Electric power meter including a temperature sensor and controller
First Claim
1. A power meter comprising:
- a temperature sensor;
a power disconnect switch; and
a controller operable to monitor the power meter temperature based on input from the temperature sensor, compare the power meter temperature to a shutoff threshold; and
activate the power disconnect switch if the power meter temperature exceeds the shutoff threshold.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electric power meter (102) includes a temperature sensor (114) and a controller (112). The controller (112) is operable, based on the temperature reported from the temperature sensor (114), to generate alarm(s) when the temperature exceeds certain alarm threshold(s) (307, 507, 508) and to activate a power disconnect switch (104), thereby shutting off power to a customer premises, when the temperature exceeds a shut off threshold (309, 509). The controller (112) is operable to activate the power disconnect switch (104) for non-payment of electricity cost, subject to secondary criteria based on regulatory requirements. A customer terminal (103) may be used to notify a customer of an alarm condition, to provide information regarding electrical power usage or to provide information regarding disconnection of electrical power.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A power meter comprising:
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a temperature sensor;
a power disconnect switch; and
a controller operable to monitor the power meter temperature based on input from the temperature sensor, compare the power meter temperature to a shutoff threshold; and
activate the power disconnect switch if the power meter temperature exceeds the shutoff threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. In an electric energy metering system including a power meter having a temperature sensor, a controller, and a power disconnect switch, a method comprising the controller performing steps of:
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monitoring a power meter temperature reported to the controller from the temperature sensor;
comparing the power meter temperature to a shutoff threshold; and
activating the power disconnect switch if the power meter temperature exceeds the shutoff threshold. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification