System and method for retrofitting utility meter reading modules

A system for retrofitting a meter reading module operably connected to a utility meter, comprising:

• a meter reading module operably positionable intermediate a utility meter and a register index, the meter reading module having
• a first interface adapted to operably engage the utility meter;
• a second interface adapted to operably engage the register index;
• a drive shaft intermediate and connectable to each of the first and second interfaces;
• and
• a drive shaft channel for rotatably receiving at least a portion of the drive shaft;
• and
• at least one shrouding device retrofittably installable in the meter reading module so as to operably surround at least a portion of the drive shaft to substantially stabilize rotation of the drive shaft within the drive shaft channel.

A system for retrofitting a meter reading module operably connected to a utility meter, comprising:

• a meter reading module operably positionable intermediate a utility meter and a register index, the meter reading module having
• a first means for operably engaging the utility meter;
• a second means for operably engaging the register index;
• drive means intermediate and connectable to each of the first and second means for rotational movement;
• and
• a drive channel for rotatably receiving at least a portion of the drive means;
• and
• means for substantially stabilizing rotation of the drive means within the drive channel that is retrofittably installable in the drive channel after the meter reading module has been installed in the field.

A kit for repairing the rotational defects of a utility meter reading module, wherein the meter reading module is operably mountable intermediate a utility meter and a register index, the meter reading module including a meter reading module drive shaft rotatable within a meter reading module drive channel, comprising:

• at least one shrouding device operably surrounding at least a portion of the meter reading module drive shaft to substantially reduce rotational wiggle of the drive shaft within the meter reading module drive channel during operation;
• and
• a set of instructions defining a method for retrofitting the meter reading module with the at least one shrouding device, the instructions including the steps of:
• accessing the meter reading module;
• opening the meter reading module and removing the meter reading module drive shaft;
• positioning the at least one shrouding device around at least a portion of the meter reading module drive shaft to reduce the clearance distance between the drive shaft and the drive channel during rotational operation;
• inserting the shrouded drive shaft within the drive channel;
• closing the meter reading module;
• and
• reinstalling the meter reading module in operational position to the meter housing and the register index.

A method of retrofitting a utility meter reading module, wherein the meter reading module is operably positionable between a meter housing and a register index, the meter reading module including a first meter reading module drive shaft, a drive channel housing adapted to receive the first meter reading module drive shaft for rotational movement, and a clearance distance between the first meter reading module drive shaft and the drive channel housing, comprising the steps of:

• accessing the meter reading module;
• opening the meter reading module and removing the first meter reading module drive shaft, wherein the first meter reading module drive shaft is substantially non-cylindrical;
• replacing the first meter reading module drive shaft with a second replacement meter reading module drive shaft, wherein at least a portion of the second replacement meter reading module drive shaft is substantially cylindrical;
• inserting the second replacement meter reading module drive shaft within the drive channel housing of the meter reading module;
• closing the meter reading module;
• and
• reinstalling the meter reading module in operational position to the meter housing and the register index.