Sangamo Weston, Inc.

Schlumberger Industries

Murray C Carney

Robert E Dyer

A device for detecting tampering of a utility meter includes sensors to detect a positional displacement of the meter and loss of power to the meter. On sensing a positional displacement of the meter, indicative of an attempt to remove the meter, a timer is activated to enable sensing a power loss to the meter. In response to detection of a power loss during the time period defined by the timer, an indication is stored in a nonvolatile memory of the tamper event. In response to loss of power with or without a detection of tampering, required parameters including utility consumption data are stored in nonvolatile memory. Remote access to and data retrieval from the nonvolatile memory and system are provided over telephone lines, power lines, or a radio frequency circuit.

Apparatus and method for sensing tampering with a utility meter

A billing recorder for providing a record of customer usage of electricity has a controller which may include a microprocessor for receiving and processing pulses from an electric meter. Data from one or more input channels is temporarily stored in random access memory by the controller in data words representative of energy consumed in predetermined time ('demand') intervals. The accumulated measurement ('event') data and time reference data are transferred to a non-volatile, solid state memory at the end of relatively long collection periods which comprise a number of demand intervals. The solid state preferably is energized by the controller only during data transfers. The entire memory module is removable for processing at a central location, and it is replaced with a new one when it is removed. During memory replacement, which may occur at most times with minor exception, the processor prepares a special Removal Record and transfers that record to predetermined locations on the memory module being removed. The processor also prepares a special Insertion Record for the new module. The cumulative counts recorded on these special records as well as the normal records establish reliable data continuity. A field test enables testing of the meter, data inputs and processing circuitry in the field. Further, the identification data (I.D.) may be set on the recorder in the field after installation or replacement. Provisions are made for incorporating various options such as Daylight Savings Time, one or two input channels and operation on 50 or 60 Hz. line frequency.

Billing recorder with non-volatile solid state memory

A totalizer receives output pulses from two different meters and records them on a single data channel of a magnetic recorder. First and second memories are used alternately in successive demand intervals to store the outputs from both meters irrespective of which meter measured an event. For recording, contents of the respective memories are shifted out in alternate demand intervals. Demand interval timing signals are delayed and recorded in synchronism with the data so that the accuracy of recording is .+-. one event pulse per demand interval. Each memory acts as a summing register for both meters. Thus, the proportion of available storage allocated to each meter is varied according to the respective activity levels of the meters up to the maximum capacity of the recorder.

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Dunwoody, GA, United States of America

Murray C Carney