Abstract:
An adapter assembly that works with a standard utility meter to wirelessly transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly generates information about consumption by cooperating with a pointer of an index of a utility meter. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a clip that interface together. The upper portion and the clip are configured to maintain alignment with the pointer and not create stress on the index.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is related to U.S. Ser. No. 13/042,764, which is filed concurrently herewith, is titled “Utility Meter Adapter,” and names Louay Ibrahim Abdul-Hadi and Nathan Edward Woody as inventors, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     RELATED FIELDS 
     Utility meter adapters, and more particularly, improved adapters for retrofitting an analog utility meter to support remote data collection. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The usage of utility products such as gas and electricity and water are typically measured using meters. In the context of gas, a gas meter is used to measure the volume of gas moving through the meter. At least one diaphragm is located inside the typical gas meter that expands and contracts as gas moves through the meter. The movement of the diaphragm causes a rotation of a series of gears inside the meter, which in turn engages a gear located on the back of the face (also referred to herein as the index) of the meter. The gear on the back of the index of the meter turns a pointer that acts as a counter mechanism and that is visible on the face of the meter. Other types of utility meters also include similar types of gears and indexes. Typically, a utility company employee physically inspects each customer&#39;s meter and notes the positioning of the counter with respect to the dials on the face of the meter. 
     The process of determining meter consumption has become more automated in recent years. Automated meters that automatically capture consumption data and transmit this data wirelessly are used in some contexts. In lieu of replacing all existing meters with new automated meters, adapters are used that retrofit existing meters so they are capable of providing remote data collection capability. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed are adapter assemblies that work with analog utility meters, such as, but not limited to, Sprague or National brand utility meters, to transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly cooperates with a pointer of an index of a utility meter to generate magnet pulses as the pointer rotates. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a clip that mate together. The upper portion and the clip are configured to interact with each other to maintain alignment with the pointer and reduce stress on the index. 
     Applicants do not wish to be bound by the forgoing or any other understanding of how their invention or any of the prior art works. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure including the best mode of practicing the appended claims and directed to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification. The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of an upper portion of an adapter assembly according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a back plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line C-C of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top back perspective view of a clip of an adapter assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the clip of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a front plan view of the clip of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side plan view of the clip of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the clip of  FIG. 10 , taken along line D-D of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the clip of  FIG. 10 , taken along line E-E of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of the clip of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the clip of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front plan view of an index positioned with respect to the upper portion of  FIG. 1  and the clip of  FIG. 10 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a front top perspective view of the index of  FIG. 18  fitted with the adapter assembly of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a front plan view of the index of  FIG. 18  fitted with the adapter assembly of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the index of  FIG. 18  fitted with the adapter assembly of  FIG. 18 , taken along line F-F of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the index of  FIG. 18  fitted with the adapter assembly of  FIG. 18 , taken along line G-G of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 18 , taken along line Q-Q of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded perspective view of the upper portion of  FIG. 1  and the clip of  FIG. 10  positioned with respect to a pointer of an index, such as the index illustrated in  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 25  is a back top perspective view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 18  fitted with a pointer of the index of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 26  is a front view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 26  fitted with a pointer of the index of  FIG. 18 , taken along line H-H of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective front view of an upper portion of an adapter assembly according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is a side perspective view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a front plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 28 , taken along line I-I of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 28 , taken along line J-J of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 28 , taken along line K-K of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  is a bottom plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 35  is a top plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 36  is a back plan view of the upper portion shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 37  is a top front perspective view of a clip of an adapter assembly according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 38  is a front perspective view of the clip of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 39  is a front plan view of the clip of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 40  is a side plan view of the clip of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 41  is a cross-sectional view of the clip of  FIG. 37 , taken along line L-L of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of the clip of  FIG. 37 , taken along line M-M of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 43  is a bottom plan view of the clip of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 44  is a top plan view of the clip of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 45  is a front plan view of an index positioned with respect to the upper portion of  FIG. 28  and the clip of  FIG. 37 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 46  is a front top perspective view of the index of  FIG. 45  fitted with the adapter assembly of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 47  is a front plan view of the index of  FIG. 45  fitted with the adapter assembly of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 48  is a cross-sectional view of the index of  FIG. 45  fitted with the adapter assembly of  FIG. 45 , taken along line N-N of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 49  is a cross-sectional view of the index of  FIG. 45  fitted with the adapter assembly of  FIG. 45 , taken along line O-O of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 48 , taken along line R-R of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 51  is an exploded perspective view of the upper portion of  FIG. 28  and the clip of  FIG. 37  positioned with respect to a pointer of an index, such as the index illustrated in  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 52  is a back top perspective view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 53  is a front plan view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 45  fitted with a pointer of the index of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 54  is a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly of  FIG. 53 , taken along line P-P of  FIG. 53 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-27  illustrate different views of various components of an adapter assembly  10  according to one embodiment. An adapter assembly  10  according to this embodiment comprises an upper portion  12  ( FIGS. 1-9 ) and a clip  14  ( FIGS. 10-17 ) that mate together (see  FIGS. 18-28 ). 
