Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to a switch assembly for an electricity meter comprising two parts, one of which parts includes a fixed contact and a meter output terminal and the other of which parts includes a moving contact and a meter input terminal, the moving contact being coupled to the input terminal via a conductive spring on which it is supported and which serves in use both to carry switch current and to bias the moving contact towards the fixed contact, and via a meter shunt adapted so as to receive in use, sensor conductors so that current supplied via the switch from the input terminal to a consumer via the output terminal can be sensed for measurement purposes.

<CIT> relates to an electronic electricity meter with guide sections formed on a base, which is provided in the housing part, where the arms of the conductor loop are guided and limited on the facing side almost vertically to the base. A lower arrester is provided for the bar of the conductor loop and a halt section is formed on a guide section, which overlaps the bar of the conductor loop from above.

<CIT> relates to a resistive element including a central segment of constant cross-section and two terminal parts made of copper brazed on to the central segment along two junctions transversal to the direction of passage of the current, equipped with lugs constituting the means for series connection, the said central segment being made of a material having a resistivity higher than that of the copper by at least one order of magnitude, and exhibiting a resistivity variation as a function of temperature not exceeding <NUM> ppm/<NUM>C, at least between -<NUM> and +<NUM><NUM>C.

<CIT> relates to a current detection device that is configured such that, when using a fixing member to fix a bus bar, which is a current path, by rotation to a current detection device configured as a shunt resistor, a load is not applied to a surface to be joined with the resistor. The device is provided with a first wiring member and second wiring member, which comprise a conductive metal material, and a resistor, which comprises a metal material having a lower temperature coefficient of resistance than said wiring members and is joined to the first wiring member and second wiring member, wherein the first wiring member is provided with a through-hole portion, into which a fixing member for rotational fixing is inserted, and a positioning portion, which serves to prevent rotation of the first wiring member caused by the rotational fixing of fixing members, wherein the positioning portion may be a cylindrical protrusion.

This disclosure describes a shunt that is composed of multiple pieces with at least some of the pieces being connected by a conductive channel that provides uniform flow of current. The conductive channel may be a raised portion, stand-alone component, or other channel that directs current to flow from one piece of the shunt to another piece in a uniform manner, resulting in an accurate current reading for the shunt. Further, the shunt may include multiple pieces that are composed of different materials, which may vary in price. By doing so, a cost of the shunt may be minimized.

The shunt includes a shunt bus disposed between two or more terminals that are adapted to connect to a conductive path. For example, the conductive path may include a meter socket located at a facility where electricity consumption is monitored. Here, the shunt may form at least part of the conductive path to allow current to flow from one jaw of the meter socket that is connected to a first terminal, through the shunt bus and to the other jaw of the meter socket that is connected to the second terminal. The shunt bus may be electrically connected to a first terminal of the shunt via a protrusion (e.g., a raised portion) that is located on the shunt bus or the first terminal, or may be provided as a separate component. The protrusion is elliptical in shape (e.g., a circle, oval, etc.). According to other example implementations useful for understanding the presently claimed invention, the protrusion may have other shapes, such as a rectangle, triangle, etc. The shunt bus may also be electrically connected to a second terminal of the shunt, either directly or through another component, such as a switch.

To provide a current reading, the shunt includes a shunt element disposed along the shunt bus between the first and second terminals. In some instances, the shunt element is offset toward one side of the shunt (e.g., the first or second terminal), while in other instances the shunt element is located elsewhere along the shunt bus. The shunt element comprises a resistive element that provides a voltage drop. Such voltage drop may be measured and used to derive an amount of current flowing through the shunt.

Although the above example describes a shunt with a protrusion between the first terminal and the shunt bus, a protrusion may additionally, or alternatively, be provided between other components of the shunt. For example, a protrusion may be located between the shunt bus and the second terminal, between the shunt bus and a connecting element that acts as an intermediate component between the shunt bus and the second terminal, and/or between other components of the shunt.

The shunt described herein may provide uniform current flow, resulting in an accurate measurement of current through the shunt. For example, a protrusion that connects a first terminal to a shunt bus may provide a single connection point for current to uniformly flow from the first terminal to the shunt bus where the shunt element is located. This may result in current flow lines of equipotential being more uniform near the shunt element, in comparison to previous U-shaped shunts that provide non-uniform current flow at the corners and the shunt element. Thus, a more accurate voltage reading for the shunt element may be made and, consequently, a more accurate current measurement. Further, the protrusion may be particularly useful in implementations where the shunt element is offset toward a terminal (e.g., due to other components being positioned between the first and second terminals). In such implementations, the protrusion may allow current to flow uniformly through the shunt element, even though the shunt element is located within proximity (e.g., predetermined distance) to a connection point to a terminal.

In addition, by using a shunt that includes multiple pieces, a cost of producing the shunt may be minimized. For example, the shunt may be made of a shunt bus that is composed of a first material and terminals that are composed of a different material, such as a less expensive (or more expensive) material. This may reduce costs of producing the shunt, in comparison to previous shunts that are composed of a single piece of material.

This disclosure also describes a thermocouple device that includes a shared conductor for a shunt measurement and a thermocouple measurement. In many instances, a calculation of an amount of current through a shunt may be affected by the temperature of the shunt, which may be due to meter load, ambient temperature, and so on. Thus, the temperature of the shunt may be measured to compensate for inaccuracies of the current calculation. The thermocouple device described herein may include a shared conductor that provides a signal to both calculate current of a shunt and calculate a temperature of the shunt. The thermocouple device may provide an efficient structure that accurately calculates current and temperature. In addition, the thermocouple device may use the temperature of the shunt to detect a "hot socket" condition where a conductive path, such as a socket, is overheating. The temperature of the shunt may also be used for other purposes.

