A method distributes data in a communication system which has a group of metering units arranged in each case to measure the consumption of a delivered supply medium, and a data collector. Each metering unit has a communication module, a frequency reference device, and a processor to operate the metering unit on the basis of the data. The metering units and the data collector are arranged in a communication network, wherein the data are transmitted by the data collector via the communication system within a session, common to the group of metering unit. A synchronization sequence common to the metering units is transmitted within the common session and the synchronization sequence is dimensioned in such a way that the frequency reference device of each metering unit in the group of metering units is synchronized with the transmitted synchronization sequence within a session.

A method distributes data in a communication system which has a group of metering units arranged in each case to measure the consumption of a delivered supply medium, and a data collector. Each metering unit has a communication module, a frequency reference device, and a processor to operate the metering unit on the basis of the data. The metering units and the data collector are arranged in a communication network, wherein the data are transmitted by the data collector via the communication system within a session, common to the group of metering unit. A synchronization sequence common to the metering units is transmitted within the common session and the synchronization sequence is dimensioned in such a way that the frequency reference device of each metering unit in the group of metering units is synchronized with the transmitted synchronization sequence within a session.

An apparatus and method for operating water meter valves is disclosed herein. A water meter tool includes a body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The body includes a water meter valve key at the first end and a hole formed through the body between the first and second ends, where a center line of the hole is in a transverse plane of the body. The water meter tool includes a movable cross arm disposed through the hole, where the movable cross arm extends along a longitudinal axis from a first arm end to a second arm end, and where the movable cross arm includes a first box key proximate the first arm end.

An apparatus and method for operating water meter valves is disclosed herein. A water meter tool includes a body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The body includes a water meter valve key at the first end and a hole formed through the body between the first and second ends, where a center line of the hole is in a transverse plane of the body. The water meter tool includes a movable cross arm disposed through the hole, where the movable cross arm extends along a longitudinal axis from a first arm end to a second arm end, and where the movable cross arm includes a first box key proximate the first arm end.

An enclosure assembly includes a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion which in a fully assembled state of the enclosure assembly enclose at least a part of an inner space for accommodating a metering device; and a fixation arrangement for affixing the first enclosure portion to the second enclosure portion in the fully assembled state, wherein the fixation arrangement in a fixation position prevents the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion from being separated from each other. The fixation arrangement includes at least one latching element arranged at the first enclosure portion and at least one counter latching element arranged at the second enclosure portion. In the fixation position, the at least one latching element is in engagement with the at least one counter latching element, and a blocking element prevents a disengagement of the at least one latching element and the at least one counter latching element.

An enclosure assembly includes a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion which in a fully assembled state of the enclosure assembly enclose at least a part of an inner space for accommodating a metering device; and a fixation arrangement for affixing the first enclosure portion to the second enclosure portion in the fully assembled state, wherein the fixation arrangement in a fixation position prevents the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion from being separated from each other. The fixation arrangement includes at least one latching element arranged at the first enclosure portion and at least one counter latching element arranged at the second enclosure portion. In the fixation position, the at least one latching element is in engagement with the at least one counter latching element, and a blocking element prevents a disengagement of the at least one latching element and the at least one counter latching element.

Embodiments of the invention provide an electric meter assembly including a meter support platform or base able to reversibly electrically couple to a transformer providing inputs including an AC power supply, phase voltage, and/or a phase current. Output of the meter support platform or base can be DC power, AC phase voltage signals and/or AC phase current. Further, a removable or portable meter can couple to the meter support platform or base and to an electric meter system including a meter core coupled to a wireless transmitter, an antenna, an integrated power sensor, and data meter front end. The system includes a data manager configured for electric service analysis including energy usage, and/or interval temperature, phase voltage, current and phase angle in real time, electric energy kWh and kVARh values in a user-specified period, wrong meter base installation detection, physical location of the removable or portable meter, and tamper detection.

Embodiments of the invention provide an electric meter assembly including a meter support platform or base able to reversibly electrically couple to a transformer providing inputs including an AC power supply, phase voltage, and/or a phase current. Output of the meter support platform or base can be DC power, AC phase voltage signals and/or AC phase current. Further, a removable or portable meter can couple to the meter support platform or base and to an electric meter system including a meter core coupled to a wireless transmitter, an antenna, an integrated power sensor, and data meter front end. The system includes a data manager configured for electric service analysis including energy usage, and/or interval temperature, phase voltage, current and phase angle in real time, electric energy kWh and kVARh values in a user-specified period, wrong meter base installation detection, physical location of the removable or portable meter, and tamper detection.

An enclosure for a utility metering device is configured to reduce internal air temperatures. In an example, the utility metering device has a solar shield and/or filtered ventilation air passage(s). In the example, an enclosure is attached to a base. Opening(s) may be defined in the enclosure, to allow air to remove heat from the metering device by convection. The openings may be covered with filters, to prevent the entry of water, dust, insects, etc. A solar shield may cover at least an upper surface of the enclosure. An air pocket may be defined between the solar shield and at least the upper surface of the enclosure. Air from within the enclosure may be ventilated into the air pocket, and air from within the air pocket may be ventilated into the atmosphere. The ventilation removes heat from within the enclosure, while the solar shield rejects addition of heat energy.

An enclosure for a utility metering device is configured to reduce internal air temperatures. In an example, the utility metering device has a solar shield and/or filtered ventilation air passage(s). In the example, an enclosure is attached to a base. Opening(s) may be defined in the enclosure, to allow air to remove heat from the metering device by convection. The openings may be covered with filters, to prevent the entry of water, dust, insects, etc. A solar shield may cover at least an upper surface of the enclosure. An air pocket may be defined between the solar shield and at least the upper surface of the enclosure. Air from within the enclosure may be ventilated into the air pocket, and air from within the air pocket may be ventilated into the atmosphere. The ventilation removes heat from within the enclosure, while the solar shield rejects addition of heat energy.