General Electric Company

Susan D Dastous

Gregory Paul Lavoie

Marjorie J Mancuso

Kenneth W Atherton

Maurice J Ouellette

Robert E Lee, Jr

Richard A Balch

Mark J Plis

Kevin P Grogan

In one embodiment, the present invention is an algorithm implemented in a microprocessor-controlled system which, for example, is disposed within an energy meter housing. Particularly, the microprocessor is coupled to a communications interface which receives and transmits messages on a power line or some other external communications media. Upon receipt of a message, the commands contained in the message are read. If a command corresponds to a 'buffer and lock' command, then a timer operated by the microprocessor starts to run. For example, if data to be retrieved from the system is data which is erased from system memory when read therefrom, just prior to reading such data, a buffer and lock command is transmitted by the external communication device. Upon receipt of such command, the microprocessor initiates running of a timer and the data is read from the meter. The data also is copied to a buffer, e.g., a RAM memory location. If the data is 'lost' during transmission, and as long as the timer is running, the data can be copied from the designated buffer and re-transmitted. In this manner, data normally not saved in a meter subsequent to a read operation is saved and, if necessary, re-transmitted.

Electrical metering device and associated method for temporarily storing

A Method and apparatus for identifying events for making changes to a meter register configuration. In the one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of storing event data, including event dates, in a meter register memory, the event data being stored in a floating date format or in a fixed date format, and processing the event data to determine whether a current date corresponds to an event date.

Time-of-use calendar events method and apparatus for a meter register

An energy meter capable of converting from one mode of operation to another mode of operation is described. In the one embodiment, the present apparatus measures energy consumption, and converts operation from a first mode to a second mode.

Electrical energy meter with programmable register component

The apparatus for automatic return from test mode includes a switch or optical port on a meter bezel for initiating, upon user actuation, the storing of customer billing data in a meter register and converting the meter from a customer billing data recording and displaying mode of operation to a test mode of operation for performing one or more field test functions. In addition, to eliminate the likelihood that a customer will be under-billed for unrecorded energy consumption, the meter includes a timer for computing an elapsed period of time (which is programmable in length). Upon the expiration of a predetermined elapsed time, the meter is automatically returned to a customer billing mode of operation, regardless of the state of any test being performed during the test mode. Thus, the possibility that the customer will be under-billed for energy consumed while the meter is accidently left in the test mode is eliminated.

Method and apparatus for automatic return from test mode

An apparatus for disposing a meter register in a default mode of operation includes a microcontroller coupled to a programmable non-volatile memory for automatically disposing the meter register in a self-programmed state when the electrical meter containing the meter register is installed for the first time. The self-programmed state is a functional default state and provides a monitoring utility company with accurate customer billing information from the time of installation. Accordingly, a technician responsible for installing the meter in the field need not be familiar with the techniques for programming the meter. If a mode of operation other than the default mode of operation is preferred, the microcontroller can be accessed for disposing the meter in a time-of-use and demand mode of operation or a demand only mode of operation. The microcontroller also provides means for retaining a programmed state of the meter register in the event of a power outage. Thus, when power is again supplied to the meter after an outage, the meter register is again disposed in the last programmed state prior to power failure.

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Milford, NH, United States of America

Susan D Dastous