispositions dans les systèmes de commande à distance ou de télémétrie pour appeler sélectivement une sous-station à partir d'une station principale, sous-station dans laquelle un appareil recherché est choisi pour appliquer un signal de commande ou
23.
Other protocol message routing over a wireless network of metering devices
Methods and apparatus are provided for routing DNP (or other) protocol messages over a network of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system that employs a different communications protocol.
A linear transformer power supply is disclosed that extracts a high level of energy from a linear transformer during the full cycle of AC input voltage.
H02M 7/00 - Transformation d'une puissance d'entrée en courant alternatif en une puissance de sortie en courant continu; Transformation d'une puissance d'entrée en courant continu en une puissance de sortie en courant alternatif
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
(1) Electronic meters for measuring electric watt hours; electronic meters used for determining energy consumption or demand and used in residential and commercial installations
26.
Internet protocol message routing over a wireless network of metering devices
Methods and apparatus are provided for routing Internet Protocol (IP) messages over a network of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system that employs a different communications protocol.
G06F 15/16 - Associations de plusieurs calculateurs numériques comportant chacun au moins une unité arithmétique, une unité programme et un registre, p.ex. pour le traitement simultané de plusieurs programmes
H04L 29/08 - Procédure de commande de la transmission, p.ex. procédure de commande du niveau de la liaison
A wireless mesh network, method, and processor-readable storage medium for using stand-alone repeaters that are designated as having priority over other communication nodes with respect to their service as repeaters are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a control node or collector builds a wireless mesh network by first establishing communication paths with the designated priority communication nodes and then with communication nodes that are not designated priority communication nodes.
H04W 4/00 - Services spécialement adaptés aux réseaux de télécommunications sans fil; Leurs installations
G08C 15/06 - Dispositions caractérisées par l'utilisation du multiplexage pour la transmission de plusieurs signaux par une voie commune successivement, c. à d. utilisant la division de temps
28.
Mechanical packaging and method for a single current sensor integrated into an electricity meter with a disconnect switch
An electricity meter comprises a single current sensor with a toroidal coil that has an inner bore extending substantially through the sensor. The meter also has two current conductors that form one of a pair of line-side blades of the meter. The electricity meter also has a disconnect switch with a pair of moveable contacts and a pair of fixed contacts. One of the pairs contacts is electrically connected to the current conductors. The other pair forms a respective load-side blade of the meter. One current conductor passes through the inner bore of the current sensor in a first direction relative to its line-side blade and the other current conductor passes through the inner bore of the current sensor in a substantially opposite direction relative to its line-side blade so that current passing through the conductors passes through the inner bore of the current sensor in a same direction.
G01R 1/20 - Modifications des éléments électriques fondamentaux en vue de leur utilisation dans des appareils de mesures électriques; Combinaisons structurelles de ces éléments avec ces appareils
G01R 1/38 - Dispositions pour changer la caractéristique de mesure, p.ex. en modifiant l'entrefer
H02B 1/00 - TABLEAUX, POSTES DE TRANSFORMATION OU DISPOSITIONS DE COMMUTATION POUR L'ALIMENTATION OU LA DISTRIBUTION D'ÉNERGIE ÉLECTRIQUE - Détails de postes de transformation ou de dispositions de commutation
A metering device may be configured to communicate with other devices on a plurality of metering communication networks. To enable such communications across various networks, the metering communication device may use an active utility identifier corresponding to the metering network in which it is actively communicating. The active utility identifier may be changed to a valid utility identifier corresponding to another metering network and which may be associated with the metering communication device itself. The metering communication device may use the changed active utility identifier to communicate with other devices on the other metering network having the valid utility identifier. For example, the metering communication device may change the active utility identifier to enable communication a test network from a production network, a production network to a test network, or a first test network to a second test network.
G08B 23/00 - Alarmes réagissant à des conditions indésirables ou anormales, non spécifiées
H04Q 9/00 - Dispositions dans les systèmes de commande à distance ou de télémétrie pour appeler sélectivement une sous-station à partir d'une station principale, sous-station dans laquelle un appareil recherché est choisi pour appliquer un signal de commande ou
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
electronic meters for measuring electric watt-hours; electronic meters used for determining energy consumption or demand and used in residential [ and commercial ] installations
Components of an electric service may be identified by measuring voltage signals relating to the connection of an electrical energy meter connected to the electric service. The voltage signals that may be measured include line to neutral voltages and line to line voltages. The values of the measured voltage signals may be compared to reference information comprising tabulated values that may be tabulated as ratios of nominal service voltages associated with different service types.
