Method and apparatus for indicating meter tampering
US6232886A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 15, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08B13/1409
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method and apparatus facilitate improved sensing of tampering of an electrically powered device, such as an electric watt-hour meter installed at a residence for metering the amount of electric energy consumed at the residence. The detected tampering involves an effort to remove the electric meter from its power socket, to interrupt the metering of electric energy consumption, or to otherwise gain access for diverting electric energy. Removal of the electric meter from its power socket interrupts power to the meter. The method and apparatus senses motion of the meter and sets a "Tamper Flag" in a non-volatile memory. The "Tamper Flag" is saved (i.e., is not cleared from the non-volatile memory) if loss of power to the meter occurs within a predetermined period of time. The "Tamper Flag" is cleared if there is no loss of power to the meter within the predetermined period of time. Upon detecting a resumption of power after a loss of power to the meter, an indication of sensed tampering is made if the "Tamper Flag" is set.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.