Hybrid metering device

Abstract

Measuring utility consumption (e.g. a water meter positioned below ground - a pit meter) and transmitting utility data via an antenna positioned in a first housing 110, which is electrically connected

Description

FIG. 2 FIG. 3 5 / 6 FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for measuring use of a utility, such as water, electricity, or gas. BACKGROUND

[0002] In domestic and commercial use, utilities may be metered in order to monitor a level of use or consumption of the utility by a particular user. Such utilities may include, by way of example, water, electricity, or gas. A metering device operates to measure and record the consumption of a particular utility. Metering is generally carried out at the point at which the specific utility enters a property. It is common for utilities to enter a property below ground level, in order that pipes or ducts can be positioned unobtrusively. Accordingly, in order to properly monitor consumption, the metering device must also be situated below ground level, generally in a cavity or pit, protected by a cover or lid. The metering device is generally situated toward the bottom of the pit, typically at a depth of at least 75 cm, although metering devices situated at various depths below ground may be found in various implementations, including metering devices situated at a depth of less than 75cm or a depth of more than 75cm. A metering device situated below ground level is generally difficult to physically access, in particular when a consumption value for a utility needs to be obtained from the metering device. It can also be difficult to establish reliable electronic communications with a metering device situated below ground level.

[0003] It is therefore desirable to be able to obtain a consumption value for a utility from a metering device situated below ground or in an otherwise inaccessible environment.

[0004] It is in this context that the subject-matter contained in the present application has been devised. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The preset disclosure provides means for improving the radio frequency signal performance of a metering device, through means of a hybrid metering device having an enclosure comprising a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion, connected via means of a conductive connection. The metering device may be suitable for use in monitoring consumption of utilities including water, electricity, or gas, in particular where the utility supply enters a property below ground or in another location that is subject to radio frequency signal degradation.

[0006] The disclosure provides a device for measuring use of a utility, comprising a first enclosure portion, the first enclosure portion comprising an antenna; a second enclosure portion, the second enclosure portion comprising a metering sensor; a latching arrangement operable to removably attach the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion; and a conductive connection arranged to electrically couple the first enclosure portion to the second enclosure portion, wherein the conductive connection allows the first enclosure portion to be physically separated from the second enclosure portion, when the first enclosure portion is detached from the second enclosure portion, whilst maintaining the electrical coupling between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion, wherein the device is configured to transmit data over a wireless network and using the antenna, the transmitted data being indicative of measurements made by the metering sensor.

[0007] The disclosure also provides a system comprising a metering device, and a bracket arranged to removably attach to the first enclosure portion.

[0008] The disclosure also provides a method of installing a metering device, comprising connecting the metering sensor to a utility connection at a first position; disconnecting the first enclosure portion from the second enclosure portion; and positioning the first enclosure portion at a second position, the second position having improved connectivity with the wireless network compared to the first position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers are used to identify like or functionally similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

[0010] Figure 1A shows an example of a metering device positioned in a pit, with the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion attached to each other, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 1B shows an example of a metering device positioned in a pit, with the first enclosure portion disconnected from the second enclosure portion, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example metering device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 shows an example of a metering device having a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion electrically coupled by a conducive connector, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 shows an example of a bracket suitable for supporting a first enclosure portion at a location, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figures 5A to 5D show examples of keyed portions of a latching arrangement suitable for removably attaching the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details of certain examples are set forth. Reference in the specification to “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least that example, but not necessarily in other examples.

[0017] A metering device may contain a metering sensor operable to obtain measurements of a level of consumption of a particular utility. For example, for a water metering device, the metering sensor may be operable to measure an amount of water flowing through a pipe entering a property, or a rate of flow of water through said pipe. For an electricity metering device, the metering sensor may be operable to measure a current flowing through an electrical cable entering a property. For a gas metering device, the metering sensor may be operable to measure an amount of gas flowing through a pipe entering a property, or a rate of flow of gas through said pipe. The metering sensor is therefore positioned proximate the pipe or cable through which the utility being measured is flowing. In some implementations, the metering sensor may be inserted between two sections of a pipe, such that a liquid or a gas to be metered flows through a portion of the metering device. A metering device is generally powered by means of a battery, due to the proximity of the meter device to water or gas supplies, or the practicalities of powering a metering device from the same electricity supply that the metering device is metering.

[0018] A metering device may additionally contain a means for accessing the obtained measurements from the metering device. For example, a provider of a utility may need to access the obtained measurements for the purpose of determining usage of the utility in order to accurately charge a customer for an amount of the utility used. Accessing the obtained measurements may be done via a visual display on the metering device, or other similar means, wherein the measurement is displayed for a user or an operator to make note of.

[0019] A metering device installed below ground may make use of radio frequency signals in order to transmit data such as a measured consumption value to a back-end server. Radio frequency transmission uses an antenna and transceiver circuitry to send data from the metering device to the back-end server. Radio frequency transmission of a consumption value removes the need for manually accessing the pit for the purpose of obtaining the consumption value from the metering device, such as via a display on the metering device.

[0020] Radio frequency signals sent by a metering device installed toward the bottom of the pit may be subject to significant attenuation due to the positioning of the antenna within the metering device toward the bottom of the pit. In particular, a radio frequency signal may attenuated due to the distance travelled through the ground or pit cover, which subject the radio frequency signal to greater attenuation compared to free space. For a pit having a pit cover formed of plastic, fibreglass reinforced plastic, or other polymer or composite, a radio frequency signal is typically subjected to up to 20 dB of attenuation. For a pit having a cover formed of iron or steel, a radio frequency signal is typically subjected to 25 dB to 30 dB of attenuation.

[0021] The significant attenuation and degradation of a radio frequency signal transmitted from a pit means that successful connectivity between a metering device and a back-end server is reduced, due to a reduction in the effective range of communication which is possible from the location in the pit. In order to mitigate this reduced connectivity success, a metering device can either transmit at a higher power, or retransmit multiple times until a successful connection with the back-end server is achieved. The use of either or both of these approaches results in increased power consumption by the metering device, and therefore increased battery use. Accordingly, the battery life of the metering device is reduced.

[0022] One way of mitigating the radio frequency signal attenuation is the use of a split metering device, also referred to as an unintegrated metering device. A split metering device makes use of a first enclosure comprising the antenna and transceiver circuitry, and a second enclosure comprising the metering sensor. The second enclosure may be positioned toward the bottom of the pit, proximate the pipe or cable through which the utility to be measured flows. The first enclosure may be positioned toward the top of the pit, such that the radio frequency signal is subject to reduced attenuation compared to an arrangement with the antenna positioned toward the bottom of the pit. The second enclosure is arranged to transmit measurements obtained by the metering sensor to the first enclosure. Such transmission may be carried out, for example, via a short range radio frequency connection between the first enclosure and the second enclosure. The antenna and transceiver circuitry in the first enclosure are then used to transmit the received measurements to a back-end server. With this arrangement, less transmission power is required for transmitting the measurements to the back-end server, because the antenna is positioned toward the top of the pit and therefore is not subjected to the attenuation caused by the pit. However, this arrangement means that a separate power source is required for each of the first enclosure and the second enclosure, as well as short-range transceiver circuitry in both the first enclosure and the second enclosure in order to transmit the measured data from the second enclosure to the first enclosure. Accordingly, the overall cost of the device is increased due to the additional batteries and transceiver circuitry. Additionally, this arrangement has more points of failure compared to an integrated (i.e. non-split) metering device. An accreditation verifying the compliance of each of the first enclosure and the second enclosure with appropriate standards (e.g. wireless emission standards, environmental protection standards) is also required for each of the first enclosure and the second enclosure independently of each other, thus increasing the overall cost on this arrangement. Furthermore, the reliance on short-range radio in this arrangement means that the metering device is impacted more by flooding or partial flooding of the pit within which the metering device is located.

[0023] The present disclosure provides a hybrid metering device, whereby the radio frequency signal performance is improved without the drawbacks associated with the split or unintegrated metering device. The metering device comprises a single enclosure, said single enclosure comprising a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion. The first enclosure portion comprises an antenna. The second enclosure portion comprise a metering sensor. The metering device may comprise a latching arrangement operable to removably attach the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion to one another. The first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are connected via a conductive connection. The conductive connection is arranged so as to electrically couple the first enclosure portion to the second enclosure portion, in such a way that one or more of data and power may be exchanged between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion. The conductive connection is arranged such that the first enclosure portion may be physically separated from the second enclosure portion when the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are detached from each other, whilst maintaining the electrical coupling between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion. The measurement device may transmit data over a wireless network using the antenna, wherein the transmitted data is indicative of measurements made by the metering sensor.

[0024] According to some examples or embodiments of the disclosure, the antenna may comprise a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an antenna array. In examples, each element of the plurality of antenna elements may be substantially the same as each other. In other examples, one or more elements of the plurality of antenna elements may be different from one or more other elements of the plurality of antenna elements. The antenna, or one or more antenna elements thereof, may comprise one or more of a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, a loop antenna, a helix antenna, a microstrip antenna, a patch antenna, an aperture antenna, a corner reflector antenna, a slot antenna, or a Yagi-Uda antenna. In some examples, the antenna may be arranged to be housed entirely within the first enclosure portion. In some examples, the antenna may be arranged to protrude at least partially from the first enclosure portion. In some examples, the antenna may be arranged at least partially on at least one of an outer surface of the first enclosure portion or an inner surface of the first enclosure portion.

[0025] According to some examples or embodiments of the disclosure, the metering sensor may comprise one or more sensing elements operable to generate an electrical pulse or an electrical current in response to a predetermined stimulus. In some examples, the one or more sensing elements may be operable to produce an electrical pulse in response to a rotation or partial rotation of a rotating element within a pipe. Said pipe may carry water or gas. An electrical pulse may be an increase in voltage or current for a short duration, followed by a decrease in voltage or current. An electrical current may be generated proportional to a rate of potation of the rotating element within the pipe. The one or more sensing elements may comprise one or more of: a reed switch, a wire coil, a Hall sensor, and a magnetoresistive element. In some examples, the one or more sensing elements may be operable to generate an electrical current proportional to an electrical current flowing through an electrical conductor positioned proximate the one or more sensing elements. In some examples, the metering sensor may further comprise signal processing circuitry. The signal processing circuitry may be operable to process the electrical pulse or electrical current generated by the one or more sensing elements. Processing the electrical pulse or electrical current may comprise one or more of: increasing an amplitude of the electrical pulse or electrical current, decreasing an amplitude of the electrical pulse or electrical current, applying an offset voltage or current to the electrical pulse or electrical current, and removing noise or interference from the electrical pulse or electrical current. In some examples, processing the electrical pulse or electrical current may comprise generating a digital value corresponding to one or more characteristics of the electrical pulse or electrical current.

[0026] The latching arrangement may comprise one or more latching elements operable to removably attach the first enclosure portion to the second enclosure portion. In some examples, the one or more latching elements may comprise one or more members operable to couple to one or more receiving openings. In some examples, the latching arrangement may comprise a first screw thread on the first enclosure portion and a corresponding second screw thread on the second enclosure portion. In some examples, the latching arrangement may comprise one or more magnetic elements arranged to hold the first enclosure portion proximate the second enclosure portion. Removably attaching the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion to one another may comprise inserting a first part of a latching element on the first enclosure portion into an opening of a second part of a latching element on the second enclosure portion. Alternatively, removably attaching the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion to one another may comprise inserting a first part of a latching element on the second enclosure portion into an opening of a second part of a latching element on the first enclosure portion.

[0027] According to some examples, disconnecting the first enclosure portion from the second enclosure portion may comprise inserting one or more keyed elements into one or more portions of the latching arrangement. The keyed element may have a specific profile arranged to fit inside an opening on a portion of the latching arrangement. The keyed element may comprise one or more protrusions or indentations arranged to interface with a corresponding indentation or protrusions inside of an opening on a portion of the latching arrangement. The latching arrangement may be configured such that the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion can disconnected only by inserting one or more keyed elements into one or more corresponding openings. Accordingly, the metering device can only be separated by a user or operator having a corresponding keyed element, thus enabling secure installation and operation of the device in such a way as to prevent use of the metering device by an unauthorised user. In some examples, a plurality of keyed elements may be required to disconnect the first enclosure portion from the second enclosure portion. In some examples, each of the plurality of keyed elements may be substantially the same. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of keyed elements may be different from another one or more of the plurality of keyed elements.

[0028] The conductive connection may comprise a wire. A first end of the wire may pass through a first aperture in the first enclosure portion, and a second end of the wire may pass through a second aperture in the second enclosure portion. The first aperture and second aperture may comprise a sealing gasket, such that ingress of water into the first and second enclosure portions via the first and second aperture is prevented or reduced. In some examples, the wire may be configured such that the wire is in a coiled arrangement when the first enclosure portion is attached to the second enclosure portion. The wire may be configured such that the coiled arrangement is maintained when the first enclosure portion is disconnected from the second enclosure portion. The wire may comprise a wax coating, the wax coating operable to maintain the wire in the coiled arrangement. The wax coating may be arranged such that, when the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are attached to each other, the wax coating maintains the wire in a closed coiled state, wherein when the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion are detached from each other the wax coating allows the coils of wire to separate into an open coiled state. In a closed coiled state, adjacent coils of the wire may be in direct contact with each other, such that the wire is in a contracted state. In an open coiled state, adjacent coils of the wire may not be in direct contact with each other, such that the wire is in an extended state. In some examples, the conductive connection may be operable to provide electrical power from a battery in the first enclosure portion to the second enclosure portion. In some examples, the conductive connection may be operable to provide electrical power from a battery in the second enclosure portion to the first enclosure portion. In some examples, the conductive connection may be operable to transmit data between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion.

[0029] Transmitting data over a wireless network may comprise sending one or more packets of data to a back-end server. The transmitted data may be indicative of measurements made by the metering sensor. The wireless network may comprise one or more of a cellular network, a WiFi network, a Bluetooth network, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network, a radio network, and a wireless MBus. In some examples, the wireless network may comprise one or more personal area networks, such as a Zigbee network, a Z-Wave network, a Matter network, or a Thread network. In some examples, the data may be transmitted over more than one type of network. In some examples, the data may be transmitted at a plurality of frequency bands over the wireless network.

[0030] Measurements made by the metering sensor may be transmitted as raw sensor data values. Alternatively, measurements made by the metering sensor may be transmitted as utility consumption values. In some examples, one or more additional parameters may be transmitted with the measurements. The one or more additional parameters may comprise one or more of a timestamp, a historical reading, an error status, a battery charge value, a battery charge status, a battery health status, or similar.

[0031] The metering device may further comprise one or more of a transceiver circuitry, a microprocessor, and a display. The transceiver circuitry may be operable to apply processing to data prior to transmission of the data over a wireless network. For example, the transceiver circuitry may comprise one or more of a baseband unit circuitry, an amplifier circuitry, a modulation circuitry, a demodulation circuitry, a beamforming control circuitry, or similar. The microprocessor may be operable to apply signal processing to raw sensor data received from the metering sensor. In examples, the microprocessor may be operable perform one or more of: amplifying a signal from the metering sensor, scaling a signal from the metering sensor, filtering a signal from the metering sensor, applying a denoise algorithm to a signal from the metering sensor, or converting a signal from the metering sensor to a digital value. The microprocessor may be operable to control the transceiver circuitry to transmit data over the wireless network. The microprocessor may be operable to control a display. The microprocessor may be operable to monitor at least one of a battery charge level and a battery health status. In some examples, a microcontroller may be used in place of a microprocessor. In some examples, a plurality of integrated circuits may be used in place of a microprocessor, including for example an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The display may be operable to display a value indicative of measurements made by the metering sensor.

[0032] In some examples, one or more of the transceiver circuitry, the microprocessor, and the display may be positioned inside of the first enclosure portion. In some examples, one or more of the transceiver circuitry, the microprocessor, and the display may be positioned inside of the second enclosure portion.

[0033] The metering device may further comprise a battery. In some examples, the battery may be positioned inside of the first enclosure portion. In some examples, the battery may be positioned inside of the second enclosure portion. The battery may comprise one or more of a zinc-carbon battery, an alkaline battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal-hydride battery, and a lithium-ion battery.

[0034] In use the metering device may be connected to a utility connection at a first position. The utility connection may be one of a water pipe, a gas pipe, or an electrical wire. During this connection at the first position, the metering device may comprise the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion being connected to each other. Once connected to the utility connection at the first position, the first enclosure portion may be separated from the second enclosure portion. The first enclosure portion may be positioned at a second position. The second position may have an improved connectivity with a wireless network compared to the first position, such that the transmitted data is subjected to reduced interference or attenuation at the second position compared to the first position.

[0035] Separating the first enclosure portion from the second enclosure portion may comprise releasing one or more portions of the latching arrangement. Releasing one or more portions of the latching arrangement may comprise inserting one or more keyed elements into the one or more portions of the latching arrangement. In some examples, one or more of the one or more keyed elements may have a different shape or configuration to another one or more of the one or more keyed elements.

[0036] The second position may comprise a bracket, said bracket arranged to removably attach to the first enclosure portion, such that the first enclosure portion is secured at the second position. The bracket may comprise one or more receptacles arranged to receive one or more portions of the latching arrangement.

[0037] Figure 1A shows an example of a metering device positioned in a pit 104, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A utility connection 102, such as a pipe (for a water or gas utility) or an electrical cable (for an electricity utility) may be positioned towards the bottom of the pit 104. In some examples, a pit cover 106 may be arranged to cover an opening of the pit 104. A metering device comprising a first enclosure portion 110 and a second enclosure portion 120 are positioned in the pit 104. The first enclosure portion 110 and the second enclosure portion 120 may be removably attached to each other by means of a latching arrangement. The second enclosure portion 120 may be affixed to the utility connection 102 in such a way as to facilitate measurement of a utility passing through the utility connection 102. For example, for a water utility, the second enclosure portion 120 may be arranged such that water flowing through the utility connection 102, such as a pipe, is measured by a metering sensor in the second enclosure portion 120. A bracket 140 may be positioned at a location toward the top of the pit 104. The bracket 140 may be securely fastened to an inner surface of the pit 104 using one or more fixing means. The fixing means may comprise a screw, nail, bolt, wall anchor, adhesive, or similar.

[0038] Figure 1B shows an example of a metering device positioned in a pit 104, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. A utility connection 102, such as a pipe or electrical cable may be positioned towards the bottom of the pit 104. A pit cover 106 may be arranged to cover an opening of the pit 104. A metering device comprising a first enclosure portion 110 and a second enclosure portion 120 are positioned in the pit 104. The first enclosure portion 110 and the second enclosure portion 120 may be electrically coupled by means of a conductive connection 130. The conductive connection 130 may be, for example, a wire. The first enclosure portion 110 may be positioned toward the top of the pit 104, while the second enclosure portion 120 may be positioned toward the bottom of the pit 104. The second enclosure portion 120 may be affixed to the utility connection 102 in such a way as to facilitate measurement of a utility passing through the utility connection 102. A bracket 140 may be positioned at a location toward the top of the pit 104. The bracket 140 may be securely fastened to an inner surface of the pit 104 using one or more fixing means. The fixing means may comprise a screw, nail, bolt, wall anchor, adhesive, or similar. The bracket 140 may be arranged such that the first enclosure portion 110 is supported at a position toward the top of the pit 104 by the bracket 140.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example metering device 200, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Metering device 200 comprises a first enclosure portion 210 and a second enclosure portion 220. The first enclosure portion 210 and the second enclosure portion 220 are connected to each other by means of a conductive connection 230. The first enclosure portion 210 comprises an antenna 212. Additionally, the first enclosure portion 210 may further comprise one or more of transceiver circuitry 213, a microprocessor 214, a display 216, and a power source 218. The second enclosure portion 220 comprises a metering sensor 222.

[0040] The metering sensor 222 may be operable to perform a measurement indicative of a level of use of a utility. The metering sensor 222 may transmit data indicative of the measurement from the second enclosure portion 220 to the first enclosure portion 210 via the conductive connection 230. In some examples, the metering sensor 222 may transmit the data to the microprocessor 214 of the first enclosure portion 210. The microprocessor 214 may be operable to control display 216 to visually display the measurement. The microprocessor 214 may be operable to control the transceiver circuitry 213 to transmit data via the antenna 212 over a wireless network, the transmitted data being indicative of one or more measurements made by the metering sensor 222.

[0041] According to further examples not shown in Figure 2, one or more of the transceiver circuitry 213, the microprocessor 214, the display 216, and the power source 218 may alternatively be located in the second enclosure portion 220.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an example of a metering device having a first enclosure portion 310 and a second enclosure portion 320 electrically coupled by a conductive connector 340, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The first enclosure portion 310 may comprise an antenna. The second enclosure portion 320 may comprise a metering sensor. Additionally, at least one of the first enclosure portion 310 and the second enclosure portion 320 may further comprise one or more of a transceiver circuitry, a microprocessor, a display, and a battery. The first enclosure portion 310 may comprise one or more first portions of a latching arrangement 352. The second enclosure portion 320 may comprise one or more second portions of a latching arrangement 354. The first portions of the latching arrangement 352 may be arranged to interface with the second portions of the latching arrangement 354 in such a way as to removably secure the first enclosure portion 310 to the second enclosure portion 320.

[0043] Figure 4 shows an example of a bracket 440 suitable for supporting a first enclosure portion 410 at a location, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The bracket 440 may comprise one or more receptacles 442 operable to receive one or more first portions of the latching arrangement 452 of the first enclosure portion 410. The bracket 440 may further comprise a mounting portion 444, arranged to allow the bracket 440 to be fixed to a surface, such as an inner surface of a pit using one or more fixing means. The fixing means may comprise a screw, nail, bolt, wall anchor, adhesive, or similar.

[0044] Figures 5A to 5D show examples of keyed portions of a latching arrangement suitable for removably attaching the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The keyed portions of the latching arrangement may be arranged to insert into an opening in one or more of the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion. The keyed portions of the latching arrangement may comprise an opening having a specified shape. For example, the keyed portion according to Figure 5A comprises an opening having a ‘cross’ shape, the keyed portion according to Figure 5B comprises an opening having an elliptical shape, the keyed portion according to Figure 5C comprises an opening having a ‘star’ shape, and the keyed portion according to Figure 5C comprises an opening having a ‘U’ shape. According to examples, the keyed portions of the latching arrangement may be configured such that the keyed portion can only be released from the latching arrangement if a keyed element having a corresponding shape is inserted into the opening of the keyed portion. Accordingly, the keyed portion of the latching arrangement may only be released by a user or operator having the corresponding keyed element. The example keyed portions of a latching arrangement of Figures 5A to 5D are included by way of example only, and it will be appreciated that various other opening shapes or implementations of a keyed portion of a latching arrangement could be applied. In some examples, each of the keyed portions may have the same opening shapes. In some examples, a first one or more of the keyed portions may have a different opening shape compared to a second one or more of the keyed portions. In some examples, each of the keyed portions may have a different opening shape compared to each other. In some examples, the keyed portions of the latching arrangement may be integrally formed with one or more of the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion. In some examples, the keyed portions of the latching arrangement may be removably attachable to one or more of the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion. In some examples the keyed portions of the latching arrangement may be configured such that the first enclosure portion can be attached to the bracket using one or more of the keyed portions of the latching arrangement.