G01R 13/00 - Dispositions pour la présentation de variables électriques ou de formes d'ondes
G01R 22/10 - 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 en utilisant des techniques numériques
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 29/18 - Indication de la séquence des phases; Indication du synchronisme
32.
Determining components of an electric service using tolerance ranges
Components of an electric service may be identified by measuring voltage signals relating to the connection of an electrical energy meter connected to the electric service. The voltage signals that may be measured include line to neutral voltages and line to line voltages. The values of the measured line to neutral voltages may be compared to reference information comprising tabulated values that may be tabulated as ratios of nominal service voltages associated with different service types. The values of the measured line to line voltages may be compared to ideal line to line voltages calculated using fixed values from the reference information.
A metering device and a method for reconfiguring the device to satisfy those regulatory agencies that require that a metering device be disassembled in some way prior to allowing any reconfiguration of the device, but do so without breaking or otherwise affecting the environmental sealing of the device.
Safety in an electricity metering environment is improved by providing an additional level of safety interlocking to disconnect switches and other control relays in electricity meters.
A wireless mesh network, method, and processor-readable storage medium for maintaining both a primary communication path and an alternative communication path for a communication node are disclosed herein. A control node determines an alternative communication path for each node in communication with the control node and stores, for each node, primary communication path information and alternative communication path information. By maintaining both primary and alternative communication path information, the control node can switch from the primary path to the alternative path when a failure in the primary path is detected. Because the control node determines and stores information relating to the alternative path before the failure occurs, switching from the primary path to the alternative path involves little, if any, delay.
H04L 12/28 - Réseaux de données à commutation caractérisés par la configuration des liaisons, p.ex. réseaux locaux [LAN Local Area Networks] ou réseaux étendus [WAN Wide Area Networks]
A wireless mesh network, method, and processor-readable storage medium for operating a network that has a control node that communicates with a plurality of communication nodes are disclosed. When the control node receives a broadcast message, the control node broadcasts a "clear" message that causes other communication nodes to clear their copies of the broadcast message from their message queues. By clearing redundant copies of the original broadcast message, the network can conserve bandwidth for other network traffic.
A primary key may be used for a first attempt by a remote node to decrypt incoming messages from a master. In the event the decrypt attempt fails at the remote node, a secondary key may then be used to attempt to decrypt the message. Initially, the primary and secondary keys may be the same. A field tool, such as a hand-held programming unit operated by a technician at a remote node location, may change the secondary key, but may not cause any change to the primary key. The secondary key may remain so changed until a new primary key is verified and/or authenticated and the secondary key is overwritten with the new primary key. The primary key may only be changed/set by the master via an encrypted request. A technician may not use a field tool to change a primary key.
A method, wireless mesh network and processor-readable storage medium for providing interoperability between devices that are capable of communicating at different data rates are disclosed herein. A start-of-frame delimiter token value in a synchronization header is used to indicate a data rate at which a device is capable of communicating. In certain embodiments, samples are collected around a bit transition and are used to adjust a bit timing of a receiving device to match a bit timing of a transmitting device using a coarse adjustment process and, in some embodiments, a fine adjustment process. In this way, compatibility can be maintained between new devices that can communicate at a relatively fast data rate and legacy devices that communicate at a lower data rate.
A wireless mesh network, method, and processor-readable storage medium for operating a network that has a control node that communicates with a plurality of communication nodes are disclosed. When the control node receives a broadcast message, the control node broadcasts a “clear” message that causes other communication nodes to clear their copies of the broadcast message from their message queues. By clearing redundant copies of the original broadcast message, the network can conserve bandwidth for other network traffic.
G01R 31/08 - Localisation de défauts dans les câbles, les lignes de transmission ou les réseaux
H04W 40/04 - Sélection d'itinéraire ou de voie de communication, p.ex. routage basé sur l'énergie disponible ou le chemin le plus court sur la base des ressources nodales sans fil
A wireless mesh network, method, and processor-readable storage medium for operating a network that has a control node that communicates with a plurality of communication nodes are disclosed herein. The control node schedules time-limited sample windows and only collects data that is designated as having a priority, such as voltage data, during those scheduled sample windows. Because the sample window has a defined end point time, the reading software that executes at the head end and that reads data from the collector can follow a known schedule because, by definition, the collector will already be finished collecting priority data when the sample window expires.
H04Q 9/00 - Dispositions dans les systèmes de commande à distance ou de télémétrie pour appeler sélectivement une sous-station à partir d'une station principale, sous-station dans laquelle un appareil recherché est choisi pour appliquer un signal de commande ou
41.
