Tamper detection system for load management device
US5345225A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1992 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S40/126
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.