Scott W Swanson

US Patent:

6617978, Sep 9, 2003

Filed:

May 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/855185

Inventors:

Ronald E. Ridenour - Lawrenceville GA
Scott Swanson - Seneca SC

Assignee:

SchlumbergerSema Inc. - Alpharetta GA

International Classification:

G08C 1902

US Classification:

34087029, 34087001, 324 96, 25023116

Abstract:

A meter for measuring electricity usage for a given load includes a housing and two light sources disposed in the housing and configured to output light at a predetermined frequency. Two light receivers are disposed in the housing so that a light path is defined between each light source and its respective light receiver. Each light receiver is configured to receive the light from its light source and to output a signal responsively thereto. A rotatable member is disposed in the housing in the light paths and is rotatable responsively to the electricity usage. The member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion transmits incident light while the second portion blocks light. The first portion and the second portion are defined on the member so that the member modulates the light as it rotates. A filter circuit in communication with the light receiver is configured to receive the output signal from the light receiver and to detect therefrom modulation of the light by the rotatable member.

US Patent:

62328859, May 15, 2001

Filed:

Oct 15, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/172822

Inventors:

Ronald E. Ridenour - Lawrenceville GA
Scott Swanson - Seneca SC

Assignee:

Schlumberger Resource Management Services, Inc. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

G08C 1936

US Classification:

34087002

Abstract:

A meter for measuring electricity usage for a given load includes a housing and two light sources disposed in the housing and configured to output light at a predetermined frequency. Two light receivers are disposed in the housing so that a light path is defined between each light source and its respective light receiver. Each light receiver is configured to receive the light from its light source and to output a signal responsively thereto. A rotatable member is disposed in the housing in the light paths and is rotatable responsively to the electricity usage. The member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion transmits incident light while the second portion blocks light. The first portion and the second portion are defined on the member so that the member modulates the light as it rotates. A filter circuit in communication with the light receiver is configured to receive the output signal from the light receiver and to detect therefrom modulation of the light by the rotatable member.

US Patent:

55235590, Jun 4, 1996

Filed:

Dec 21, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/361254

Inventors:

Scott C. Swanson - Roswell GA

Assignee:

Schlumberger Industries, Inc. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

G08B 13184

US Classification:

2502221

Abstract:

A method and system is disclosed for indication and prevention of tampering with an electricity meter having control circuitry for automatic remote reading. The control circuitry, provided externally of the meter in a base or base extension, to which the meter is connected, is also used for tamper detection. Embodiments of the invention include use of optical sensing, voltage detection and proximity detection. Ambient light sensing may be performed to detect separation of the meter from the external receptacle. Reflected light to a reflective surface of the meter is sensed to determine if the meter is properly engaged. Presence of a meter connection plug element may be sensed either optically or by position responsive switch. Voltage of the utility supply and meter user output may be monitored to determine tampering.

US Patent:

48757837, Oct 24, 1989

Filed:

Apr 22, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/041274

Inventors:

Scott C. Swanson - Roswell GA

Assignee:

Sangamo Weston, Inc. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

G01K 700

US Classification:

374170

Abstract:

An improved temperature transducer for use with a KYZ pulse data recorder. A temperature sensor provides a temperature signal proportional to ambient temperature. An integrator circuit and comparator circuit responsive to the temperature signal provides pulses at a frequency which is proportional to temperature. The pulses are provided over the standard three-wire KYZ pulse cable to the input of the data recorder. The circuit is extremely low power, highly accurate, and requires only the three-wire KYZ connection. No external power supply or cable is required, since the circuit draws its power from the pull up resistors in the KYZ data recorder input. Also disclosed are techniques for improving accuracy and minimizing power consumption in the circuit, and an improved integrator circuit.

US Patent:

52413063, Aug 31, 1993

Filed:

Aug 6, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/741007

Inventors:

Scott C. Swanson - Roswell GA

Assignee:

Schlumberger Industries, Inc. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

G08C 1916

US Classification:

34087029

Abstract:

A method and system for accurate remote reading of an electricity meter including an optical detection arrangement, including a light emitter and sensor, have positioned in the light path therebetween a cutout portion of the meter shaft. Rotation of the shaft affects the amount of light passed to the sensor. Registration errors which may occur in a linear transition operating range are avoided by provision of detector threshold hysteresis. A microprocessor sets timing pulses for emitter energization, establishes a detection period of uniform length of time for each energizing pulse and produces, during each detection period, a digital signal having a logic level indicative of the presence or absence of light transmitted to said sensor, whereby a correlation between light transitions and power usage can be made. Accuracy of detection is improved under microprocessor control by introducing hysteresis in the delay between emitter energization and detection, in the voltage threshold in a comparator connected to the detection circuit, or in emitter energization driving current. The hysteresis is determined in accordance with the memorized state of the last previous detected signal.

US Patent:

46971815, Sep 29, 1987

Filed:

Apr 9, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/849898

Inventors:

Scott C. Swanson - Roswell GA

Assignee:

Sangamo Weston, Inc. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

G08B 108

US Classification:

34087002

Abstract:

A solid state electricity demand recorder (10) is controlled by a programmable microprocessor (38) to obtain energy demand survey and billing data. The accumulated count of pulses during a record interval is compared with an encoded register reading obtained from an electricity meter (30) at the end of the record. If there is acceptable correlation between the accumulated count and encoded meter reading, the interval pulse counts associated with that record are deemed verified. The recorder is programmably configurable for operation over a wide range of customer demand by scaling the KYZ pulse input frequency.

US Patent:

46971807, Sep 29, 1987

Filed:

Apr 9, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/849896

Inventors:

Scott C. Swanson - Roswell GA

Assignee:

Sangamo Weston, Inc. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

G08B 108

US Classification:

34087002

Abstract:

A solid state electricity demand recorder (10) is controlled by a programmable microprocessor (38) to obtain energy demand survey and billing data. The accumulated count of pulses during a record interval is compared with an encoded register reading obtained from an electricity meter (30) at the end of the record. If there is acceptable correlation between the accumulated count and encoded meter reading, the interval pulse counts associated with that record are deemed verified. The recorder then downloads the recorded demand data to a central computer at a preselected time over a communications line. The recorder is receptive to communications and commands from the central computer at times other than the normal preprogrammed data downloading time by detecting a particular number of rings.

US Patent:

46821694, Jul 21, 1987

Filed:

Apr 9, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/849897

Inventors:

Scott C. Swanson - Roswell GA

Assignee:

Sangamo Weston, Inc. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

G08C 1916

US Classification:

379104

Abstract:

A solid state electricity demand recorder (10) is controlled by a programmable microprocessor (38) to obtain energy demand survey and billing data. The accumulated count of pulses during a record interval is compared with an encoded register reading obtained from an electricity meter (30) at the end of the record. If there is acceptable correlation between the accumulated count and encoded meter reading, the interval pulse counts associated with that record are deemed verified. Power for the recorder (10) is obtained from the power line, except during power outages in which case a battery (28) provides back-up power. The time of day and date of detection of a low battery condition is stored and used to assess data reliability.