Patent ID: 7432823
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: G01D,G01R,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
1. Tamper detection apparatus for an electric meter installed at a facility supplied power through an electrical distribution system comprising: an electric meter monitoring electricity usage at the facility and including connection means for connecting the meter into a receptacle installed at the facility, electricity delivered to the facility flowing through the meter; sensing means for sensing movement of the meter more than a predetermined amount with respect to the receptacle when no electricity is flowing through the meter and for producing a first tampering signal representative thereof; and, a second sensing means sensing the proximity of the meter to its receptacle with removal of meter from its receptacle producing a second tampering signal representative thereof, the second sensing means comprising an RFID sensor having a first component housed within the meter and a second component attached to the receptacle, the first and second components having a communications link between them which is broken if the meter is removed from its receptacle; and two-way communication means for transmitting an alert signal from the facility to the system to warn of tampering with the meter.