Modular meter configuration and methodology
First Claim
1. An electricity meter, having:
- an enclosure comprising a cover and a baseplate;
spades extending out from said baseplate for being seated in a meter receiving junction box;
a metrology board electrically connected to said spades and capable of producing a signal indicating electricity consumption;
a circuit board mounted within said enclosure and electrically connected to said metrology board, said circuit board providing additional functionality beyond the functionality provided by said metrology board; and
resilient connectors within said enclosure for connecting said spades with said metrology board;
wherein said metrology board is electrically connected to said spades using said resilient connectors.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular electricity meter configuration and corresponding methodology permits use of certain common components in combination with either a variety of mechanical displays or electronic displays. In electricity meter arrangements making use of printed circuit board or solid state technology, at least two separate electronics boards may be provided. One may constitute a standard board for basic metrology functions while the other may comprise selected implementation of various higher level functions for creating a custom design electricity meter to meet customer requirements. Different customers may be provided with differently outfitted meters by corresponding customization of the higher level function board. A unitary power supply may be provided for both boards through a fixed connector. A common baseplate includes a circuitry link through a nonremovable plug or clip for alternatively providing a tamper proof embodiment or one with exposed terminals for permitting customer testing. Physical stability and strength is provided by using tapered mounting posts and integrated snap fit arrangements without requiring any screws for assembly. A light pipe provides external output through an innercover to indicate correct meter operation. Meter data and other metered information may be output through different configurations optionally involving hardwired output, RF links, pulse outputs, and telephone connections via modem or wireless.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An electricity meter, having:
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an enclosure comprising a cover and a baseplate;
spades extending out from said baseplate for being seated in a meter receiving junction box;
a metrology board electrically connected to said spades and capable of producing a signal indicating electricity consumption;
a circuit board mounted within said enclosure and electrically connected to said metrology board, said circuit board providing additional functionality beyond the functionality provided by said metrology board; and
resilient connectors within said enclosure for connecting said spades with said metrology board;
wherein said metrology board is electrically connected to said spades using said resilient connectors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An electricity meter, having:
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an enclosure comprising a cover and a baseplate;
spades extending out from said baseplate for insertion into a meter box receptacle;
a basic metrology board, having first and second opposing surfaces, wherein said metrology board is electrically connected to said spades and capable of metering electricity consumption;
a circuit board, having third and fourth opposing surfaces, wherein said circuit board provides additional functionality beyond the functionality provided by said metrology board, wherein said circuit board is mounted within said enclosure and electrically connected to said metrology board; and
an antenna, affixed substantially adjacent to selected of the first, second, third and fourth opposing surfaces, for transmitting a radio signal through said cover. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. An electricity meter, comprising:
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an enclosure with a baseplate and a cover without any metal elements;
spades extending from said baseplate for electrical contact of said meter with main power by insertion of said spades into an electricity meter junction box receptacle;
a metrology board having first and second opposing surfaces, wherein said metrology board is electrically connected with said spades and capable of metering electricity consumption; and
an antenna affixed substantially adjacent to and directly on a selected of the first and second opposing surfaces of said metrology board for transmitting a radio signal directly therefrom through said cover. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. Methodology for providing an electricity meter, comprising:
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providing an enclosure with a baseplate and a cover without any metal elements;
extending spades from said baseplate for electrical contact of said meter with main power by insertion of said spades in an electricity meter junction box receptacle;
providing a metrology board having first and second opposing surfaces, wherein said metrology board is electrically connected with said spades and capable of metering electricity consumption; and
affixing an antenna disposed substantially adjacent to a selected of the first and second opposing surfaces of said metrology board for transmitting a radio signal directly therefrom through said cover. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification