Connection systems and methods for utility meters
First Claim
1. A connection system for allowing access to a primary power signal flowing through a utility meter having a wall box defining box terminals and a meter assembly defining meter prongs adapted to engage the box terminals, the connection system comprising:
- a collar assembly comprising a collar housing adapted to engage the wall box and the meter assembly, a plurality of main terminals supported by the collar housing such some of the main terminals engage the box terminals and some of the main terminals engage the meter prongs to allow the primary power signal to flow between the box terminals and the meter prongs, and a plurality of secondary terminals supported by the collar housing, where the secondary terminals are each electrically connected to at least one of the main terminals such that the primary power signal is present at the secondary terminals;
an adapter assembly comprising an adapter housing sized and dimensioned to be arranged in an engaged position relative to the collar housing, a plurality of adapter contacts, where the adapter contacts engage the secondary contacts when the adapter housing is in the engaged position, and a lock projection extending from the adapter housing;
a lock ring for selectively securing the meter assembly onto the collar assembly, where the lock projection is arranged such that the lock ring inhibits movement of the adapter housing out of the engaged position; and
adapter electronics contained within the adapter housing, where the adapter electronics are electrically connected to the adapter contacts.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
21 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A connection system for allowing access to a primary power signal flowing through a utility meter having a wall box defining box terminals and a meter assembly defining meter prongs adapted to engage the box terminals, the connection system comprising:
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a collar assembly comprising a collar housing adapted to engage the wall box and the meter assembly, a plurality of main terminals supported by the collar housing such some of the main terminals engage the box terminals and some of the main terminals engage the meter prongs to allow the primary power signal to flow between the box terminals and the meter prongs, and a plurality of secondary terminals supported by the collar housing, where the secondary terminals are each electrically connected to at least one of the main terminals such that the primary power signal is present at the secondary terminals;
an adapter assembly comprising an adapter housing sized and dimensioned to be arranged in an engaged position relative to the collar housing, a plurality of adapter contacts, where the adapter contacts engage the secondary contacts when the adapter housing is in the engaged position, and a lock projection extending from the adapter housing;
a lock ring for selectively securing the meter assembly onto the collar assembly, where the lock projection is arranged such that the lock ring inhibits movement of the adapter housing out of the engaged position; and
adapter electronics contained within the adapter housing, where the adapter electronics are electrically connected to the adapter contacts. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of accessing a primary power signal flowing through a utility meter having a wall box defining box terminals and a meter assembly defining meter prongs adapted to engage the box terminals, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a collar housing adapted to engage the wall box and the meter assembly;
supporting a plurality of main terminals on the collar housing;
supporting a plurality of secondary terminals on the collar housing;
electrically connecting each of the secondary terminals to at least one of the main terminals such that the primary power signal is present at the secondary terminals;
arranging the collar housing between the wall box and the meter assembly such that such some of the main terminals engage the box terminals and some of the main terminals engage the meter prongs to allow the primary power signal to flow between the box terminals and the meter prongs;
providing an adapter housing;
mounting a plurality of adapter contacts on the adapter housing;
containing adapter electronics within the adapter housing;
electrically connecting the adapter electronics to the adapter contacts; and
placing adapter housing in an engaged position relative to the collar housing such that the adapter contacts engage the secondary contacts, and the primary power signal is applied to the adapter electronics.
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17. A connection system for allowing access to a primary power signal flowing through a utility meter having a wall box defining box terminals and a meter assembly defining meter prongs adapted to engage the box terminals, the connection system comprising:
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a collar assembly comprising a collar housing defining an adapter opening, where the collar housing is adapted to engage the wall box and the meter assembly, a plurality of main terminals supported by the collar housing such some of the main terminals engage the box terminals and some of the main terminals engage the meter prongs to allow the primary power signal to flow between the box terminals and the meter prongs, and a plurality of secondary terminals supported by the collar housing, where the secondary terminals are each electrically connected to at least one of the main terminals such that the primary power signal is present at the secondary terminals;
an adapter assembly comprising an adapter housing sized and dimensioned to be inserted at least partially through the adapter opening in an engaged position relative to the collar housing, a plurality of adapter contacts, where the adapter contacts engage the secondary contacts when the adapter housing is in the engaged position;
a lock projection extending from the adapter housing;
a lock ring for selectively securing the meter assembly onto the collar assembly, where the lock projection is arranged such that the lock ring inhibits movement of the adapter housing out of the engaged position; and
adapter electronics contained within the adapter housing, where the adapter electronics are electrically connected to the adapter contacts. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29)
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28. A connection system as recited in 27, further comprising a second meter assembly for measuring power generated by the cogeneration power system.
Specification