In some examples, a thermocouple device includes a reference conductor connected to a first side of a shunt, a sensing conductor connected to a second side of the shunt, and a thermocouple conductor connected to the first side of the shunt. The reference conductor and the thermocouple conductor may create a thermocouple to measure temperature of the shunt, while the reference conductor and the sensing conductor may be used to measure current through the shunt. In particular, the reference conductor, the sensing conductor, and the thermocouple conductor may be connected to one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors, Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and so on. The one or more hardware components may determine a temperature of the shunt based on a signal from the reference conductor and a signal from the thermocouple conductor. Further, the one or more hardware components may determine an amount of current passing through the shunt based on the signal from the reference conductor and a signal from the sensing conductor. The one or more hardware components may also use the temperature of the shunt to determine the amount of current. That is, the temperature of the shunt may be used to adjust a current measurement for the shunt, thereby leading to an accurate current measurement for the shunt.

In some examples, the thermocouple device may use the temperature of the shunt to determine a condition referred to as a "hot socket. " In some instances, a socket that is connected to a shunt may overheat, due to a loose connection between the socket and the shunt, a short circuit, and so on. As such, the thermocouple device described herein may determine the temperature of the shunt and use the temperature to determine when a "hot socket" is occurring at the socket. In particular, the one or more hardware components of the thermocouple device may detect that a temperature of the shunt is greater than a threshold. Based on the detection, the one or more hardware components may send an alert indicating the "hot socket" condition. For example, the alert may be sent to a service provider computing device associated with a utility (e.g., a central office of the utility), a computing device associated with a technician performing maintenance on the thermocouple device, a computing device associated with a customer, and so on. The alert may allow the party or entity to remove the shunt from the socket, stop current flow through the shunt, stop current flow through the socket, and/or perform a variety of other operations. This may avoid the socket, shunt, meter, and/or other components from being damaged (e.g., melting, igniting, etc.).

The thermocouple device described herein may provide an efficient structure that accurately calculates current and temperature of a shunt. For example, the thermocouple device may include a shared conductor for a shunt measurement and a thermocouple measurement. This may minimize costs for producing a structure that compensates for temperature of the shunt. In addition, by using a structure that is connected directly to the shunt to determine a temperature of the shunt, an accurate temperature reading may be made. Further, by obtaining a temperature reading for a component that is connected to a socket (i.e., the shunt), a "hot socket" condition may be more accurately and quickly detected, in comparison to previous techniques that used a temperature reading at another location farther from the socket. This may ultimately avoid damage to the socket, shunt, meter, and/or other components.

<FIG> illustrates an example shunt <NUM> having at least one conductive channel that provides a uniform flow of current. In particular, the shunt <NUM> includes a shunt bus <NUM> electrically connected to a first terminal <NUM> at a first end of the shunt bus <NUM> and electrically connected to a second terminal <NUM> at a second end of the shunt bus <NUM>. The first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> may be adapted to electrically connect to a conductive path, such as an electrical socket (e.g., receptacle). For instance, the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> may connect to jaws of a meter socket that is located at a residence. The meter socket may form a conductive path at the residence. In this example, the shunt bus <NUM> includes protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> that extend from the shunt bus <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The shunt bus <NUM> also includes a shunt element <NUM> disposed between the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, the shunt bus <NUM> includes a connection point <NUM> positioned on one side of the shunt element <NUM> and a connection point <NUM> positioned on the other side of the shunt element <NUM>. The connection points <NUM> and <NUM> connect to conductors (not illustrated in <FIG>) to measure current passing through the shunt element <NUM> and/or a temperature of the shunt <NUM>. Example connection points are discussed in further detail below in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the example of <FIG>, the shunt bus <NUM>, the first terminal <NUM>, and/or the second terminal <NUM> are elongated members. An elongated member may have a length that is longer than a width (in some instances, by more than a particular amount). The shunt bus <NUM> may substantially perpendicular to the first terminal <NUM> and/or the second terminal <NUM>. Substantially perpendicular may refer to the components having between a <NUM>-degree angle and a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to each other. In some instances, the components may form a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to each other with plus or minus <NUM> degrees. Although in other instances, the shunt bus <NUM> may not be substantially perpendicular to the first terminal <NUM> and/or the second terminal <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the shunt bus <NUM> is offset closer to the first terminal <NUM> than the second terminal <NUM>. That is, the shunt bus <NUM> is connected to the first terminal <NUM> closer to a right side of the first terminal <NUM>, and is connected to the second terminal <NUM> closer to the right side of the second terminal <NUM> (e.g., a side of the second terminal <NUM> that is closest to the first terminal <NUM>). This may allow other components to be connected to the shunt bus <NUM> (as discussed below in reference to <FIG>) and/or other components to be provided between the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, the offset may conserve material of the shunt bus <NUM> (at least with respect to the left side of the shunt bus <NUM>, since it does not extend as far over the second terminal <NUM>). When the shunt bus <NUM> is offset to the right, the shunt element <NUM> may be positioned above the left side of the first terminal <NUM>. Although in other examples, the shunt bus <NUM> may be centered, offset to the left, or otherwise positioned.

In many examples, the shunt bus <NUM> is composed of a different material than the first terminal <NUM> and/or the second terminal <NUM>. In one illustration, the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> are composed of nearly <NUM>% copper (Cu) (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>% copper), and are also tin (Sn) plated. The shunt bus <NUM> may include a first portion composed of copper (e.g., a portion of the shunt bus <NUM> to the left of the shunt element <NUM> in <FIG>), the shunt element <NUM> composed of a different material than the rest of the shunt bus <NUM> (as discussed below), and a second portion composed of copper (e.g., a portion of the shunt bus <NUM> to the right of the shunt element <NUM> in <FIG>). This composition for the shunt bus <NUM> tends to be more expensive (<NUM>-<NUM> times) to manufacture than basic Cu, due to the process cost of joining the shunt element <NUM> to the shunt bus <NUM> (e.g., typically Electron Beam welding). In some instances, the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> are tin plated to meet certain standards as well as certain design criteria, but the shunt bus <NUM> and/or the shunt element <NUM> are not tin plated. In previous techniques, a shunt manufacturing process included constructing the entire part of a "sandwich" feedstock (e.g., manufactured copper composition), and then selectively plating terminal sections with tin. This added a plating process in a non-ideal sequence of manufacture. Further, in some instances if tin is placed on a shunt bus or a shunt element, this may short or change the resistance of the shunt element (e.g., cause undesirable results). In many instances, by using multiple pieces (that may be composed of different types of materials), the techniques of this disclosure allow a shunt to be manufactured in a more efficient manner, which may reduce costs.