[0045] In some examples, the first enclosure portion may further comprise a bell-housing arranged between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion. A bell-housing may be arranged so as to trap a pocket of air when the device is wholly or partially submerged in water. The trapped pocket of air may function to prevent water from reaching critical joints, cable openings, or cable glands of the device. The bell-housing may function similarly to a diving bell. During submersion of the device, air may be trapped inside the bell-housing by pressure of the water at the open end of the bell. The bell-housing may comprise a 'skirt’ portion extending along a lower end of the first enclosure portion, the lower end being the end of the first enclosure portion arranged to connect to the second enclosure portion. In some examples, one or more portions of a latching arrangement may be located on the bell-housing. Some examples may further comprise a bell-shroud arranged to connect to the second enclosure portion so as to form a removable bell-housing for the second enclosure portion. The bell-shroud may be arranged such that a trapped pocket of air prevents water from reaching one or more critical joints or cable glands of the device. In some examples, the first enclosure portion may comprise a removable bell-shroud and the second enclosure portion may comprise a fixed bell-housing. In some examples, the removable bell-shroud may comprise one or more receptacles operable to receive one or more portions of a latching arrangement of the second enclosure portion.

[0046] Although the teachings provided herein are presented in the context of a metering device positioned in a below-ground pit, the disclosed methods and apparatus are applicable in other situations where the metering device may be subjected to radio frequency signal attenuation or interference. For example, a metering device positioned in a shaft or wall cavity, or a metering device positioned in a furnace, fridge, anechoic chamber or similarly thermally, electrically or acoustically treated area. Thus, the teachings disclosed herein are not limited to the metering of utilities below ground.

[0047] Similarly, although the teachings provided herein are presented in the context of determining a consumption of a utility, the disclosed methods and apparatus are applicable to other measurement locations where the target to be measured is in an inaccessible location, or a location subject to radio frequency attenuation or interference. For example, in addition to or as an alternative to measuring a consumption, one or more other parameters may be determined, such as one or more of: a temperature of a liquid or gas in the utility connection pipe, a pressure of a liquid or gas in the utility connection pipe, a frequency of a current or voltage flowing in an electrical conductor, or similar. One or more of temperature, voltage, current, flow rate, pressure, viscosity, frequency, resistance, humidity, or similar parameters may be determined.

[0048] Examples and embodiments of the disclosure provide a device for measuring use of a utility, comprising a first enclosure portion, the first enclosure portion comprising an antenna; a second enclosure portion, the second enclosure portion comprising a metering sensor; a latching arrangement operable to removably attach the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion; and a conductive connection arranged to electrically couple the first enclosure portion to the second enclosure portion, wherein the conductive connection allows the first enclosure portion to be physically separated from the second enclosure portion, when the first enclosure portion is detached from the second enclosure portion, whilst maintaining the electrical coupling between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion, wherein the device is configured to transmit data over a wireless network and using the antenna, the transmitted data being indicative of measurements made by the metering sensor.

[0049] In some examples or embodiments, the conductive connection comprises a wire.

[0050] In some examples or embodiments, the wire is coiled.

[0051] In some examples or embodiments, the wire is arranged to maintain a coiled arrangement in use.

[0052] In some examples or embodiments, the wire comprises a wax coating, operable to maintain the wire in the coiled arrangement.

[0053] In some examples or embodiments, the first enclosure further comprises one or more of a transceiver circuitry, a microprocessor, and a display.

