Tamper detection system for load management device
DCFirst Claim
1. An apparatus for monitoring the connection status of a load control device, comprising:
- monitoring means for detecting whether a current is passing via said load control device to a load; and
signal means responsive to said monitoring means for generating a warning signal when no current is detected by said monitoring means for a first predetermined period of time.
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Abstract
A tamper detection system for promptly warns a utility that it has lost control of a load which is part of a load management system, and may be giving price incentives to a customer without receiving the corresponding benefit arising from the intended control of the load. A monitor circuit automatically determines whether the load management device is connected to the load by detecting whether a current is passing via the load control device to the load, and generates a warning signal when no current is detected for a first predetermined period of time. The load current is detected either by inductively coupling a conductor to the load with a sensing conductor, or by sensing current induced in the load control relay as the load current passes through the relay contacts. The tamper detection feature operates without any activity of the load management device, and detects disconnection of the load even when the load management device itself is powered up and working properly.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring the connection status of a load control device, comprising:
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monitoring means for detecting whether a current is passing via said load control device to a load; and signal means responsive to said monitoring means for generating a warning signal when no current is detected by said monitoring means for a first predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for monitoring the connection status of a load control device, comprising the steps of:
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detecting whether a current is passing via said load control device to a load; and responsive to detection of no current passing via said load control device to said load for a predetermined period of time, generating a warning signal. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. An apparatus for monitoring the connection status of a load control device, comprising:
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a monitor operative to detect whether a current is passing via said load control device to a load; and a signal generator, responsive to said monitor, operative to generate a warning signal when no current is detected by said monitor for a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification