Patent ID: 7182632

Claim:
A connection system for allowing access to a primary power signal flowing through a utility meter having a wall box defining box terminals and a meter assembly defining meter prongs adapted to engage the box terminals, the connection system comprising: a collar assembly comprising a collar housing adapted to engage the wall box and the meter assembly, where the collar housing defines an adapter opening; a plurality of main terminals supported by the collar housing such some of the main terminals engage the box terminals and some of the main terminals engage the meter prongs to allow the primary power signal to flow between the box terminals and the meter prongs, and a plurality of secondary terminals supported by the collar housing, where the secondary terminals are each electrically connected to at least one of the main terminals such that the primary power signal is present at the secondary terminals; an adapter assembly comprising an adapter housing sized and dimensioned to be arranged in an engaged position relative to the collar housing, a plurality of adapter contacts, where the adapter contacts engage the secondary contacts when the adapter housing is in the engaged position; adapter electronics contained within the adapter housing, where the adapter electronics are electrically connected to the adapter contacts; and a guide system for guiding the adapter assembly through the adapter opening and into the engaged position.