[0054] Some examples or embodiments further comprise a battery, wherein the battery is located in the first enclosure portion.

[0055] In some examples or embodiments, the metering sensor is operable to generate a signal indicative of a consumption of the utility.

[0056] In some examples or embodiments, the device is configured to measure water use.

[0057] In some examples the first enclosure portion comprises a bell-housing, wherein the bell-housing is arranged to maintain an air pocket proximate a cable opening of the first enclosure portion when the device is submerged in liquid.

[0058] Examples or embodiments of the disclosure provide a system comprising: the device according to any of the examples or embodiments described herein; and a bracket arranged to removably attach to the first enclosure portion.

[0059] In some examples or embodiments, the latching arrangement comprises a first latching member on the first enclosure portion, and wherein the bracket is arranged to removably attach to the first latching member of the first enclosure portion.

[0060] Examples and embodiments of the disclosure provide a method of installing the device according to any of the examples or embodiments described herein, the method comprising: connecting the metering sensor to a utility connection at a first position; disconnecting the first enclosure portion from the second enclosure portion; and positioning the first enclosure portion at a second position, the second position having improved connectivity with the wireless network compared to the first position.

[0061] In some examples or embodiments, disconnecting the first enclosure portion from the second enclosure portion comprises inserting one or more keyed elements into one or more portions of the latching arrangement.

[0062] In some examples or embodiments, the second position comprises a bracket arranged to removably attach to the first enclosure portion.

[0063] In some examples or embodiments, the bracket comprises one or more receptacles arranged to receive the one or more portions of the latching arrangement.

[0064] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be combined in any combination, except combinations where some features are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0065] The present teachings are not restricted to the details of any of the foregoing examples. Any novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be envisaged. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing examples, but also any variants which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for measuring use of a utility, comprising:a first enclosure portion, the first enclosure portion comprising an antenna;a second enclosure portion, the second enclosure portion comprising a metering sensor;a latching arrangement operable to removably attach the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion; anda conductive connection arranged to electrically couple the first enclosure portion to the second enclosure portion, wherein the conductive connection allows the first enclosure portion to be physically separated from the second enclosure portion, when the first enclosure portion is detached from the second enclosure portion, whilst maintaining the electrical coupling between the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion,wherein the device is configured to transmit data over a wireless network and using the antenna, the transmitted data being indicative of measurements made by the metering sensor.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the conductive connection comprises a wire.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the wire is arranged to maintain a coiled arrangementin use.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the wire comprises a wax coating, operable to maintain the wire in the coiled arrangement.

5. The device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first enclosure portion comprises a bellhousing, wherein the bell-housing is arranged to maintain an air pocket proximate a cable opening of the first enclosure portion when the device is submerged in liquid.

6. The device of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first enclosure further comprises one or more of a transceiver circuitry, a microprocessor, and a display.

7. The device of any of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a battery, wherein the battery is located in the first enclosure portion.

8. The device of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the metering sensor is operable to generate a signal indicative of a consumption of the utility.

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device is configured to measure water use.

10. A system comprising:the device of any of claims 1 to 9; anda bracket arranged to removably attach to the first enclosure portion.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the latching arrangement comprises a first latching member on the first enclosure portion, and wherein the bracket is arranged to removably attach to the first latching member of the first enclosure portion.

12. A method of installing the device of any of claims 1 to 9, comprising:connecting the metering sensor to a utility connection at a first position;disconnecting the first enclosure portion from the second enclosure portion; andpositioning the first enclosure portion at a second position, the second position having improved connectivity with the wireless network compared to the first position.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein disconnecting the first enclosure portion from the second enclosure portion comprises inserting one or more keyed elements into one or more portions of the latching arrangement.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the second position comprises a bracket arranged to removably attach to the first enclosure portion.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the bracket comprises one or more receptacles arranged to receive the one or more portions of the latching arrangement.19

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