Method and system for sensing removal of a utility meter from its socket
First Claim
1. A device for detecting tampering of a connection between an electricity meter and an external power supply system, said device comprising:
- means for detecting voltage of power supplied to said meter from said external power supply system;
means for detecting voltage of power output from said meter to a load circuit; and
means including a microprocessor for detecting a meter tampering condition in response to the detected power supply voltage and the detected load circuit voltage.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system is disclosed for indication and prevention of tampering with an electricity meter having control circuitry for automatic remote reading. The control circuitry, provided externally of the meter in a base or base extension, to which the meter is connected, is also used for tamper detection. Embodiments of the invention include use of optical sensing, voltage detection and proximity detection. Ambient light sensing may be performed to detect separation of the meter from the external receptacle. Reflected light to a reflective surface of the meter is sensed to determine if the meter is properly engaged. Presence of a meter connection plug element may be sensed either optically or by position responsive switch. Voltage of the utility supply and meter user output may be monitored to determine tampering.
128 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A device for detecting tampering of a connection between an electricity meter and an external power supply system, said device comprising:
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means for detecting voltage of power supplied to said meter from said external power supply system; means for detecting voltage of power output from said meter to a load circuit; and means including a microprocessor for detecting a meter tampering condition in response to the detected power supply voltage and the detected load circuit voltage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for ascertaining tampering of a connection between an electricity meter and an external power supply system, comprising the steps of:
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detecting voltage of power supplied to said meter from said power supply system; detecting voltage of power output from said meter to a load circuit; and indicating a meter tampering condition when said voltage of power supplied to said meter from the power supply system is relatively high and said voltage of power output to said load circuit is relatively low. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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Specification