     In some embodiments, upper portion  12  of adapter assembly  10  is circular, although upper portion  12  can be any suitable shape. Upper portion  12  includes a front surface  18  and a back surface  20  ( FIG. 9 ). In some embodiments, a lip  19  extends from front surface  18  around the periphery of the front surface of upper portion  12 . One or more cavities  22  are formed on front surface  18  of upper portion  12 , the one or more cavities being shaped and sized to receive one or more magnets  16 . In the embodiment shown, front surface  18  includes two cavities  22 . The cavities  22  include a plurality of ribs  21  that help contain magnet  16  within cavity  22  once magnet  16  is pressed into cavity  22 . In some embodiments, the cavities are of similar shape and size, although alternative configurations can be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , a base  23  extends from back surface  20  of upper portion  12 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , base  23  includes a first gap  36 , a second gap  30 , and a third gap  41 . Base  23  also includes an opening  70  and an aperture  40 , as shown in FIGS.  4  and  6 - 7 . Aperture  40  lies along the same axis  64  as opening  70 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Aperture  40  is shaped and sized to receive tip  6  of pointer  4  of the gas meter index  2  illustrated in  FIGS. 18-22 . Opening  70  is shaped and sized to receive the body  8  of pointer  4 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , at the cross-section taken at line B-B, left abutment  26  abuts first gap  30  along a portion of first gap  30 . At this same cross-section, right abutment  32  abuts second gap  36  along a portion of second gap  36 . The configuration of left and right abutments  26  and  32  reduces the size of the gaps  30  and  36 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , at one end  28  of the gaps  30  and  36 . Specifically, the gaps  30  and  36  are narrower in width at end  28  than at end  34 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , left and right abutments  26 ,  32  each include a surface  56 . Base  23  may optionally include a recess  66  ( FIGS. 4 and 7 ) that helps maintain a generally consistent wall thickness for molding considerations, and a cavity  52  ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) that is shaped and sized to receive stem  9  of pointer  4 , as explained below and shown in  FIG. 24 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , cavity  52  is positioned with respect to opening  70  so that the body  8  of pointer  4  is received within opening  70  and the stem  9  of pointer  4  is received within cavity  52 . 
     The upper portion  12  fits together with a clip  14  to form adapter assembly  10  for use with index  2 . As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 27 , for example, the back surface  20  of upper portion  12  is positioned with respect to the back surface  42  of clip  14  as the upper portion  12  and clip  14  fit together.  FIGS. 10-17  show various views of clip  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , clip  14  includes two arms  46   a ,  46   b , which extend from the clip  14  and which each include an extension  48   a ,  48   b  that extends laterally from the respective arm  46   a ,  46   b . Turning to  FIGS. 25-27 , arms  46  of clip  14  are configured to be received within the first gap  30  and the second gap  36 , respectively, of the base  23  of upper portion  12  when clip  14  mates with upper portion  12 . Due to the configuration of abutments  26 ,  32 , there is little to no interference between the arms  46  of clip  14  and abutments  26 ,  32  as the arms first enter openings  30  and  36  at end  34 . 
     As mentioned above, the configuration of abutments  26 ,  32  reduces the size of the openings  30  and  36  at each opening&#39;s respective end  28 . In this way, end  28  of openings  30  and  36  is narrower in width than end  34  of openings  30  and  36 . In the embodiment shown, the width of end  28  of openings  30 ,  36  is narrower than the width of extensions  48   a ,  48   b  so that abutments  26 ,  32  place stress on the extensions  48   a ,  48   b  of the clip  14  as they extend through end  28  of openings  30  and  36 , such stress compressing the arms  46  of the clip  14  so that extensions  48   a ,  48   b  are capable of fitting through end  28 . Once the extensions  48   a ,  48   b  are through the end  28  of openings  30 ,  36  (see  FIG. 23 ), abutments  26 ,  32  no longer place stress on arms  46  and the arms  46  spring back out. Once the extensions  48   a ,  48   b  are through the end  28  of openings  30  and  36 , extensions  48   a ,  48   b  abut surfaces  56  of left and right abutments  26 ,  32  to help keep arms  46   a ,  46   b  in place and to maintain a space between the upper portion  12  and the clip  14  to accommodate the stem  9  of pointer  4 . There are numerous other ways of accomplishing the spring-fit feature of clip  14  with upper portion  12 . 
     Clip  14  also includes a cavity  68  between a front surface  44  of the clip and the back surface  42  of clip  14  ( FIG. 17 ). Cavity  68  is shaped and sized to accommodate the body  8  of pointer  4  of index  2 . Clip  14  includes a tongue  50  that fits in third gap  41  of upper portion  12  when upper portion  12  and clip  14  are fitted together. In some embodiments, clip  14  optionally includes apertures  72  and  74  ( FIG. 16 ) that assist with the tooling and molding process. For instance, aperture  72  provides support in the mold and aperture  74  helps maintain a generally constant thickness. 
     In use, as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 24 , upper portion  12  and clip  14  mate together to engage pointer  4  of index  2 . Specifically, upper portion  12  is positioned with respect to index  2  from a first direction  60  so that the tip  6  of pointer  4  slides through opening  70  and rests in aperture  40  of upper portion  12  and so that the body  8  of pointer  4  rests within opening  70 . Aperture  40  is slightly larger than the tip  6  of pointer  4 , while opening  70  is slightly larger than the body  8  of pointer  4 , but sized so that both the tip  6  and the body  8  are received snuggly within aperture  40  and opening  70 , respectively, to maintain the alignment of pointer  4  within the adapter assembly and prevent upper portion  12  and clip  14  from wobbling. 
     Next, clip  14  is positioned with respect to index  2  from a second direction  62 , which is opposite first direction  60 , so that clip  14  cooperates with pointer  4  and is mated onto upper portion  12  ( FIGS. 18-19 ). Specifically, body  8  of pointer  4  abuts the cavity  68  of clip  14  when the clip is mated to the upper portion. Tongue  50  of clip  14  is received in third gap  41  of upper portion  12 . Tongue  50  acts as a guiding pin and helps reduce any rocking of upper portion  12  and clip  14  when fitted together around pointer  4 . As mentioned above, the positioning of arms  48   a ,  48   b  within gaps  30  and  36  is limited by abutments  26 ,  32  so that a gap is formed between upper portion  12  and clip  14  when the two components fit together. A stem  9  of pointer  4  ( FIG. 24 ) is accommodated in this gap between the clip  14  and upper portion  12  when the two components are fitted together ( FIG. 21 ). Clip  14  can be snap fit onto upper portion  12  to lock the upper portion  12  with respect to the pointer  4 , or secured with respect to upper portion  12  in any suitable manner. 
     The rotation of the internal gears of the gas meter cause the pointer  4  to rotate, which can be used to track consumption as described above. Because the adapter assembly  10  is securely coupled to the pointer  4 , the rotation of the pointer  4  causes the adapter assembly  10 , and thus the magnets  16 , to also rotate in a concentric motion. In some embodiments, one of the magnets  16  aligns with the axis of rotation of the pointer  4 . The rotation of the magnet furthest from the center of upper portion  12  generates magnetic pulses that can be used to determine that the adapter assembly  10  is present on the index  2  and/or can be used to track the number of rotations of the pointer of the gas meter, and thus the consumption of gas as known to those of skill in the art. The magnet closer to the center of upper portion  12  can be used as a tamper detection feature so that it generates a signal if someone attempts to tamper with the adapter assembly  10 . For example, if upper portion  12  and clip  14  are removed from pointer  4 , the magnet closer to the center of upper portion  12  moves from its initial position and thus generates a signal corresponding to such movement. In some embodiments, a sensor board and radio assembly (not shown) are mounted adjacent the adapter assembly  10  and receive the pulses generated by the magnets, convert them into electronic form, and transmit them to a remote location. In some embodiments, the sensor board is located approximately 0.1-0.3 inches or any other suitable distance from the adapter assembly. 
     The configuration of upper portion  12  and clip  14  allows the two components to fit together around pointer  4  in a manner that allows the adapter assembly  10  to track to the pointer  4  without impacting the rotation of the pointer. Because adapter assembly  10  includes clip  14 , clip  14  having a front surface  44  that is spaced apart from the back surface  42  of the clip, the back surface  20  of the upper portion  12  of adapter assembly does not contact the index in use. This reduces stress or friction on the index, which could shorten the life span of the index, as adapter assembly  10  rotates with pointer  4 . Moreover, this configuration allows pointer  4  to rotate without obstruction. 
     In some embodiments, upper portion  12  and/or clip  14  are formed of polycarbonate, which is lightweight compared to the magnets  16 , which are made of neodymium and iron in some embodiments. The lightweight nature of the adapter assembly  10  allows it to rotate freely with the pointer  4  and without exerting undue pressure on the pointer  4  (and in turn on the index). In other embodiments, adapter assembly  10  is made of other suitable materials. As shown in  FIGS. 18-22 , adapter assembly  10  is small enough that the majority of index  2  is still visible when adapter assembly  10  engages pointer  4 . 
       FIGS. 28-54  illustrate different views of various components of an adapter assembly  110  according to another embodiment. Like adapter assembly  10 , adapter assembly  110  comprises an upper portion  112  ( FIGS. 28-36 ) and a clip  114  ( FIGS. 37-44 ) that mate together (see  FIGS. 45-52 ). Adapter assembly  110  is similar to adapter assembly  10  with some variations. For example, as shown in the Figures, the back  142  of clip  114  is different from back  42  of clip  14  to accommodate a different pointer  104  and index  102  assembly than pointer  4  and index  2 . Moreover, as explained below, upper portion  112  comprises an indicator tab  124 . 
     In some embodiments, upper portion  112  of adapter assembly  110  is circular, although upper portion  112  can be any suitable shape. Upper portion  112  includes a front surface  118  and a back surface  120  ( FIG. 31 ). In some embodiments, a lip  119  extends from front surface  118  around the periphery of the front surface of upper portion  112 . One or more cavities  122  also are formed in front surface  118  of upper portion  112 , the cavities being shaped and sized to receive one or more magnets  116 . In the embodiment shown, front surface  118  includes two cavities  122 . The cavities  122  include a plurality of ribs  121  that help contain magnet  116  within cavity  122  once magnet  116  is pressed into cavity  122 . In some embodiments, front surface  118  also includes an indicator tab  124 , which is explained in more detail below. In some embodiments, the cavities are of similar shape and size, although alternative configurations can be used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 29 and 31 , a base  123  extends from back surface  120  of upper portion  112 . As shown in  FIG. 34 , base  123  includes a first gap  136 , a second gap  130 , and a third gap  141 . Base  123  also includes an opening  170  and an aperture  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 32-34 . Aperture  140  lies along the same axis  164  as opening  170 , as shown in  FIG. 31 . Aperture  140  is shaped and sized to receive a tip  106  of a pointer  104  of the gas meter index  102  illustrated in  FIGS. 44-48 . Opening  170  is shaped and sized to receive the body  108  of pointer  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 32 , at the cross-section taken at line J-J, left abutment  126  abuts first gap  130  along a portion of first gap  130 . At this same cross-section, right abutment  132  abuts second gap  136  along a portion of first gap  136 . This configuration reduces the size of the gaps  130  and  136 , as illustrated in  FIG. 32 , at one end  28  of the gaps  130  and  136 . Specifically, the gaps  130  and  136  are narrower in width at end  128  than at end  134 . As shown in  FIG. 32 , left and right abutments  126 ,  132  each include a surface  156 . Base  123  also includes a cavity  152 , which, as explained in more detail below, is shaped and sized to receive stem  109  of pointer  104  (shown in  FIG. 24 ). 
     The upper portion  112  fits together with a clip  114  to form adapter assembly  110  for use with index  102 . As shown in  FIG. 51 , for example, the back surface  120  of upper portion  112  is positioned with respect to the back  142  of clip  114  as the upper portion  112  and clip  114  fit together.  FIGS. 37-44  show various views of clip  114 . As shown in  FIGS. 37-39 , clip  14  includes two arms  146   a ,  146   b , which extend from the clip  114  and which each include an extension  148   a ,  148   b  that extends laterally from the respective arm  146   a ,  146   b . Turning to  FIGS. 45-49 , arms  146  of clip  114  are configured to be received within the first gap  130  and the second gap  136 , respectively, of the base  123  of upper portion  112  when clip  114  mates with upper portion  112 . Due to the configuration of the abutments  126 ,  132 , there is little to no interference between the arms  146  of clip  114  and abutments  126 ,  132  as the arms first enter openings  130  and  136  at end  134 . 
     As mentioned above, the configuration of abutments  126 ,  132  reduces the size of the openings  130  and  136  at each opening&#39;s respective end  128 . In this way, end  128  of openings  130  and  136  is narrower in width than end  134  of openings  130  and  136 . In the embodiment shown, the width of end  128  of openings  130 ,  136  is narrower than the width of extensions  148   a ,  148   b  so that abutments  126 ,  132  place stress on the extensions  148   a ,  148   b  of the clip  114  as they extend through end  128  of openings  130  and  136 , such stress compressing the arms  146  of the clip  114  so that extensions  148   a ,  148   b  are capable of fitting through end  128 . Once the extensions  148   a ,  148   b  are through the end  128  of openings  130 ,  136  (see  FIG. 50 ), abutments  126 ,  132  no longer place stress on arms  146  and the arms  146  spring back out. Once the extensions  148   a ,  148   b  are through the end  128  of openings  130  and  136 , extensions  148   a ,  148   b  abut surfaces  156  of left and right abutments  126 ,  132  to help keep arms  146   a ,  146   b  in place and to maintain a space between the upper portion  112  and the clip  114  to accommodate the stem  109  of pointer  104 . There are numerous other ways of accomplishing the spring-fit feature of clip  114  with upper portion  112 . 
     Clip  114  also includes a cavity  168  between a front surface  144  of the clip and the back  142  of clip  114  ( FIG. 44 ). Cavity  168  is shaped and sized to accommodate the body  108  of pointer  104  of index  102  ( FIG. 51 ), as explained below. The clip  114  also includes a tongue  150  that fits in third gap  141  when upper portion  112  and clip  114  are fitted together. 
     In use, as shown in  FIGS. 45 and 49 , upper portion  112  and clip  114  mate together to engage pointer  104  of index  102 . Specifically, upper portion  112  is positioned with respect to index  102  from a first direction  160  so that the tip  106  of pointer  104  slides through the opening  170  and rests into aperture  140  of upper portion  112  and so that the body  108  of pointer  104  rests within opening  170 . Aperture  140  is slightly larger than the tip  106  of pointer  104 , while opening  170  is slightly larger than the body  108  of pointer  104 , but sized so that both the tip  106  and the body  108  are received snuggly within aperture  140  and opening  170 , respectively, to maintain the alignment of pointer  104  within the adapter assembly and prevent upper portion  112  and clip  114  from wobbling. 