In other illustrations, the shunt bus <NUM>, the first terminal <NUM>, and/or the second terminal <NUM> may be composed of other types of materials or the same material. The shunt bus <NUM>, the first terminal <NUM>, and/or the second terminal <NUM> may be composed of any type of electrically conductive material. In many instances, the shunt bus <NUM> may be composed of a material that is more expensive than a material of the first terminal <NUM> and/or the second terminal <NUM>. Although in other illustrations, such relationship may be swapped. Further, in other illustrations the shunt bus <NUM>, the first terminal <NUM>, and/or the second terminal <NUM> may be composed of other types of conductive material, such as other metals (e.g., aluminum, alloy, etc.).

As discussed above, the shunt bus <NUM> may include the shunt element <NUM>. The shunt element <NUM> may be a resistive element to provide a voltage drop across the shunt element <NUM> when the shunt <NUM> is connected to an electricity source. For instance, when the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to a meter socket at a facility, such as a customer's residence, current may flow through the shunt <NUM> and voltage may drop across the shunt element <NUM>, due to the resistive properties of the shunt element <NUM>. Since the resistance of the shunt element <NUM> is known, and the voltage drop across the shunt element <NUM> may be measured, the current flowing through the shunt element <NUM> may be calculated according to Ohm's law. In the example of <FIG>, current may enter through the first terminal <NUM>, pass through the protrusion <NUM> to the shunt bus <NUM>, pass from the shunt bus <NUM> to the second terminal <NUM> through the protrusion <NUM>, and exit through the second terminal <NUM>. As such, the first terminal <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM>, the shunt bus <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM>, and the second terminal <NUM> may form a conductive path from a first jaw of the meter socket to a second jaw of the meter socket, for example. The shunt element <NUM> may be formed of any material. In many instances, the shunt element <NUM> is composed of a material that is more resistive than a material of the shunt bus <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> times more resistive than the copper of the shunt bus <NUM>). In one example, the shunt element <NUM> is composed of Manganin®. In another example, the shunt element <NUM> is composed of constantan or nichrome. In other examples, other types of materials are used.

The shunt element <NUM> may be positioned anywhere along the shunt bus <NUM>. In some instances, the shunt element <NUM> is offset toward one side of the shunt bus <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the shunt bus is positioned closer to the first terminal <NUM> (and the protrusion <NUM>) than the second terminal <NUM>. This may allow other components to be connected to the shunt bus <NUM> (as discussed below in reference to <FIG>) and/or other components to be provided between the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the shunt element is positioned over the first terminal <NUM> (e.g., above the first terminal <NUM>). In other examples, the shunt element <NUM> is positioned elsewhere, such as in the middle of the shunt bus <NUM> or offset toward the second terminal <NUM>.

The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> provide conductive channels for current to flow, as noted above. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may generally create distance between the respective terminal and protrusion, so that current flows through the protrusion. This distance is illustrated in further detail in <FIG> and <FIG>. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may provide connection points from the shunt bus <NUM> to the terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. For example, the protrusion <NUM> may provide a single connection point between the first terminal <NUM> and the shunt bus <NUM> (e.g., the protrusion <NUM> may be the only connection point between those two components).

<FIG> shows the indentation side of the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> (i.e., a front side of the shunt <NUM>). That is, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> extend from the shunt bus <NUM> on a back side of the shunt bus <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> depending on the perspective of view, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may also be referred to as recesses, raised portions, or more generally conductive channels. Further, as discussed in other examples herein, the protrusions <NUM> and/or <NUM> may alternatively, or additionally, be provided on the first and second terminals <NUM> and/or <NUM>, as stand-alone components, and/or as part of a different component.

The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> (as well as any other conductive channels discussed herein) may take on various forms. In the example of <FIG>, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> are circular (i.e., circles). However, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be ovals. Alternatively, according to other example implementations useful for understanding the presently claimed invention, the protrusions may be rectangles,
triangles, squares, trapezoids, or any other shape. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may take on the same form (e.g., shape, height, width, depth, etc.) or different forms. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed by stamping, embossing, carving, casting, molding, punching, and so on. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in the same manner or different manners.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the shunt <NUM> may also include other components. For instances, the shunt <NUM> may include tabs <NUM> to attach to components of a meter or another device in which the shunt <NUM> is implemented. Additionally, or alternatively, the tabs <NUM> may facilitate connection to a socket, such as a meter socket. Further, the tabs <NUM> may be used for positioning the shunt <NUM> in the meter itself. Sections <NUM> of the shunt <NUM> illustrate the portions of the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> that are inserted into a socket. The first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> may be adapted to fit various forms of a socket. Further, the shunt <NUM> may include holes <NUM>, which may be used for manufacturing the shunt <NUM>, attaching the shunt <NUM> to a meter or another device, and so on. Other means may additionally, or alternatively, be used to determine the depth of terminal insertion into the socket jaws.

The components of the shunt <NUM> may be connected through various manners. For example, the components may be brazed, soldered, welded, glued (e.g., with a conductive glue), heated together, connected with an adhesive (e.g., a conductive adhesive), or otherwise joined together. In some instances, a conductive filler (e.g., a metal) is applied between components to make a connection, while in other instances the components may be directly attached to each other. To illustrate, the first terminal <NUM> may be brazed to the shunt bus <NUM> at the protrusion <NUM> with a filler metal being applied to the connection point (e.g., the protrusion <NUM>).

The components of the shunt <NUM> may be directly or indirectly connected. The terms "connected" or "electrically connected" may refer to components directly contacting each other or indirectly contacting each other, such as through a conductive filler and/or an intermediary component (e.g., a switch, as shown in <FIG>). In one example, if the first terminal <NUM> is brazed to the shunt bus <NUM> at the protrusion <NUM> with a filler metal applied between the components, the first terminal <NUM> may be referred to as being connected or electrically connected to the shunt bus <NUM>. Here, an electrically conductive path is formed between the first terminal <NUM> and the shunt bus <NUM>. In another example, the first terminal <NUM> may be connected to the shunt bus <NUM> via a spacer (e.g., a washer). Here, the first terminal <NUM> may maintain contact with the spacer and the shunt bus <NUM> may maintain contact with the spacer through a fastener (e.g., a rivet, screw, etc.) that holds the components together. In contrast, the phrases "directly connected" or "directly attached" may refer to components directly contacting to each other (e.g., without a metal filler and/or an intermediary component). For example, the first terminal <NUM> may, in some instances, be directedly attached to the shunt bus <NUM> through a fastener.

<FIG> illustrate a front view, top view, and side view of the example shunt <NUM> of <FIG>, respectively.

<FIG> illustrate the shunt <NUM> in exploded views with the shunt bus <NUM> being detached from the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a surface <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> is removed from contacting a surface <NUM> of the first terminal <NUM>. Other example shunts in connected forms are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, as discussed below.

<FIG> illustrate that the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> extend off the back side of the shunt bus <NUM> a distance <NUM>. The distance <NUM> may be a predetermined distance, in some examples. The distance <NUM> may be referred to as a depth of the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>. The distance <NUM> for the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be the same or different. In other words, the protrusion <NUM> may extend off the back side of the shunt bus <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> may extend off the back side of the shunt bus the same distance or different distances. As illustrated, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> create raised connection points (also referred to as conductive channels) for the shunt bus <NUM> to connect to the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> illustrates the example shunt <NUM> with protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> that extend off the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. <FIG> represents an exploded view, with the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> being separated from the shunt bus <NUM>. In this example, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> form the conductive channels to connect the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> to the shunt bus <NUM>, respectively. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be the same as the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>, except that the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> are part of the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, instead of part of the shunt bus <NUM>. In this example, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> that extended off the shunt bus <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>, for example) have been removed. Although in other examples the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may remain and attach to the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> illustrates the example shunt <NUM> with stand-alone components <NUM> and <NUM> that form conductive channels to the shunt bus <NUM>. <FIG> represents an exploded view, with the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM> being separated from the shunt bus <NUM> and the stand-alone components <NUM> and <NUM>. The stand-alone components <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of any type of conductive material. The stand-alone components <NUM> and <NUM> may be attached to the first and second terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, and/or attached to the shunt bus <NUM> through various manners, such as brazing, soldering, welding, gluing (e.g., with a conductive glue), heating together, using an adhesive (e.g., a conductive adhesive), and so on.

The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> and/or the stand-alone components <NUM> and <NUM> may take on various forms (e.g., shapes, heights, widths, depths, etc.), as similarly discussed above with respect to the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> and/or the stand-alone components <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed by stamping, embossing, carving, casting, molding, punching, and so on. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> and/or the stand-alone components <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in the same manner or different manners.

<FIG> illustrates example connection points <NUM> that include pins <NUM>(A)-<NUM>(C) and half-shear buttons <NUM>(D) and <NUM>(E). The pins <NUM>(A)-<NUM>(C) may be collectively referred to as a pin assembly. In particular, the half-shear button <NUM>(D) is positioned on a first side of the shunt element <NUM>, while the half-shear button <NUM>(E) is positioned on a second side of the shunt element <NUM>. The half-shear button <NUM>(D) may connect to pins <NUM>(A) and <NUM>(B), while the half-shear button <NUM>(E) may connect to the pin <NUM>(C). As such, the half-shear button <NUM>(D) and the pins <NUM>(A) and <NUM>(B) may form a first connection point to the shunt bus <NUM>, while the half-shear button <NUM>(E) and the pin <NUM>(C) may form a second connection point to the shunt bus <NUM>.

The connection points <NUM> may connect to conductors (not illustrated in <FIG>) to measure current passing through a shunt element <NUM> and/or a temperature of a shunt bus <NUM>. The conductors may be wires, leads, conductive traces (e.g., Printed-Circuit Board (PCB) traces, etc.), bus bars, and so on. As discussed in further detail below, the pin <NUM>(A) (or the pin <NUM>(B)) may be connected to a reference conductor, the pin <NUM>(B) (or the pin <NUM>(A)) may be connected to a thermocouple conductor, and the pin <NUM>(C) may be connected to a sensing conductor. As such, a signal from the reference conductor and a signal from the thermocouple conductor may be used to determine a temperature of the shunt bus <NUM>, while a signal from the reference conductor and a signal from the sensing conductor may be used to determine current flowing through the shunt element <NUM>.

As illustrated, the connection points <NUM> are positioned within proximity (e.g., a predetermined distance) to a conductive channel <NUM>. In this example, the conductive channel <NUM> comprises a protrusion on the shunt bus <NUM>. The half-shear button <NUM>(D) is positioned closer to the conductive channel <NUM> than the half shear button <NUM>(E). In this example, current may flow though the conductive channel <NUM> into the shunt bus <NUM> and then through the shunt element <NUM> (e.g., in a left-to-right manner with respect to <FIG>). Although in other examples, the current may flow in the opposite direction.

As noted above, in the example of <FIG> a path of current through the shunt element <NUM> is defined from left-to-right. This path corresponds to a first direction. Further, the half-shear button <NUM>(D) and/or the half-shear button <NUM>(E) are positioned in substantially a center of the shunt bus <NUM> in a second direction (e.g., a vertical axis) that is perpendicular to the first direction.

<FIG> illustrates the example connection points <NUM> with the pins <NUM>(A)-<NUM>(C) removed. That is, <FIG> illustrates the half-shear buttons <NUM>(D) and <NUM>(E) without the pins <NUM>(A)-<NUM>(C).

