Importance

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Abstract

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.

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First Claim