Electricity: measuring and testing – Testing and calibrating electric meters
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-26
2001-07-17
Karlsen, Ernest (Department: 2858)
Electricity: measuring and testing
Testing and calibrating electric meters
C324S110000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06262569
ABSTRACT:
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Attached herewith as Microfiche Appendix A is a microfiche of 1083 pages of the computer program listing of the present invention. Appendix A contains 12 frames. Also attached herewith as Microfiche Appendix B is a microfiche of 71 pages of the schematic diagrams of the present invention. Appendix B contains 1 frame.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and system for testing energy meters and similar instrumentation and, more particularly, to an energy testing method and system that is computerized and portable.
Energy meters are meters used to measure and record energy, such as electricity, which is produced, used or sold. These meters are typically subject to state regulation and, accordingly, must have their accuracy and calibration certified on a regular basis. Various test methods and equipment or systems have been used to certify energy meters. It is desirable, however, that these test methods and systems are capable of performing many tests, are portable, safe to use, and easily adaptable for future needs and changes in certification requirements.
The certification of energy meters can be performed in a calibration laboratory or at the site where the energy meter is normally operated. When calibration is performed in the laboratory, larger scale, automated, safe and accurate test equipment is readily available. For testing at the energy meter use site, on the other hand, many problems exist with presently available testing methods and systems.
Without the availability of automated test equipment, such as used in calibration laboratories, portable test systems require many testing operations be performed manually by the testing technician. These manual operations require removing the cover from the energy meters, often exposing service voltages as high as 480 volts, and require the use of extreme safety precautions. One such precaution is the use of insulating gloves to protect the technician from shock. These gloves, although necessary, are often stiff and clumsy, and limit the technician's finger movements making it difficult to operate switches and computer keyboards.
There are a number of different types of energy meters and, in many cases, different connections are needed to test these meters. Existing portable test systems do not provide to the test technician information pertaining to these connections. Existing portable test systems also do not perform all of the necessary tests requiring test technicians to carry around extra equipment.
While testing energy meters at their use site, existing portable test systems are powered from the service voltage at the site. The test voltages, currents, and phase angles therefore contain all of the amplitude variation, phase variation, noise and distortion existing in the service voltage source.
Furthermore, existing portable test systems are highly limited and inflexible for future changes in test requirements. These test systems cannot be customized to respond to changing requirements or changing equipment. Existing art and known developed equipment do not provide adequate capabilities for solving these and other associated problems with the testing of energy meters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A portable computerized and highly functional test system and method for testing energy meters is disclosed. The test system is more compact, lighter weight and more functional than prior systems, and therefore, overcomes the problems associated with prior test systems. The computer base facilitates ease of control, data management, and training, with a graphical software and a touch screen for ease of operation even with insulated gloves.
The test system of the present invention also contains solid state devices that generate voltages, current and phase angle digitally free of amplitude variation, phase variation, noise and distortion; thereby removing the energy meter completely from the influence of the service voltage. The test system virtually eliminates the differences between the calibration laboratory and current on site test systems.
The test system of the present invention further includes a computerized solid state energy meter that can accept a wide range of input voltages without damage to the equipment or injury to the test technician. By utilizing a wide voltage input power supply which can receive most power system voltages, the test technician need only connect the power input cable to the service without regard for the voltage level. These requirements are achieved by utilizing multiple switching devices with staggered drive signals.
The test system of the present invention contains software programmable logic which provides an almost unlimited number of variations of control logic. This logic can be software designed to accommodate any new control requirements. The test circuits are also software configurable which provides for an almost unlimited number of variations of testing procedures.
The test system of the present invention provides self-test capabilities and the ability to provide data for remote diagnostics via modem. Resident software capable of monitoring the operating functions and configurations of the test system can report the operating levels and the test definitions.
Other advantages and benefits of the present invention will become known to the artisan through study of the following descriptions, the attached drawings, the instructions and schematics found in the Appendices, and the definitions and claims which follow.
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Advertising brochure, one page, double-sided, entitled TransData Series 2100 Meter Test Set published in 1992 by TransData, Inc.
Advertising brochure, two sheets, entitled Watthour Engineering Co., Inc. Portable Automated Test Kit without a date of publication by Watthour Engineering Co., Inc. This brochure was published prior to applicants' filing date.
Carr John M.
Malackowski Donald W.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Karlsen Ernest
Utility Test Equipment Company
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