Although <FIG> illustrate the connection points <NUM> positioned on the shunt bus <NUM>, in other examples the connection points <NUM> may be positioned on the shunt element <NUM>. For example, the half-shear buttons <NUM>(D) and <NUM>(E) may be located on the shunt element <NUM>, such as on opposite sides of the shunt element <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate example connection points <NUM> and <NUM> that represent insulation displacement connection. In this example, the connection points <NUM> and <NUM> may connect to a shunt bus <NUM> on different sides of a shunt element <NUM>. The connection points <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to receive conductors <NUM> (e.g., wires, leads, traces, etc.) to measure current passing through the shunt element <NUM> and/or a temperature of the shunt bus <NUM>. In one example, the conductor <NUM>(A) may comprise a thermocouple conductor, the conductor <NUM>(B) may comprise a reference conductor, and the conductor <NUM>(C) may comprise a sensing conductor. Although other arrangements of the conductors <NUM> may be implemented.

The connection point <NUM> may include a connecting member <NUM>(A) connected to the shunt bus <NUM> and receiving members <NUM>(B) configured to receive the conductors <NUM>(A) and <NUM>(B). Meanwhile, the connection point <NUM> may include a connecting member <NUM>(A) connected to the shunt bus <NUM> and receiving members <NUM>(B) configured to receive the conductor <NUM>(C). The conductors <NUM> may connect to the receiving members <NUM>(B) and <NUM>(B) in various manners, such as through friction, an adhesive, soldering, brazing, welding, gluing, and so on.

The connection points <NUM> and <NUM> may be separate components that are insulated from each other through insulation <NUM>. The insulation <NUM> may be non-conductive. As such, the connection point <NUM> may connect to a first side of the shunt element <NUM>, while the connection point <NUM> separately connects to a second side of the shunt element <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrate the connection points <NUM> and <NUM> positioned on the shunt bus <NUM>, in other examples the connection points <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned on the shunt element <NUM>. For example, the connecting member <NUM>(A) may be located on the shunt element <NUM> on one side and the connecting member <NUM>(A) may be located on the shunt element <NUM> on the other side.

In some instances, the distance between the half shear buttons <NUM>(D) and <NUM>(E), or connecting members <NUM>(A) and <NUM>(A), are held to a tight tolerance (e.g., within a particular amount) in order to avoid calibrating a temperature error correction. For example, the tolerance may be relatively tight (within a particular amount) when the half shear buttons <NUM>(D) and <NUM>(E) or connecting members <NUM>(A) and <NUM>(A) are located beyond a shunt element (e.g., not on the shunt element), rather than on the shunt element. However, in some instances when the half shear buttons <NUM>(D) and <NUM>(E) or connecting members <NUM>(A) and <NUM>(A) are located on the shunt element, this may affect the general calibration range, and so the tolerance (e.g., distance) may still be maintained to be relatively tight.

Further, although examples connection points are shown in <FIG> and <FIG> with specific structural components, in some instances conductors may connect to any location on a shunt bus and/or shunt element. For example, conductors may be attached directly to a shunt bus via soldering, brazing, welding, an adhesive, a fastener, gluing, and so on. In such examples, a location where a conductor is attached to the shunt bus comprises a connection point.

<FIG> shows an example shunt <NUM> with a connecting element <NUM>. The shunt <NUM> includes a shunt bus <NUM> connected, at a first end of the shunt bus <NUM>, to a first terminal <NUM> via a protrusion <NUM>. The shunt bus <NUM> is also connected, at a second end of the shunt bus <NUM>, to a first end of the connecting element <NUM> via fasteners <NUM>, such as rivets, screws, etc. The connecting element <NUM> is connected, at a second end of the connecting element <NUM>, to a second terminal <NUM> via fasteners <NUM>, such as rivets, screws, etc. As such, the shunt bus <NUM> is electrically connected to the second terminal <NUM> via the connecting element <NUM>. Although fasteners <NUM> and <NUM> are used in this example, the components may be connected in other manners, such as by soldering, welding, brazing, using an adhesive, gluing, etc..

In this example, the connecting element <NUM> comprises a switch configured to open or close a conductive path of the shunt <NUM>. That is, the switch may open or close a conductive path between the shunt bus <NUM> and the second terminal <NUM>. Here, current generally flows in through the first terminal <NUM>, through the shunt bus <NUM>, then through the connecting element <NUM>, and out the second terminal <NUM>. In one example, a switch may be implemented as that described in <CIT>. In another example, other types of switches may be used. <FIG> shows the shunt <NUM> in a form in which the shunt <NUM> may generally be implemented (e.g., in a closed form where current can pass through the shunt <NUM>). In other examples, other types of connecting elements may be used instead of the switch.

<FIG> illustrates that the shunt bus <NUM> being connected to the first terminal <NUM> in an offset manner. In other words, the shunt bus <NUM> is connected to the first terminal <NUM> at a side of the first terminal <NUM> (e.g., left side) that is farthest from the second terminal <NUM>. Such side of the first terminal <NUM> is represented in <FIG> to the left of a center line <NUM>. The shunt bus <NUM> is connected to a substantially planar surface of the first terminal <NUM>. Further, as illustrated, the shunt bus <NUM> includes a shunt element <NUM> that is offset to one side of the shunt <NUM> (e.g., to the left). Here, the shunt element <NUM> is above a side of the first terminal <NUM> that is closest to the second terminal <NUM> (e.g., a side of the first terminal <NUM> to a right of the center line <NUM>). By offsetting the shunt bus <NUM> and/or the shunt element <NUM> to the left, the connecting element <NUM> may be positioned between the first terminal <NUM> and the second terminal <NUM>.

Although the shunt <NUM> is illustrated as being offset in <FIG> to the left, in other examples the shunt bus <NUM> and/or the shunt element <NUM> may be offset to the right. In such examples, the shunt bus <NUM> and the connecting element <NUM> may be swapped so that the shunt bus <NUM> connects directly to the second terminal <NUM> and the connecting element <NUM> connects directly to the first terminal <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example shunt <NUM> with oval-shaped conductive channels <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front view of the shunt <NUM>, while <FIG> illustrates a side view of the shunt <NUM>. Here, the conductive channels <NUM> are protrusions that extend off a shunt bus <NUM>. The shunt <NUM> may include a similar structure as the shunt <NUM> discussed above with respect to <FIG>, except that the shunt <NUM> includes oval-shaped protrusions <NUM>, instead of circle-shaped protrusions (the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM>).

In this example, the shunt bus <NUM> is offset to the right. In particular, the shunt bus <NUM> is connected to a substantially planar surface <NUM> of a first terminal <NUM> at a side of the first terminal <NUM> that is farthest from a second terminal <NUM>. Further, the shunt bus <NUM> is connected to the second terminal <NUM> on a side of the second terminal <NUM> that is closest to the first terminal <NUM>. The shunt bus <NUM> may be connected to a substantially planar surface of the second terminal <NUM>.

The shunt bus <NUM> includes a shunt element <NUM> positioned a distance <NUM> from the protrusion <NUM>(A). The distance <NUM> may include a predetermined distance that is determined from analyzing current flow through the shunt <NUM>, such as a distance that avoids non-uniform current flow through the shunt element <NUM>. As such, the shunt element <NUM> may be disposed within a predetermined proximity to the protrusion <NUM>(A). In this example, current generally flows in through the first terminal <NUM> and out the second terminal <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example thermocouple system <NUM> (e.g., thermocouple device). The thermocouple system <NUM> is described in the context of implementing the shunt <NUM> of <FIG>. However, the thermocouple system <NUM> may be implemented with other shunts.

The thermocouple system <NUM> may include one or more hardware components <NUM> electrically connected to the shunt <NUM> via conductors <NUM>. The one or more hardware components <NUM> may be configured to receive signals from the shunt <NUM> via the conductors <NUM>. The one or more hardware components <NUM> may include a connector <NUM> to interface the conductors <NUM> to the one or more hardware components <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the one or more hardware components <NUM> also include an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) <NUM> that converts the signals of the conductors <NUM> from analog signals into digital signals. The digital and/or analog signals may be stored in memory <NUM> and/or sent to one or more processors <NUM>. The one or more hardware components <NUM> may use the digital and/or analog signals to perform a variety of operations, as discussed herein. Although the connector <NUM> and ADC <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG>, in some examples such elements may be eliminated. For ease of discussion, a reference to a signal from a conductor will refer to an analog and/or digital signal associated with the conductor. In many instances, the signals from the conductors <NUM> are relatively small (e.g., in the microvolt level). In such instances, an amplifier or other component is used to amplify the signals. In one example, an amplifier is included as part of the ADC <NUM>. In another example, an amplifier is a separate component.

The conductors <NUM> may include a sensing conductor <NUM>(A) electrically connected to the connection point <NUM>, a reference conductor <NUM>(B) (or <NUM>(C)) electrically connected to the connection point <NUM>, and a thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C) (or <NUM>(B)) electrically connected to the connection point <NUM>. The thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C) may be composed of a different material (e.g., conductive material) than the reference conductor <NUM>(B). As one example, the thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C) may be composed of constantan, while the reference conductor <NUM>(B) may be composed of copper. Here, the thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C) and the reference conductor <NUM>(B) form a type-T thermocouple. In other examples, other types of conductive materials are used, creating different types of thermocouples, such as a type E thermocouple (chromel-constantan), type J thermocouple (iron-constantan), type M thermocouple, type N thermocouple, type B thermocouple, type R thermocouple, type S thermocouple, tungsten/rhenium-alloy thermocouple, type C thermocouple, type D thermocouple, type G thermocouple, chromel-gold/iron thermocouple, type P thermocouple (noble-metal), platinum/molybdenum-alloy thermocouple, iridium/rhodium alloy thermocouple, and so on. The thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C) and the reference conductor <NUM>(B) may be insulated from each other except at the sensing junction (the connection point <NUM>) and another location within the one or more hardware components <NUM> (e.g., the opposite end). Thus, the reference conductor <NUM>(B) and the thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C) may create a thermocouple, since the two conductors are attached to the same connection point and/or are composed of different materials.

As noted above, the one or more hardware components <NUM> are implemented in the context of the one or more processors <NUM> and the memory <NUM>. The one or more processors <NUM> may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, and so on. The memory <NUM> (as well as all other memory described herein) may comprise computer-readable media and may take the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Computer-readable media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data for execution by one or more processors of a computing device. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include communication media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

In the example of <FIG>, the one or more hardware components <NUM> are implemented with a Printed Wiring Board (PWB) or Printed Circuit Board (PCB). In other examples, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may be implemented with other electric circuits and/or components.

As noted above, the one or more hardware components may be communicatively coupled to the conductors <NUM> to receive signals from the conductors <NUM>. The one or more hardware components <NUM> may use the signals to facilitate various functionality. In this example, the memory <NUM> includes a thermocouple measurement component <NUM>, a shunt measurement component <NUM>, and an alert component <NUM> to facilitate such functionality. Here, the thermocouple measurement component <NUM>, the shunt measurement component <NUM>, and the alert component <NUM> are implemented as software modules that are executable by the one or more processors <NUM> that are communicatively coupled to the memory <NUM>. Thus, the one or more processors <NUM> may execute the components <NUM>-<NUM> to perform the described operations. The term "module" is intended to represent example divisions of software for purposes of discussion, and is not intended to represent any type of requirement or required method, manner or necessary organization. Accordingly, while various "modules" are discussed, their functionality and/or similar functionality could be arranged differently (e.g., combined into a fewer number of modules, broken into a larger number of modules, etc.).

The thermocouple measurement component <NUM> may be configured to measure a temperature of the shunt <NUM>. As noted above, in many instances a calculation of current through the shunt <NUM> may be affected by the temperature of the shunt <NUM> (e.g., due to temperature changes affecting the resistance of the shunt <NUM>). The temperature of the shunt <NUM> may be affected by meter load (e.g., joule heating), ambient temperature (e.g., environment conditions, such as solar heating), and so on. Thus, the temperature of the shunt <NUM> may be measured to compensate for inaccuracies of the current measurement facilitated by the shunt measurement component <NUM>.