Planar distributed element antenna isolation board
An antenna isolation circuit, meter reading device, and method of manufacturing an antenna isolation circuit may employ or be associated with a multilayer planar structure. A multilayer planar structure antenna isolation circuit uses distributed elements to provide high voltage isolation and RF coupling functions. The distributed elements may be implemented, for example, as multilayer distributed capacitors. In other embodiments, the distributed elements may be implemented as a distributed transformer.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
(1) Network routers, gateway routers, namely computer control hardware for use by utilities for the measurement, delivery, management optimization and control of water, gas and electric; power grid communication router for managing and optimizing energy delivery within a power distribution network.
(2) Network routers, gateway routers, namely computer control hardware for use by utilities for the measurement, delivery, management optimization and control of water, gas and electric; power grid communication router for managing and optimizing energy delivery within a power distribution network.
43.
Electronic transformer measuring device having surface mounting assembly
A method and apparatus for mounting an electronic measuring device inside the housing a pad mount low voltage distribution power transformer are provided. The space inside a transformer enclosure cover contains the power input and output connections and cables. The electronic measuring device includes a surface mounting assembly that is configured to mount the measuring device at multiple locations of the housing.
G01R 31/02 - Essai des appareils, des lignes ou des composants électriques pour y déceler la présence de courts-circuits, de discontinuités, de fuites ou de connexions incorrectes de lignes
44.
Other protocol message routing over a wireless network of metering devices
Methods and apparatus are provided for routing DNP (or other) protocol messages over a network of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system that employs a different communications protocol.
A current sensing assembly is provided for sensing the current travelling through a current carrying member of a pad mount distribution transformer in a meter network. A current sensor includes a slot having an open end that receives the current carrying member. The sensor includes a conductive coil disposed adjacent the slot that generates an output signal indicating a sensed current level. A retainer member includes a retainer wall that is configured to be inserted into the open end of the slot so as to define a receptacle that captures the current carrying member therein.
G01R 15/18 - Adaptations fournissant une isolation en tension ou en courant, p.ex. adaptations pour les réseaux à haute tension ou à courant fort utilisant des dispositifs inductifs, p.ex. des transformateurs
46.
Techniques for limiting demand from an electricity meter with an installed relay
An electricity meter capable of performing a method for limiting an electricity load in communication with the electricity meter is disclosed. The electricity meter includes at least one load control and the electricity meter has one or more predetermined time-of-use tiers. Each of the one or more predetermined time-of-use tiers has a corresponding time-of-use demand threshold. The method comprises determining a present time-of-use tier; determining a present time-of-use demand for the electricity load in the present time-of-use tier; comparing the present time-of-use demand to the time-of-use demand threshold corresponding to the present time-of-use tier; and setting the at least one load control to a de-energize mode when a de-energize condition is satisfied. The de-energize condition may include sub-conditions such as the present time-of-use demand exceeding the time-of-use demand threshold corresponding to the present time-of-use tier.
Methods and devices to determine values relating to metering a power line signal. A power line signal may be sampled by defining accumulation intervals associated with the power line signal. An accumulation interval may comprise sample periods. Samples are taken during sample periods. Values associated with the samples are determined for each sample period. A sample period may be associated with one or more accumulation intervals. When a sample period belongs to one accumulation interval, the sample period may be allocated to the one accumulation interval. When a sample period is associated with more than one accumulation interval, portions of the sample period may be allocated to the accumulation intervals to which the portions belong. Values determined for a sample period may be allocated to one or more accumulation intervals by allocating the values in relation to the allocation of the sample periods.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
(1) Electronic devices for energy distribution system measurement, monitoring, and control, namely, energy meters for tracking, monitoring, and controlling energy usage, namely residential, commercial, and industrial electricity meters
49.
Optimized data collection in a wireless fixed network metering system
Methods and systems regarding an electricity meter in a wireless network are disclosed. The network may comprise a collector and a plurality of electricity meters that measure consumption of electricity and that bi-directionally communicate wirelessly with the collector. The electricity meter may have an established association with at least one battery-powered meter that measures consumption of a commodity other than electricity. The electricity meter may receive information about measured consumption of the other commodity from the battery-powered meter and store the received information. The electricity meter may transmit both information about consumption of electricity measured by the electricity meter and the information about consumption of the other commodity received from the associated battery-powered meter to the collector via the wireless network and also to a remotely located display associated with the electricity meter.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
(1) Electronic smart meters used for measuring electric watt-hours, water gallons and gas cubic feet; computer servers; computer software used to monitor automatic electrical, gas and water meter reading equipment.