     Next, clip  114  is positioned with respect to index  102  from a second direction  162 , which is opposite first direction  160 , so that clip  114  cooperates with pointer  104  and is mated onto upper portion  112  ( FIGS. 45 and 46 ). Specifically, body  108  of pointer  104  abuts the cavity  168  of clip  114  when the clip is mated to the upper portion. Tongue  150  of clip  114  is received in third gap  141  of upper portion  112 . Tongue  150  acts as a guiding pin and helps reduce any rocking of upper portion  112  and clip  114  when fitted together around pointer  104 . As mentioned above, the positioning of arms  148   a ,  148   b  within gaps  130  and  136  is limited by abutments  126 ,  132  so that a gap is formed between upper portion  112  and clip  114  when the two components fit together. A stem  109  of pointer  104  ( FIG. 51 ) is accommodated in this gap between the clip  114  and upper portion  112  when the two components are fitted together ( FIG. 48 ). Clip  114  can be snap fit onto upper portion  112  to lock the upper portion  112  with respect to the pointer  104 , or secured to upper portion  112  in any other suitable manner. 
     The rotation of the internal gears of the gas meter cause the pointer  104  to rotate, which can be used to track consumption as described above. Because the adapter assembly  110  is securely coupled to the pointer  104 , the rotation of the pointer  104  causes the adapter assembly  110 , and thus the magnets  116 , to also rotate in a concentric motion. In some embodiments, one of the magnets  116  aligns with the axis of rotation of the pointer  104 . The rotation of the magnet furthest from the center of upper portion  112  generates magnetic pulses that can be used to determine that the adapter assembly  110  is present on the index  102  and/or can be used to track the number of rotations of the pointer of the gas meter, and thus the consumption of gas as known to those of skill in the art. The magnet closer to the center of upper portion  112  can be used as a tamper detection feature so that it generates a signal if someone attempts to tamper with the adapter assembly  110 . For example, if upper portion  112  and clip  114  are removed from pointer  104 , the magnet closer to the center of upper portion  112  moves from its initial position and thus generates a signal corresponding to such movement. In some embodiments, a sensor board and radio assembly (not shown) are mounted adjacent the adapter assembly  110  and receive the pulses generated by the magnets, convert them into electronic form, and transmit them to a remote location. In some embodiments, the sensor board is located approximately 0.1-0.3 inches or any other suitable distance from the adapter assembly. 
     In some embodiments, upper portion  112  includes an indicator tab  124  positioned on front surface  118 , which is radially aligned with opening  140  so that indicator tab  124  serves as an indicator for the orientation of pointer  104 . Thus, even though pointer  104  is hidden from view by adapter assembly  110 , indicator tab  124  allows the positioning/orientation of pointer  104  on index  102  to be determined. In addition to or as an alternative to indicator tab, upper portion  112  could include a notch, marking, or other suitable indicator. As shown in  FIGS. 45-49 , adapter assembly  110  is small enough that the majority of index  102  is still visible when adapter assembly  110  engages pointer  104 . 
     The configuration of upper portion  112  and clip  114  allows the two components to fit together around pointer  104  in a manner that allows the adapter assembly  110  to track to the pointer  104  without impacting the rotation of the pointer. Because adapter assembly  110  includes clip  114 , clip  114  having a front surface  144  that is spaced apart from the back  142  of the clip, the back surface  120  of the upper portion  112  of adapter assembly does not contact the index in use. This reduces stress or friction on the index, which could shorten the life span of the index, as adapter assembly  110  rotates with pointer  104 . Moreover, this configuration allows pointer  104  to rotate without obstruction. 
     In some embodiments, upper portion  112  and/or clip  114  are formed of polycarbonate, which is lightweight compared to the magnets  116 , which are made of neodymium and iron in some embodiments. The lightweight nature of the adapter assembly  110  allows it to rotate freely with the pointer  104  and without exerting undue pressure on the pointer  104  (and in turn on the index). In other embodiments, adapter assembly  110  is made of other suitable materials. 
     Numerous modifications of this invention may be made in the composition, application, manufacturing process and other aspects of this invention without departing from the objectives and spirit of the description above and in the Figures.