To determine the temperature of the shunt <NUM>, the thermocouple measurement component <NUM> may retrieve a signal of the reference conductor <NUM>(B) and a signal of the thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C). The signals may be retrieved from the memory <NUM> and/or directly from the shunt <NUM>. Each of the signals may comprise a voltage signal, such as a Direct Current (DC) voltage signal or an Alternating Current (AC) voltage signal. The thermocouple measurement component <NUM> may compare the signal from the reference conductor <NUM>(B) to the signal from the thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C) to determine a difference in voltage between the two conductors. The thermocouple measurement component <NUM> may also determine a temperature at the one or more hardware components <NUM>, such as by using a thermometer or another device located at the one or more hardware components <NUM>. This temperature may represent the temperature of the thermocouple at the other end of the thermocouple (e.g., the end opposite the connection point <NUM>). Then, based on the difference in voltage between the reference conductor <NUM>(B) and the thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C) and the temperature at the one or more hardware components <NUM>, the thermocouple measurement component <NUM> may use a formula to determine the temperature of the shunt <NUM>. The formula may have been formed when calibrating the thermocouple. The formula may account for the properties of the reference conductor <NUM>(B) and the thermocouple conductor <NUM>(C), such as the material composition of the conductors, the length/width of conductors, etc. The temperature of the shunt <NUM> represents the temperature at the connection point <NUM>. The thermocouple measurement component <NUM> may generate temperature data indicating the temperature of the shunt <NUM> and store the temperature data in the memory <NUM> and/or provide the temperature data to the shunt measurement component <NUM> and/or the alert component <NUM>.

The shunt measurement component <NUM> may be configured to measure an amount of current passing through the shunt <NUM>. In particular, the shunt measurement component <NUM> may retrieve a signal of the reference conductor <NUM>(B) and a signal of the sensing conductor <NUM>(A). The signals may be retrieved from the memory <NUM> and/or directly from the shunt <NUM>. Each of the signals may comprise a voltage signal, such as a DC voltage signal or an AC voltage signal. The shunt measurement component <NUM> may compare the signal of the reference conductor <NUM>(B) to the signal of the sensing conductor <NUM>(A) to determine a voltage drop across the shunt element <NUM> (e.g., a voltage difference between the two conductors). Then, based on the voltage drop, and knowing the resistance of the shunt element <NUM>, the shunt measurement component <NUM> may determine the amount of current passing through the shunt element <NUM> based on Ohm's law. The shunt measurement component <NUM> may generate current data indicating the amount of current passing through the shunt element <NUM>, store the current data in the memory <NUM>, and/or provide the current data to other components.

In many instances, the shunt measurement component <NUM> may account for a temperature at the shunt <NUM>. In particular, the shunt measurement component <NUM> may compensate for a change in resistance of the shunt <NUM> due to a temperature of the shunt <NUM>. For example, the shunt measurement component <NUM> may reference a temperature curve or other criteria that specifies a relationship between temperature and current/resistance. The shunt measurement component <NUM> may use the temperature curve or other criteria to adjust the current data that is based on the voltage drop across the shunt element <NUM> (e.g., the voltage difference between the signal from the reference conductor <NUM>(B) and the signal from the sensing conductor <NUM>(A)).

As such, the thermocouple measurement component <NUM> and the shunt measurement component <NUM> may share a conductor. That is, the thermocouple measurement component <NUM> may use a signal from the reference conductor <NUM>(B) to determine a temperature of the shunt, and the shunt measurement component <NUM> may use a signal from the reference conductor <NUM>(B) to determine current passing through the shunt <NUM>.

The alert component <NUM> may be configured to provide an alert regarding a temperature of a conductive path into which the shunt <NUM> is connected. For example, the alert component <NUM> may retrieve the temperature of the shunt <NUM> from the memory <NUM> and/or the thermocouple measurement component <NUM>. The temperature of the shunt <NUM> may indicate (e.g., correspond to) the temperature of the conductive path into which the shunt <NUM> is connected (e.g., a meter socket). The alert component <NUM> may determine whether or not the temperature of the conductive path (e.g., a meter socket) is greater than a threshold. When the temperature is greater than the threshold, this indicates that the conductive path is overheating (e.g., a hot socket condition). In some instances, the conductive path may overheat when the shunt is being installed/replaced and/or when a socket includes loose jaws.

In any event, when the temperature of the conductive path is greater than the threshold, the alert component <NUM> may send an alert indicating that the temperature of the conductive path is greater than the threshold. The alert may be sent to a service provider computing device associated with a utility (e.g., a central office for the utility), a computing device associated with a technician (e.g., performing maintenance on the meter), a computing device associated with a customer employing the meter, etc. A party that receives the alert may disconnect the shunt <NUM>, open a circuit path through the shunt <NUM> (e.g., flip a switch to stop current flow), and/or perform other actions. In some instances, the alert may be sent while a party is located at the shunt <NUM>, such as while a technician is performing maintenance on a meter (e.g., changing out the meter).

Although the techniques discussed above include the alert component <NUM> sending an alert, in some instances the alert component <NUM> may send an instruction or otherwise cause an action to be automatically performed. For example, if the temperature of the conductive path is greater than a threshold, the alert component <NUM> may automatically interrupt (e.g., break) the conductive path through the shunt <NUM> (e.g., cause the switch to open the circuit).

Further, although the example of <FIG> illustrates the one or more hardware components <NUM> being implemented in the context of the one or more processors <NUM> and the memory <NUM>, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may be implemented as other components. For instance, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may be implemented as one or more Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc. As such, the operations that are described as being implemented by the thermocouple measurement component <NUM>, the shunt measurement component <NUM>, and/or the alert component <NUM> on the one or more processors <NUM>, may be implemented in whole or in part by FPGAs, ASICs, ASSPs, SOCs, CPLDs, etc..

Further, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, include a network interface and a radio (not illustrated in <FIG>). The network interface may communicate via a wired or wireless network. The alert component <NUM> may send alerts regarding temperature via the network interface and/or the radio. The radio may comprise an RF transceiver configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals via one or more of a plurality of channels/frequencies. The radio may be configured to communicate using a plurality of different modulation techniques, data rates, protocols, signal strengths, and/or power levels. The radio includes an antenna coupled to an RF front end and a baseband processor. The RF front end may provide transmitting and/or receiving functions. The RF front end may include high-frequency analog and/or hardware components that provide functionality, such as tuning and/or attenuating signals provided by the antenna. The RF front end may provide a signal to the baseband processor.

In one example, all or part of the baseband processor may be configured as a software (SW) defined radio. In one implementation, the baseband processor provides frequency and/or channel selection functionality to the radio. For example, the SW defined radio may include mixers, filters, amplifiers, modulators and/or demodulators, detectors, etc., implemented in software executed by a processor, ASIC, or other embedded computing device(s). The SW defined radio may utilize processor(s) and software defined and/or stored in the memory <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, the radio may be implemented at least in part using analog components.

Moreover, the memory <NUM> may include other types of components. For example, the memory <NUM> may store a metrology component configured to collect consumption data of one or more resources (e.g., electricity, water, natural gas, etc.). The consumption data may include, for example, electricity consumption data, water consumption data, and/or natural gas consumption data. The consumption data may include data generated at a node where the shunt <NUM> is implemented (e.g., a meter), another node (e.g., another meter or utility node), or a combination thereof. The collected consumption data may be transmitted to a data collector in the case of a star network or, in the case of a mesh network, to one or more other nodes for eventual propagation to a service provider computing device associated with a utility or another destination.

<FIG> illustrate an example meter <NUM> with shunts <NUM> and <NUM> located within the meter <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of a side of the meter <NUM> that attaches to a meter socket. In particular, the portions of the shunts <NUM> and <NUM> that are exposed in <FIG> may connect to the meter socket. In particular, terminals <NUM>(A) and <NUM>(D) of shunt <NUM> may connect to jaws of a socket (e.g., a conductive path) and terminals <NUM>(A) and <NUM>(B) of shunt <NUM> may connect to the jaws of the socket. Meanwhile, <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the meter <NUM> with the shunt <NUM>.

The meter <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> that encloses at least a portion of the shunts <NUM> and <NUM>, one or more hardware components <NUM>, and conductors <NUM>. As such, the housing may enclose a shunt and a thermocouple device. The housing <NUM> may also include tabs <NUM> that may be used to assist in connecting the meter <NUM> to the meter socket. The conductors <NUM> may connect the shunt <NUM> to the one or more hardware components <NUM>. Although the shunt <NUM> is not shown in <FIG>, the shunt <NUM> may also be connected to the one or more hardware components <NUM>. The conductors <NUM> may include a reference conductor, sensing conductor, and thermocouple conductor. As illustrated in <FIG>, the shunt <NUM> includes a terminal <NUM>(A), a shunt bus <NUM>(B), a switch <NUM>(C), and another terminal <NUM>(D). Current may flow in a left-to-right manner with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates current flow lines for a shunt in related art. Here, the shunt <NUM> includes a single U-shaped piece that is upside down. Current may enter the shunt at an end <NUM> and exit the shunt at an end <NUM>. The vertical and horizontal lines represent current flow lines of equipotential. As illustrated, the current flow lines at corners <NUM> of the shunt <NUM> are non-symmetrical and non-uniform due to the <NUM>-degree bend in the shunt <NUM>. That is, the current flow lines are wider apart at outside edges <NUM>(A) in comparison to inner edges <NUM>(B) of the corners <NUM> and/or the current flow lines are curved. This leads to inaccurate current measurements in a measurement region <NUM>, where the shunt element is located. As the shunt element is positioned closer to a corner, the inaccuracy of the current measurement may increase.

<FIG> illustrates current flow lines for an example shunt <NUM> described herein, such as the shunt <NUM> of <FIG>. For ease of illustration, the shunt <NUM> is represented as a shunt bus without terminals. As such, the shunt <NUM> will be referred to as the shunt bus <NUM>. Here, current may enter the shunt bus <NUM> at a conductive channel <NUM> and exit the shunt bus <NUM> at a conductive channel <NUM>. The vertical lines represent current flow lines of equipotential. As illustrated, due at least in part to the conductive channel <NUM>, the current flow lines are uniform and symmetrical at a measurement region <NUM>, where a shunt element is located. This leads to accurate current measurements for the shunt <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example process <NUM> for employing the techniques described herein. In particular, the process <NUM> is implemented to determine temperature of a shunt, determine current flowing through the shunt, and send an alert regarding temperature of the shunt. For ease of illustration, the process <NUM> is described as being performed in the context of <FIG>. For example, one or more of the individual operations of the process <NUM> may be performed by the one or more hardware components <NUM>. However, the process <NUM> may be performed in other contexts.

The process <NUM> (as well as each process described herein) are illustrated as a logical flow graph, each operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and/or in parallel to implement the process. Further, any number of the individual operations may be omitted.

At <NUM>, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may receive signals associated with conductors that are connected to a shunt. For example, the conductors may include a reference conductor, a sensing conductor, and a thermocouple conductor.

At <NUM>, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may determine a temperature of the shunt based at least in part on a signal of the reference conductor and a signal of the thermocouple conductor.

At <NUM>, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may determine an amount of current flowing through the shunt based at least in part on a signal of the reference conductor and a signal of the sensing conductor. The one or more hardware components <NUM> may also use a temperature of the shunt to compensate for inaccuracies due to temperature. In some instances, the compensation is applied after an initial current measurement is determined. In other instances, the initial determination of the amount of current accounts for the temperature of the shunt.

At <NUM>, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may determine that a temperature of a conductive path into which the shunt is connected is greater than a threshold. That is, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may determine that the temperature of the shunt is greater than the threshold.

At <NUM>, the one or more hardware components <NUM> may send an alert indicating that the temperature is greater than the threshold. The alert may be sent to any entity, such as a customer, service provider computing device at a utility, a technician, and so on.

Claim 1:
A shunt (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a first terminal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>(A));
a second terminal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>(B)); and
a shunt bus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>(B)) including a shunt element (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a conductive channel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>(A), <NUM>(B), <NUM>, <NUM>) electrically connected to the first terminal and the shunt bus, the conductive channel comprising a protrusion from at least one of the first terminal or the shunt bus, the protrusion having an elliptical shape and being disposed between the first terminal and the shunt bus; and wherein
the shunt bus is electrically connected to the conductive channel at a first end of the shunt bus and is electrically connected to the second terminal at a second end of the shunt bus.